Sarjapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India - 562125
The higher education landscape in India has traditionally been dominated by institutional models that prioritize professional accreditation and market-aligned skill acquisition. However, the emergence of Azim Premji University (APU) in 2010 marked a significant departure from this trend, introducing a philanthropic model of education dedicated explicitly to the realization of a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society. At the heart of this mission lies the School of Policy and Governance (SPG), an academic unit that reimagines the relationship between law, public policy, and social transformation. While traditional law schools in India often focus on the mechanics of litigation or corporate jurisprudence, the School of Policy and Governance at Azim Premji University operates on the premise that legal and policy frameworks are the primary levers for societal change. Funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, the university and its constituent schools represent one of the most significant philanthropic commitments to higher education in the Global South, emphasizing a research-to-practice continuum that bridges the gap between theoretical inquiry and grassroots implementation.
The School of Policy and Governance does not function in isolation; it is a critical component of a university-wide ecosystem that focuses on domains of human development, including education, livelihoods, public health, and sustainability. The academic philosophy of the SPG is rooted in "institutionalism," a perspective that seeks to understand how law and legal institutions operate within the complex socio-political fabric of India. This approach is particularly evident in its postgraduate law program, the LL.M. in Law and Development, which introduces students to debates on the significance and role of legal institutions in shaping social policy. The pedagogy shifts away from an internal view of the law—typical of most Indian legal education—toward an external, normative, and social-scientific perspective. This transition is essential for developing "socially engaged scholars and practitioners" who view the law not just as a set of rules, but as a dynamic tool for positive social change.
The LL.M. in Law and Development is the School’s flagship legal offering. While there is occasional external confusion regarding its duration, university documentation confirms it is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program designed for a select cohort of highly talented students. This program is distinct in its interdisciplinary character, integrating philosophical and conceptual analysis of legal doctrine with empirical inquiry into law and society in India. The curriculum is structured to challenge the "black letter law" approach by examining the history and evolution of the field of law and development, the impact of economic globalization, and the role of international organizations like the World Bank and the WTO in shaping legal ideas.
Component | Course Detail | Credit Allocation |
|---|---|---|
Core Courses | Law and Justice in a Globalising World; Law and Development; Research Methods and Legal Writing; Comparative Public Law/Systems of Governance | 4 Credits Each |
Electives | 3 Courses (e.g., Foundations of Private Law, Law and Social Transformation) | 3 Credits Each |
Field Practice | Law and Policy Hub Group Field Project; Internship (4 weeks) | Variable |
Dissertation | Intensive research under academic supervision | 5 Credits |
Total | Comprehensive Credit Load | 31 Credits (approx) |
Complementing the legal program is the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Governance, which focuses on developing critical and analytical thinkers who can devise equitable solutions to complex public problems. The MPG program is grounded in a rigorous study of policy analysis, program evaluation, and data methods. It emphasizes the "site of the public problem," encouraging students to look at institutions of the state and the interface between citizens and public institutions. The curriculum explores political economy, implementation theory, and the constitutional foundations of state institutions, ensuring that policy interventions are viewed through a lens of democratic legitimacy and social equity.
The diversity of subjects offered at the School of Policy and Governance reflects a deep engagement with contemporary social challenges. These courses are not merely academic requirements but are designed to cultivate a specific set of abilities and a sense of direction toward justice.
The curriculum is organized into several thematic clusters that allow students to specialize in areas of profound societal impact. One such cluster is "Ecological and Urban Justice," which includes courses like "Climate Justice in India," "Environment Governance, Management and Conflict," and "Urban Development: Law & Policy". These courses examine how laws and policies structure and affect development in Indian cities and rural landscapes, particularly in the context of increasing globalization and the climate crisis.
Another critical cluster is "Social Identity and the Law," featuring courses such as "Feminism – Law and Politics," "Nation in the Legal Imagination," and "The Legal Life of Partition". These modules explore how legal-constitutional discourse on nationalism and social belonging has evolved in South Asia, using both doctrinal texts and audio-visual materials to map the relationship between law and the nation. The "Criminal Justice and Public Policy" course adopts an interdisciplinary approach to address critical problems in criminal law, balancing doctrinal analysis with an empirical study of institutions like the police and prisons.
