Political Science - Courses, Eligibility, Colleges, Online, Admission, Scope & Career 2026

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Ishika Ray

Updated 3+ months ago

Political science courses are in great demand across the country. Political science is a social science discipline that teaches students about the state, global politics, and government. Political science courses are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels.

This course is not only popular in India, but it is also popular around the world. Political Science is concerned with the operation of the state, government, and various agencies, as well as how one can apply theoretical knowledge about one's country in the real or practical world to improve it. Political science is a social science subject that teaches students about the workings of the government, both state and central, and other agencies, as well as how this knowledge can be applied practically for the betterment of the country as a whole.

A political science course deals with theoretical knowledge about how politics work on the local, state, national, or international level and teaches the students how to apply this knowledge for the betterment of the country. Therefore, the course is popular across the globe, not just in India.

A political science course covers the inner workings of the government, both state and central, as well as other agencies, and teaches students how to apply this knowledge for the betterment of the country. 

Political Science: Course Highlights

Course Name Political Science
Course Level Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate
Duration UG Courses- 3 years
PG Courses- 2 years
Diploma - 1 to 24 months
Certificate - 1 to 24 months
Eligibility UG Courses- Pass 12th with 50% marks
PG Courses- Graduate in relevant field
Diploma - Pass 10+2 with 50% marks
Certificate - Pass 10+2 with 50% marks
Average Fee INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000
Top Colleges Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi
St. Xavier’s College, Bangalore
Christ University, Bangalore
Presidency College, Chennai
Miranda House, New Delhi
Average Salary INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000

Political Science Courses Eligibility

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in political science are offered at several universities and colleges in India. 
  • The university offering the program generally sets its eligibility criteria before candidates can apply for admission to the top universities in the country. 
  • Applicants are required to pass 10+2 from a recognized university with an aggregate of 50% marks.
  • Some universities may also require the students to appear for entrance exams such as CUETJNUEE, or university-based entrance exams.

Political Science Courses Admission Process

Most universities take admission to political science courses based on merit. However, some top colleges require the candidates to pass entrance exams such as CUET, JNUEE, or university entrance exams. Important dates of popular entrance exams are listed below:

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

  • The CUET exam is conducted by the NTA. 
  • It provides a single window of opportunity to students for admission into various colleges and UG, PG, and Ph.D. courses. 
  • The eligibility criteria for CUET require the candidates to pass class 12th with an aggregate of 50% marks in order to apply for the test.

Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET)

  • The IPU CET is conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to various UG and PG courses offered by Guru Gobind Singh University.
  • The eligibility criteria require the candidate to pass class 12th from a recognized board with an aggregate of 50% marks.
  •  Students seeking admission in pg courses must complete graduation in the relevant field.

NMIMS National Test for Programs After Twelfth (NPAT)

  • The NPAT exam is conducted by the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies for admission to UG and PG courses at the university.
  • The eligibility criteria require the candidate to pass 10+2 with English as a compulsory subject and an aggregate of 50% marks.
  • Students currently in class 12 are also eligible.
  • The age limit for registration is 25 years

Political Science Courses

Political science courses are available at various levels, including undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, diploma courses, certification courses, etc. There are both online and offline political science courses available. 

  • It usually takes three years to complete a bachelor's degree, while two years to complete a postgraduate degree in political science.
  • Among the topics covered in the courses are historical and contemporary political systems, public administration, policy-making, international relations, public affairs, and more.

Certificate Courses in Political Science

There are many short-term political science certification courses also available for students to pursue. Some of the top certificate courses in political science are given below:

Course Name Course Provider Fees
Certificate in Politics and International Studies SOAS University of London INR 9,00,000
PG Certificate in Global Development The Open University, UK INR 2,92,000
Moral Foundations of Politics by The Yale University Coursera Free Enrollment
Political Science Certificate Course Online IAP Career College INR 12,200
Business, International Relations, and the Political Economy London School of Economics and Political Science INR 1,86,400

Political Science Undergraduate Courses

At the undergraduate level, candidates can choose to take a BA in Political Science. There are a variety of top colleges that offer BA in Political Science courses, including DU, IPU, etc. The details for the course are given below:

Course Name BA Political Science
Duration 3 years
Admission Process Merit/Entrance Based
Eligibility Pass 10+2 with 50% marks from a recognized board.
Top Colleges Lady Shri Ram College
Christ University
Miranda House
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Presidency College
Average Fee INR 10,000 to INR 80,000

