BA Political Science: Course Details, Eligibility, Fees, Admission
BA Political Science is a 3-year undergraduate course that focuses on study of political systems, theories, policies, and governance at local, state, national, and international levels. The core BA in Political Science subjects include political theory, comparative politics, international relations, political sociology, etc.
BA Political Science eligibility requires candidates to clear their 10+2 (high school degree) in any stream or any related stream with a minimum of 50% marks or unreserved and 45% for SC/ST/PwD category from an accredited board. Apart from the merit score, the candidate also needs to qualify for the entrance exams such as CUET-UG, SNDT UET, etc.
The BA Political Science fees range from INR 6000 to 2,00,000 per year depending on various factors such as location, placement opportunities, infrastructure, accreditation, etc. The per year fees in private colleges range from INR 10,000 to 2,00,000, whereas the fees in government colleges range from INR 6000 to 1,50,000 per year in India.
Table of Contents
- What is a BA Political Science Course?
- Why Choose BA Political Science Course?
- BA in Political Science Admission
- BA Political Science Entrance Exams
- Top BA Political Science Colleges in India with Fees
- Types of B.A Political Science Courses
- BA Political Science Syllabus and Subjects
- BA Political Science vs BA Economics
- Courses After BA Political Science
- Career Options After Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Course
- BA Political Science Salary in India
- B.A Political Science Scholarship
- Skills to Excel as a BA in Political Science Graduate
BA Political Science Course Details
| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | There is no minimum age limit to enroll in the course. |
| Entrance Exam | CUET-UG, SNDT UET |
| Minimum Percentage | 10+2 from a recognized board with 50% in any stream with English as a mandatory subject |
| Average Fees | INR 6000 -2,00,000 Per Year |
| Similar Options of Study | BA (History), BA (Sociology), BA (Economics) etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 3 LPA - 5.0 LPA (Source: Ambition Box) |
| Employment Roles | Political Consultant, Policy Analyst, Editorial Writer, Policy Advocate, Journalist, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Times of India Group, Hindu Group, NDTV, NITI Ayog, News18 Network |
What is a BA Political Science Course?
BA Political Science focuses on focal points of social, economic, and political life, national and global developments, and problems and techniques to effectively tackle them. The course also covers topics related to political theory, comparative theory, public administration, international politics, etc.
The course falls under the umbrella of BA courses. Top colleges like SNDT Women’s University, Sharda University, UPES, Goa University, and the University of Calicut offer BA in Political Science courses.
B.A Political Science curriculum helps students gain knowledge about the foundation of political science, constitutional law, media and politics, etc., so that they can work in roles like policy analysts, political consultants, journalists, legal assistants, etc. The average salary of a BA Political Science graduate is INR 3-5 LPA (Source: Ambition Box)
BA Political Science Eligibility Criteria
The admission procedure for a BA in Political Science requires candidates to fulfill a certain set of basic eligibility criteria, including merit marks, entrance exam scores, subject requirements, etc. Below listed are the common BA in Political Science eligibility criteria:
- The candidate should have completed 10+2 in any stream with English as a mandatory subject with a minimum of 50% marks for the unreserved category and 45% for the reserved category. The candidate also needs to qualify for entrance exams SNDT UET, CUET-UG, etc.
- Colleges like Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and College require the candidate to secure a minimum of 75% marks in their high school degree.
- There is no minimum age limit for enrolling in the course.
Why Choose BA Political Science Course?
BA Political Science graduates have a diverse range of work opportunities in government organizations and consultancy firms, such as Legislative Assistant, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager, Policy Analyst, and other departments that need specialists in political science.
Below are a few important pointers regarding why one should choose a BA Political Science course:
- According to the BLS report 2022, the political scientist job outlook is promising, as it is expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. Each year, there are projected to be around 700 job openings for BA Political Science graduates.
- Graduates can also expect a growth rate of 8% in policy analyst job roles by 2029. (BLS report)
- The career after BA in Political Science is rewarding, as to improve their domain expertise, graduates can pursue advanced certification courses in human rights, conflict resolutions, etc.
