TISS Mumbai MA Urban Policy And Governance: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Govandi, MumbaiDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1936NAAC Grade A+ 3.3
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Arts in Urban Policy and Governance is a prestigious two-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Centre for Urban Policy and Governance at TISS Mumbai's School of Habitat Studies. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop skilled urban professionals who understand the complexities of rapid urbanization in India and the Global South. With an intake of 30 students, the programme combines rigorous academic study with practical field experience, preparing graduates for diverse roles in urban governance, policy-making, and development. The total programme fee is Rs 1,42,450, making it an accessible option for aspiring urban professionals. The programme emphasizes context-sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable urban practice.

Admissions for the 2026 batch follow a Non-CUET examination process. The application window was from 15th February 2026 to 10th March 2026, with the All India Examination scheduled for 28th March 2026. The first merit list was declared on 7th April 2026, with subsequent merit lists on 21st April and 30th April 2026. Classes commenced on 23rd May 2026 with a two-week contact period on campus.

KEY POINTS

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum drawing from economics, law, political science, geography, planning, architecture, sociology, and technology
  • Comprehensive coverage of urban policies including housing, water, mobility, waste management, and governance structures
  • Two mandatory field experiences: Field Institute in Semester I and Urban Lab in Semester III providing practical exposure to urban challenges
  • Specialization options in Gender and the City, Land and Housing, Planning and the Indian City, and Participative Urban Governance
  • Strong emphasis on democratic, equitable, and socially just urban development informed by culturally sensitive frameworks

TISS Mumbai Latest Updates and News

15 Apr, 2026 CUET PG 2026 Results are expected to be released by First week of May @exams.nta.nic.in. To know more, click here.

TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance Fees

The MA Urban Policy and Governance programme at TISS Mumbai involves a total fee of Rs 1,42,450 spread across four semesters. The first year costs Rs 80,300 (Semester I: Rs 53,350 and Semester II: Rs 26,950), while the second year costs Rs 62,150 (Semester III: Rs 39,050 and Semester IV: Rs 23,100). The fees include tuition charges, examination fees, field education and internship charges, IT charges, library charges, and various development and welfare funds. A caution deposit of Rs 11,000 is collected in the first semester, which is refundable upon completion of the programme.

Fee Breakdown by Component

Fee ComponentSemester ISemester IISemester IIISemester IVTotal
Tuition Fee17,60017,60017,60017,60070,400
Examination Fee1,1001,1001,1001,1004,400
Field Education/Internship Charges3,3003,300006,600
IT Charges2,2002,2002,2002,2008,800
Library Charges1,6501,6501,6501,6506,600
Other Charges2,7500002,750
Students Competency Fund001,10001,100
Lab/Studio Fund001,65001,650
Development Fund11,000011,000022,000
Student Wellness Fund5505505505502,200
Alumni Fund055000550
Health Care Fund2,20002,20004,400
Caution Deposit (Refundable)11,00000011,000
Total Fees53,35026,95039,05023,100142,450
  • The caution deposit of Rs 11,000 is refundable at the time of exit from the programme upon submission of the No Dues Certificate.
  • SC/ST students receiving Government of India Post Matric Scholarship are required to pay only marked fee components and a reduced caution deposit of Rs 2,750.
  • The institute reserves the right to revise the fee structure if necessary.
  • Additional expenses for practicum, study tours, and field work are not included and must be borne by students.

TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance Admission 2026

The MA Urban Policy and Governance programme at TISS Mumbai follows a Non-CUET admission process based on merit and performance in the All India Examination. The admission process is merit-based, with selection determined entirely by the examination score. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree of minimum three years duration or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. The programme has an intake of 30 students per batch, making it highly competitive. The programme also offers an exit option at the end of Year I for students who wish to pursue a postgraduate diploma.

Admission Timeline for 2026

EventDate
Online Application Submission15th February 2026 to 10th March 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment18th March 2026
Correction in Particulars19th to 21st March 2026
Mock Test23rd to 27th March 2026
All India Examination28th March 2026
Result Declaration7th April 2026
2nd Merit List21st April 2026
Last Date to Pay Fee (Merit List 2)25th April 2026
3rd and Final Merit List30th April 2026
Last Date to Pay Fees (Merit List 3)5th May 2026
Classes Begin23rd May 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree of minimum three years duration or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university
  • At the time of application, candidates in three-year programmes must have passed all subjects for the 1st to 4th semesters
  • Degree certificate and final mark/grade sheet must be submitted as evidence of meeting eligibility criteria by the specified deadline

Admission Process

  • Candidates apply online through the TISS website during the specified application window
  • Application fee: General Rs 1,750, OBC(NC)/EWS Rs 1,250, SC/ST Rs 750
  • All India Examination is a proctored test conducted online to assess subject knowledge and aptitude
  • Merit list is prepared based on examination performance with 100% weightage given to the test score
  • Selected candidates must complete document verification and pay admission fees to confirm their seat

TISS Mumbai: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 1 Reviews

The Urban Policy and Governance program at TISS, Mumbai offers a dynamic and up-to-date curriculum led by distinguished faculty, including Dr. Manjula Bharaty and Professor Amita Bhide. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:4, the program ensures personalized attention and learning. Known for its strong placement record, the course successfully places nearly all students through its extensive alumni network and on-campus recruitment, with opportunities in government, NGOs, and corporate sectors. The program's 2-year fee is INR 72,000 for general and EWS students, INR 36,000 for OBC students, and it is free for SC, ST, and PWD students.

