Master of Public Administration: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
Latest Updates for Master of Public Administration
- 17 December 2024 :
CUET 2025 Exam Pattern has been revised by NTA. The exam will not be conducted in online mode and there will be three sections only.
MPA or Master of Public Administration course in India is a two year postgraduate course offered by the Social Science Department to comprehensively understand the interrelationships between the State, Society, and Administration. MPA course has enough job opportunities to work as Administrators, Managers, Foreign Services Officers, Consultants, and many more
Table of Contents
- About MPA Course
- Eligibility Criteria for MPA
- Who Should Pursue MPA Course?
- How To Get Admission to MPA?
- Types of MPA Courses
- MPA Courses
- Popular Entrance Exams for MPA
- Top MPA Colleges in India
- Integrated MPA Course Details
- Fee Structure for MPA
- Syllabus and Subjects for MPA
- Why Choose a MPA Course?
- MPA Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for MPA Course
- Scope For Higher Education
- Salary of an MPA Graduate
- Career Options After Master of Administration
- Skills That Make You The Best after MPA
Master of Public Administration Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Public Administration |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | No age restrictions |
| Minimum Percentage | Minimum 50% of marks in the Bachelor's Degree |
| Average Fees | ₹40K - 1 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 5.55 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Administrative Officer, Management Analyst, Teacher, Consultant, Customs Inspector, Labour Management Relations Specialist, Personnel Management Specialist, Social Worker etc |
About MPA Course
MPA full form stands for Master of Public Administration. The MPA degree offers specializations in various areas such as management, political science, economics, civics, and law. The MPA syllabus structure is comprehensive providing candidates with knowledge of public policy, Indian financial administration, ethics in governance, administrative law, etc.
MPA course job scope is vast where graduates can work in both the private and the public sectors in roles such as human resource manager, legal counsellor, consultant, marketing manager, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for MPA
MPA Eligibility Criteria requires a 3-year graduation in any stream, with a minimum of 50% - 60% aggregate. The eligibility criteria for a few institutions even involve an age limit. In addition, there are national-level entrance exams that have to be cleared by the aspirant before joining any reputed college. The admission for the MPA course remains the same in almost all colleges.
Who Should Pursue MPA Course?
The MPA programme is designed for students who desire to pursue a career in the field of public administration. This course is a wonderful fit for those who want to work in public departments, environmental institutions, political organizations, non-profit organizations, etc. The aspirants having a keen interest in pursuing specializations in the public administration field are the ones who must apply to this course.
How To Get Admission to MPA?
The MPA admission process begins with the student checking their eligibility criteria for having passed a graduation course to avoid further rejection. The cut-off for these would vary based on the college one chooses, the category one belongs to, etc. Students are also admitted to private colleges through management quota, merit, or the scores attained in the entrance exams.
Though the admission process varies from college to college, below mentioned are the steps that one should go through generally to get admission:
How to Apply?
Students must use the online portal/offline network to pay and get the application form first. Then, it has to be filled. Because of covid, online is the only option available right now. Once done, we have to upload/attach the required documents as per the guidelines and the specifications mentioned. Then, apply for a loan if necessary and pay the fee if selected.
Selection Process
The Selection is based on the MPA eligibility criteria of the minimum scores in the entrance exams. Once that is done, there might be an entrance test/ a personal interview in colleges. After passing those with a decent score, the candidate is selected.
Types of MPA Courses
MPA programme is further sub-classified into many different types which can be chosen by the aspirants according to their interests. Many different types of MPA are offered in India. The types of MPA offered in India are:
Full-time MPA
It is a two-year programme in which students acquire broad business concepts while also studying key public administration courses including finance, economics, accounting, political studies, environmental management, etc.
Part-time MPA
It is a course which gives freedom to the aspirants to study MPA at their convenience and pace. This course can last up to 4 years with the students working and studying the course simultaneously. Part-time MPA course is offered by many universities in India.
