If you always find yourself indulging in political topics, always have an opinion to say or to debate, and have a curiosity to understand the dynamic governments, international relations, and policy-making. A BA in Political Science is your gateway to a world of careers opportunities.
In this blog, we will be exploring the different fields in Political Science, their significance and the rewarding job opportunities, admission criteria and more. Whether you dream of becoming a diplomat negotiating on the world stage, a policy analyst shaping future policies, or a journalist covering political events, this blog will guide you on your journey to success.
So, get ready to navigate the twists and turns of this exciting field and unlock the doors to your future career in political science.
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List of content
- What is BA Political Science all about?
- Who Should Study Political Science?
- Why should you choose a Political Science honours degree?
- What will you Study in BA in Political Science?
- What are the Admission Criteria for BA Political Science (Regular Course)?
- What are the Admission Criteria for BA Political Science (Distance)?
- What are the Jobs or Career opportunities after a BA in Political Science?
- Summing Up
- FAQs
What is BA Political Science all about?
BA Political Science is a 3 years undergraduate degree program that explores government structures, the Constitution, political parties, elections, political theories, public policy, global politics etc. At its core, Political Science examines how power is distributed, exercised, and contested within a nation.
You will be educated about the Indian Constitution, political parties, electoral systems, and the dynamics of elections through the lens of Political Science in depth. The study of political science will also enhance more than just your knowledge, but will also boost your critical thinking skills, reasoning ability, analytical capabilities, and research aptitude.
This three or four year undergraduate course covers the relationship between the government and the citizens and explores the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the concept of social justice, and the mechanisms of policy formulation and implementation.
Who Should Study Political Science?
BA Political Science is suited for individuals passionate about politics, governance, and power dynamics. It appeals to those who enjoy analysing political ideologies, understanding policy issues, and evaluating the impact of political decisions. If you find yourself engaged in discussions about current affairs, interested in political systems, or aspiring to work in government, civil services, or public administration.
Eligibility criteria:
- Candidates should have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board or institution.
- Most universities and colleges require candidates to have obtained a minimum percentage in their 10+2 exams. The specific percentage may vary depending on the institution. Generally, a minimum of 50% or above is required, but some institutions may have lower or higher cutoffs.
- English is typically a compulsory subject for admission to BA Political Science programs. Some institutions may also require candidates to have studied subjects like Social Science, History, or Political Science itself.
- Many universities or colleges accept CUET or conduct their entrance exams as part of the admission process. Every interested and eligible candidate can sit for the exam.
The eligibility criteria can vary from one institution to another. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the university where you wish to pursue a BA in Political Science.
Why should you choose a Political Science honours degree?
Choosing a Political Science Honours degree offers numerous advantages and opens up a world of opportunities for individuals passionate about politics, governance, and societal dynamics. Here are some compelling reasons to pursue a Political Science Honours degree:
- In-depth Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of political theories, institutions, and policies.
- Analytical Skills: Develop critical thinking abilities to evaluate political phenomena and analyse policy issues.
- Research Proficiency: Acquire research skills and proficiency in academic writing.
- Career Opportunities: Open doors to diverse careers in government, non-profits, research, advocacy, and more.
- Civic Engagement: Foster active participation in the political process and contribute to positive change.
- Global Perspective: Gain insights into global politics and international relations.
Choosing a Political Science Honours degree offers specialised knowledge, analytical skills, research proficiency, diverse career opportunities, civic engagement, and a global perspective.
What will you Study in BA in Political Science?
In the study of BA political science, you will learn about political systems at national and international levels, famous political thinkers and the Indian constitution. The course will introduce you to the concept of political theory and the basic concepts of comparative politics.
Besides, you will get a deeper understanding of how state and power are interconnected and interpreted in different countries. To make a successful career in law or politics, it is necessary to get into the Indian system, therefore, in this degree program you get the overview of learning about the impact of colonialism and nationalism on political, social and economic structures, and their contribution to Indian political thought.
Apart from Indian political science, you will also learn how political thought evolved in the Western world, the need for international organisations, as well as the role that such organisations play. Moreover, you will also study how the modern capitalist world has evolved, and the current political and economic challenges faced at a global level.
Specific topics typically include:
- Principles of Political Science
- Indian Politics
- Contemporary Political Science
- Western & Indian Political Thinkers
- Comparative Politics
- Comparative Constitutions
- International Relations
What are the Admission Criteria for BA Political Science (Regular Course)
BA Political Science regular course is the most preferable course among humanities students. It explores political theories, institutions, and policies, and prepares students for careers in government, research, advocacy, and more.