BA in Political Science Admission
The admission to the BA Political Science course is done mainly based on merit scores in colleges like Sharda University, Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and College, etc., and colleges like SNDT Women’s University also conduct entrance tests as an additional criterion. Below listed is the general BA Political Science admission process:
- Step 1: The candidate needs to qualify for the entrance exam as per the requirements of the college.
- Step 2: The student further needs to fill out the college application form, which is either available online or offline.
- Step 3: As per the college admission criteria, the student is called for the PI process.
- Step 4: Once the college releases the merit list, the student needs to submit the necessary documents for verification and pay the fees.
BA Political Science Entrance Exams
Admission to the BA in Political Science course is done on the basis of entrance exams held at national and institute levels such as CUET-UG, SNDT UET, etc. Below listed are a few important entrance exams for BA Political Science courses, along with colleges accepting the entrance exam:
| BA in Political Science Entrance Exams | Exam Date | Accepting Colleges |
| CUET-UG | May 15-May 31, 2024 | Gitam University, UPES |
| SNDT Women’s University UET | May-June, 2024 (Tentative) | SNDT Women’s University |
Top BA Political Science Colleges in India with Fees
The course is provided by private colleges like UPES, Sharda University, SNDT Women’s University, GITAM University, etc.and government colleges such as Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and College, University of Lucknow, Goa University, etc.
Below listed are the best colleges for BA in Political Science courses with their fees:
| NIRF Ranking 2023 | Colleges | Tuition Fees Per Year (INR) |
| 29 | SNDT Women’s University | 6,030 |
| 38 | Jesus and Mary College | 20,630 |
| 52 | UPES | 2,00,000 |
| 87 | Sharda University | 1,36,000 |
| 96 | Goa University | 12,432 |
| 101 | University of Lucknow | 29,439 |
| 151 | USTM | 80,000 |
| - | Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and College | 1,50,000 |
| - | GITAM University | 1,00,000 |
Best BA Political Science Colleges in India Location Wise
Below listed are location-wise BA Political Science colleges in India with the average annual fees:
| Location | Average Annual Fees (INR) |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Delhi | 15,000-1,50,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Mumbai | 10,000-50,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Hyderabad | 20,000-60,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Chennai | 6,000-40,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Pune | 10,000-75,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Jaipur | 30,000-75,000 |
| BA Political Science Colleges in Kerala | 10,000-40,000 |
Types of B.A Political Science Courses
The Bachelor of Political Science course is one of the emerging courses and can be pursued in full-time, distance mode, and integrated courses. Below listed are B.A Political Science course details:
| Types | BA in Political Science Eligibility | BA Political Science Course Duration |
| Full-Time BA in Political Science | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category + Entrance Exam Score | 3 Years |
| BA Political Science Distance Education | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 45% marks for the general category and 40% marks for the reserved category | 3-5 Years |
| Integrated BA Political Science | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category | 5 Years |
Distance BA Political Science Course
The distance B.A. Political Science course is entitled by UGC and helps students to understand the fundamentals of the course in a flexible learning mode and cost-effective way.
Below are a few important pointers regarding the B.A in Political Science distance learning course:
- The course can be pursued from colleges like IMTS Institute, MKU, Bharathidasan University, etc.
- IGNOU offers a BA Hons in Political Science course, with a total fees of INR 9,600.
- The course fee is in the range of INR 25,000-50,000 per annum.
- The course duration can be extended to five years, depending on the coursework completed by the student.
Integrated BA Political Science Course
Students can pursue a BA+MA in Political Science as an integrated course after a 10+2 high school degree. Below are a few important pointers regarding the BA Political Science integrated course:
- The course can be pursued from colleges like the University of Hyderabad, Assam University, etc.
- The integrated BA Political Science fee is in the range of INR 20,0000-2,00,000 per year.
