IGNOU BA (Public Administration)

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Administration (BAPAH) program under its School of

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Public Administration) 

Public Administration is one of the most popular subjects for students interested in governance, policy-making, and administration. It helps learners understand how governments work, how policies are implemented, and how public institutions interact with society.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Administration (BAPAH) program under its School of Social Sciences (SOSS). This course is designed for students who wish to build careers in civil services, government jobs, NGOs, and public policy research.

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About the Program

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Administration

• Program Code: BAPAH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Mode: Distance & Online Learning (Flexible)

• Minimum Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Duration: 6 Years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent

• Fee Structure: Around ₹4,200 – ₹5,000 per year (subject to revision)

• Admission Cycles: January & July every year

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Objectives of the Program

The program is designed to:

• Provide a deep understanding of governance, administration, and public institutions.

• Train students in policy analysis, decision-making, and implementation skills.

• Introduce concepts of Indian administration, development, e-governance, and global governance.

• Build analytical and managerial skills needed for public sector, NGOs, and civil services.

• Encourage learners to connect theory with practice in governance.

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📚 Course Structure – BA (Hons) Public Administration

The program follows the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). Students must complete 148 credits in total across 3 years (6 semesters).

Courses are grouped as:

• Core Courses (CC) – Compulsory, subject-specific.

• Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) – Choice-based advanced papers.

• Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC) – Communication & environmental awareness.

• Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) – Practical and skill-oriented courses.

• Generic Electives (GE) – Interdisciplinary subjects.

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📌 Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

Core Courses:

1. BPAE-141: Understanding Public Administration

   • Meaning, nature, scope, and importance of public administration.

   • Evolution of administrative thought.

2. BPAE-142: Administrative Thinkers

   • Classical and modern administrative thinkers (Woodrow Wilson, Max Weber, etc.).

3. BPAE-143: Indian Administration

   • Structure and functions of Indian administration.

   • Centre-state relations, bureaucracy, and reforms.

4. BPAE-144: Public Policy and Governance

   • Policy-making process, implementation, and evaluation.

AECC:

• BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

👉 Credits: ~24

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📌 Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

Core Courses:
5. BPAE-145: Human Resource Management

• Recruitment, training, promotion, and HR policies in government.

6. BPAE-146: Financial Administration

   • Budget, audit, parliamentary control over finance.

7. BPAE-147: Development Administration

   • Concept of development, role of bureaucracy, sustainable development.

8. BPAE-148: Local Governance (Urban and Rural)

   • Panchayati Raj, municipal bodies, decentralisation.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Administrative Law

• Comparative Public Administration

• Ethics in Public Administration

• E-Governance

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Office Management & Record Keeping

• Public Relations and Communication

👉 Credits: ~46

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📌 Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6)

Core Courses:
9. BPAE-149: Global Governance

• Role of UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank in administration.

10. BPAE-150: Disaster Management

    • Disaster preparedness, crisis management, rehabilitation.

11. BPAE-151: Research Methods in Public Administration

    • Survey techniques, data analysis, report writing.

12. BPAE-152: Project Work/Internship

    • Field-based research or project on public administration issues.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Administrative Reforms in India

• Social Welfare Administration

• Gender and Public Administration

• International Relations & Public Administration

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Leadership and Team Management

• ICT in Governance

👉 Credits: ~70+

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Each course requires submission of assignments before exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Conducted in June & December.

• Project/Internship – In the final year, adds practical experience.

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Admission Process

1. Visit IGNOU’s official admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

2. Register using your email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill in program details and personal information.

4. Upload required documents:

   • Passport-size photo

   • Signature

   • Age proof

   • 10+2 certificate

5. Pay fees online (Debit/Credit card, UPI, Net Banking).

6. Save and print the confirmation for future use.

👉 Admissions open in January & July sessions.

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Career Opportunities After BA (Hons) Public Administration

This program is highly career-oriented and prepares students for both government and private sector roles.

🔹 Government & Civil Services

• UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)

• State Public Service Commissions

• Staff Selection Commission (SSC) jobs

• Defence and Police services

🔹 Public & Development Sector

• Policy Analyst in think tanks & NGOs

• Public Relations Officer in government offices

• Project Manager in rural development programs

• Social welfare administration

🔹 Private Sector & Media

• HR Manager (with further studies)

• Corporate Governance roles

• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects

• Media & research firms focusing on governance issues

🔹 Higher Studies & Research

• MA in Public Administration / Political Science

• PhD in Governance & Policy Studies

• Academic career as Professor/Researcher

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Why Choose IGNOU for Public Administration?

1. Flexible Learning – Study at your own pace (3–6 years).

2. Affordable Fees – Very low compared to private universities.

3. Recognized Degree – UGC-approved, valid for jobs and higher studies.

4. Civil Services Preparation – Public Administration is a popular optional subject for UPSC.

5. Digital Learning Support – Free e-material on eGyankosh, SWAYAM, and IGNOU mobile app.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Administration is an excellent program for students interested in governance, policy-making, and public services. It provides a strong academic foundation as well as practical skills needed for government jobs, NGOs, corporate governance, and civil services exams.

With flexibility, low fees, and national recognition, IGNOU ensures that this program is accessible to everyone—from school pass-outs to working professionals.

👉 If you aim to work in administration, civil services, or development sector, the IGNOU BAPAH program can be your stepping stone. Apply for the upcoming session and download the latest IGNOU Prospectus from www.ignou.ac.in.