What drives policy choices in the world’s largest democracy, and how do analysts shape decisions that affect more than a billion people?Bringing together leading scholars and seasoned practitioners, Policy Analysis in India maps the evolution of policy analysis since the country became independent and reveals how analysis is conducted across ministries, sectors and levels of government. Through rich empirical cases – from education, policing and international organisations to fiscal federalism, the judiciary and the use of open data – the book uncovers the actors, methods and institutions that underpin analysis for policy in India. In doing so, it highlights both the progress made and the gaps that shape the quality of public decision-making.This book will benefit graduate students, early-career analysts, researchers and professionals across government and civil society who want to engage more effectively with India’s policy processes and contribute to more informed, accountable governance.

What drives policy choices in the world’s largest democracy, and how do analysts shape decisions that affect more than a billion people?Bringing together leading scholars and seasoned practitioners, Policy Analysis in India maps the evolution of policy analysis since the country became independent and reveals how analysis is conducted across ministries, sectors and levels of government. Through rich empirical cases – from education, policing and international organisations to fiscal federalism, the judiciary and the use of open data – the book uncovers the actors, methods and institutions that underpin analysis for policy in India. In doing so, it highlights both the progress made and the gaps that shape the quality of public decision-making.This book will benefit graduate students, early-career analysts, researchers and professionals across government and civil society who want to engage more effectively with India’s policy processes and contribute to more informed, accountable governance.