B.A. in Political Science - Course, Eligibility, Syllabus, Colleges, Fees, Career Scope

What is B.A. in Political Science?

B.A. in Political Science or Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree programme in Political Science. Political science is a study of political philosophy and practice and a description and interpretation of the political system and of political conduct. This degree course includes the study of national and international democratic structures. It encompasses a very wide area, including the study of historical and contemporary political structures, public policy, government policies and procedures, foreign relations and public affairs. It is a 3-year undergraduate course and the basic eligibility for this course is the 10 + 2 qualification. The student should have scored at least 50 per cent marks in 10+2. The course offers an understanding of how a country is governed and teaches how to perceive and evaluate democratic processes. This course is suitable for students who are interested in learning about the administrative aspects of a country.

Course highlights

B.A. in Political Science Eligibility

• The eligibility for B.A. in Political Science requires students to have completed their intermediate or 10 + 2 examination in any stream from a recognised board or university acquiring a minimum of either 45% or 50%.

• For admission in the top colleges, applicants must follow the specific eligibility requirements typically defined by the university offering the course.

B.A. in Political Science Skills Required

• Communication Skills: In political science, students learn verbal and written communication skills. Majorly that includes writing articles, which helps in developing good written communication skills. Students also develop interpersonal communication skills through group assignments and in-class meetings and learn how to communicate complicated concepts effectively and persuasively to their targeted audience.

• Research Skills: Political science acquires key study skills by class assignments that include intellectual and persuading articles. Students learn how to do research using academic books and documents, newspaper reports, and other resources. They learn to evaluate these sources and to base a reasonable claim on their analysis.

• Writing Skills: Many companies need writing skills, and a political science student enhances their writing ability through various types of assignments. Political science courses may include the assigning of theoretical analysis, academic papers, or evidence-based thesis. In certain schools, students are still composing in-class essays. Political science students also concentrate on persuasive research, which helps them in their business sectors.

• Analytical Skills: Throughout the political science curriculum, students develop critical skills by reading numerous papers and references. Students know how to identify the critical data of an in-class topic or article. They also develop their critical skills by reading and debating current affairs in college.

Top Colleges for B.A. in Political Science

• Presidency College, Chennai
• Government Arts College, Coimbatore
• Maharaja's College, Ernakulam
• Viva College, Virar
• MJK College, Bettiah

B.A. in Political Science Subjects List

Semester 1

Constitution of India

• Indian Constitution - Sources and Attributes, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and State Policy Directive Principles.

• Union Executive: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers; Governor-General, Chief Minister and Ministers Council.

• Union Legislature: Parliament-Composition and functions; Speaker of Lok Sabha Amendment process; State Legislature

Principles of Political Science

• Political Science: Concept, Meaning & Scope, Relationship between political science and social science, Conventional approaches to the study of political science.

• State: Concept, Features, Relationships with the other organisation, Theories of the origin of the state.

Sovereignty: Monist & Pluralist; Theory of Welfare State, Liberty, Equality, Rights & Justice.

• Theory & Practice of Policy: Governmental bodies and their relationship, Organizational dynamics – Political Parties, Advocacy Groups and Bureaucracy.

Semester 2

Indian Politics

• Federalism and its work with regard to the Center-State Relations, Demand for State Autonomy; Emerging Trends in Indian Federalism.

• Election Commission, Electoral Process and its Defects and Voting Conduct, Electoral Reform, Question of Defection.

• Party System in India: National and Regional Political Parties, Interest and Pressure Groups.

• Role of Caste, Religion, Language, Regionalism in India.

Contemporary Politics

• Modern Political Science, Behaviourism and Post-Behavioralism

• Political Theory Concerns: Concept, Scope, Nature, Features, and Decline & Revival of Political Theory

• Political Socialization, Political Culture, Philosophy, and End of

• Post-Modernism, Feminism, Environmentalism, RTI and Consumer Welfare.

Semester 3

Indian Political Thinkers

• Raja Ram Mohan Ray & Swami Dayanand

• Dada Bhai Narojee & Gopal Krishan Gokhle

• Swami Vivekanand & Aurbind Ghosh

• Lala Lajpat Rai & Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Semester 4

Indian Political Thinkers

• J.P. Narayan & Ram Manohar Lohia

• Mahatma Gandhi & M.N, Roy

• Jawaharlal Nehru & B, R, Ambedkar

• Subhash Chander Bose and Bhagat Singh

• Introduction of Comparative Government and Reform

• Insights on Public Administration

• Outlooks on International Affairs and World History

Semester 5

Comparative Politics (Theory)

• Comparative Politics - Definition, Scope; Traditional & Modern Concerns; Comparative Methods.

• Approaches to the Study of Comparative Politics: Input-Out (David Easton), Structural-Function (G. Almond), Political Development (Lucian W. Pye), Political Culture (G. Almond) .

• Constitutionalism: History, Nature, Type and Problem in Modern Times.

