BA Political Science is a three-year undergraduate programme that focuses on the theory and practice of politics, as well as an understanding of the various political systems that exist around the world. The course, which covers global and comparative politics, is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of various forms of government. Focusing on improving your critical thinking and research skills will help you become more adept at analysing global political trends. The BA Political Science course syllabus is divided into six semesters, with each semester emphasising core topics while progressing to more advanced concepts in the rapidly changing field.
BA Political Science teaches students about Political Systems, Economics, Sociology, and more. The course also covers Governmental Policies and Procedures, International Relations, and Public Affairs. The first year of the BA Political Science course syllabus covers Political Theory and Thought, Micro and Macroeconomics, and Sociology. The second and third years include topics like Economic Growth, International economics, Sociological Theories, Public Policies, Statistics, and Development in Sociology.
The BA Political Science course is offered at many top universities and colleges, including the University of Madras, Punjab University, University of Delhi, University of Bombay, National Post Graduate College, Lucknow, and Avadh Girls' Degree College, Lucknow. For BA Political Science admission, candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum average of 50% from a recognised board.
Also Read: List of DU Colleges Offering BA Political Science
The BA Political Science programme is popular among humanities students. After completing class 12, many students seek a BA in Political Science with the objective of pursuing careers in the fields of Civil Services, Public Opinion Analysis, Corporate Management, Politics, Journalism, Foreign Service Officer, Legal Adviser to Political Parties, Marketing Research Analyst, Election and Campaign Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Bank Manager, Policy Analyst, etc.
Take a look at the BA political science course highlights in the table below:
Course Level | Undergraduate |
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BA Political Science Duration | 3 years |
BA Political Science Eligibility | Candidate must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board with at least 50%. |
BA Political Science Admission Process |
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BA Political Science Average Fees | INR 5k - INR 3.75 L |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2 - 7 LPA |
BA Political Science Examination Type | Semester wise |
Job profile after BA Political Science | Editor, News Reporter, Writer, Politician, Bank Manager, Clerk, etc. |
Top recruiting fields/areas | Federal, state and local governments, Law, Business and international organizations, Nonprofit associations and organizations, Electoral politics and polling, Journalism, Research and teaching, etc. |
BA in Political Science has become one of the most popular programmes for students in India over the past few years. Following a BA in Political Science has many advantages, some of which are listed below.
To get a BA Political Science programme, students must take and pass a few entrance exams. Getting a good merit score in the 10+2 examination is required, but some universities/colleges hold their own entrance exams to accept students to BA Political Science.
Some of the BA Political Science entrance exams are listed below.
The application process for BA Political Science courses in India may differ from that of other courses due to the specific skills and knowledge required. The majority of BA Political Science colleges still select applicants via an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion or interview. The following are the admission requirements for BA Political Science programmes in India.
However, to be eligible for BA Political Science admission, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria.
Students must meet the eligibility criteria listed below in order to apply for the BA Political Science course:
Both an entrance exam and a merit-based selection process are available for BA Political Science admission. Numerous universities offer direct admission to the BA Political Science programme and admission based on entrance exams. Candidates should have their results from the respective entrance exam boards available when applying for a BA Political Science degree at the universities of choice. The steps one should typically take to get admission are listed below, even though the admissions process differs from college to college.
Candidates can apply for BA Political Science courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Check into the application form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want an admission to a BA Political Science programme.
Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for BA Political Science admissions at the colleges and universities you want to attend
Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application process for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website
Step 4: After appearing and passing the BA Political Science entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on
Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process
Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the BA Political Science course
Candidates can apply for BA Political Science courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Fill out the online BA Political Science application form
Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit
Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling
Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to BA Political Science course
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BA political science can appear complex due to the amount of material covered. This is understandable given the complexity of the government. It has a lot of moving parts on multiple levels that affect millions of people's lives. Political science aims to bring all of this together into a single field of study. However, there are some skills that you must master in the BA Political Science course.
Most colleges and universities use merit-based admissions for BA in Political Science programmes. The successful completion of a written 10+2 exam, several in-person interviews, and/or an important qualifying exam will determine a candidate's acceptance into the BA in Political Science programme. Candidates in these situations are usually selected for further consideration based on their academic records and results on previous relevant exam.