Some other courses related to political science one can pursue after 12th are: 

  • BSc International Relations
  • BSc Business and Diplomatic Studies
  • BSc Political Science
  • BSc National Security Studies

Political Science Postgraduate Courses

If interested in studying further, candidates can pursue a master's degree in Political Science. The most popular PG degree in the field is MA in Political Science available at top colleges like DU, BHU, IGNOU, etc. Given below are the details for the course:

Course Name MA Political Science
Duration 2 years
Admission Process Entrance/Merit Based
Eligibility Graduation in a relevant field
Top Colleges Lady Shri Ram College
Ramjas College
Gargi College
SXC Kolkata
Presidency College
Average Fee INR 20,000 to 1,00,000

Top Political Science Colleges

Some of the best political science colleges in India are listed below:

College Name Average Fee
Lady Shri Ram College INR 53,640
St. Xavier’s College INR 1,95,000
Christ University INR 1,85,000
Miranda House INR 20,000
Presidency College INR 6000
MCC Chennai INR 56,157
Fergusson College INR 22,340
Hindu College INR 52,680

Political Science Online Courses

There are several online political science courses available for candidates to pursue. Some of the top online courses are listed below:

Course Name Provider Fees
BA Political Science Aligarh Muslim University INR 25,500
MA Political Science LPU Jalandhar INR 76,000
Indian Government ad Politics Kashmir University Free
Introduction to Politics University of Kent INR 900
International Politics Mastery Udemy INR 649
Political Science - Political Party and Politics Udemy INR 649

Political Science Subjects

The subjects covered in political science courses are listed below:

Comparative Government and Politics Colonialism in India
Principles of Public Administration Economics
Ethics and Politics Politics in India and World
Democracy and Human Rights in India Themes in Indian Political Thought
Comparative Political Analysis Democracy and Political Institutions in India
Debates in Political Theory Political Philosophy

Political Science Scope and Job Options

The demand for political science graduates is growing. There are many sub-disciplines and specialized study areas within the discipline of political science. There are many career opportunities in Political Science including state and local governments, law, business, international organizations, associations, and NGOs, campaign management, voting, journalism, elections politics, research, and university and college teaching. Political science graduates can earn up to an average of INR 4,00,000 to 8,00,000.

Political Science: Jobs

Political science offers a great range of career opportunities to students. Some of the top career options political science graduates can avail of are listed below:

Job Role Job Description Average Salary
Civil Servant Civil Servants are government officials who implement governmental policies, maintain law and order, and the link government and the public. INR 7,00,000
Policy Analyst Conduct research on various political aspects such as foreign relations, ideologies, policies, etc. INR 7,00,000
Lawyer A lawyer assists businesses, individuals, and governmental agencies in legal matters and upholds the law while protecting a client’s rights. INR 3,50,000
Legislative Assistant They assist legislators in the lawmaking process, which involves research, communications, and public relations. INR 9,00,000
Journalist Journalists or reporters are responsible for researching and writing accurate and unbiased stories about real-life events. They interview guests, gather info, etc. INR 4,00,000
Public Relations Representative A public relations representative is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image on behalf of an individual, group, or organization. INR 5,50,000
Political Scientist Political scientists analyze government, policies, trends, and other related matters, as well as the origins, development, and operation of political systems. INR 12,00,000
Public Opinion Analyst Studying political subjects and analyzing election results, public opinion surveys, etc., using statistical analysis and interpreting results. INR INR 7,00,000
Teacher (political science) Develop and implements curriculum, advise and teach students the subject. INR 3,00,000

Political Science Courses: FAQs

Ques. Is political Science in demand?

Ans. Yes, there is a growing demand for political science graduates in our country It is expected to have higher growth in the coming years. 

Ques. Is BA Political Science worth it?

Ans. BA (H) Political Science is the ideal course for you if you want to learn how political systems work. Furthermore, the course will improve your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Ques. What are the subfields of political science?

Ans. Some of the major subfields of political science include Indian Politics, Contemporary Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Political Philosophy, etc.

Ques. What is the average salary after a bachelor in political science?

Ans. The average salary one can earn after graduating in political science ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

Ques. Are political science courses hard to study?

Ans. Political science is a social science, so it does not require courses in math or science. It requires reading, research, critical thinking, logic, writing, and effective communication skills.

Ques. What are the top colleges offering political science?

Ans. Some of the top colleges offering political science courses are Lady Shri Ram College, St. Xavier’s College, Presidency College, MCC Chennai and Fergusson College, etc.

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