GCPP – Frequently Asked Questions

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Is there an entrance examination for candidates?
No, there is no entrance examination. However, students can cite their entrance examination scores (including CAT, GRE, GMAT) to support their application.

What sort of work experience do you expect candidates to possess?
Those with 3 years or more of work experience in any discipline, but especially in government, media, NGO, business and corporate management, is well placed to take advantage of what the course has to offer. However those with fewer years of work experience and even full-time undergraduate students are welcome to apply. We hope to have a robust class diversity that reflects the nature of the policy environment.

Do students need to be based in India?
No. Students need not be based in India. Almost all the course, except for the Weekend Policy Workshops is conducted on an online Learning Management System. The Weekend Policy Workshops will be conducted in India.

Can this course be taken by someone without being familiar with computers and/or without an internet connection?
No. Students must have basic familiarity with computers and have a decent internet connection (preferably a broadband connection of 256kbps or higher).

Is the course recognised/approved by UGC/AICTE and other central or state government bodies?
No. We have not sought approval by any government body. Our commitment is to provide the highest quality education possible to candidates who seek it.

What this means is that the GCPP might not be considered a valid qualification for employment/career advancement within the services of the government of India and other state governments.

Can someone working for the government (e.g. civil service, police or armed forces) take the course?
Yes, those working for the government will find this course gives them new perspectives, frameworks and skills to perform their duties better.

Can politicians and/or aspiring politicians take the course?
Yes, the course will equip politicians with essential knowledge and skills of the policy environment, enabling them to better work with civil servants and the public.

Do you do placements?
No. Not yet, at least. The programme is primarily targeted at individuals who are engaged in or wish to engage in public affairs (as policy analysts, politicians, political cadre, government employees, media persons, regulatory affairs managers in the private sector and students).

What are the fees I am expected to pay?
For the January 2012 intake, you need to pay Rs 500 (application fee) and Rs 15,000 (course fee). For subsequent intakes in 2012, the course fee is Rs 25,000.

Can I apply for financial support?
We recommend that you apply for financial support only if you cannot take the course without it. We have a small amount of funds to enable deserving candidates to take the course.

If you decide to apply for financial support, please give reasons why. If your application is shortlisted for admission and financial support, we might ask you to provide more information and supporting documents.

Please note that financial support is by no means guaranteed.

Can I donate to the financial support fund? Is there a minimum amount that I can donate?
We welcome all amounts as contribution towards the financial support fund. To donate please send us a cheque/bank draft and write “GCPP Financial Support Fund” on the reverse.

Do I need to mail mark sheets & other documents?
Not at the time of application. We work on the basis of trust. We reserve to the right to require all applicants to provide documents to support their educational qualifications and employment history.

I am a full-time undergraduate. Can I apply for the GCPP?
Yes, we have made a few junior studentships available to undergraduates (in any discipline) for the purposes of class diversity and encouraging dynamic young individuals to pursue a career in public affairs. The junior students will take exactly the same curriculum as the rest of the class. Junior students will receive a Certificate in Public Policy if they have not yet received their bachelor’s degree at the time of completion of the course. This can be converted into a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy once they have completed their graduation.

Are the two Weekend Policy Workshops (CP121 and CP122) compulsory?
As a special arrangement, for the January 2012 intake, students who are unable to attend the contact weekends can request for deferment, provided they have genuine reasons. The deferment can be up three subsequent offerings of the course. Student who complete all other requirements other than a contact weekend will receive Citation of Completion of Studies. This can be converted into the full Graduate Certificate once they complete the two contact weekends within the stipulated deferment period. This flexibility has been provided to ensure that the course is accessible to working professionals who must balance work and family commitments with their studies.

When are the Weekend Policy Workshops scheduled?
Tentatively, the Weekend Policy Workshops are scheduled for the fifth and tenth weekends. We might shift these in line with public holidays and or other considerations.

Where will the Weekend Policy Workshops be held?
One of the Weekend Policy Workshops will be held in New Delhi. The venue for the second will be decided after determining where most of the students are based, and might involve an unconventional location to facilitate experiential learning.

What is the advantage of taking CP191 – Policy Research Project?
Taking CP191 allows students to study a topic of your choice at your own pace, while seeking the guidance of Takshashila’s course faculty and extended network of experts. There are no readings or weekly assignments. 
The course will be assessed based on the submission of a policy paper of around 3000 words along with a one page executive summary. This must be submitted by the end of the 12th week.

What is the advantage of taking CP151 – Key Challenges to India’s Development?
Taking CP151 gives students a survey of India’s major challenges and the approaches to address them. It is also coursework-based and may appeal to those who prefer a structured curriculum.

Can a student take both CP151 and CP191?
Taking both modules is likely to be very intensive and most students with a full-time occupation will find it highly challenging to manage. Only students who demonstrate that they have the time and capacity to handle both courses will be permitted to take both modules.

How much time does a student need to set aside a week for coursework?
We recommend that a student set aside around 7-10 hours per week to complete the readings and essential coursework. That said, each student has a unique pace so this is only an indicative benchmark to enable students to budget their time.

When will shortlisted students be informed?
We expect to issue the offers of admission to all students by early-December 2011.