Following the completion of the BA in Political Science, graduates are given the option of specialising in any of the following areas:
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Check the types of BA Political Science course below. This includes full-time, part-time, and distance learning.
Full-time BA Political Science | Part-Time BA Political Science | Distance BA Political Science |
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BA Political Science course fees range from INR 5K to 80K. Course fees may differ depending on the BA Political Science college. A government-funded institute charges less than a private institute due to its infrastructure and facilities.
BA Political Science syllabus revolves around the various concepts related to politics. The course as a whole touches on various systems of governance, economics, sociology, international relations, global politics, psychology, etc. BA Political Science course curriculum gives an idea about how a government functions and teaches how to interpret and analyze political systems. BA Political Science course is ideal for students who have an interest in politics and in learning about the administrative aspects of a country. In BA Political Science, subjects cover the general news you hear on the news, be it national or international. Subjects in BA Political Science include topics such as Indian Politics, Major Governments of the World, Public Administration, Nationalism in India, International Relations, International Politics, and much more. As one takes up higher studies, one gets to understand a wider perspective on the theoretical part and also be a part of various activities as well such as campaigns and MUNs.
The BA Political Science programme is broken down into six semesters. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. The BA Political Science syllabus is nearly identical across all top colleges and universities. A general course structure of BA Political Science is provided below for students' convenience.
BA Political Science Semester 1 Syllabus | BA Political Science Semester 2 Syllabus |
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Understanding Political Theory | Political Theory - Concepts and Debate |
Constitutional Government and Democracy | Political Process in India |
BA Political Science Semester 3 Syllabus | BA Political Science Semester 4 Syllabus |
Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics. | Political Process and Institutions in Comparative Perspective |
Perspectives on Public Administration | Public Policy and Administration in India |
Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Global Politics |
BA Political Science Semester 5 Syllabus | BA Political Science Semester 6 Syllabus |
Classical Political Philosophy | Modern Political Philosophy |
Modern India Political Thought | Indian Political Thoughts |
Below is a comprehensive BA Political Science Syllabus.
BA Political Science Subjects | BA Political Science Syllabus Sub-Topics |
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Political Theory | Introduction to Political Theory Institution of State Sovereignty, Citizenship and Rights Liberty, Equality, Property and Justice Development and changing forms of Government |
Comparative Government and Politics | Approaches: Traditional, Behavioral, Structural and Constitutional Capitalism, State Socialism, Colonialism and Decolonization Government and Politics in United Kingdom, USA, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Nigeria etc. |
Principles of Public Administration | Public Administration as a discipline and profession Administrative Theories Structure and Functions Control over Administration and Public Policy Personnel Administration Development Administration to New Public Management |
International Politics | Introduction Concepts – Power, Ideology, National Interest Structural Aspects – Balance of Power, Collective Security, Arms Control Major issues and Contemporary Challenges Globalization |
Colonialism in India | Imperialism and Colonialism Foundations of Colonial Rule in India Economy and Society Religion and Society Education Early Indian Responses |
Nationalism in India | Approaches to the study of Nationalism in India Reformism and Anti-Reformism in the 19th century Nationalist Policy and expansion of its Social base Social Movements Partition and Independence |
Constitutional Democracy and Government in India | The Constituent Assembly and Constitution in India Organs of Government Federalism and Decentralization Security Laws |
Political Processes in India | Political Parties and the Party System Elections and the Electoral System Federalism and Regional Aspirations Religion and Politics Caste and Politics Globalization and the Changing Nature of the Indian State |
Public Policy and Administration in India | Public Policy Decentralization Public Finance Citizens and Administration Policies of Social Welfare |
Indian Political Thought | Ved Vyasa – Shantiparva Manu : Social Laws Kautilya : Theory of State Aggannasutta (Digha Nikaya) : Theory of Kingship Barani : Ideal Polity Abul Fazal : Monarchy Kabir : Syncretism Ram Mohan Roy : Rights Pandita Ramabai : Gender Vivekananda : Ideal |
