BA (Hons.) in Governance and Public Administration

What is BA in Public Administration and Governance?

The BA (Hons.) in Governance and Public Administration is an empirically driven undergraduate program that builds a strong foundation in governance frameworks, administrative systems, and the politics of development. The program introduces students to the ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’ of governance, enabling a deep understanding of public policy, public administration, service delivery, and public management.

This BA public administration and governance programme adopts a transdisciplinary approach, drawing from Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, Sociology, and Law. The curriculum explores key themes such as comparative governance, global and domestic public administration, climate governance, welfare politics, the political economy of reforms, and data-driven governance systems.

The program also builds essential public administration and governance skills required for policy, government, and development careers.

• Transdisciplinary curriculum integrating public administration, public policy, governance, sociology, and climate studies
• Experiential learning through field visits, policy simulations, case-based learning, and real-world governance scenarios
• Faculty trained at leading institutions in India and globally, offering strong academic mentoring
• Expert-led masterclasses by civil servants, policy practitioners, and international organisations
• Global exposure through exchange programmes, immersions, and academic collaborations
• Internship and fellowship pathways with government bodies, think tanks, NGOs, and development organisations
• Strong focus on analytical thinking, policy analysis, data interpretation, and governance skills

This program differs from traditional BA Political Science by focusing specifically on governance systems, policy implementation, and administrative processes.

In a VUCA world shaped by climate risks, development challenges, and data-driven governance, organisations increasingly require professionals who can combine empirical research with policy reasoning and cross-sectoral problem-solving.

The BA in Governance and Public Administration prepares students to approach governance as a dynamic, data-informed discipline, enabling them to work across government, international development, consulting, research, and social impact ecosystems.

Career pathways include:

• Government and public administration services 
• Civil services and policy roles 
• International and domestic think tanks 
• Consulting and policy research firms 
• International organisations and development agencies 
• NGOs, civil society, and social enterprises 
• Public affairs and governance roles in the private sector 
• Higher education and research

The program offers strong scope for careers in public administration, governance, and policy.
 

Graduates of the BA (Hons.) in Governance and Public Administration develop strong analytical, research, and policy-oriented capabilities, enabling them to explore careers across government, policy, consulting, and development sectors.

Career opportunities include:

• Public Policy and Governance roles 
• Civil Services and Government Administration 
• Think Tanks and Policy Research 
• International Development Organisations 
• Social Sector and NGOs 
• Consulting and Public Affairs 
• Higher education and research

UPES supports placements by building students’ analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities alongside practical exposure to governance systems and development challenges.

The program's blend of theory and applied learning prepares students for roles across policy, research, consulting, government, and the social sector.
 

Click here to view detailed fee structure for the BA (Hons.) Governance and Public Administration program.

Interested students must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria for BA (H) Governance and Public Administration: Minimum 50% Marks in Class X and XII (Any Stream)

Selection for admission to the BA (Hons.) Governance and Public Administration program at UPES is based on CUET-UG / Personal Interview.