Here is a simplified breakdown of the admission process for both merit-based and entrance-based admissions:
Merit-Based Admission:
- Visit the official website of the desired college and create an application ID.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary details and upload the required documents, including previous exam results.
- Pay the application fees and submit the form.
- The college will release a merit list on a specific date.
- If your name appears on the merit list, you need to report to the college, either online or
offline, as per instructions, for seat allotment.
Entrance-Based Admission:
The specific admission process may vary among colleges and universities. It is important to refer to the official websites or admission brochures of the respective institutions for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the admission criteria for BA Political Science in India.
Best Regular Colleges for Political Science in india
Here are some of the top colleges in India that offer a B. A (Hons.) Political Science degree:
- Amity University, Noida
- Symbiosis College Of Arts And Commerce, Pune
- O.P. Jindal Global University , Sonipat
- Aligarh Muslim University
- B.R Ambedkar University
- Banaras Hindu University
Note – This list is indicative and doesn’t indicate rankings of institutions.
These are the top reputed colleges but there are other colleges for BA Pol Science. So, It’s advisable to research further and consider factors such as faculty expertise, infrastructure, and placement records when making a decision.
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What are the Admission Criteria for BA Political Science (Distance)?
Many universities provide an open or distance mode of education for working professionals and people who can not travel daily. Now, you can learn while earning money as well.
Admission Process:
The admission process for BA Political Science from distance education closely resembles the regular admission process.
- Candidates must ensure that they fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria for taking admission to the course of BA (H) Political Science.
- Students must have achieved at least 50% marks in their class 12th examination from any discipline to be admitted to the course.
- Students must download the prospectus from the website of their preferred university for more details.
- Fee structure, eligibility, and course details must be checked and confirmed before taking admission to the program.
Candidates should regularly check the official college website for detailed instructions, important dates, and any updates regarding the admission process.
Best Distance Colleges for BA Political Science
Here are some renowned distance education colleges offering BA Political Science programs:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- School of Open Learning, University of Delhi
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Directorate of Distance Education
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
- Karnataka State Open University
- Nalanda Open University
- Vardhman Mahaveer Open University
Note – This list is indicative and doesn’t indicate rankings of institutions.
It is advisable to research further and check the specific admission requirements, course structure, and recognition of these institutions before making a decision.
What are some of the career opportunities after BA in Political Science?
Political science may not be a professional course, but it will equip you with knowledge and understanding of how the political scenario functions and will groom your critical thinking skills. There are a variety of career paths in government jobs after BA political science and in the private sector. Political science also serves as a great base course to expand into other fields at a postgraduate level.
Here are some of the top 10 career options:
- Civil Services
A career in civil services such as the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IFS (Indian Foreign Services) is one of the most popular choices for those studying political science. The role involves helping the nation run smoothly, influencing the decision-making process and representing India. As many questions from the preliminary and main civil services exams are based on polity, studying political science will give you an edge in the exams. Without a doubt, every pol science student aims to crack the exam and therefore Civil Service becomes one of the most preferable career paths after a BA in political science.
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- Politics
A career in politics has been gaining popularity with more young people joining the field in recent times. You can work as a politician directly, or you can also act as a political analyst or campaign manager associated with the government or a political party. There is no formal course to join politics, but a political science degree will help you a great deal. You can enter the field by volunteering and looking into political parties that match your ideologies.
- Law
Most of the students choose to become a Lawyer rather than any other career in political science because a graduate degree enhances your analytical and critical thinking skills which will help you in the field of law. Although there is a graduate level 5-year LLB course to enter the field of law, you can still enter the field after completing a BA (H) in Political Science by pursuing a 3-year LLB course and passing the All India Bar examination conducted by the Bar Council of India.
Read More: Law as a Career in India
- Political Scientist
Another application of the field of political science, the role of a political scientist involves the study of various aspects of governmental systems, how cities/countries operate and interact, and the impact of governmental policies. Apart from examining the present situation, political scientists also make recommendations for steps that can be implemented. To become a political scientist, you would need an MA in Political Science degree or a PhD.
- Social Service
Social service is a reputed political science career of helping society and people in need without having to get into actual politics and bureaucracy. It is one of the best careers in Political Science. NGOs, government outreach programmes, and MNCs establishing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments. To pursue a career as a social worker or in social services, you can pursue a Master’s degree in social work after your B.A degree.
Read More: Social Work as a Career in India
- Journalism
A vast majority of the news covered in the media is related to politics, and increasing public awareness means more people are interested in reading the news. Many people are not aware that journalism can be one of the career options in Political Science but yes it is as graduates have a thorough understanding of politics and the political environment which makes them ideal candidates for media roles such as political journalists, editors, and correspondents. To enter the media field, you can pursue a postgraduate course in journalism or mass communication.