Western Political Thought | Origin of Western Political Thought Origin of modern Political Thought – Niccolo Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau Enlightenment Movement – Immanuel Kant, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill |
International Organization | Nature, Basis and Evolution of International Organizations The League of Nations Main Organs of United Nations Other Organs of the United Nations U.N. and Human Rights Regional Conflicts Women’s Rights and Developments Reform and other Critical Issues |
Local Government in India | Local Government & Local Self Government in India Background of Local Governance in India Rural Local Government Urban Local Government Evaluation |
Development Processes and Social Movements in Contemporary India | Perspectives on Development since Independence in India Industrial Development Strategy and its impact on social structure Agrarian Development Strategy and its impact on social structure Social Movements: Old and New Contemporary Rights based concerns |
Understanding South Asia | Understanding South Asia as a region Politics and Governance Socio-Economic Issues Regional Issues and Challenges |
African Polity and Economy | Situating Africa – Pan Africanism and the Third World Africa in the contemporary World Regional Integration: Problem and Prospects |
Feminist Theory and Practice | Approaches to understanding Patriarchy History of Feminism Feminism in India: History and Practice Feminist Perspective on Indian Politics Contemporary Women’s Issues in India |
Dilemmas in Politics | The Moral Economy of Violence The Politics of Exclusion Debates on Human Rights Ecology and Political Responsibility Capabilities and the Politics of Empowerment Global Justice and Cosmopolitanism Feminism |
India’s Foreign Policy | Determinants and Principles of India’s Foreign Policy India and the Global Economic and Political Regimes Changing Relations with the US and Russia during and after Cold War India China Relations India and South Asian States Security Challenges of India India and Regional Organizations – EU, ASEAN, SAARC |
Contemporary Political Economy | Approaches to Political Economy Capitalist Transformation Issues in Development Globalization and Development Dilemmas |
During your BA in Political Science, you may expect or refer to the following books:
A detailed comparison of the courses offered by BA Political Science (General) and BA Political Science Hons is provided in the following table.
Parameters | BA in Political Science | BA in Political Science (Hons) |
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Course overview | This BA in Political Science is a three-year gives student the opportunity to explore various aspects of the arts syllabus. Political science is one of the topics taught. | The focus of this three-year programme is political science. Political science is the common subject that all the subjects are centred around. |
Average annual fees | INR 5k – 3.75 L | INR 8k – 1.8 L |
Average salary offered | INR 2 – 7 LPA | INR 2 – 10 LPA |
Colleges | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Hindu college, Delhi, Hansraj College, Delhi, Christ University, Bangalore, Fergusson College, Pune. | Hindu college, Delhi, Hansraj College, Delhi, Fergusson College, Pune, Loyola College, Chennai. |
Candidates who pass the class 12th exams from an accredited board are eligible to apply for a BA in Political Science degree at various prestigious universities and colleges around the nation. The best universities in each state that offer a BA in political science are listed below, along with their average course fee (estimated).
Also Read: Top Colleges in DU Based on NIRF Ranking 2024
Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states in India and home to some very renowned universities offering BA Political Science course. There are plenty of good colleges where students can study the course of their choice. Some of these colleges also offer BA Political Science degree which is quite popular among students. Some of the best BA Political Science colleges in Uttar Pradesh are mentioned in the table below along with their BA Political Science Fees.
BA Political Science Colleges | BA Political Science Fees |
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National Post Graduate College | INR 10,000 |
Avadh Girls' Degree College | INR 7,586 |
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University | INR 57,143 |
University Of Lucknow | INR 8,554 |
J.V.Jain College | INR 1,743 |
Baba Baijnath Degree College | INR 10,000 |
Navyug Kanya Mahavidyalaya | INR 6,160 |
Amity University | INR 66,000 |
Christ Church College | INR 3,185 |
The state of West Bengal is popular for its universities such as IIT Kharagpur, ISI, Xavier’s College, Jadavpur University, and more. In all these good colleges students can study the course of their choice. Some of these colleges also offer BA Political Science degree which is quite popular among students. Some of the best BA Political Science colleges are mentioned in the table below along with their BA Political Science Fees.
