IIM Raipur, Chhattisgarh Government Launch Fully-Funded MBA in Public Policy and Governance

In a transformative move aimed at nurturing the next generation of public policy leaders, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, in partnership with the Government of Chhattisgarh, has launched a fully-funded MBA in Public Policy and Governance. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen administrative competence and equip the youth of Chhattisgarh with the skills needed to drive systemic change in governance and policy-making.

The newly introduced MBA programme is the first of its kind in the state, focusing on blending academic rigor with real-world policy challenges. The full funding by the government underscores its commitment to making high-quality education accessible to aspiring leaders from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The primary goal is to create a cadre of professionals who are equipped not just with theoretical knowledge but also with hands-on experience in policy design, implementation, and evaluation.

Dr. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, emphasized that this programme will provide a “rare intersection of management science and policy relevance.” Students will be exposed to interdisciplinary learning modules spanning economics, political science, ethics, data analytics, public finance, law, and governance frameworks.

The programme is targeted at graduates who have a keen interest in governance, administration, and public service. Admission will be merit-based, followed by a rigorous selection process involving a written test and interviews. Preference may be given to candidates who have prior experience in civil society, NGOs, or governmental roles.

The course structure will include two years of intensive classroom learning, case studies, simulation-based training, and internships with key departments of the Chhattisgarh Government. Students will also be mentored by senior bureaucrats and faculty members from IIM Raipur.

India is undergoing rapid socio-political and economic transformation. To ensure sustainable and inclusive development, there is a growing need for professional administrators who can approach governance with innovation, transparency, and accountability. The public sector has traditionally lacked management-level training for many of its officers and personnel. This MBA programme aims to bridge that gap.

Additionally, the programme is expected to improve the administrative ecosystem in Chhattisgarh by generating a pool of skilled professionals who are ready to take on roles in public administration, policy think tanks, development organizations, and CSR projects.

According to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, this initiative is part of a long-term roadmap to make Chhattisgarh a hub for policy innovation and grassroots leadership. “We’re not just investing in education,” he said, “we are investing in the very people who will drive the state’s progress for the next 20 years.”

With the first batch set to commence later this year, the MBA in Public Policy and Governance represents a bold and timely step toward building a more competent and socially conscious leadership ecosystem in India.