• Constitutional Structure :
  (a) Formal – Executive, Legislative and Judicial,

• (b) Informal Structures – Political Parties and Pressure Groups

International Relations (Theory)

• Definition, Nature, Scope and Development of International Relations; and Autonomy Debate on International Relations.

• Approaches to the Study of International Relations: Idealistic, Realistic; System and Marxist-Leninist.

• National Power: Definition, Elements & Assessment; Limitation of Power: International Law, International Morality and World Public Opinion.

• Major Concepts: Power Balance, Collective Security, Environmentalism and Globalisation.

Semester 6

• Evolution and Development of the International Organization: the League and the UN Process.

• Working of UN Peace-Making, Peace-Enforcement, Peace-Building and Peace-Keeping

• UN and Disarmament, United Nations Democratization of the United Nations and Indian Request for a Permanent Position, and UN Evaluation

B.A. in Political Science Admission Process

The application process for admission to the B.A. Political Science course commences around the period when 10 + 2 results are announced by the different secondary education boards in India. The application forms are usually made available in May and June of each year. The application process can be online or offline depending on the university.

The candidate must meet with the minimum percentage set by the institute. Students are only admitted if they score the required percentage needed for the admission.

B.A. in Political Science Fees

The total cost for the B.A. Political Science course varies from 3,000 INR to 30,000 INR for 3 years.

Career Options after B.A. in Political Science

A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides work possibilities in both the public and private sectors. One can find employment in the public sector as follows :

1. Civil Services

Civil Service is a common choice for BA graduates in Political Science. As political science questions play an essential part of the general science paper in the preliminary and main exams for civil services, they give preference to students who have learned political science at the undergraduate level. Civil servants are the people behind the execution of reform and development policies, sustaining law and order, and serving as a bridge between the public and the administration. They possess influence and are highly valued for their jobs. These are all factors that have led the young population to take an interest in a career in government services. If you are aspiring to become a civil servant, you can appear for this examination with any subject in class 12th, students prefer opting Humanities in school as well as in college, as the exam pattern is centred on subjects such as Indian Politics, Constitution, Geography, World News, History, etc.

• Indian Administrative Services are commonly known as IAS

• Indian Foreign Services are commonly known as IFS

• Indian Police Service is also known as IPS

• Assistant / Secretary of Ministries / Departments / Organizations

Indian Administrative Services (IAS)

IAS officers are responsible for law and order, as well as for the day-to-day operation of government policies.

They join the state as Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and continue to hold roles such as District Magistrate, Divisional Commissioner, etc.

Indian Foreign Services commonly (IFS)

Life in foreign service is all about being a diplomat, travelling the world all the while serving the country.

IFS officers are ambassadors of our country abroad and are named as Third Secretary, Second Secretary, First Secretary, Ambassador, High Commissioner, etc. to foreign embassies and international organizations such as the United Nations.

Indian Police Service (IPS)

IPS officers are indeed appointed Assistant Superintendent of Police and then Assistant Chief of Police at the beginning of their careers. They continue to hold positions such as the Joint Commissioner and Commissioner of the Police. The Intelligence Bureau is usually led by an experienced IPS Officer. They need to work in close coordination with ministers, as well as to cope with media demands and public scrutiny. They also do fieldwork and have to be prepared for unforeseen law-and-order issues. Working hours are regulated, but they work long hours because their job requires complete attention and responsibility.

Indian Revenue Service (IRS)

The Indian Revenue Service is the biggest agency in the federal civil agency. They provide one of the most important purposes, i.e. the collection of taxes and other revenue for the growth of the economy.

IRS officers are designated as the Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax after they are appointed. After a few years of service and promotion, they serve as the Joint Commissioner and the Additional Commissioner for Income Tax. IRS officers continue to serve as the head of the Central Economic Intelligence Office and are responsible for the implementation of economic legislation in the country.

2. Social Services

Graduating in Political Science helps to establish an understanding of politics and culture, making it easier for the students holding B.A. in Political Science to recognize and meet the demands of the Social Service. Social workers are working at the federal, state and local levels. They're working with a wide variety of people ranging from young to the elderly generations. They are named as public servants in government departments, community centres, schools, hospitals, mental health services and career centres because of their specialization.

3. Education

Graduates may also anticipate education as a prospective field of work. Well, teaching in schools, an additional B.Ed. degree is beneficial, for teaching at the university level for which you need to clear the UGC NET exam to get enrolled in this area of employment.

4. Journalism

A career in journalism and media is also a feasible option for political science graduates. More than 50 percent of news coverage in the media and newspapers is of a political nature, giving BA Political Science degree holders the edge of roles such as Political Journalists or Political Correspondents.

5. Political Reporters

Political reporters collect and process the information on current affairs in policy and politics and transmit their stories on radio and television stations. Traditional stories that a political reporter would cover include an election campaign (e.g., candidate debates, meetings, conferences, and speeches)

Expected Salary after B.A. in Political Science

The average income for a Bachelor of Political Science degree depends on different factors, such as the employment sector and the positions handled. The average salaries for the different positions offered to the students are mentioned below in the table :

Also Read:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Master of Arts