MA Political Science

Duration: 2 Years
Avg Fees: INR 7,000-1 LPA
Thasleen Mohideen
Thasleen Mohideen

Updated on - Jan 6, 2024

MA Political Science or Master of Arts in Political Science is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on national and international politics including the relationship between international countries, laws and regulation acts, political theories, comparative politics, etc. The course enables the students to gain the required knowledge in the area of Indian and International Politics, the Indian Constitution, General Political Knowledge, etc. 

The MA Political Science core subjects include Political Theory and Ideologies. Contemporary Politics, Indian & Western Political Thoughts, Public Administration, International Relations, Human Rights, etc. 

MA Political Science requires the candidates to complete Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree with at least 50% of the aggregate marks or an equal CGPA from a recognized university or Institution. Apart from the merit score, the candidate also needs to qualify for the entrance exams such as CUET-PG, JMI EE, JNUEE, LPUNEST, etc. The average MA Political Science course fees range from INR 7,000 - 1 LPA.

Table of Contents

MA Political Science Course Details

Degree Masters
Full Form Master of Arts in Political Science
Duration 2 Years
Age No age limit
Minimum Percentage A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in an undergraduate program.
Average Fees INR 7,000-1 LPA
Similar Options of Study MA (Sociology), MA (History), MA (Economics) etc.
Average Salary INR 3 - 8 LPA
Employment Roles Fraud Analyst, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Senior Research Associate, Researcher. Administrative Officer
Top Recruiters NDTV, Times of India, KPMG, The Hindu

What is an MA Political Science Course?

The full form of MA in Political Science is Master of Arts in Political Science. The primary areas of focus for the MA in Political Science are political doctrines, polity, international law, political philosophy, and governance. Top colleges like Banaras Hindu College, Presidency College, LPU, etc., offer MA Political Science courses.  The specialization falls under the umbrella of the MA course

The course focuses on the fundamentals of political science to enable the students to work in diverse job roles such as Political Correspondent, Journalist, Political Content Writer, Government Administrative officer, etc. Prominent companies such as Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Foreign Services, KPMG, etc. recruit students regularly. The average M.A Political Science salary ranges from INR 3 - 8 LPA

MA in Political Science Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for MA Political Science courses requires the candidate to fulfill a set of requirements such as age limit, merit score, entrance examination, subject requirements, etc. Listed below are the M.A Political Science eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree in political science or an equivalent degree with at least 50% marks for general category students and 45% marks for reserved category students. The students must also appear for entrance examinations such as CUET-PG, JNUEE, LPUNEST, etc.
  • There is no age limit for admission into MA Political Science courses.

Why Choose an MA Political Science Course?

MA Political Science course offers a wide range of opportunities for candidates aspiring to work in the political field with its diverse curriculum including political doctrines, polity, international law, political philosophy, and governance. Listed below are some of the pointers on why choosing an MA Political Science course can be the right choice:

  • As per the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook for the MA Political Science is growing at the rate of 7% between the years 2022-2032.
  • Around 600 openings are projected for political science roles every year, and the openings are mostly as a result of retirement or promotion indicating a good career progression.
  • The field is expected to have a positive job outlook and employment growth in the next decade

Why Choose MA Political Science

MA Political Science Admission Process

The MA Political Science Admission process is either through entrance exams such as JNU EE, CUCET, etc., or based on the merit score of the undergraduate course in colleges like Sharda University. Listed below is the step-by-step MA in 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 either available online on the college's official website or directly on the college campus.
  • Step 3: Based on the entrance exam score and the college admission criteria, the candidate will be called for a counseling process or a personal interview.
  • Step 4: Upon confirmation of the admission, students can proceed with fee payment and document submission as required by the college.

MA Political Science Admission Process

MA Political Science Entrance Exam

MA Political Science entrance exam such as CUET-PG, LPUNEST, JNUEE, etc. is conducted either at the national or institutional level for the admission process. Tabulated below are some of the important entrance exams for MA Political Science along with the registration date and accepting colleges:

MA Political Science Entrance Exam

Exam Date

Accepting Colleges

CUET-PG

Mar 11-Mar 28, 2024

Delhi University, BHU, Pondicherry University, etc.

JNUEE

May 15-May 31, 2024

Jawahar Lal Nehru University

LPU NEST March 2024 (Tentative)

Lovely Professional University

JMI EE April 2024 (Tentative)

Jamia Milia Islamia University

Top MA Political Science Colleges in India with Fee Details

The average MA Political Science course fee ranges from INR 7,000 to 1 LPA. The MA in Political Science course is offered by private colleges such as LPU, Sharda University, etc., and government colleges such as DU, BHU, Jamia Milia Islamia University, etc.  Listed below are the top MA Political Science colleges in India with fee structure:

