A Bachelor of Arts or a BA in Political Science is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate course in the arts and humanities domain. It is a favorite course for the civil services aspirants, especially for the UPSC aspirants. The course comprehensively course covers important topics like nationalism, international relations, public policy, and more. It will you a basic understanding of a fundamental framework of a country.
India has some top colleges and universities that offer a BA Political Science course. Some of these colleges are Hindu College, Miranda House, Gargi College, St Xavier’s, and more. These colleges offer updated syllabus curricula and great job outcomes. Political science enthusiasts can find internship and job opportunities across jobs in public, private, and administrative sectors.
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What is a BA Political Science Course?
A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate course that comes under the arts and humanities domain. It covers the study of national and international political systems, public administration, governmental policies, and international relations.
Students learn about historical and modern political systems, political theories, and public affairs. The course prepares students for careers in government, law, business, journalism, and more.
Highlights of the BA Political Science Course
A BA in Political Science is one of the most chosen courses, especially for civil services aspirants. They give you an understanding of the core political agendas related to India and other countries. Here is a table containing the highlights of the course.
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Core Subjects | Political Theory, International Relations, Public Administration |
| Elective Subjects | Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Human Rights |
| Skills Developed | Analytical Thinking, Research, Communication, Critical Analysis |
| Career Opportunities | Government, Law, Journalism, Public Policy, International Organizations |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or an equivalent with at least 50% marks |
| Assessment | Exams, Assignments, Presentations, Projects |
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Eligibility Requirements for a BA Political Science Course
A BA in Political Science is a very flexible course for all streams of students. There are no hard and fast eligibility terms. However, the institution you are applying to can set some eligibility parameters. Here are some of the general eligibility requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science:
- Students must have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent exam from a recognized board/university in any stream.
- Students must have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in their 10+2 exam.
- For admission to the top colleges under the central universities, students must have appeared for the CUET Exam.
These were some of the major eligibility requirements. However, these requirements can vary slightly depending on the institution.
Useful Resource: CUET Political Science Syllabus
BA Political Science Course Syllabus
The Political Science curriculum has undergone a lot of changes since the New Education Policy came into effect. The table given below gives you an overview of the BA Political Science course syllabus at the University of Delhi, based on the NEP 2020 guidelines.
| Semester | Core Subjects | Elective Subjects |
| Sem 1 | Introduction to Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics | Environmental Studies, Language Courses |
| Sem 2 | Comparative Government and Politics, Political Theory Concepts and Debates | Public Administration, Language Courses |
| Sem 3 | International Relations, Public Policy and Administration in India | Human Rights, Political Economy |
| Sem 4 | Western Political Thought, Indian Political Thought | Gender and Politics, Development Processes and Social Movements |
| Sem 5 | Global Politics, Research Methodology | Conflict and Peace Studies, Political Sociology |
| Sem 6 | Indian Foreign Policy, Contemporary Political Economy | Governance and Politics of South Asia, Dissertation |
(Source: https://polscience.du.ac.in/Syllabi)
This updated syllabus includes a mix of core and elective subjects which allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of political science. It also gives us the opportunity to explore other areas of interest through elective subjects.
BA Political Science vs BA Political Science (H)
A BA in Political Science provides a broad overview of political theories, institutions, and processes. It is designed to give students a well-rounded education in the liberal arts, with a focus on political science.
A BA (Hons) in Political Science is a more specialized and intensive program. It provides a deeper insight into political theories and practices. This often requires students to engage in more rigorous coursework and research.
Now, let’s examine the key differences between a BA in Political Science and a BA (H) in Political Science course:
Depth of Study
- BA in Political Science: Offers a general understanding of political science, covering various subfields such as international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.
- BA (Hons) in Political Science: Provides a more in-depth study of political science, often focusing on specific areas of interest and requiring a higher level of academic performance.
Coursework
- BA in Political Science: Includes a mix of core political science courses and electives from other disciplines, allowing for a broader educational experience.
