M.A in Public Administration: Course, Eligibility and Career Scope

Students pursuing an M.A. in Public Administration are prepared for careers in government, policy, and the public sector.
UniList Desk

Updated Dec 20, 2025 | 08:17 PM IST

Verified By
The Master of Arts in Public Administration is a popular course that Indian students like to do after they finish their undergraduate degree. This course is great for students who want to work in the government or in public sector units. The course teaches students about how the government works and how they make and carry out policies. The Master of Arts in Public Administration is a choice for students who want to take civil services exams and other government exams.

What is M.A in Public Administration?

The M.A in Public Administration is a two year course that you can finish after you graduate. This course is about how the government and its offices work. You will learn how the government, people and administration are connected. The M.A in Public Administration also teaches you how government offices work at levels like the central government, the state government and the local government. The M.A in Public Administration is really about understanding how public administration works.

Eligibility Criteria for M.A in Public Administration

So, if you want to apply for this course you must follow certain rules and eligibility criteria.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
  • Government universities usually want students to have at least 50% marks when they finish their graduation.
  • Reserved category students may get relaxation as per government norms.

M.A in Public Administration Admission Process

Admission to these universities is mainly done through entrance exams. The Central Universities Entrance Test Post Graduate or CUET PG for short is used by central and state universities to decide who gets in. They look at the scores of CUET PG. Some universities also have their entrance tests that students need to take. When it comes to selection the marks from the entrance exams and the counselling process are what matter, for the Central Universities Entrance Test Post Graduate or CUET PG.

M.A in Public Administration Course Structure

The course is divided up into four parts, which we call semesters. This course teaches you about administration, including the ideas behind it and the actual work of doing it so you get an understanding of how administration really works with the administration.
The main things we need to talk about are:
  • Administrative Theory
  • Indian Administration
  • Public Policy and Analysis
  • Financial Administration
  • Administrative Law
  • Governance and Ethics
  • Research Methodology
  • Dissertation or Project Work

Top Government Colleges Offering M.A in Public Administration

There are some government universities in India that offer this course. The government universities in India are a place to study this course. These government universities, in India have a lot to offer for people who want to study this course.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
  • University of Delhi (DU)
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
  • University of Hyderabad
  • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
  • Presidency University, Kolkata
These universities are really good at teaching people. They have teachers who know what they are doing. The universities have a lot of experience, in educating students and the faculty members are very knowledgeable. The universities are places to learn from the experienced faculty and get a good education.

Career Scope After M.A in Public Administration

The course is really great because it gives you career options. You can get a job in the government or in the sectors. The course is very useful for people who want to work in the government or in the sectors. The government and public sectors have a lot of job opportunities, for people who take this course.
Some jobs that people like to do include:
  • Civil Services Officer
  • Public Administration Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Research Assistant
  • NGO Programme Manager
  • Teaching and Academic Roles
People who finish their studies can also get ready for the Union Public Service Commission, State Public Service Commissions, Staff Selection Commission and other government exams. The Union Public Service Commission and other government exams are an option, for graduates. Graduates can prepare for these exams like the Staff Selection Commission to get a job in the government. The Union Public Service Commission is one of the options that graduates can prepare for.

Salary After M.A in Public Administration

People who are new to a job also known as freshers can expect to earn a decent salary. When Freshers gains experience their salary increases with significant amount. Especially when they work in senior roles in the government or make policies, for the government.

Why Choose M.A in Public Administration?

This course is really good for students who want to work in service and governance. It helps students develop analytical skills, leadership skills and decision-making skills. The public service and governance course also gives students a base to pursue higher studies, such as a PhD, in public service and governance.
M.A in Public Administration is a good choice for students aiming for a stable and respected career in the public sector.

Learn More, Grow Faster

Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
SUBSCRIBE NOW