Master of Public Administration (MPA) Admission Criteria
The requirements for getting into a Master of Public Administration programme vary from one college to the another. But most colleges and universities have a similar process for letting students in, which includes the steps below:
| Educational Qualifications |
- Applicants for the Master of Public Administration degree must have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or equivalent from an accredited university.
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| Entrance Exams |
- Universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations as part of the admission process for the Master of Public Administration programme.
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| Merit-Based Selection |
- In addition to entrance exams, institutions employ a merit-based selection process. They consider various factors such as academic performance, entrance exam scores, undergraduate marks, and personal interviews. Universities assign weights to these components to evaluate and select candidates for the programme.
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Master of Public Administration (MPA) Eligibility
The requirements to get a Master of Public Administration degree may be different depending on the institution. But here are some general eligibility requirements:
| Eligibility Criteria |
Description |
| Educational Requirements |
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or college. The majority of institutions recommend applicants with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or related fields. |
| Minimum Marks |
Applicants must have gotten at least 50% on their qualifying exam as a whole. But some colleges and universities might have a different minimum grade point average. |
| Age Limit |
There is no upper age limit for getting into public administration programmes in India. Some colleges and universities may have a lower age limit. |
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Entrance Exams
Candidates interested in pursuing the Master of Public Administration programme in India are required to participate in entrance examinations administered by universities and colleges. The exams are intended to evaluate the candidates' language proficiency, general awareness, and analytical skills. Although it's not a must for all colleges to require entrance exams for Master of Public Administration admission, some colleges consider merit-based admission based on the students' academic records. The following are the most popular entrance exams taken by Master of Public Administration applicants:
National Level Entrance Exams |
CAT (Common Admission Test), XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
MAT (Management Aptitude Test), CMAT (Common Management Admission Test), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), UPSC CSE (Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination)
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State Level Entrance Exams |
MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test), APICET (Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test), TSICET (Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test), KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test)
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University Level Entrance Exams |
DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination), BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test), JMI Entrance Exam (Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam), AMU Entrance Exam (Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam)
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Master of Public Administration (MPA) Fee Structure
The fee structure for a Master of Public Administration varies widely in India. This course costs between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 1,50,000 per year, on average. However, the fee may be different depending on things like the type of institution (government or private), its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.
Courses after Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Candidates who have finished a Master of Public Administration can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
Candidates who have finished a Master of Public Administration can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
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MBA |
MBA in Public Policy and Management, MBA in Government Management, MBA in Healthcare Management, MBA in Nonprofit Management, and MBA in International Business.
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Ph. D. |
Ph.D. in Public Administration, Ph.D. in Political Economy, Ph.D. in Law (Public Law or Administrative Law), Ph.D. in Public Policy, and Ph.D. in Political Science.
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Career Opportunities after Master of Public Administration (MPA)
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides extensive knowledge and skills for various careers in public sector management and policy-making. This professional degree equips students to become experts in public administration, policy analysis, and governance. Graduates of this program can pursue a wide range of roles in both public and private sectors. Here are some common positions and their details:
| Position/Role |
Responsibility |
Salary |
| Policy Analyst |
Research and analyze public policies, assess their impacts, and provide recommendations for policy improvements. |
Government: INR 40,000 – 70,000 per month
Private: INR 35,000 – 60,000 per month |
| Public Affairs Manager |
Manage public relations, develop communication strategies, and represent the organization to various stakeholders. |
Varies based on organization and experience. |
| City Manager |
Oversee municipal operations, implement city policies, and manage city budgets and resources. |
Government: INR 60,000 – 1,00,000 per month
Private: INR 50,000 – 80,000 per month |
| Program Director |
Direct and manage public programs, ensure program objectives are met, and coordinate with funding agencies. |
Varies based on project scale and employer. |
| Public Health Administrator |
Manage public health programs, develop health policies, and oversee healthcare services and resources. |
Government: INR 50,000 – 90,000 per month
Private: INR 40,000 – 70,000 per month |
| Non-Profit Manager |
Lead non-profit organizations, manage operations, and develop strategies to achieve organizational goals. |
Varies based on organization and location. |
| Government Relations Specialist |
Facilitate communication between government entities and organizations, advocate for policies, and address regulatory issues. |
Government: INR 35,000 – 65,000 per month
Private: INR 30,000 – 55,000 per month |
| Urban Planner |
Develop and implement plans for urban areas, analyze land use, and manage urban development projects. |
Government: INR 40,000 – 80,000 per month
Private: INR 35,000 – 70,000 per month |
| Public Policy Consultant |
Provide expertise on public policy issues, offer strategic advice, and assist in policy development and implementation. |
Varies based on consulting projects and experience. |
| Administrative Services Manager |
Oversee administrative functions, manage office operations, and ensure efficient delivery of services. |
Government: INR 45,000 – 85,000 per month
Private: INR 40,000 – 75,000 per month |
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Scope, Salary & Employers
Scope: Graduates of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program have a broad range of career opportunities in various sectors, including government, non-profits, private enterprises, and international organizations. They can pursue roles such as policy analysts, public affairs managers, city managers, program directors, and public health administrators. Their expertise in governance, public policy, and administrative management allows them to contribute significantly to shaping public policies, managing public resources, and enhancing organizational efficiency. A doctoral degree in this field can lead to advanced research, academic positions, and high-level consultancy roles.
Salary: Salaries for Master of Public Administration graduates in India vary depending on experience, location, and the type of employer. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from INR 4 to 7 lakhs per year. With experience and specialization, salaries can increase to INR 8–15 lakhs per year or more. Compensation is influenced by the specific job role, organization, and level of responsibility.
Employers: MPA graduates in India can find employment opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector firms, international bodies, and academic institutions. Potential employers include government departments, policy research institutes, NGOs, international development agencies, consulting firms, and public health organizations. Job seekers can explore opportunities through job portals, organization websites, and professional networks
Required Skills for Master of Public Administration (MPA)
To excel in their careers after completing the Master of Public Administration programme, students must possess a combination of hard and soft skills. Here are some of the essential skills required for MPA, students:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- project management
- strategic planning skills
- Time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
