Social Policy Lab Apprenticeship
8 Week
Program Overview
Social Policy Lab Apprenticeship (SPLA)
The Social Policy Lab Apprenticeship (SPLA) is a practical, mentor-guided programme by Neeti Varta Institute of Policy Research, designed to help students and emerging policy researchers move beyond theoretical learning and develop practical skills required in the development and policy sector.
SPLA follows a structured Learn → Apply → Build → Showcase approach. Learners strengthen their understanding of Public Policy, Governance, Policy Analysis, Monitoring & Evaluation, Theory of Change and Logframe, while applying these concepts to real-world government programmes and social-policy challenges.
Through weekly live classes, guided project work and mentorship, participants learn how to frame policy questions, analyse evidence, assess implementation, evaluate outcomes and communicate policy recommendations effectively.
A key programme outcome is the development of a structured policy research output, such as a Policy Implementation Case Study or research paper, which can strengthen the learner’s academic and professional portfolio.
Selected high-quality papers may also be considered for publication in the Neeti Varta Social Policy Series, subject to editorial review and publication standards.
The programme is particularly relevant for final-year UG/PG students, recent graduates, policy aspirants, UPSC/State PSC aspirants and Neeti Varta Policy Research Practicum learners seeking to build careers in policy research, development, NGOs, CSR, M&E, think tanks and social impact organisations.
SPLA is not just about learning policy—it is about learning how to work with policy.
Core Objectives
Move Beyond Theory. Master Indian Public Policy Through Real Research. An 8-week, mentor-led research apprenticeship designed to take you from policy intent to ground reality. Build a 4-piece verified portfolio, file real RTIs, master M&E logframes, and publish your own policy byline.
Ideal Target Audience
What You Will Achieve
Master policy frameworks & LogFrames Build live policy portfolio projects Receive mentor feedback from senior policy experts Earn official Neeti Varta verification certificate
Step-by-Step Curriculum
Understanding Public Policy
Core Skill: The policy cycle and institutional forces. Key Topics: The 8-stage policy process, stakeholder power-interest grids (Mendelow's Model), and Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework. Real-World Application: Mapping active Indian policies (NEP 2020, Ayushman Bharat) across problem, politics, and policy windows.
How Indian Government Works
Core Skill: Legislative tracking and primary source discovery. Key Topics: Federal division of power, Federal structure of India Primary Sources Mastered: PRS Legislative Research, India Code, Sansad reports, CAG audits, and Ministry budget books.
Policy Research Methods
Core Skill: Framing actionable questions, elite interviewing & the RTI Act. Key Topics: The evidence hierarchy, triangulation, drafting and filing RTI applications, First/Second appeals, and conducting neutral stakeholder interviews. Deliverable: Framing a researchable problem statement and a draft 5-part policy brief.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Quantitative literacy without being deceived by numbers.
Writing for Public Impact
Core Skill: Op-eds, editorial pitching, and media bylines.
The Capstone Case (Integration)
Core Skill: End-to-end execution on one live Indian public policy. Application: Synthesizing Modules 1–5 into a unified case study. You will trace its legislative journey, gather primary evidence, analyze tabular data, and draft both an executive brief and an op-ed opening.
Research Ethics & Field Conduct
Core Skill: Protecting privacy, informed consent, and data integrity.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) (Beginner Level)
Core Skill: Designing frameworks that measure whether a policy actually worked. Key Topics: Results Chain (Inputs → Activities → Outputs → Outcomes → Impact), Theory of Change, LogFrames, vanity metrics vs. leading indicators, and Difference-in-Differences (DiD) baseline-endline evaluation.
Program-Specific FAQs
Is this a full-time commitment?
No. The SPLA is a flexible, 8-week online apprenticeship designed for students and working professionals. It requires approximately 6–8 hours per week, including self-paced study and weekend live mentor clinics.
Do I need prior background in mathematics or statistics?
No. Module 4 focuses on statistical literacy and critical interpretation (how to read government tables, spot misleading charts, and avoid comparison fallacies) rather than abstract formulas.
What kind of policies can I choose for my Capstone?
Yes. You will learn the practical mechanics of drafting and filing real RTIs. In Module 5, your op-ed draft will be polished and pitched with mentor feedback aimed at securing an outlet byline
Total Enrollment Fee
Premium Inclusions
Live Weekly Clinics & Recordings
Lifetime LMS Access
(₹1,000 Value - Included)
Official Neeti Varta Verification Certificate
🔒 Payments secured via Razorpay. GST included.
Total Fee
₹3,999