TISS also offers various scholarships, including those from Tata Trust and Infosys, to support financially constrained students. Recently, the course expanded to include a dual degree option in Global Urban Development with Sciences Po University, France, and has increased its student enrollment.

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 By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance Scholarships 2026

TISS offers scholarship opportunities for deserving MA Urban Policy and Governance students. SC/ST students may be eligible for Government of India Post Matric Scholarships which provide fee support subject to family income limits. The institute also provides student aid for candidates facing financial hardship during their studies. Additionally, various external scholarships and fellowships may be available through development organizations and funding agencies working on urban issues.

Scholarship Options

ScholarshipAmountEligibilityApplication Deadline
Government of India Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)Fee support based on family incomeSC/ST students with family income below specified limitsAs per government notification
TISS Student AidVariableStudents facing financial hardship during studiesOngoing basis
External ScholarshipsVariableVaries by funding organizationVaries
  • SC/ST GoI-PMS eligible candidates must have family income below Rs 2.5 lakhs.
  • No fee concession is available for self-financed programmes.
  • Interested candidates should contact the Centre for Urban Policy and Governance for information on external scholarship opportunities.

TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance Placement 2026

The MA Urban Policy and Governance programme at TISS has a strong track record of graduate placements across diverse sectors. Graduates have secured positions with government agencies, NGOs, policy think-tanks, consulting firms, and development organizations working on urban issues. The programme prepares students for roles as urban policy practitioners, consultants, development workers, researchers, and domain experts. Many graduates work on urban schemes and missions such as Smart Cities, JNNURM, and National Urban Livelihoods Mission. The strong research training and field experience make graduates competitive for roles in urban governance and policy sectors.

Placement Statistics

Placement MetricDetails
Placement RateStrong placement record with graduates placed across urban development sector
Primary SectorsGovernment agencies, NGOs, policy think-tanks, consulting firms, development organizations
Career RolesUrban policy practitioners, consultants, development workers, researchers, domain experts
Key EmployersGovernment urban missions, international development agencies, CSR initiatives, academic institutions
Salary RangeVaries by sector and role; government positions typically offer structured pay scales

TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MA and MSc in Urban Policy and Governance at TISS?

Ans. Both MA and MSc programmes follow the same curriculum and have identical fees and admission requirements. The choice between MA and MSc depends on the candidate's undergraduate background. Candidates with a background in social sciences typically pursue the MA, while those with a science background may pursue the MSc. Both degrees carry equal value and career prospects.

Ques. Is prior experience in urban planning or policy required for admission?

Ans. No, prior experience is not required. The programme is designed for graduates from any discipline who hold a Bachelor's degree of minimum three years duration. The curriculum is structured to provide foundational knowledge in urban policy and governance, making it accessible to candidates from diverse academic backgrounds including engineering, science, commerce, and humanities.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MA Urban Policy and Governance from TISS?

Ans. Graduates have diverse career options including positions with government urban missions, international development agencies, NGOs, consulting firms, policy think-tanks, and academic institutions. Many work on urban schemes like Smart Cities and JNNURM. Some pursue doctoral studies or establish their own consulting practices. The strong research training and field experience make graduates competitive for senior positions in urban governance and development sectors.

Ques. How important are the field experiences in the programme?

Ans. Field experiences are integral to the programme, with two mandatory components: Field Institute in Semester I and Urban Lab in Semester III. These provide practical exposure to urban challenges, allow students to apply theoretical knowledge, and help develop professional competencies. The field experience is particularly valuable for understanding real-world urban governance issues and developing evidence-based solutions.

Ques. Can I pursue the MA Urban Policy and Governance programme while working?

Ans. The MA Urban Policy and Governance programme is a full-time, campus-based programme requiring regular attendance and participation in classroom activities, field work, and internships. It is not designed for working professionals. However, the programme does offer an exit option at the end of Year I for students who wish to pursue a postgraduate diploma instead of the full master's degree.

Ques. What makes TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance programme unique?

Ans. TISS MA Urban Policy and Governance programme stands out for its interdisciplinary approach drawing from multiple disciplines, strong emphasis on context-sensitive and inclusive urban development, comprehensive coverage of contemporary urban issues, mandatory field experiences in real urban settings, and strong placement record across diverse urban development sectors. The programme's commitment to developing critical urban practitioners who can address persistent and emerging challenges in Indian cities makes it distinctive in the Indian education landscape.

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Why To Join TISS Mumbai - Reviews & Rating

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Fees and Financial Aid:

The fee structure of MA in Urban Policy and Governance under the School of Habitat Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai was 72,000 of 2 years. The course was a multidisciplinary course with a specific focus on urban. It included in depth research and field work. The course was based on practical learning and for that reason, students had to go to different places. The course fee of 72,000 was for general category and ews students but for OBC students, it was 36,000 only and for SC, ST and PWD category students, it was free. There were many scholarships available from the side of Government apart from that scholarships from TATA TRUST, Infyosys, etc were also available. The college assures that no children leave behind due to financial restrains. The course has broaden its scope by starting a dual degree in Global Urban Development with Sciences Po University of France. The number of students has also increased.
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