The School provides a robust elective framework that allows students to bridge private law with developmental goals. Courses such as "Foundations of Private Law" offer a foundational view of the entire domain of private law, shaping perspectives for specialized courses in corporate governance or contracts. Meanwhile, "Legal System Reforms" focuses on the systemic changes needed in India's legal architecture to ensure greater access to justice.
Specialization Category | Course Title Examples | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|
Governance & The State | Comparative Public Law; State Transformation; Politics and Democracy in India | Understanding political authority, bureaucracy, and the architecture of public authority. |
Justice & Globalisation | Law and Justice in a Globalising World; Transitional Justice | Examining state responses to violent pasts and the journey of modern law in globalization. |
Law & Social Transformation | Feminism – Law and Politics; Law, Violence and the State | Analyzing law as a key influence in shaping the social order and responding to disorder. |
Research & Methodology | Research Methods and Legal Writing; Data, Research Design and Descriptive Methods | Mastering qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyzing policy and legal issues. |
Admission to Azim Premji University is characterized by its rigor and its departure from purely meritocratic models that overlook social commitment. The university actively seeks out individuals who demonstrate a "philanthropic zeal" and a desire to work in the social sector.
For the LL.M. program, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or an equivalent degree from a recognized university with at least a 50% aggregate score. A notable restriction mentioned in some sources is that applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree within the last five years, although other university communications emphasize that candidates with work experience of any age are strongly encouraged to apply. For the M.A. in Public Policy and Governance, the eligibility is broader, requiring a bachelor's degree in any stream. At the undergraduate level, students entering programs like B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) or Social Science must have completed Grade 12. It is important to clarify that while the university is sometimes referred to as a "law college," it does not currently offer the 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. or a 3-year LL.B. undergraduate degree; its legal education is concentrated at the postgraduate level.
The selection process is a three-step journey: online application, the National Entrance Test, and a personal interview. The NET is a three-hour examination without negative marking, comprising components in reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and domain-specific questions. For the LL.M. and MPG programs, the test also assesses general social awareness and essay-writing capabilities.
The university also offers an alternative pathway for undergraduate admissions, accepting scores from external tests such as SAT, CUET-UG, and JEE. However, the core of the APU selection philosophy remains the personal interview, which is mandatory for all shortlisted candidates. This interview serves to verify the candidate's social commitment and their alignment with the university's vision of contributing to social change.
One of the most defining characteristics of Azim Premji University is its philanthropic funding model, which aims to make quality education accessible regardless of a student's socio-economic background.
The university maintains a fee structure that is significantly lower than that of other premier private law and policy institutions in India. For the LL.M. in Law and Development, the annual tuition fee is approximately INR 1,00,000. For postgraduate M.A. programs, the fees are also maintained at a similar level. Undergraduate programs have a higher annual tuition fee of approximately INR 2,25,000, but these are offset by the most comprehensive financial aid program in the country.
The university operates on a need-blind admissions policy, followed by a need-based scholarship program. Over 60% of the student body receives some form of financial aid. Unlike merit-based scholarships common elsewhere, APU's scholarships are designed to help cover tuition, accommodation, and food expenses for students with financial constraints.
Scholarship Slab | Family Income Level (PG) | Tuition Fee (Approx.) | Accommodation (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
75% Scholarship | 2 – 4 Lakhs | INR 25,000 | INR 18,000 |
50% Scholarship | 4 – 6 Lakhs | INR 50,000 | INR 36,000 |
25% Scholarship | 6 – 7 Lakhs | INR 75,000 | INR 54,000 |
No Scholarship | > 7 Lakhs | INR 1,00,000 | INR 72,000 |
This financial assistance is a direct manifestation of the university's philanthropic mandate, ensuring that students from 26 states and varied socio-economic backgrounds can participate in a vibrant campus life.
Research at the School of Policy and Governance is characterized by its focus on contextual questions and its alignment with the vision of a sustainable society. The Research Centre at the university facilitates high-quality academic scholarship and practical contributions to the social sector.
A critical innovation within the SPG is the "Hub for Law and Policy," which acts as a bridge between classroom learning and field practice. The Hub anchors group field projects for LL.M. and MPG students, pursuing empirically-driven research at the intersection of law and policy. The learning objective is a "circular four-stage sequence" of experience, reflection, theory, and application.