M.A Political Science Colleges

Average Tuition Fees

Admission Fees Miscellaneous MA Political Science Fees

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR 8,000 PA

INR 1,000 -

Banaras Hindu University

INR 9,240 PA

- INR 6,000-8,000 PA

Delhi University

INR 7,500 PA

INR 200 INR 1,500 PA

Jamia Milia Islamia University

INR 7,000 PA

INR 100 -

Indraprastha College for Women

INR 12,000 PA

INR 1,000  -

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University

INR 24,000 PA

INR 1,500 -

Galgotias University

INR 46,000 PA

- INR 15,000 PA

Sharda University

INR 87,750 PA

-

INR 64,000 PA

Lovely Professional University

INR 1 LPA

INR 1,000

INR 9,000 PA

SNDT Women's University

INR 14,430 PA

INR 1,500

-

Uttaranchal University

INR 35,500 PA

INR 6,000

INR 7,650 PA

ICFAI University, Mizoram

INR 21,120 PA

INR 5,000

INR 5,000 PA

SRMU

INR 42,000 PA

-

INR 80,000 PA

Types of MA Political Science Courses

The MA in Political Science is one of the emerging courses and can be pursued either full-time or in distance education based on the student’s preference. Listed below are the MA Political Science course details:

Types 

MA Political Science Eligibility

MA Political Science Duration

Full-Time MA Political Science

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree from any recognized university + Entrance Exam Score

2 Years

MA in Political Science Distance Education

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree from any recognized university 

2-5 Years

MA Political Science Distance Education Details

The distance MA in Political Science course is UGC-DEB recognized and helps students to understand the fundamentals of the course in their flexible time in a much cost-effective range. Below are a few important pointers regarding the MA Political Science distance education course:

  • The course can be pursued in college or universities like the University of Madras, IGNOU, Lovely Professional University, etc
  • The average MA Political Science distance education fees range from INR 6,000-30,000 PA.
  • The course duration can be extended to a maximum of five years based on the coursework submission.

MA Political Science Syllabus and Subjects

MA Political Science first year syllabus focuses on subjects such as Comparative Politics, Liberal and Post Liberal Political Theory, Political Ideologies, etc. The second year MA in Political Science syllabus covers subjects like Indian Foreign Policy, Regional Politics in India, Conceptual Issues in Political Sociology, etc. 

Listed below are the important MA Political Science subjects and the topics covered:

MA Political Science Subjects

Topics Covered

Contemporary Political Theory

Politics as the art of government, Approaches to the study of Politics, Political ideologies, Elements of Liberalisation

Western Political Thought

Plato-Aristotle, Hobbes-Locke- Rousseau, St. Thomas Aquinas – St. Augustine- Machiavelli, Bentham-J.S.Mill-Hegal

Indian Constitution

Salient features of the Indian Constitution, The Union Executive, The House of People and the Council of States, The Supreme Court as the Apex Court

International Relations

Nature Scope Purpose of International Relations, India’s Foreign Policy, Function and Types of Diplomacy, Third World in International Relations

Modern Governments

United Kingdom Salient Feature of the Constitution, US Salient Feature of the Constitution, People’s Republic of China, Japan

Read More: MA in Political Science Syllabus and Subjects

MA Political Science College Comparison

The MA Political Science course is offered by both government and private colleges in India with a key focus on equipping the students with the required knowledge and understanding of Indian and International politics. Here is the comparison between the top three colleges offering MA Political Science courses based on various parameters:

College Name

Lovely Professional University

Madras Christian College

Presidency University

Average Fees

INR 1 LPA

INR 56,270 PA

INR 40,000 PA

Admission Process

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree from any recognized university 

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree from any recognized university 

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equal CGPA in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science or an equivalent degree from any recognized university 

Top Recruiters

Capgemini, IBM, India TV

ICICI, Accenture, Zoho

ICICI Bank, Genpact, ZEE

Average Placement

INR 5 LPA

INR 3.5 LPA

INR 4 LPA

MA Political Science Vs MA Economics

MA Political Science courses aim to impart knowledge and understanding of the Indian constitution, democracy, foreign democracies, international law, and regulations, etc. whereas the MA Economics course covers extensively international financial economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, utilization of resources in various sectors, etc. 

Tabulated below is the comparison between MA Political Science and MA Economics:

Course

MA Political Science

MA Economics

Full Form

Master of Arts in Political Science

Master of Arts in Economics

Course Overview

This course focuses mainly on Indian and international politics through a wide range of topics ranging from Indian democracy to modern politics.

This course aims at helping the students understand the concepts of economics through a diverse curriculum including Microeconomic theory, theory of pricing and distribution etc.

Stream

Arts

Arts

Duration

2 Years

2 Years

Eligibility

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in previous qualifying exams from a recognized university

A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in previous qualifying exams from a recognized university

Entrance Exams

CUET-PG, JNUEE, JMI EE, etc.