MPA Distance Learning
MPA is also offered as a distance learning course in India. The admission process is similar to a full-time MPA and the students have to complete the eligibility criteria to secure admission in this distance education course. MPA in IGNOU is also offered and pursued by many students.
Distance education in MPA is offered in India by many universities such as Symbiosis, Karnataka State University, and many other open universities. The main features that are offered in distance MPA are as follows:
- Tele-counselling for groups of students
- Counselling services
- Interaction between administrative staff and Regional Center staff
- Students in the Extended Contact Programme (ECP)
- Teaching-end studios, Regional Centers, and Study Centers are all located on open university campuses.
MPA Courses
The MPA course changes only when MPA Honors is the aspiration. With a few minor deviations, most universities across the country follow the core of the MPA course. The following are some of the courses that students can take as a specialization:
- Law
- Logistics Management
- Economics
- Information Management
- Labour Relations
- Environmental Management
Popular Entrance Exams for MPA
The admission for MPA mainly follows its eligibility criteria, including national-level entrance exams, which initially have to be cleared with a good score before further personal interviews in the colleges. MPA Entrance Exam are:
A Quick Glance at the MPA Entrance Exams
It is an essential step for the students to research and learns about the entrance exam pattern. Most colleges consider entrance exams a vital step for admission to the course. Listed below is the general pattern of MPA entrance exams:
- Some universities and colleges use MPA entrance examinations to shortlist students for admission.
- The universities release the application form for the MPA entrance exam, which applicants can fill out.
- Most entrance tests are objective and contain at least 100 questions. It may take 1-2 hours to complete the entrance test.
- Some of the entrance tests are BHU PET, IPU CET, JMI Entrance Test, and AMU Entrance Test.
- Candidates are tested on subjects such as the Indian Constitution, Government and Politics of India, theories, concepts of public administration, and current affairs and general knowledge.
- Additionally, some universities conduct personal interviews after the entrance test for admission to the program.
Top MPA Colleges in India
India has top colleges that take admission based on marks obtained in graduation. Hence candidates should perform exceptionally well during their graduation so that it becomes easier to clear the cut-off list. The MPA course teaches students the structure and operation of various government agencies, making it necessary in any administrational sector, thus giving it a high job scope.
According to the NIRF Ranking, the following is a list of the top 10 MPA Colleges.
|
Sl.No. |
Name of the College |
Average Fees (INR) |
| 1 | BHU Varanasi | 1 LPA |
| 2 | Presidency College, Chennai | 6 LPA |
| 3 | Jamia Millia, New Delhi | 20,000 PA |
| 4 | Madras Christian College, Chennai | 40, 000 PA |
| 5 | Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Coimbatore | 1 LPA |
| 6 | DAV College, Chandigarh | 3 LPA |
| 7 | Annamalai University, Cuddalore | 30,000 PA |
| 8 | Amity University, Noida | 5 LPA |
| 9 | SS Jain Subodh PG College, Jaipur | 3 LPA |
| 10 | NIMS University, Jaipur | 3 LPA |
Top MPA Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for MPA in India. Here are the top MPA colleges in New Delhi:
|
Sl.No |
Institution |
| 1 | Jamia Millia |
| 2 | Hindu College |
| 3 | Hansraj College |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Public Administration |
| 5 | Sharda University |
Top MPA Colleges in Pune
Pune is home to some of the best institutions for MPA in India. Check the table below for the top MPA colleges in Pune:
|
Sl.No |
Institution |
| 1 | Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce |
| 2 | Pune University |
| 3 | Dr D.Y. Patil Arts, Science And Commerce College |
| 4 | MIT WPU |
| 5 | AIIMS |
Top MPA Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top MPA programmes. Check the table below for the best MPA colleges in Bangalore:
|
Sl.No |
Institution |
| 1 | Christ University |
| 2 | Kristu Jayanti College |
| 3 | Mount Carmel College |
| 4 | Mysore Correspondence College |
| 5 | St Joseph's College |
Read More: Top MPA Colleges in Bangalore
Top MPA Colleges in Kolkata
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for MPA courses in India. Check the table below for the best MPA colleges in Kolkata:
|
Sl.No |
Institution |
| 1 | JD Birla Institute |
| 2 | Annex College |
| 3 | Amity University |
| 4 | Adamas University |
| 5 | Netaji Subhas Open University |
Top MPA Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for MPA courses in India. Check the table below for the top MPA colleges in Hyderabad:
|
Sl.No |
Institution |
| 1 | Osmania University |
| 2 | Roots Collegium |
| 3 | IIMC |
| 4 | Nizam College |
| 5 | GITAM |
Read More: Top MPA Colleges in Hyderabad
Integrated MPA Course Details
The Integrated MPA is an undergraduate degree that combines two programmes into one. It is conferred once the course is completed. After passing the 12th board exams, students can enrol in an Integrated MPA programme, which is a five-year UG study offered by Indian educational institutions.