BA Political Science Colleges | BA Political Science Fees |
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Presidency University | INR 2,000 |
St. Xavier's College | INR 32,600 |
Adamas University | INR 100,000 |
Jadavpur University | INR 2,400 |
Bethune College | INR 1,181 |
Loreto College | INR 21,940 |
Scottish Church College | INR 12,401 |
Gokhale Memorial Girls' College | INR 13,420 |
Asutosh College | INR 5,070 |
In all these good colleges students can study the course of their choice. Some of these colleges also offer BA Political Science degree which is quite popular among students. Some of the best BA Political Science colleges are mentioned in the table below along with their BA Political Science Fees.
BA Political Science Colleges | BA Political Science Fees |
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Kristu Jayanti College | INR 60,000 |
B.R. Tambakad Arts Commerce And Science First Grade College | INR 4,913 |
St Joseph's College | INR 28,800 |
St. Aloysius College | INR 14,750 |
Indian Academy Group Of Institutions | INR 171,000 |
Surana College | INR 24,000 |
Alliance University | INR 500,000 |
Krupanidhi Group Of Institutions | INR 192,000 |
In all these good colleges students can study the course of their choice. Some of these colleges also offer BA Political Science degree which is quite popular among students. Some of the best BA Political Science colleges are mentioned in the table below along with their BA Political Science Fees.
BA Political Science Colleges | BA Political Science Fees |
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St. Xavier's College | INR 5,527 |
Fergusson College | INR 9,355 |
K J Somaiya College Of Arts & Commerce | INR 8,795 |
Jai Hind College | INR 5,730 |
Kishinchand Chellaram College | INR 10,815 |
Kelkar Education Trust's V.G. Vaze College Of Arts Science And Commerce | INR 6,166 |
Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce | INR 19,100 |
Wilson College | INR 4,095 |
Elphinstone College | INR 3,995 |
Delhi is home to some of the best colleges in India. In all these good colleges students can study the course of their choice. Some of these colleges also offer BA Political Science degree which is quite popular among students. Some of the best BA Political Science colleges are mentioned in the table below along with their BA Political Science Fees.
BA Political Science Colleges | BA Political Science Fees |
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Lady Shri Ram College For Women | INR 15,870 |
Miranda House | INR 14,160 |
Hindu College | INR 17,560 |
Ramjas College | INR 13,495 |
O.P. Jindal Global University | INR 350,000 |
Jesus And Mary College | INR 15,610 |
Gargi College | INR 12,295 |
Sri Venkateswara College | INR 12,405 |
Kr Mangalam University | INR 105,000 |
Several government colleges offer the BA Political Science course as well. Students can find more information about the colleges and their fee structures in the table provided below.
Name of College | Fees |
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Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College, Delhi | INR 20k |
Daulat Ram College, Delhi | INR 35k - INR 49k |
Gargi College, Delhi | INR 29k - INR 45k |
Hindu College, Delhi | INR 53k |
Lady Shi Ram College for Women, Delhi | INR 36k - INR 57k |
MCC, Chennai | INR 56k |
Miranda House, Delhi | INR 42k |
Ramjas College, Delhi | INR 29k - INR 42k |
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi | INR 37k |
T C Business School, Jaipur | INR 44k |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
Candidates can look at the table below to learn about some of the best private colleges that offer BA Political Science, as well as their fee structures.
Name of College | Fees |
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Amity University, Noida | INR 3.75 lakh |
Christ (Deemed to be University), Ghaziabad | INR 2.7 lakh |
Christ University, Bangalore | INR 2.3 lakh |
K J Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce, Mumbai | INR 5k |
Mangalayatan University, Aligarh | INR 40k - INR 60k |
Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | INR 30k |
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore | INR 1.58 lakh |
St. Jospeh's University, Bangalore | INR 96k to INR 2 lakh |
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai | INR 23k - INR 1.5 lakh |
Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Pune | INR 78k |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
BA in Political Science course opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates of the subject can work in government, administration, law, business, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, public service, media, education, and social service. A recent BA political science graduate's salary ranges from INR 2 to 7 LPA. Here are some of the most important job opportunities for recent BA Political Science graduates.
