APPLIED PUBLIC POLICY LAB
India’s first project-based experiential learning program in Public Policy
Transition 10x faster in Public Policy by gaining the fundamental skills required to excel in it
Session mode
Online
Duration
6 Months
Commitment
5-6 hours per week
Program kickoff
5th July
SUCCESS STORIES
Aroshi
QCI to Associate Consultant
at
Sattva
Pali Singh
Young Professional
at
NITI Aayog
Mrunal
Associate Consultant
at
Sattva
Anushka
Program Manager
at
Global Health Strategies
Aditi
Career Gap to Public Policy Associate
Peepul
Meghal
4 Year UPSC Gap to Analyst
Quality Council of India
Pritha
My journey through Applied Public Policy Lab
Dishita
4 Years of career gap to Internship
Centre for Civil Society
Arjun
My experience with Applied Public Policy Lab
Abhishek
My journey through Applied Public Policy Lab
Overview
India’s demand for skilled professionals in public policy is growing rapidly. While nearly a million aspirants attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination each year, only a fraction succeed. For the rest, public policy careers offer meaningful opportunities to drive societal change.
Traditional public policy often focus on theoretical knowledge—constitutional frameworks, economic policies, public administration, and social issues—but lack the practical training and mentorship needed to build real-world competence. This gap leaves many aspiring professionals, especially ex-UPSC candidates, underprepared for career transitions.
The Applied Public Policy Lab is a six-month, project based experiential program designed to bridge this gap. Unlike typical online public policy certificate programs in India, APPL emphasizes applied learning, problem-solving, and personalized mentorship. Participants gain hard skills, craft compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles, receive guidance on assignments and interviews, and benefit from continuous 1:1 guidance and support.
Whether you are aiming to work in government advisory, think tanks, development consulting, public policy consulting or advocacy, APPL equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed in the competitive field of public policy.
Public Policy consultant is one of the hot career options these days. Policy consultants work to design better programs, evaluate impact, and recommend reforms. Through the Applied Public Policy Lab, you’ll learn the exact skills required to step into these roles.
Who is this PROGRAM for?
UPSC Aspirants
Ex-UPSC Aspirant
Non UPSC Aspirant
Pursuing Master’s
Educational Background?
Long career break?
Whether you spent 1 year or 6 years preparing for the competitive exam, if you aspire to get into Public Consulting, the program is for you!
Program CURRICULUM
Orientation: Discuss and decide the problem statement which will be worked upon systematically during the course
- Perform literature reviews
- Identify the right sources for both content and data
- Analyze and synthesize the information
- Perform secondary research for the identified problem statement
- Learn the importance of data in evidence based policymaking
- Learn to convert concepts into measurable parameters
- Basic exploratory data analysis/ Statistical analysis using R
- Basic econometric analysis
- Perform quantitative analysis on the identified problem statement
- Perform systematic reviews
- Questionnaire design
- Basics of Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
- Basis of content analysis
- Perform qualitative analysis on the identified problem statement
- Overarching frameworks helpful in approaching complicated policy problems e.g. Theory of change
- Evidence triangulation
- Inferential statistical analysis: the basics
- Policy microsimulations: the basics
- Perform policy analysis and identify the potential policy level recommendations to the identified problem statement
- Evidence synthesis and reporting
- Inverted pyramid structure
- Scenario analysis
- Using citations in the right manner
- Identifying and stating recommendations in policy briefs
- Develop a publish quality white paper on the identified problem statement
- Displaying the results
- Making effective PowerPoint presentations
- Conducting effective policy communication through issue and policy briefs
- Develop a demonstration ready presentation on the white paper developed
- Review of the White paper
- Presentation delivery and review
Why a HANDS ON Learning Program
- Learning by doing is one of the most effective forms of education
- Employers value practical skills and the ability to implement knowledge, rather than theoretical understanding alone
- Only a certificate on any subject from any open learning platform is practically worthless
- A project where you apply the skills you learn carry 1000X more weight as compared to ‘just’ a certificate;
- Projects signals your ability to deliver tangible results, making you stand out to potential employers
Pre Requisite
- Basic knowledge of MS Word
- Basic Knowledge of MS Powerpoint
- Knowledge of grade 10 mathematics/ statistics
- General enthusiasm towards topics in public policy
- A bachelor’s degree in any field (pursuing/completed)
- Commitment needed: 8 - 10 hours per week
Meet Your Instructor
AKSHAT AGARWAL
Public Policy veteran with 10+ years of extensive experience
Worked with top brands like PwC, Pratham and EIU in Public Policy roles
Is an ex-UPSC aspirant - understands the needs to people who are UPSC aspirants
Have been helping ex-UPSC aspirants transition into a professional career for the last one year
Applied Public Policy Lab ROADMAP
Phase 1 (2 months) :
Intensive Upskilling
Focused learning to build strong, job-ready skills through hands-on training and real-world tools.
Phase 2 (2 months) :
Guided Research & White Paper Development
Structured mentorship to help you author an original, industry-benchmarked white paper, showcasing your expertise.
Phase 3 (2 months) :
Market Readiness Support
Targeted support to equip you with the right strategies and tools to enter and navigate the job market.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM SPECIAL?
Live masterclasses
Authentic project
Personalised whatsapp group with founders
Unlimited 1:1 mentorship sessions
Placement support (till you get your first job)
Access to Rebounce Partner firms
Huge alumni networks