Candidates who complete the 5-year MPA programme will earn an academic qualification that will assist them to obtain an advantage over their competition. The 5-year Integrated MPA programme is offered by several colleges, institutes, and universities in India.
Following are some of the benefits and details of the Integrated MPA course:
- After passing the Class 12th exams, students can choose to pursue an integrated MPA degree, which is equal to a postgraduate study.
- Students in the Integrated MPA programme can earn two degrees from the same college at the same time.
- Candidates who enrol in an Integrated MPA course can complete both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in one semester, saving time, money, and energy.
- Candidates do not need to submit a separate application for PG admission.
Fee Structure for MPA
MPA fees may vary based on college. It differs based on college infrastructure and facilities. The average course fee is about INR 40K/Annum. Students can pay the fees semester-wise, and in some cases, it's supposed to be yearly.
| College Name | Fees Per Annum (INR) |
| GD Goenka University | 99,000 PA |
| Lovely Professional University | 76,000 PA |
| Banaras Hindu University | 30,000 PA |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | 10,000 PA |
Syllabus and Subjects for MPA
The MPA postgraduate course is generally divided into four semesters or two years. After learning the fundamentals of administration, the history of administration, and the function of organizations, the students are then given a more in-depth look into the field.
Among the topics covered are those related to government and public organizations, such as:
- Administrative theory/behaviour
- Indian administrative system
- Public financial administration
- India: Democracy and Development
- Research Methodologies and Methods
- Research Writing
- International organization and administration
Read More: MPA Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose a MPA Course?
MPA is a course offering high career benefits to all its aspirants in many available sectors. They can work in an educational institute or the field of management, administration, and many more. Higher authoritative posts also occur in social work and other personal social services work, social and political organizations, and many more. It has a vast scope of further education too, thus providing extensive options and a perfect option.
The answer to "Why choose a MPA?" can be made simpler by breaking it down to the following three short questions:
What is a MPA All About?
MPA is a 2-year postgraduate program offered by several universities across the country. Master's degree aspirants learn about government and its agencies as well as administrative skills. The MPA course list includes the study of public affairs, management of public and private organizations, the federal system, implementation of public policies, law and order, and other such subjects.
There is a massive surge in job scope in public administration, and they are expanding as the need for them grows in various fields. The job designations include the ones such as manager, professor, research associate, budget analyst, and others.
What Does a MPA Graduate Do?
An MPA course degree further broadens the job responsibilities of a public administrator by providing work-related day-to-day administration and management of resources while ensuring law and order and providing a communication channel between the government and the public. It has a high job scope because of the demand in all the sectors.
Civil Services - The work of a civil servant is most suitable for a public administration graduate as they are trained in administration work.
Tax Examiner - Tax examiners regulate and control financial mismanagement, ensuring that all taxes are collected correctly.
Reasons Why MPA Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
MPA is a course that provides high career benefits. This course is designed for individuals interested in working in the administration industry and providing management benefits to society. Students with strong motivation and a commitment to hard work and dedication should pursue MPA courses.
There are various reasons to pursue Master of Public administration courses. They are:
Career Advancement: It gives a broader and deeper range of careers because of the benefit of specialization. This would automatically fetch a better position.