Job Profiles | Description |
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Politics | A career in politics is becoming more popular, with an increasing number of young people entering the field. You can work as a politician directly or as a political analyst or campaign manager for a government or political party. After earning a BA in Political Science, you can enter the field by volunteering and researching political parties that align with your values. |
Social Service | Another way to help society and those in need is through social service, which avoids the complexities of politics and administration. Career opportunities have expanded as NGOs, government outreach programmes, and multinational corporations (MNCs) establish Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments. |
Journalism | Politics dominates the media's coverage, and rising public awareness means more people are interested in reading the news. A BA Political Science graduate has a thorough understanding of politics and the political environment, making them excellent candidates for media positions such as political journalists, editors, and correspondents. |
Civil Services | Civil service careers such as the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IFS (Indian Foreign Services) are popular among BA political science students. |
Budget Analyst | A budget analyst assists companies in developing their budgets. They also advise lawmakers on legal issues and conduct policy analyses. |
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | The public relations and fundraising manager monitors current social, political, and economic issues because they have an immediate impact on any organisation. They thoroughly investigate these trends before advising their organisations on campaign and fundraising strategies. |
Political Scientist | Political scientists' primary responsibility is to assess governmental structures and make recommendations for any necessary policy changes. To solve some problems, these scientists occasionally consult public opinion surveys. |
Political Campaign Manager | A political campaign manager hires and supervises staff members who carry out various campaign-related tasks. Opinion surveys and thorough analysis are required for this. |
Market Researchers | Market researchers compile data on consumer attitudes towards any company's products or services. Market researchers may speak with their clients to better understand their business objectives and strategies. |
Following the completion of their bachelor's degree in political science, students have the option of specialising in any of the following areas: global studies, public administration, international relations, e-government, government and international politics, conflict analysis and resolution, public policy, international economics and commercial diplomacy, and public administration.
You may build a solid foundation for yourself to go into other fields such as civil services, law, political science, social service, journalism, marketing, teaching, etc. with a bachelor's degree in political science. For those hoping to establish a strong career in political science, some well-known career options are:
In India, BA in Political Science typically pays between INR 2 and 5 LPA. A job's pay is determined by a number of factors. Knowledge in the field of specialisation, expertise, interpersonal skills, and professional experience are a few factors that affect pay. Opportunity at a college or placement university can significantly affect a graduate's pay rate.
Here are some of the top BA Political Science recruiters:
Political Science Top Recruiters | |
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Smile Foundation | HDFC Bank |
Butterflies | India Today |
Goonj | HDTV |
ICICI Bank | Hindustan Times |
The average starting salary for a recent BA political science graduate is between INR 2 and INR 7 LPA. The table below shows some of the most important job profiles and salary ranges available to recent BA Political Science graduates.
Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary |
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Budget Analyst | INR 5.50 LPA |
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | INR 5.85 LPA |
Political Scientist | INR 6 LPA |
Political Campaign Manager | INR 6.50 LPA |
Market Researcher | INR 3.50 LPA |
Civil Services | INR 6.75 LPA |
Journalism | INR 5.70 LPA |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
After completing a BA in Political Science, one can choose to further their education. There are numerous academic options available, such as
In recent years, BA Political Science has become extremely popular among students. Candidates are willing to learn more about various aspects of political science. The course is much more popular among students who want to take the civil service exam.
The BA Political Science course helps them cover a significant portion of the entrance syllabus. While some students choose to work, the majority prefer to expand their skill set by continuing their education in the relevant field. As the BA Political Science course gets popular, its scope is expected to expand dramatically in the coming years.
The only eligibility criterion for this course is that the student should have cleared their senior secondary examination with at least 50% marks from a recognized board.
The average annual fee charged for the course ranges from INR 5,000-INR 80,000 across various colleges and universities across the country.
Studying BA Political science enables one to deepen his/her understanding of policies and laws of the land. Apart from the fact that a political science degree holder has a lot of opportunities in terms of employment, they can also pursue a bright career if they opt for higher studies.
BA Political Science stands for Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
BA Political Science degree opens up job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. You can either start working or opt to pursue higher studies in the domain of your choice.
There is a huge need for professional analysts, social media managers, campaigners, and creative people in this field. A career in political science is not only highly rewarding, but the salaries offered are the bonus people go in for.
Yes, you can pursue the BA Political Science degree program through distance learning. Some of the institutes offering the course through distance learning are Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Sikkim Manipal University, Annamalai University, Alagappa University, Madurai Kamaraj University.