Established in 1969 as Christ College, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) has consistently pioneered reforms in Indian higher education. With innovative curricula, strong academic discipline, and a holistic approach to education, the institution quickly rose to prominence. The University Grants Commission of India granted it autonomy in 2004 and identified it as an ‘Institution with Potential for Excellence’ in 2006.

In 2008, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, the Ministry of Human Resource Development declared the institution a Deemed-to-be University. One of the first universities in India to be accredited by NAAC in 1998, and re-accredited in 2004 and 2016 with Grade ‘A’, CHRIST has established itself as a leader in multidisciplinary education.

The university offers programs from the undergraduate to doctoral levels in humanities, social sciences, commerce, management, engineering, education, and law. With over 25,000 students from all states of India and more than 60 countries, CHRIST embodies multicultural harmony. It publishes six peer-reviewed research journals and over 300 books in English and Kannada. Alongside academics, the university actively promotes sports, arts, and cultural activities, nurturing a vibrant environment for creative and intellectual excellencez̄

The Department of International Studies, Political Science, and History at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) is part of the School of Social Sciences and offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Its offerings include the BA in History and Political Science, MA in International Studies, MA in Public Policy, and PhD programs.

The department emphasizes both theory and practice, introducing students to political science, public policy, and international relations while encouraging them to examine issues of power, governance, policymaking, and authority. Through interactive coursework, seminars, and applied research, students enhance their analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Guided by experienced faculty, the department fosters a space for inquiry and exploration, encouraging students to engage with contemporary issues in politics and society. Its vision is to become a globally recognized center for excellence, combining historical and present-day insights to build a comprehensive future. Its mission is to shape socially concerned, politically aware citizens and effective policy experts, trained through interdisciplinary methods, critical analysis, and discovery

The MA Public Policy (MAPP) is a 2-year, full-time interdisciplinary postgraduate programme. It is a practice-oriented CHRIST University degree that draws on the insights and tools of political philosophy, economics, sociology, law, management, and data science to enable future leaders to analyse complex policy problems and governance challenges, and to design sound policy solutions.

The programme empowers students to build critical and analytical skills for identifying and crafting policy solutions to complex governance challenges in India and around the world. It develops research and professional competencies for public policy careers in government, non-governmental organisations, academia, and the private sector.

With six unique policy initiatives, the programme has already carved a niche for itself among policy schools in India:

• CONSILIUM – International Annual Public Policy Fest
• POLICY CONFLUX – International Annual Conference on Public Policy
• POLICY NUDGE – Guest talk series
• POLICY CENTRAL – The policy podcast
• NIMMAGAAGI MAAHITI – Social Outreach Programme
• POLICY MATTERS – The flagship policy magazine