A Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is an undergraduate program that provides a deep understanding of political systems, governance, public policies, international relations, and political theory. The course opens up a wide array of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Graduates can pursue careers in administration, journalism, law, research, political consultancy, social work, education, and more.
The course also lays a strong foundation for aspirants looking to appear for civil services and other competitive government exams. Those inclined toward academia or specialized roles may also pursue higher studies like MA in Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, or even law (LLB).
Table of Contents
BA Political Science Jobs: Roles & Salary
Graduates of BA Political Science can begin their careers in various impactful roles across policy, media, governance, and public relations. With experience, these roles offer significant growth in both responsibility and compensation. The table below outlines key job profiles along with average salary ranges for both freshers and experienced professionals. The salary data is as per Indeed and PayScale:
BA Political Science Jobs: Location-Based
Location plays a significant role in determining the salary and scope of job opportunities for BA Political Science graduates, especially in roles like political consulting and public policy. Metro cities and political hubs tend to offer higher pay and better career progression. The table below highlights average salaries across various Indian cities based on experience levels, as per AmbitionBox data.
BA Political Science Jobs for Freshers
Fresh graduates with a BA in Political Science can explore diverse entry-level roles across public policy, media, governance, and social sectors. These positions offer foundational experience and help build a career in political communication, research, or advocacy. Below is a table highlighting popular job roles and their starting salary ranges:
BA Political Science Jobs for Experienced Candidates
With experience, BA Political Science graduates can advance into senior and specialized roles across academia, policy advisory, media, and development sectors. These positions demand strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills developed over years of professional work. The table below outlines key job profiles along with their average salary ranges for experienced candidates:
BA Political Science Jobs: Career Scope
A BA in Political Science opens the door to a wide range of academic, professional, and competitive career paths. Graduates can choose to deepen their expertise through higher studies, enter public service, or contribute to policy-making and advocacy. Below are some of the most promising career avenues available after completing the degree:
- Higher Studies - The BA Political Science graduates can pursue higher education in MA Political Science, MA International Relations, MA Public Administration, or MBA General, MBA International Relation, or LLB)
- Government Jobs - The BA Political Science graduates can prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSC, SSC, etc. The will be able to find jobs in administration, governance, and public policy. Political science provides a strong foundation for UPSC and other competitive exams.
- Journalism - The graduates can also enter the journalism sector and Covers political news, legislative developments, and elections.
- Social Work/ NGO - The political science graduates have enough knowledge to work for the society. They can works in areas like human rights, education, women’s welfare, and public health. Involves advocacy, community development, and fieldwork.
- They can work with political parties, advocacy groups, or social campaigns.
- Research/ Academia - The graduates can pursue an MA followed by M.Phil/ PhD and Build a career in academia or research institutions.
BA Political Science Jobs FAQs
What are the best government jobs after BA Political Science?
Some of the top government job options include civil services (IAS, IPS), SSC-CGL positions, State PSC roles, and opportunities in public sector think tanks and legislative bodies. These roles value critical thinking, analytical abilities, and understanding of governance — all of which are core outcomes of a political science degree.
Is BA Political Science good for UPSC?
Yes, Political Science is one of the most popular and scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The subject overlaps with key areas of the syllabus such as polity, governance, and international relations, making it a strategic choice for aspirants.
Can I pursue law after BA Political Science?
Absolutely. BA Political Science provides an excellent base for LLB or integrated law programs. Many students go on to specialize in constitutional law, public policy, or international law, combining their political knowledge with legal expertise.
What is the average salary after BA Political Science?
The average starting salary ranges between INR 2.5 to 4 LPA for freshers. With experience, specialization, or higher studies, professionals can earn anywhere from INR 6 to 12 LPA or more, especially in policy, civil services, or international NGOs.
Which private companies hire Political Science graduates?
Several research firms, think tanks (like PRS Legislative Research, IDSA), media organizations (The Hindu, India Today), consultancies (KPMG, Deloitte – Public Sector), and NGOs (CRY, Oxfam) hire political science graduates for research, analysis, PR, or administrative roles.
What are the best higher studies options after BA Political Science?
Postgraduate options include MA in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Public Administration, Journalism, or LLB. These programs enhance domain expertise and open doors to more specialized job profiles and higher salaries.