- Students can pursue roles like academic researcher, human rights advocate, foreign service officer, etc., after BA+MA.
BA Political Science Syllabus and Subjects
The first-year B.A Political Science syllabus focuses on foundational concepts in modern and classical political theory, comparative politics, etc.
The second-year syllabus covers topics like analyses of contemporary political issues, specialized topics like Indian constitution, etc. The third-year syllabus focuses on advanced topics like international relations, public policy, and legal studies.
Below listed is the BA Political Science syllabus:
| Semester-I | Semester-II |
| Language I (Regional) | Language I (Regional) |
| English Language I | English Language I |
| Understanding Political Theory | Political Theory - Concepts and Debate |
| Constitutional Government and Democracy | Political Process in India |
| Semester-III | Semester-IV |
| Language I (Regional) | Language I (Regional) |
| English Language-I | English Language-I |
| Introduction to Comparative Govt. and Politics | Political Institutions and Processes in Comparative Perspective |
| Theories of International Relations and World History | Global Politics |
| Introduction to Public Administration | Indian Political Thought |
| Introduction to Human Rights (Elective) | Governance: Issues and Challenges (Elective) |
| Semester-V | Semester-VI |
| Indian Government and Politics- I | Indian Government and Politics- II |
| Principles of Public Administration- I | Principles of Public Administration- II |
| India Foreign Policy in a Changing World | Indian Constitution |
| Feminism: Theory and Practice (Elective) | Gandhi and The Contemporary World (Elective) |
| Research Methodology | Project Work & Viva |
Read More: B.A Political Science Syllabus and Subjects
BA Political Science vs BA Economics
A BA in Political Science focuses on political theory and governance. BA in Economics delves into the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The table below showcases the differences between a B.A. Political Science and BA Economics:
| Course | BA in Political Science | BA Economics |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts in Economics |
| Course Overview | The curriculum focuses on the study of political theories, systems, and institutions, with an emphasis on understanding political behavior and processes | The curriculum focuses on the study of how societies allocate resources and make decisions, including the analysis of markets, production, consumption, and economic policies. |
| Stream | Arts | Arts |
| Duration | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50% marks. | 10+2 (High School Degree) with a minimum of 50% marks. |
| Entrance Exams | CUET-UG, SUAT, etc. | DUET, BHU UET, and Jamia Millia Islamia University entrance exam, etc. |
| Top Colleges | UPES, Sharda University, Hindustan University, etc. | Sharda University, ASBM University, Delhi University, etc. |
| Fees | INR 6000 -2,00,000 per year | INR 5,000 - 1,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary | INR 3-5 LPA | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Job Role | Policy Analyst, Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, etc. | Financial Analyst, Executive Assistant, Commodity Broker, etc |
Read More: BA Economics
Courses After BA Political Science
After completing their degree, students can always seek higher education, which will improve their long-term professional chances. Below listed are a few courses that a BA in Political Science can pursue:
- MA in Political Science
- MA in International Relations
- LLB
- Masters in Public Policy
- MBA/PGDM
- MSW
- B.Ed
- PhD
Career Options After Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Course
The career options after a BA in Political Science are vast, graduates can work in top organizations like Oxfam India, NDTV, KPMG India, Delhi University, etc. Below listed are a few BA Political Science job roles offered to graduates along with their job designation, top companies, and average salaries:
| Job Designations | Job Description | Hiring Companies |
| Political Consultant | Act as public relations specialists, salespeople and managers and make voters aware of their candidates' party platform | ABM, Aam Aadmi Party, NWM Services, etc |
| Policy Analyst | Examining the efficacy of existing policies and laying out the groundwork for new programs and legislation to meet objectives and goals | Varahe Analytics, GOI, AXA, etc. |
| Editorial Writer | Research the issue at hand and collaborate with colleagues to decide the publication's official opinion on the matter | Times of India, Bharat 24, S&P Global, etc. |
| Policy Advocate | Conduct policy research, develop action alerts, prepare for government hearings, write position letters, meet with government officials and stakeholders | Delhi High Court, Madras High Court, Legal Services, etc. |
Top Recruiters for BA Political Science
The B.A Political Science graduates are hired by various private and government departments such as Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, National Security, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Association for Democratic Reforms, etc.
