In a world where effective governance and public welfare are at the heart of every thriving society, the importance of Public Administration as a discipline cannot be overstated. If you’re passionate about making a difference in public policy, administration, or governance and looking for a postgraduate program to build your expertise, MA Public Administration is a course you should seriously consider.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about MA Public Administration — its course details, eligibility, syllabus, career scope, job roles, and the top universities offering this program in India.
Table of Contents
What is MA Public Administration?
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MA Public Administration) is a 2-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage public organizations, formulate policies, and improve governance processes. It focuses on administrative theories, public policy analysis, human resource management, and public finance in both government and non-government sectors.
This course is ideal for those aiming for careers in government services, NGOs, public sector undertakings (PSUs), policy think tanks, international organizations like the UN, and even corporate roles related to administration and public affairs.
Why Pursue MA Public Administration?
If you’re someone with a deep interest in social development, governance, law, and public policies, MA Public Administration can open doors to diverse career opportunities. Here’s why this program is a smart choice:
- Extensive career opportunities in government and civil services.
- Valuable for preparing for UPSC, State PSC, and other administrative exams.
- Growing demand for administrative professionals in the NGO and development sector.
- Opportunities in public relations, consultancy, policy research, and academia.
- Option to pursue MPhil or PhD for research and teaching careers.
MA Public Administration Course Highlights
| Degree | Master |
| Full Form | Master of Arts |
| Admission Process | Entrance and Merit-based |
| Eligibility Criteria | A minimum of 50% marks in graduation course from a recognized university |
| Average Fee Range | ₹8,000 to ₹50,000 per year |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Learning Mode | Regular, Distance, Online |
| Average Salary | ₹3.5 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
| Job Roles | Lecturer, Researcher, Foreign service, Tax examiner, Budget analyst, Consultant, etc. |
| Top Universities | IGNOU, DU, JMI, BHU, AMU, CGU, Mangalayatan University |
MA Public Administration Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in an MA Public Administration course, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum marks requirement: typically, 45-50% aggregate in undergraduate studies.
- No age restrictions.
- Some universities conduct entrance exams like JNUEE (JNU), BHU PET for admissions.
MA Public Administration Syllabus & Subjects
The syllabus is designed to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of public governance, management, and policymaking.
| Semester | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Administrative Theory, Indian Administration, Public Policy, Administrative Thinkers |
| Semester 2 | Human Resource Management, E-Governance, Public Systems Management, Financial Administration |
| Semester 3 | Research Methodology, Development Administration, Public Sector Management |
| Semester 4 | Comparative Public Administration, Social Welfare Administration, Dissertation |
Optional subjects: Urban Governance, NGO Management, Environmental Administration, Public Relations
MA Public Administration via Distance and Online Learning
For working professionals or those preferring flexible learning options, MA Public Administration is also available in distance and online modes.
Benefits:
- Learn while working.
- Affordable fee structure.
- No need for physical attendance.
- Ideal for UPSC, state service, or NGO professionals.
Top Universities for Distance MA Public Administration
- IGNOU (most popular)
- VMOU, Kota
- Mangalayatan University Online
- Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
Average Fee: ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 per year
What is the MA in Public Administration Admission Process in India?
To pursue an MA in Public Administration in India, follow a step-by-step admission process.
- Begin by researching universities offering an MA in Public Administration. Shortlist based on your preferences.
- Review the eligibility criteria for each university. Ensure you meet the academic requirements.
- Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and entrance exam scores.
- Some universities may require you to clear specific entrance exams like the CAT or MAT. Prepare accordingly.
- Fill out the application forms for the selected universities. Pay attention to deadlines.
- Craft a compelling personal statement highlighting your reasons for choosing an MA in Public Administration.
- Some universities may conduct interviews as part of the admission process.
- Wait for the admission decisions from the universities you applied to.
- Once accepted, complete the enrollment formalities to secure your seat in the MA in Public Administration program.
