Political science: where to register for PG and UG courses, eligibility, professional roles

If you are interested in global politics and want to understand how governments interact with each other on a number of strategic and evolving issues, then Political Science is the course for you.

Study political science

• You must clear your Class XII Board exams in any stream. Some institutes prefer English as a compulsory subject in your Plus-Two program.
• You can take a bachelor’s degree course in political science after your board exams.
• At the end of your degree, you can take a Masters course in Political Science. You can also do your postgraduate studies in international relations to broaden your horizon.
• After earning your master’s degree, you can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the field.

Popular institutes in India that offer political science courses:

University of Calcutta

Some colleges in the University of Calcutta for BA in Political Science:

• Asutosh College
• Lorette College
• Lady Brabourne College
• Bethune College
• College of the City
• Bangabasi College
• Vivekananda College
• Bidhannagar College

Course: MA in political science.

• Duration: Two years.
• Eligibility: You must have a bachelor’s degree in political science with an overall mark of 50%.
• Admission: Based on merit.
• Click here to find out more.

St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta

Course: BA in political science.

• Duration: Three years
• Eligibility: Clear your Class XII board exam in any stream with at least 60% marks.
• Admission: Based on merit.
• Click here to find out more.

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi

Course: Masters in political science with specialization in international studies.

• Duration: Two years.
• Eligibility: You need at least 50% of grades in your bachelor’s degree in political science to sit for the JNU entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency.
• Admission: Depends on your entrance test score.
• You can check more here.

Hindu University of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh

Course: BA in political science.

• Duration: Three years.
• Eligibility: You must pass your Class XII Council exams with a total of 50% in any stream to sit for an entrance exam organized by the university.
• Admission: It depends on your score on the entrance test.

Course: MA in political science.

• Duration: Two years.
• Eligibility: You must complete your bachelor’s degree in political science to sit for an entrance exam organized by the university.
• Admission: Depends on your performance on the entrance test and a personal interview.
• Click here to find out more.

University of Delhi, Delhi

Course: BA in political science.

• Duration: Three years.
• Eligibility: You must clear your Class XII board exams with at least 60% aggregate of any vapor.
• Admission: Merit-based
  .

Course: MA in political science.

• Duration: Two years.
• Eligibility: You must complete your Bachelor of Political Science with at least 60% grades.
• Admission: Based on merit.
• Click here to find out more.

Hyderabad University, Hyderabad

Course: MA in political science.

• Duration: Two years.
• Eligibility: You must complete your bachelor’s degree in political science with a minimum of 60% aggregate to sit for an entrance exam.
• Admission: It depends on your score on the entrance exam and your performance in a personal interview.
• Click here to find out more.

To study abroad

Here are some of the best institutes in the world where you can study political science:

• Harvard University, United States
• Princeton University, United States
• London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
• University of Oxford, UK
• National University of Singapore, Singapore
• Australian National University, Australia

Functions with a degree in political science:

• Political scientist: They investigate the origins, functioning and development of political systems. They also work on political ideas, policies, political trends and government actions.
• Policy consultant: Their job is to promote the election campaigns of specific candidates, public relations experts and political strategists.
• Political analyst: They influence political and social events. They also assess the possible effects of the proposed legislation. By analyzing survey results, these professionals work on policy and educate the public on critical issues.
• Public relations specialist: They ensure the communication of an evening with the general public, investors, journalists, consumers and media personalities. They also inform the public about the activities of government agencies and officials.
• Legislative assistant: They draft, edit and monitor bills as they move through the legislative process. They also respond to voters, gain support for the proposals and write speeches for their employers to introduce legislation.
• Academician: They explain political theories and how they evolve with societies to students of schools, colleges and universities at home and abroad.