Recommended Read: Mass Communication Vs. Journalism: Are they the Same or Different?
- Marketing/Advertising
Marketing is an integral part of every business as it connects the supplier with the consumers. Political science graduates have an understanding of how society functions, and the flow of power and political systems which are an asset in the field of marketing. For a career in marketing, you can pursue an MBA or take up short-term courses/diploma courses in marketing after completing your graduation. Moreover, you can make a reputed career in advertising, printing and more. It all depends on the skills you attain and the knowledge you gain to acquire a reputed job.
Read More: Marketing as a Career in India
- Teaching
If you enjoy the pure study of political science, teaching may be the right career for you. The popularity of political science as a discipline is growing and you can teach at school or college levels. To teach, you will need a master’s degree in Political Science along with a B.Ed for the school level, or you will need to clear the UGC NET examination to become a college professor. Also, you can sit for teaching government exams as well.
Read More: How to Become a Teacher in India
- Public relations representatives/specialists
Public relations representatives/specialists bridge the gap between clients and the public through effective media channels. With strong research, writing, and analytical skills, political science graduates excel in organising press releases, managing campaigns, and shaping public perception. Their expertise in understanding complex issues and crafting compelling narratives makes them ideal for enhancing client image and reputation. Public relations professionals with a political science background navigate the media landscape with ease, connecting with diverse audiences.
- Content Writing/Digital Marketing
As earlier mentioned, your BA political science degree can not restrict you from exploring more opportunities. Digital Marketing is a new and booming field for every industry and every student. So, you can take up coaching to learn the required skills and get a job in big firms.
There are many more job opportunities in political science in various industries. So, having a degree in pol science never restricts your interest in exploring further jobs, careers, or fields like Market Research, Public Policy, Psephology etc.
Summing Up
Pursuing a BA in Political Science offers a multitude of career possibilities for those interested in politics, governance, and societal dynamics. The program provides a thorough understanding of political theories, institutions, and policies, empowering students to critically analyze and evaluate political phenomena.
From civil services and politics to law, journalism, social service, and beyond, the fields of political science major jobs open doors to diverse professional paths. With the acquisition of analytical skills, research proficiency, and a global perspective, graduates can contribute to positive change and make a meaningful impact on society. Indeed, there is a vast scope of political science in India.
Students can consider pursuing a BA pol science if they want to see themselves working for a nation or a government. If you indulge in other responsibilities then attaining an open degree is not letting your dream go away.
If you find yourself captivated by the intricacies of politics and aspire to be an agent of change, a BA in Political Science could be the perfect launchpad for a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job salary after a BA in political science?
Salary in BA in Political Science jobs can vary depending on various factors such as the job role, industry, location, and level of experience. However, with experience and career progression, salaries can significantly increase. Higher-level positions in areas like diplomacy, public administration, or academia can offer even higher salary ranges depending on your degree and experience.
What are the competitive exams after BA Political Science?
After completing a BA in Political Science, you can consider competitive exams like the Civil Services Examination (UPSC), State Public Service Commission exams, SSC exams, NET, GATE, and CLAT. These exams provide opportunities for prestigious government positions, research, and specialisation in areas like public policy, law, and international relations. Choose an exam based on your career goals and interests.
What is the scope of a Political Science honours degree ?
Yes, BA Political Science scope is not limited, as mentioned above, it offers vast, multiple, and creative career opportunities. Graduates can pursue diverse paths in government sectors, civil services, research organisations, non-profit organisations, journalism, political consulting, policy analysis, diplomacy, social services, and more. Students can also go for further studies like MA, B.Ed, or MBA depending on their interests.
What are the advantages of getting a B.A. in Political Science?
Getting a B.A. in Political Science brings several advantages for students. Firstly, it helps you understand how political systems work, from governments to policies, making it easier to grasp complex political events and issues. With a BA in political science, you can develop research and analytical skills which are widely used in government sectors. Besides, you can decide on further studies as well. There are multiple jobs after a BA in political science in every industry, all you need to be aware of are the skills and minimum eligibility.
Which are the top universities in India for studying political Science?
There are several top universities and colleges in India for studying political science and it won’t be a justice to others to name any one university. So, it is advisable to shortlist your preferred colleges and look for their admission process. To avoid any last-minute hassle, you must take guidance from an experienced career counsellor. Career counselling is so common these days, that you can clear your doubts, rectify your career plan and set achievable goals.
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