Introduction: Why Case Writing Matters for Public Administration
Public officials often work in complex environments where choices involve trade-offs, constraints and institutional realities. Case writing makes these dynamics visible. It documents how decisions are made, what challenges arise, why certain actions are taken and what others can learn from them.
Under the Amrit Gyaan Kosh (AGK) initiative, the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is building a national ecosystem for case-based learning by training faculty across Central and State Training Institutes (CTIs and ATIs) to write, teach and mentor high-quality governance case studies.
Objectives of the Advanced Case Writing and Teaching Programme
Across both editions, the programme aims to:
- Build strong case-writing skills among CTI and ATI faculty.
- Produce well-structured case studies and teaching notes for AGK and national and international instructional use.
- Strengthen case-teaching pedagogy rooted in global standards.
- Develop a cadre of Master Trainers capable of mentoring future cohorts.
- Increase India's repository of high-quality governance cases aligned with national priorities.
These objectives guide both the December 2024 edition and the September 2025 edition, forming a coherent, multi-year capacity-building effort.
Selection Process: A Rigorous Multi-Stage Approach
Multi-Stage Selection Process
A strong emphasis on quality and motivation has been common to both workshops. The process included:
- Institutional nomination of faculty by CTIs and ATIs.
- Orientation and an introductory learning module on case writing.
- Qualifying quiz, requiring a minimum score to proceed.
- Submission of a 2-page case proposal.
- Evaluation of proposals based on clarity, relevance and potential learning value.
Across the two editions, the response from Central and State Training Institutes has been substantial. Together, both workshops received over 450 nominations from faculty across CTIs and ATIs, demonstrating the growing interest in case-based learning nationwide.
From these, 135 faculty members were selected through a rigorous multi-stage screening process. This makes the AGK Advanced Case Writing Workshop one of India's most extensive and competitive capacity-building initiatives in governance case writing.
Programme Structure Across Both Workshops
The workshops combine global expertise with structured mentorship to ensure lasting capability creation. Key elements across both editions included:
- Orientation session for nominated faculty
- Introductory video modules on case writing and evaluative quiz
- Submission of a detailed case proposal
- December 2024: Two cohorts of 5-days in Delhi
- September 2025: Three regional 3-day workshops (25 participants per cohort)
- Focus on case structure, interviewing skills, and teaching methods
- Ongoing writing support from faculty mentors
- Virtual sessions with instructors to refine drafts
- Final publication review and editing support
Instructors and Mentors: Global Expertise, Indian Leadership
Lead Instructors from Stanford LAD & IIT Delhi
- Prof R. Kent Weaver, Georgetown University & Stanford LAD
- Mr Blair Cameron, Faculty, Stanford LAD
- Dr Dinsha Mistree, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
- Dr Sanjay Dhir, Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi
- Dr K.E. Seetharam, Senior Consulting Specialist, ADBI
Participants' Experience and Feedback
100% of respondents
said they would recommend the workshop to colleagues
4.8/5 overall rating
The programme received excellent ratings from participants
Participants appreciated the clarity, depth and practical relevance of sessions. Many highlighted the value of having both international instructors and Indian faculty mentors.
Creation of Master Trainers and Capacity Expansion
Building a Cadre of Master Trainers
One of the central achievements of the programme has been the development of an emerging pool of Master Trainers drawn from workshop alumni.
- 10 participants were selected from December 2024 workshop to mentor participants from September 2025 workshop
- These trainers mentor new participants across India.
- They co-facilitated the September 2025 cohorts.
- They support institutes in embedding case-based teaching into curricula.
Scale and Reach Across Both Editions
Together, the two workshops reflect significant national and international momentum. Dozens of mentors and instructors contributing across workshops. This makes the AGK Case Writing Programme one of India's most extensive capacity-building efforts for case-based learning.
Looking Ahead: Building India's Governance Knowledge Infrastructure
Future Vision
Through the Advanced Case Writing and Teaching Programme, the Capacity Building Commission is enabling India to craft, preserve and disseminate its own governance knowledge. The workshops promote reflective learning, improve pedagogical practice and strengthen Mission Karmayogi's goal of a capable, confident and future-ready civil service.
As Amrit Gyaan Kosh grows, it will continue to generate high-quality Indian public administration cases that support training, academic research and real-world governance problem solving.