CUET PG, CUCET

Top Colleges

Presidency College, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi

Madras Christian College, Loyola College, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Average Fees

INR 7,000-1 LPA

INR 6,000-70,000 PA

Average Salary

INR 3-8 LPA

INR 5-7 LPA

Job Role

Journalist, Risk Analyst, Political Writer

Professional Economist, Data Analyst, Equity Analyst

Read More: MA Economics

Salary of a MA Political Science Graduate in India

The average MA Political Science salary ranges from INR 3-8 LPA based on the knowledge and skill set. The MA in Political Science salary is determined by various factors such as job designation, job location, work experience, etc. Listed below are the salary of a MA Political Science graduate for various job roles:

MA Political Science Salary

Entry Level Salary

Salary After 3 Years of Experience

Policy Analyst

INR 4 LPA

INR 11 LPA

Public Relations Officer

INR 3 LPA

INR 6.8 LPA

Political Reporter

INR 3.9 LPA

INR 8 LPA

Media Strategist

INR 4.2 LPA

INR 9.7 LPA

Campaign Manager

INR 3 LPA

INR 7.6 LPA

Read More: MA Political Salary and Jobs

Courses After MA Political Science 

After successful completion of the MA Political Science courses, candidates can opt for higher education to enhance their knowledge in the field of political science for better career prospects. Listed below are some of the course recommendations that can be pursued after an MA Political Science:

  • MSc International Relations
  • MSc Business and Diplomatic Studies
  • MBA in Human Resource Management
  • MSc National Security Studies
  • MA LLB
  • MA in Human Rights
  • M.Phil Political Science
  • Ph.D. Political Science

Careers After MA Political Science

MA in Political Science graduates have vast career opportunities in various fields such as banking, finance, media and news, information technology, accounting firms, etc. Listed below are the career opportunities for MA Political Science graduates:

Job Designations 

Hiring Company

Average Salary

Policy Analyst

Times of India, Zoho, Zee

INR 5 LPA

Legislative Assistant

Axis Bank, HDFC, Capgemini

INR 3.3 LPA

Public Relations Officer

Green Trends, Tata Motors, HCL Tech

INR 5.8 LPA

Media Strategist

Zee, NDTV, Muthoot Finance

INR 4.7 LPA

Campaign Manager

Paytm, TCS, TVS Credit Services

INR 3 LPA

Top Recruiters for MA Political Science

MA Political Science graduates are recruited by top companies in different fields such as KPMG, HDFC, News 18, Times of India, etc. Listed below are the top companies hiring for MA Political Science graduates along with the salary details:

Top Recruiters

Average Entry Level Salary

KPMG

INR 4.19 LPA

Paytm

INR 4.0 LPA

HDFC 

INR 5.8 LPA

The Hindu

INR 4.0 LPA

Times of India

INR 5.20 LPA

MA Political Science Recruiters

Sources: (Glassdoor & Ambition Box)

MA Political Science Scholarships

Students aiming to pursue an MA Political Science can opt for scholarships provided by private and government organizations based on various factors like merit score, annual income, etc. Listed below are the MA Political Science scholarships along with their benefits and eligibility criteria:

MA Political Science Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria

Amount

NSP Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities

Students who have secured more than 50% marks in the previous final examination and the annual income of their parents should not exceed Rs.1.00 lakh PA

INR 10,000

Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities (Karnataka)

Students who secure more than 50% marks in the previous qualifying examination and have an annual family income of less than INR 2.5 Lakh PA

INR 30,000

NEC Merit Scholarship

Must be a permanent resident of any of the North Eastern States, should not be receiving financial assistance from any other source

INR 25,000 PA

Swami Vivekananda Scholarship

Candidate must be a permanent resident of West Bengal, studying in a government-recognized educational institution in West Bengal. 

INR 5,000 Per Month

Skills to Excel as a MA Political Science Graduate

To excel in a career as an MA Political Science graduate, a candidate must develop a strong set of soft skills and domain expertise. Given below are some of the most important skills for MA Political Science graduates:

  • Research Skills: Most of the job roles for MA Political Science involve the candidate doing extensive research and analysis, it is important to develop research skills
  • Communication Skills: Candidates must have effective written and oral communication as it is essential for presenting research findings, formulating policies, and working with diverse stakeholders.
  • Data Analysis: The candidate must have a basic understanding of data analysis as more companies are moving towards data-driven policymaking

MA Political Science Fee Structure

FAQs

Can I do an MA in Political Science in one year?

No, The course duration for MA Political Science for full-time courses is two years.

Is MA Political Science a good degree?

The MA Political Science course offers great career opportunities and career growth and enables the candidate to be well-equipped with analytical skills, research skills, writing and debate skills to help them work with prominent companies.

Is MA Political Science useful for UPSC?

Yes, the subjects and syllabus discussed in the course curriculum will help the candidate in preparing for the UPSC Examinations. However, the eligibility criteria for UPSC exams is that the candidate must have completed any bachelor’s degree hence this is not a requirement.

What is the scope of an MA in Political Science?

After successful completion of the course, candidates can be employed in various job roles such as News Reporter, Policy Analyst, Journalist, Communications Coordinator, Public Administrator, Political pollster, etc.

What specializations are available under the MA in Political Science course?

Students can choose elective subjects like Human Rights and Social Justice, Political Communication, Environmental Politics, etc.

See Various MA Political Science Colleges in India

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