Ashoka University establishes Isaac Centre for Public Policy; To offer public policy programmes

Ashoka University establishes Isaac Centre for Public Policy; To offer public policy programmes

2 mins readComment FOLLOW US
ABHAY
ABHAY ANAND
Manager Editorial
New Delhi, Updated on Sep 23, 2024 10:21 IST

The Centre is being established through a substantial grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation.

Ashoka University announced the establishment of the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP). The Centre will introduce public policy programmes and commission advanced interdisciplinary research, contributing towards accelerated, inclusive and sustainable growth that will enable India to become a $10 trillion economy by 2035.

It has been established through a grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF), a philanthropic organisation created by the Founder & Chairman of Quess Corp Ltd., Ajit Isaac and his wife, Sarah Isaac, who also serve as Distinguished Founders and Trustees of Ashoka University.

“Ashoka University’s founding vision has leveraged philanthropic capital to build an academic institution that can help create social impact at scale and contribute to nation building. This Centre’s establishment is in furtherance of this vision and we are delighted to partner them to generate ideas and research on public policy to enable inclusive and sustainable growth” said Sarah Isaac. 

“ICPP aims to create a research environment where experts across domains will help find scalable solutions to pressing and complex policy challenges in areas such as economic development, labour and employment, healthcare, gender and fiscal policy to name a few. AIF looks forward to this partnership with Ashoka University in creating an exemplary Centre for Public Policy,” added Ajit Isaac.

The Centre will work and collaborate with leading public, private and non-profit sector stakeholders to identify research gaps linked with policy making and implementation. Leveraging experience of leading experts from within and beyond the university, it will engage with policy on ongoing basis.

“Ashoka University has a distinct advantage of being home to leading faculty in the country, experts in fields such as economics, social development, behavioural science, biosciences, artificial intelligence and data science. The Centre will utilise this strength, engage with public policy experts, to become a hub for research-based interventions that contribute towards socio-economic development,” said Prachi Mishra, Director and Head of Isaac Centre for Public Policy. She also serves as a Professor of Economics at the University. A former Advisor and division chief at IMF, Prachi has held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, the Reserve Bank of India, and was also the Senior Economist in the Office of Chief Economic Advisor in India’s Ministry of Finance, and at the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.

Q:   Is B.A. at Ashoka University Sonipat a good choice?

A:
{Source: B.A. students & alumni}

Based on student reviews and feedback, here's a summary of the key advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

* Good Placements: Most students, especially from YIF (Young India Fellowship), MS, and 4th-year batches, get placed in reputed companies like Brain & Company, BCG, Google, and Microsoft. The average salary package is around INR7-11 LPA, with the highest package reaching up to INR25 LPA.

* Experienced Faculty: All faculty members hold Ph.D.s from renowned institutions abroad and are highly knowledgeable and supportive.

* Infrastructure: The campus has modern facilities, including a well-stocked library, Wi-Fi enabled classrooms and dormitories, sports complex, gym, and swimming pool.

* Campus Culture: The university has a lively atmosphere with various events, festivals, and clubs/societies for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

* Academically Rigorous Curriculum: The course is designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, preparing students for careers in academia, research, and industry.

Disadvantages:

* Limited Placement Opportunities for Non-STEM Courses: While placement rates are good for Computer Science and Economics students, students from other departments like Sociology and Political Science might face challenges finding suitable placements.

* Quality of Mess Food: While there are multiple food outlets available, the mess food quality is considered average.

Overall, B.A. at Ashoka University Sonipat appears to be a good choice for students seeking a well-rounded education, internship and career opportunities, and a dynamic campus environment. However, students should weigh the pros and cons carefully before making an informed decision.

Q:   How is the student life at Ashoka University?

A:

Ashoka University has a student life office to keep encouraging students in academic growth and participating in extracurricular activities. The student life office drives the extra-curricular engagements and the student development programmes of the university which range from creative and performative arts, leadership and training opportunities, experiential learning, volunteering opportunities, driving student-led programmes and much more. By guiding and encouraging student organisations, clubs, initiatives and events, the office promotes maximum student participation and involvement in campus life. Through various programmes and activities, the office strives to give students the best of opportunities.

Q:   Is it worth pursuing B.Sc. at Ashoka University Sonipat?

A:
{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Here's what current students and alumni have to say:

Teaching and Curriculum:

* Faculty is helpful, qualified, and knowledgeable
* Course curriculum is relevant and makes students industry-ready
* Teaching quality is good, with experienced professors who use practical and real-life problem-solving approaches

Placements:

* Around 20-30% of students get placements
* Average package offered is INR3-4 Lacs per annum (LPA)
* the highest package offered is up to INR35 Lacs per annum
* Top recruiting companies include Deloitte, Hindustan Unilever Limited, EY, Genpact, and more

Infrastructure and Facilities:

* Good infrastructure, with well-developed laboratories and libraries
* Fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
* Clean and spacious hostel rooms with decent mess food
* Sports facilities, medical services, and canteen options available

Support System:

* Teachers are highly helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive
* Focus on industrial-oriented sessions and internships
* Extracurricular activities and career development opportunities available

Overall, Ashoka University Sonipat seems to offer a good academic experience with relevant curriculum, knowledgeable faculty, and decent placement opportunities. While there may be some variations in terms of numbers and packages, students generally agree that the university provides a strong foundation for future careers.

Keep in mind that these findings are based on student reviews and may not reflect the full scope of the university's offerings. As always, consider visiting the university website, speaking with admissions representatives, and weighing factors beyond the highlights mentioned here before making an informed decision.

The Centre will offer major undergraduate-level programmes in Economics and Public Policy. It will also introduce graduate and executive-level programmes, where the latter will include professionals from both the public and private sectors. ICPP will focus its initial research efforts on the following priority areas:

Agriculture and Rural Economy

Employment and Labour

Indian Regulators

Public Finance

Read more:

Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com

About the Author
author-image
ABHAY ANAND
Manager Editorial

Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.

Next Story