Ongoing projects under the Hub include:
The Constitutional and Public Law Project: Examining state institutions and judicial reasoning.
The Criminal Justice Project: Investigating structural frameworks and functionality from a critical criminological perspective.
The Ecological Justice Project: Focusing on climate change adaptation and indigenous rights.
The Legal System Reform Project: Studying the relationship between legal institutions and data, including RTI and crime victimization surveys.
The university also hosts flagship research initiatives that produce globally recognized work:
Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE): Generates policy-relevant insights through data-driven analysis.
Centre for Sustainable Employment: Produces the annual "State of Working India" report, which is a seminal document in Indian labor economics and policy.
Centre for Local Democracy: Supports local governance through research and documentation of grassroots democratic processes.
The School’s faculty and researchers have contributed significantly to the scholarly landscape in recent years. Notable publications include the "State of Working India 2026," which focuses on youth pathways from learning to earning. Other featured works include a book on "India Since Independence" (2024), focusing on essays of transformation, and "Reviewing the Republic," a study of the Indian Constitution's impact on daily citizenship. Faculty research projects have also delved into specialized areas like the "informalisation of labour in India" and "judicial reasoning in the epistemology of science".
The School of Policy and Governance actively participates in the global knowledge sharing ecosystem, moving away from hierarchical relationships toward genuine partnerships based on mutual respect.
The university has signed a variety of MoUs with international institutions to facilitate research and faculty exchange:
University of Helsinki and University of Jyväskylä (Finland): Focused on promoting mutual cooperation in education and research.
Michigan State University: Established for faculty development and exchange.
University of Manitoba: Collaborating on mapping the social economy of dried fish in South and Southeast Asia.
DAAD (German Research Organization): Hosting annual research seminars on comparative constitutionalism between India and the EU.
Within India, the SPG works closely with government bodies and state institutions. This includes collaborating with the CBSE to develop learning frameworks for classes IX and X in alignment with NEP 2020, and working with the Sikkim SCERT to revamp teacher recruitment processes. A long-standing partnership with NALSAR Law University involves an annual dialogue on "Courts and the Constitution".
Azim Premji University provides a unique platform for student-led innovation through its Social Enterprise Cell, established in 2015. This cell aligns with the university's social purpose, encouraging students to find innovative solutions to complex societal problems.
One of the flagship events is the annual National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge, which recently marked its 10th year. The challenge attracts students from universities and colleges across India to share innovative ideas in a competitive environment. Shortlisted teams receive mentorship and networking opportunities with early-stage funders and mentors from organizations like YCombinator and IIT Kanpur.
Recent winners have presented revolutionary ideas such as:
Drishti: An affordable, portable braille printer designed to cut production costs by 90%, democratizing access to education for visually impaired students.
Work4U Services: A social enterprise connecting rural students with senior citizens for companionship and everyday assistance, creating dignified "earn and learn" opportunities.
The impact of the Social Enterprise Cell is most visible in the ventures established by APU alumni. Mitti Café, founded by Alina Alam (M.A. Development), is perhaps the most prominent example, operating a chain of cafes run entirely by people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Other successful ventures include Pratigya, which empowers communities for quality education in Jharkhand, and Gubbachi, a bridge school initiative founded by five alumni to support children in government schools.
The approach to placements at Azim Premji University is distinct from corporate-driven institutions. The placement cell, comprising students and faculty mentors, works relentlessly to ensure that graduates are engaged with the social sector.
More than 5,250 graduates have found purposeful work that contributes meaningfully to social change. Over 300 organizations participate in campus placements, including large NGOs, grassroots organizations, research institutions, and policy bodies. For the 2025 cohort, 168 organizations recruited 226 students, with 90% finding roles in the social sector.
Sector / Organisation Type | Examples of Recruiting Partners | Roles Offered |
|---|---|---|
Foundations & NGOs | Reliance Foundation; Adani Foundation; Azim Premji Foundation; PRADAN | Programme Manager; Cluster Manager; Development Associate; Field Researcher |
Research & Policy Bodies | PRS Legislative Research; ASER-Pratham; LEAD at Krea University | Policy Analyst; Research Associate; Data Analyst; Paralegal Analyst |
International Agencies | UNICEF; United Nations Agency (ITU) | Digital Government Specialist; Program Evaluator |
For-Profit & CSR | Deloitte Social Impact; Sattva Consulting; Reuters | ESG Analyst; Sustainability Consultant; Content Designer |
While approximately 34% of graduates enter work or fellowships immediately, another 41% pursue higher education. APU graduates have secured admissions to M.A. and PhD programs at prestigious institutions globally, including Yale University, Stanford, University of Oxford, and the London School of Economics. In India, they are well-represented at institutions of national importance like NLSIU Bangalore, IITs, and TISS.
