This course is part of the Understanding India common curriculum. It introduces students to the use of quantitative and scientific methods to understand contemporary issues in India. No advanced mathematics background is required beyond secondary school level.

The course focuses on interpreting public data through tables, graphs, reports, and visualizations. It covers themes such as poverty, inequality, employment, health, nutrition, environment, and sustainability. Through lectures, group discussions, readings, and projects, students learn how public data are generated, analyzed, and used to understand Indian society and development.