- BA (Hons) in Political Science: Usually involves more specialized courses within political science, with fewer electives outside the major. It may also include a thesis or capstone project.
Best Colleges for BA Political Science
Now that you have understood the differences between these two courses, let’s have a look at the top colleges offering a political science course. We have curated a list of the best colleges on the basis of NIRF ranking parameters.
These parameters include Teaching, Learning & Resources, Research and Professional Practice, Graduation Outcomes, etc. Here is a list of the top-ranked colleges in India based on the latest NIRF rankings:
| Name of the College | Location | NIRF Rank | NIRF Score |
| Hindu College | New Delhi | 01 | 74.47 |
| Miranda House | New Delhi | 02 | 73.22 |
| St. Stephen’s College | New Delhi | 03 | 72.97 |
| Kirori Mal College | New Delhi | 09 | 69.86 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | New Delhi | 10 | 69.49 |
| Madras Christian College | Chennai | 14 | 67.41 |
| Fergusson College | Pune | 45 | 56.77 |
| Gargi College | New Delhi | 31 | 59.28 |
| Ramjas College | New Delhi | – | – |
| St Xavier’s College | Mumbai | – | – |
(Ranking Source: NIRF College Rankings 2024)
Top Universities for BA Political Science
The course and the curriculum highly depend on the university that you choose. The right course chosen at the right university can impact your academic performance and job outcomes. Here is a list of the top universities.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- Calcutta University, Kolkata
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Amity University, Noida
These are some of the top-ranked Central Universities in India based on the latest NIRF Rankings 2024 (University). They have updated the curriculum and offer great job outcomes after graduation.
How to Enroll in a BA Political Science Course
You are now aware of the top institutions for a BA in Political Science. Now what? You need to know the enrollment process. Here is the process regarding how to enroll in the course:
- You need to have completed your 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Most colleges require at least 50% marks in your 12th-grade exams.
- You need to appear for the entrance exams like CUET, IPUCET, LPUNEST, etc.
- Visit the official website of the college or university you are interested in. Fill out the necessary details and upload the supportive documents.
- Once selected, you will need to confirm your admission by paying the academic fee and completing any additional formalities.
BA Political Science Jobs in India
BA Political Science graduates in India have diverse job opportunities in both public and private sectors. They can work as political consultants, policy analysts, journalists, and civil servants. The demand for these roles is growing due to the increasing focus on governance and public policy.
Fresh graduates can expect an average salary of INR 3-5 LPA, which increases with experience. Popular sectors include civil services, law, social services, and education. The skills gained in this degree, such as critical thinking and analytical abilities, are highly valued in these fields.
Suggested Read: A Career in Political Science
Conclusion!
A BA Political Science course gives students a broad understanding of political systems, government policies, and global relations. With flexible eligibility and a curriculum aligned with the NEP 2020, this course allows students to specialize in various areas through elective subjects. Graduates can pursue careers in fields like government, journalism, law, and international organizations.
The course helps students develop important skills like critical thinking and communication, which are valuable in roles related to public policy and administration. Leading universities in India offer this course, providing strong academic and career opportunities.
Related Blogs to Explore
- Career as a Political Scientist
- Career as a Political Analyst
- Degree in Political Science
- The Future of Political Analyst
FAQs
The scope of a BA in Political Science is broad, offering career opportunities in various fields. Graduates can work in government, public policy, law, journalism, international organizations, and civil services. The degree also opens doors for higher studies like MA, LLB, or preparation for competitive exams like UPSC.
Core subjects like Political Theory, International Relations, and Public Administration are best for a BA in Political Science. These subjects build a solid understanding of politics, government systems, and global issues, helping you excel in this field.
This course is not necessarily hard, but it requires interest in politics, governance, and current events. With dedication and regular study, most students can manage the coursework, which involves theory, analysis, and research.
Yes, you can take BA Political Science if you have completed your 12th grade from any stream with at least 50% marks. Different colleges may have specific entrance exams, so make sure to check their requirements before applying.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