The university provides a holistic learning environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to foster critical thinking and curiosity.
The library is a premier resource, holding over 3,78,000 books and e-books, and 3,900+ journals. It offers fully automated facilities and access to critical legal and policy databases:
SCC Online: A premier Indian legal research tool offering comprehensive case law and statutory material.
Manupatra: A comprehensive online legal and business policy database, essential for Indian subject-based research.
LexisNexis & Westlaw: Global databases providing international legal materials and AI-driven research support.
JSTOR & JGate: Discovery tools for searching information across thousands of academic journals.
The library also hosts specialized collections such as the David Horsburgh Collection for education and pedagogy and the Jacques Dreze Collection for social science.
The Bengaluru campus in Sarjapura features state-of-the-art classrooms, labs for science and information sciences, an auditorium, and a convention center for student performances. Sports infrastructure includes a football field, basketball court, and gymnasium. The university also emphasizes student support through a high faculty-student ratio and comprehensive anti-discrimination and mental health policies.
Azim Premji University has gained significant recognition in recent years, reflecting its consistent efforts toward academic growth and its unique philanthropic mission.
The International Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) has placed Azim Premji University among the top private institutions in India, particularly highlighting its specialized law and overall contributions.
Law Category: Ranked 30th in 2025 (improved from 32nd in 2024 and 36th in 2023).
Overall Category: Ranked 4th in 2025 (improved from 7th in 2024).
The New Age Private University (Overall): Ranked 2nd in 2025.
These rankings underscore the university's reputation for academic excellence in arts, science, and research, as well as its high performance in placement and graduation outcomes.
The university is guided by a Board of Governors and a Board of Management that bring together academic excellence and philanthropic leadership.
Azim Premji: Chancellor, Azim Premji University.
Anurag Behar: CEO, Azim Premji Foundation; Chancellor, Azim Premji University (Bhopal).
Richa Govil: Vice Chancellor, Azim Premji University (Bengaluru).
Gautam Pandey: Vice Chancellor, Azim Premji University (Bhopal).
Arima Mishra: Director, Azim Premji University (Bengaluru).
Rishikesh B S: Registrar, Azim Premji University (Bengaluru).
The School of Policy and Governance specifically benefits from a Research Council and advisors who are leading scholars in their fields, such as Sudhir Krishnaswamy (Advisor to the Hub for Law and Policy) and Srikrishna Ayyangar.
The School of Policy and Governance at Azim Premji University has established itself as a pioneering institution that transcends the conventional boundaries of legal and policy education. By integrating the rigorous analysis of law with a deep social commitment, it has created an academic ecosystem where students are prepared to address the complex development challenges of 21st-century India. The philanthropic model of the Azim Premji Foundation ensures that this education is not a privilege of the few but a resource for the many, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds who are most affected by the policies being studied.
The Hub for Law and Policy and the Social Enterprise Cell demonstrate a successful model of experiential learning, where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in the search for solutions. The rising IIRF rankings and the growing impact of alumni-led ventures suggest that the university's mission of "education for social change" is being realized with remarkable efficacy. As the institution continues to expand its research horizons and international collaborations, it is poised to play an even more critical role in shaping the public policy discourse and the legal future of India. For professional peers and practitioners in the developmental and legal sectors, the School of Policy and Governance serves as both a benchmark for institutional innovation and a vital partner in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
1. What is the School of Policy and Governance (SPG) at Azim Premji University?
It is an academic unit focused on the intersection of law, public policy, and social transformation within a philanthropic university model.
2. When was Azim Premji University established?
The university was established in 2010.
3. What is the core mission of the university?
It aims to build a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society through education.
4. Who funds the university?
The university is funded by the Azim Premji Foundation.
5. How is SPG different from traditional law schools?
It emphasizes law and policy as tools for social change rather than focusing only on litigation or corporate law.
