IIM Mumbai Launches One-Year PG Diploma in Public Policy Management: Admissions Open Till December 20

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s governance and administrative ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has launched a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Management (PGDPPM). Designed in collaboration with the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India, this new programme marks a major addition to India’s policy education landscape. The initiative complements national capacity-building efforts while providing mid-career professionals with world-class training in public policy and governance.

The PGDPPM is developed with the support of Talentsprint, an Accenture company, which brings its expertise in digital learning to enhance the programme’s delivery model. With applications already open and the final deadline set for December 20, 2025, prospective candidates must gear up for a competitive admission process that evaluates both academic merit and professional potential.

A Programme Designed for India’s Next Generation of Policy Leaders

IIM Mumbai’s PGDPPM has been crafted as a 45-credit, intensive, one-year diploma, focusing on the practical and interdisciplinary nature of policymaking. The institute positions the programme as ideal for mid-career professionals working across:

• Government departments and civil services
• Public sector enterprises
• Corporate and consulting firms
• Non-profit and development organisations

By catering to professionals already engaged in governance, strategy, and administration, the programme aims to develop leaders capable of navigating modern public policy challenges, from climate and technology transitions to regulatory reforms, public finance, and social governance.

Curriculum Structure: Blending Policy, Leadership, and Technology

The PGDPPM curriculum has been designed to provide a holistic and applied understanding of policy management, combining academic depth with practical exposure. Key curriculum components include:

1. Public Policy Foundations

Participants are introduced to the architecture of public institutions, policy cycles, regulatory frameworks, and governance models that shape decision-making in India and globally.

2. Sustainability and Development

With sustainability emerging as a national and global priority, modules focus on climate resilience, sustainable development goals (SDGs), energy transitions, and environmental governance.

3. Technology and Policy Interface

As digital transformation reshapes public service delivery, the programme integrates themes such as data governance, technological innovation, AI applications in government, and digital public infrastructure.

4. Strategy and Leadership

Participants will engage in courses on strategic management, negotiation, ethical leadership, and communication—skills essential for leading teams, designing strategy, and implementing policy.

5. Simulations and Applied Learning

One of the programme’s distinguishing features is its emphasis on simulations, applied projects, and case-based learning, enabling participants to analyse real-world administrative challenges. Assignments often mirror the complexities of policymaking—balancing stakeholder interests, evaluating economic implications, and assessing long-term societal impact.

6. Peer-Led and Collaborative Learning

By integrating officers from various departments and professionals from diverse sectors, the programme creates a multi-disciplinary learning environment that encourages cross-sector collaboration.

A Diverse Cohort Through Strategic Government-Academia Collaboration

The PGDPPM has been co-developed with the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), the government body responsible for shaping civil service capability. Through this collaboration, the programme will admit:

• DoPT-sponsored government officers
• External candidates from corporate, social, and public sectors

This mixed cohort approach is designed to improve the quality of classroom dialogue and expose participants to different problem-solving approaches across sectors. The diversity is expected to enrich learning outcomes and strengthen policy–administration linkages at a structural level.

IIM Mumbai has emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader mission to contribute to India’s governance ecosystem and strengthen management education focused on administrative effectiveness.

Eligibility Criteria for PGDPPM 2026 Batch

Candidates interested in applying for the first cohort (commencing February 2026) must meet the following criteria:

Educational Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised institution.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of full-time work experience, preferably in roles related to administration, governance, strategy, public affairs, policy, or development.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Although open to various sectors, the programme is best suited for:

• Mid-career civil servants
• Public sector managers
• Corporate professionals working in CSR, ESG, policy, or regulatory functions
• Consultants specialising in public affairs
• NGO and development-sector leaders
• Professionals involved in governance-driven role

Admission Process: Multiple Test Options for Applicants

The admission process to IIM Mumbai’s PGDPPM has been structured to accommodate diverse applicants while maintaining selectivity and rigorous assessment.

Accepted Test Scores

Candidates may apply using any one of the following:

• IMAT (IIM Mumbai Admission Test)
• CAT (Common Admission Test)
• GMAT
• GRE

The score must be valid for the past five years at the time of application.

Selection Rounds

Once test scores are evaluated, shortlisted candidates will undergo:

1. Personal Interview (PI) – Assessing intent, leadership experience, policy awareness, and career orientation.
2. Profile Evaluation – Considering academic background, work experience, and domain expertise.

The institute aims to select candidates who demonstrate the potential to contribute to public policy and governance through impactful decision-making.

Application Deadline

• Last date to apply: 20 December 2025
  Candidates are encouraged to complete the process well before the deadline, as documentation and score verification may take time.

Strengthening India's Policy Education Landscape

The launch of the PGDPPM reflects a growing need for specialised public policy professionals in India. With rapid digital transitions, regulatory shifts, environmental challenges, and increasing citizen expectations, institutions require leaders who understand both managerial and policy complexities.

This programme aligns closely with IIM Mumbai’s involvement in broader capacity-building programmes for government departments, particularly in areas such as:

• Public administration reform
• Performance management
• Governance innovation
• Policy evaluation
• Data-driven decision-making

By partnering with DoPT and leveraging Talentsprint’s digital ecosystem, the institute is creating a model that merges academic rigour with executive training and modern learning tools.

Conclusion

IIM Mumbai’s newly launched Post Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Management is set to become a significant milestone in India's policy and governance education. With a contemporary curriculum, strong government collaboration, diverse cohort structure, and flexible admissions framework, the programme is well-positioned to produce leaders capable of shaping national and institutional policies.

Aspiring applicants—whether from government, corporate, or development backgrounds—should prepare their applications early, ensure they hold a valid test score, and submit all documents before December 20, 2025. As India continues to prioritise effective governance and sustainable development, programmes like PGDPPM will play a pivotal role in training the next generation of policy professionals.