Below listed are a few Top Recruiters for graduates:
| Times of India Group | Thomson Reuters | IPAC |
| Hindu Group | Republic TV | Dainik Bhaskar Group of Publication |
| NDTV | Political Edge | Ministry of Defense |
| NITI Ayog | Zee Media Corporation | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| News18 Network | NSS | Indian Political Action Committee |
BA Political Science Salary in India
The BA Political Science salary in India, on average is in the range of INR 3- 5 LPA (Source: Glassdoor). Graduates, after having three-plus years of experience, can earn up to INR 8-9 LPA. Below listed are job roles for BA in Political Science graduates, along with their average entry-level salaries:
| BA Political Science Jobs | Average Entry Level Salary (INR) | Salary After 3 Years of Experience (INR) |
| Research Assistant | 3 LPA | 5-6 LPA |
| Legislative Assistant | 3.70 LPA | 5-7 LPA |
| Journalist | 3-4 LPA | 6-8 LPA |
| Public Relation Specialist | 3-4.50 LPA | 7-9 LPA |
| Educator | 3-4.50 LPA | 4-5 LPA |
B.A Political Science Scholarship
Students who want to study BA Political Science can get scholarships from private and government colleges or schemes based on merit score, annual income, and other related factors. Below listed are a few scholarships for BA Political Science course:
| Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
| Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in Different Cultural Fields | The candidate should be between 18-25 yrs. | INR 5,000 Per Month |
| Hasimohon Kr. And Tulsi Mani Kr. Scholarship | Minimum 45-50% marks in 10+2 (High School Degree) | Up to INR 10,000 |
Skills to Excel as a BA in Political Science Graduate
To excel as a B.A Political Science graduate a combination of domain knowledge and practical skills is required. Below listed are a few skills required by the graduate:
- Research Acumen: In order to collect, evaluate, and present data—information essential to policy analysis and well-informed decision-making, good research skills are required.
- Public Speaking: In order to become political campaigns, advocacy, and diplomatic roles graduates should have good public speaking skills.
- Policy Analysis Skills: The graduate should have the capacity to evaluate the effects of policies, carry out cost-benefit evaluations, and provide workable policy recommendations.
- Legal Awareness: The graduate should have legal concepts knowledge to build their career in the field of public advocacy, public administration, etc.
Top BA Political Science Colleges
Top Arts Entrance Exams
BA Political Science Fee Structure
FAQs
Is policy analysis and campaign management part of the BA Political Science syllabus?
Yes, various colleges include topics like campaign planning, messaging, media relations, policy formulation, implementation, etc.
Do Political Science programs offer internships or hands-on experiences?
Internships are an essential part of the educational experience for BA political science students. They provide students with practical experience, networking opportunities, and a way to enhance their resumes.
Can a science background student pursue a BA Political Science course?
Yes, science students are also eligible for opting a bA political Science course, provided the candidate should have scored at least 50% marks in their 10+2 final examination from a recognized board.
Is a BA in political science tough?
The difficulty of a BA in political science can vary depending on individual strengths, interests, and study habits. Political science programs typically involve reading, critical thinking, and essay writing.
Which political science specializations or fields of study are now in demand?
Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Administration, and other related fields are in high demand.
Which are the top government organizations that hire BA Political Science?
Top government departments like the Ministry of External Affairs, Election Commission of India, National Human Right Commission, etc., hire BA Political Science graduates in India.
What are the jobs for BA political science?
A BA Political Science graduate can work as an editor, news reporter, writer, politician, bank manager, clerk, and other positions.
What is the scope of BA Political Science?
The scope of BA Political Science is vast as graduates can pursue their careers in different fields like law and legal services, journalism and media, education, human resource departments, etc.