6. What is the academic philosophy followed by SPG?
It is based on institutionalism, studying how legal systems operate within socio-political contexts.
7. Does the school focus on interdisciplinary learning?
Yes, it integrates law with social sciences, public policy, and development studies.
8. What is the flagship law program offered?
The LL.M. in Law and Development.
9. What is the duration of the LL.M. program?
It is a one-year full-time program.
10. What is unique about this LL.M. program?
It combines legal doctrine with empirical research and social science perspectives.
11. What core subjects are included in the LL.M. program?
Courses include Law and Justice in a Globalising World, Law and Development, and Research Methods.
12. Are there electives available in the program?
Yes, students choose electives like Foundations of Private Law and Law and Social Transformation.
13. Is fieldwork part of the curriculum?
Yes, it includes internships and group field projects.
14. Is there a dissertation requirement?
Yes, students must complete a research dissertation.
15. What other postgraduate program is offered?
M.A. in Public Policy and Governance.
16. What thematic clusters are available in the curriculum?
Clusters include Ecological and Urban Justice, Social Identity and the Law, and Criminal Justice and Public Policy.
17. What does the Ecological Justice cluster focus on?
It studies climate change, environmental governance, and urban development laws.
18. What is covered under Social Identity and the Law?
Topics include feminism, nationalism, and legal identity in South Asia.
19. What is the focus of Criminal Justice studies?
It examines policing, prisons, and criminal law from an interdisciplinary perspective.
20. Does the curriculum include research methodology?
Yes, strong emphasis is placed on qualitative and quantitative research methods.
21. What is the eligibility for the LL.M. program?
Candidates must have an LL.B. degree with at least 50% aggregate marks.
22. What is the eligibility for the M.A. program?
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required.
23. Does the university offer undergraduate law programs?
No, it does not offer 5-year or 3-year LL.B. programs.
24. What is the entrance process for admission?
It includes an application, National Entrance Test (NET), and personal interview.
25. What does the National Entrance Test assess?
It evaluates reading comprehension, reasoning, social awareness, and writing skills.
26. Is there negative marking in the entrance test?
No, the test does not have negative marking.
27. Is a personal interview mandatory?
Yes, all shortlisted candidates must attend an interview.
28. Does the university consider social commitment in selection?
Yes, it prioritizes candidates with a strong interest in social change.
29. What is the tuition fee for the LL.M. program?
Approximately INR 1,00,000 per year.
30. What is the fee for postgraduate programs?
Fees are maintained at a similar level for most PG courses.
31. What is the undergraduate fee structure?
Undergraduate programs cost approximately INR 2,25,000 per year.
32. Does the university offer financial aid?
Yes, over 60% of students receive financial assistance.
33. What type of scholarship model is followed?
A need-based scholarship model rather than merit-based.
34. What expenses are covered under scholarships?
Tuition, accommodation, and food expenses.
35. What is the need-blind admission policy?
Admissions are not affected by a student’s financial background.
36. What is the Hub for Law and Policy?
It is a platform connecting classroom learning with field-based research projects.
37. What are some key research projects?
Projects include Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice, Ecological Justice, and Legal System Reform.
38. Are there specialized research centers?
Yes, centers include CSIE, Centre for Sustainable Employment, and Centre for Local Democracy.
39. Does the university publish research reports?
Yes, including reports like the State of Working India.
40. Are students involved in research activities?
Yes, through projects, dissertations, and fieldwork.
41. What type of organizations recruit students?
NGOs, policy bodies, research institutions, and international organizations.
42. What percentage of students enter the social sector?
Around 90% work in the social sector.
43. What roles do graduates take up?
Roles include policy analyst, researcher, program manager, and development associate.
44. Do students pursue higher education?
Yes, many pursue further studies at global universities.
45. Which universities do graduates attend?
Institutions include Yale, Stanford, Oxford, and LSE.
46. What facilities are available on campus?
Classrooms, labs, library, auditorium, and sports facilities.
47. How extensive is the library collection?
Over 3,78,000 books and access to thousands of journals.
48. Which legal databases are available?
SCC Online, Manupatra, LexisNexis, Westlaw, and JSTOR.
49. Are there extracurricular initiatives?
Yes, including the Social Enterprise Cell and national competitions.
50. What is the Social Enterprise Cell?
It promotes student-led innovations and social entrepreneurship initiatives.
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