Top MA in Public Administration Colleges in India
Here is a list of ten renowned institutions offering this program:
| Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) | National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR) |
| Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
| University of Mumbai | University of Delhi |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) |
| University of Madras | Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) |
| IGNOU (Distance Mode) | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Mangalayatan University (Online/Distance) |
| Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | Madras University |
MA in Public Administration: Recommended Books
Here are some recommended books to deepen your knowledge and enhance your studies:
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| Public Administration: Concepts and Cases | Richard Stillman |
| Introduction to Public Administration | Mary Guy and Meredith Newman |
| Public Policy: A New Introduction | Christoph Knill and Jale Tosun |
| Leadership in Public Organizations | Montgomery Van Wart |
MA in Public Administration Jobs and Salary in India
Here are ten job roles and their average salaries in India for MA in Public Administration graduates:
| Job Role | Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|
| Policy Analyst | INR 5-6 lakhs |
| Urban Planner | INR 4-5 lakhs |
| Government Administrator | INR 6-8 lakhs |
| Non-Profit Manager | INR 4-6 lakhs |
| Consultant | INR 5-7 lakhs |
| Research Analyst | INR 4-6 lakhs |
| Program Coordinator | INR 4-5 lakhs |
| Public Relations Officer | INR 3-4 lakhs |
| Human Resource Manager | INR 6-8 lakhs |
| Legislative Assistant | INR 4-5 lakhs |
Top Recruiters
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- State Public Service Commissions (PSC)
- Municipal Corporations
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- United Nations (UN)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- NGOs & International Agencies
- Private Administrative Consultancy Firms
MA Public Administration vs Political Science — Which is Better?
| Criteria | MA Public Administration | MA Political Science |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Public policy, governance, administration | Political systems, political theory, international relations |
| Career Prospects | Administrative services, NGOs, PSUs | Academics, research, diplomacy, media |
| Suitable for | UPSC, State PSC aspirants, development professionals | Civil services, academia, political analysts |
If your goal is to work in administration, government services, or public management, MA Public Administration is a better pick.
Conclusion
In today’s dynamic and policy-driven environment, a Master’s in Public Administration not only equips you for a variety of impactful careers but also enables you to contribute to nation-building and global welfare projects. Whether you’re targeting UPSC, state services, or NGO and consultancy roles, this program offers flexibility, affordability, and career diversity.
So if you’re passionate about public service and governance, explore your admission options for MA Public Administration (2025 admissions now open) — and take your career to new heights.
MA in Public Administration: FAQs with answers
What is an MA in Public Administration?
An MA in Public Administration is a graduate-level program that focuses on developing skills and knowledge in areas such as public policy, management, leadership, and governance.
Is an MA in Public Administration worth it for career advancement?
Yes, pursuing an MA in Public Administration can significantly enhance career prospects in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and even the private sector.
What job opportunities are available for MA in Public Administration graduates?
Graduates with an MA in Public Administration can explore various career paths such as public policy analyst, government affairs specialist, program manager, or urban planner.
How long does it take to complete an MA in Public Administration program?
Typically, an MA in Public Administration program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on whether you are pursuing it full-time or part-time.
Are there any specialized areas of study within an MA in Public Administration program?
Yes, students can choose to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, environmental policy, or nonprofit management within an MA in Public Administration program.
What is the eligibility for MA Public Administration?
Graduation in any stream with 45-50% aggregate from a recognized university.
Can I do MA Public Administration through distance education?
Yes, universities like IGNOU, VMOU, Mangalayatan University, and Central Global University offer it via distance or online mode.
What is the salary after MA Public Administration?
Average salary ranges from ₹3.5 LPA to ₹8 LPA depending on the job profile.
Is MA Public Administration good for UPSC?
Absolutely. Many subjects overlap with the UPSC syllabus, making it a preferred course for civil service aspirants.
Which are the best universities for MA Public Administration in India?
IGNOU, DU, JMI, BHU, AMU, Central Global University, Mangalayatan University are some of the reputed names.