Decent Salary: The average starting salary package of a fresher after pursuing an MPA is between 3 LPA - 4 LPA.
Job Demand: The career opportunities are always high because of the job demand in almost all the sectors.
Read More: MPA Job Opportunities and Scope
MPA Course Comparison
MPA or Master in Public Administration is a course that requires the graduates to focus on public administration, the law and order along with government and its agencies. Below is a comparison of MPA with another administrative course.
MPA vs MPP
The table below showcases the differences between MPA and MPP:
| Course | MPA | MPP |
| Full-Form | Master of Public Administration | Master of Public Policy |
| Stream | Arts | Arts |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | More than 50% of Graduation | More than 50% of Graduation |
| Entrance Exams | BHU CET, IPU CET, JNU Entrance Exam | Direct Admission with Group Discussion and Personal Interview |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Indian Institute of Public Administration | Kautilya Public Policy School, Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| Fees | INR 15000-2 LPA | INR 12,000-1.5 LPA |
MPA vs MPH
The table below showcases the differences between MPA and MPH.:
| Course | MPA | MPH |
| Full-Form | Master of Public Administration | Masters in Public Health |
| Stream | Arts | Arts |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | More than 50% of Graduation | More than 50% of Graduation |
| Entrance Exams | BHU CET, IPU CET, JNU Entrance Exam | NEET PG, PGIMER, SRMJEEH |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Indian Institute of Public Administration | Amity University, JSS Medical College, JNU, University of Hyderabad |
| Fees | INR 15000-2 LPA | INR 10,000-15 LPA |
Read More: MPH
MPA vs MBA
The table below showcases the differences between MPA and MPH.:
| Course | MPA | MBA |
| Full-Form | Master of Public Administration | Master in Business Administration |
| Stream | Arts | Management |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | More than 50% of Graduation | More than 50% of Graduation |
| Entrance Exams | BHU CET, IPU CET, JNU Entrance Exam | CAT, XAT, GMAT, SNAP |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Indian Institute of Public Administration | Amity University, NMIMS, SP JIMR, Christ University, St. Xavier's University |
| Fees | INR 15000-2 LPA | INR 30,000-15 LPA |
Read More: MBA
Preparation Tips for MPA Course
Most master's degree graduates find employment in the administration and academic sectors. Program topics include instruction, curriculum, counselling, leadership, and management technology. Below are some preparation tips made by our experts for aspirants who want to pursue MPA graduates:
Know the Syllabus: Getting to know the syllabus in advance will help students focus on essential areas during the lectures and examinations.
Make a Plan: Make a study plan that will help you study according to the syllabus, cover it before exams, and even solve the previous year's question papers.
Strengthen Your Fundamentals: Since it involves current affairs, being up to date on the present happenings, or reading the newspaper would help.
Scope For Higher Education
After the MPA, a candidate can also go for higher studies and research in this field, such as a PhD and MPhil in Public Administration.
Most aspirants prefer to pursue a PhD course as part of higher education, mainly specializing in a specific subject. Since the course involves administration, one can also take higher education in management after completing the postgraduate degree.
Salary of an MPA Graduate
After doing a MPA, a person's job is related to admission and finance. The minimum salary of fresher starts from around INR 4 LPA and rises, along with an increase in skillset or even their job designation. As a Logistics Manager, graduates get paid around INR 10 LPA, and as an Account Execution & Public Relations graduate, around INR 3 LPA.
Read More: MPA Salary
Career Options After Master of Administration
After completing an MPA, an individual can work in public and private sectors depending on their preferences and skills. There are options to work as
- Budget Analyst
- Tax Examiner
- Consultant
- Administrative Officer
Skills That Make You The Best after MPA
MPA is a course that demands some specialization in the field of administration. Students are exposed to a wide range of economic, legal, and social issues inherent in the area, including developing policy, managing people and programs, and developing short-term and long-term plans. Some of the basic skills required are:
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Research/ Writing Skills
- Business Administration
- Budgeting
- Staff Management
- Planning
