BA Political Science Syllabus in Government & Private Colleges

• Updated on  Jul 21, 2025, by Epil Gagrai

BA in Political Science is a 3-year undergraduate course aimed at offering students a thorough knowledge of political systems, governance, public policies, political theories, and international relations. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from Indian and Western political thought, public administration to human rights and current international issues. The course is divided over six semesters with an appropriate combination of core, elective, and skill development subjects to ensure overall academic development.

 

Table of Contents

  1. BA Political Science Syllabus in Government Colleges
  2. BA Political Science Syllabus in Private Colleges
  3. BA Political Science Exam Scheme
  4. BA Political Science FAQs

 

BA Political Science Syllabus in Government Colleges

Here is the BA in Political Science syllabus offered by Pondicherry University. It is expected that the syllabus in other government universities will be similar to this:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Introduction to Political Theory

Classical Western Political Thought

Indian Government and Politics

Introduction to Human Rights

Introduction to Public Administration

Democratic Awareness with Legal Literacy

English (Core Compulsory)

MIL (Core Compulsory)

MIL (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, etc.) / Environmental Science

English/MIL (Communication)/ Environmental Science

 

English (Core Compulsory)

Semester 3

Semester 4

Comparative Government and Politics

Introduction to International Relations

Major Modern Political Systems

Political Process and Institutions in Comparative Perspective

Indian Constitution

Ancient Indian Political Thought

Legislative Support

Public Opinion and Survey Research

English (Core Compulsory)

MIL (Core Compulsory)

MIL (Core Compulsory)

English (Core Compulsory)

Soft Core from any other Discipline

Soft Core from any other Discipline

Semester 5

Semester 6

Modern Indian Political Thought

Modern Western Political Thought

India’s Foreign Policy

Local Self-Government in India

Major Issues in Contemporary Indian Politics

Social Movements in Contemporary India

Introduction to Political Economy

Society and Polity of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Reading Gandhi / Interdisciplinary (Any one from Second Discipline)

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Administration and Public Policy: Concepts and Theories

Democracy and Governance

Soft Core from any Other Discipline

Understanding Globalisation

Soft Core from any Other Discipline

Human Rights, Gender and Environment / Interdisciplinary (Any one from Second Discipline)

 

Dissertation or Project Work (Optional)

 

BA Political Science Syllabus in Private Colleges

Here is the BA in Political Science syllabus offered by Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science. It is expected that the syllabus of other private universities will be similar to this:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Principles of Political Science – I

Principles of Political Science – II

Political Theory

Principles of Public Administration – II

Political Parties and Processes in India

Freedom, Justice, and Equality

Principles of Public Administration – I

Political Economy

General Elective (Other than Political Science)

General Elective (Other than Political Science)

English / Modern Indian Language

Environmental Studies (Theory)

Semester 3

Semester 4

Classical Political Thought

Human Rights

Research Methodology

Contemporary Political Thought

Indian Political Thought

Statistics

Modern Political Thought

Modern Political Philosophy

General Elective (Other than Political Science)

General Elective (Other than Political Science)

Skill Enhancement 1

Skill Enhancement 2

Semester 5

Semester 6

International Relations – I

International Relations – II

Public Policy and Administration in India

Globalisation and Its Discontents

Indian Constitution

Political Sociology / Political System / Citizenship in a Globalizing World (DSE 3 & 4)

India’s Foreign Policy

Project Work & Viva

Corporate Governance / Feminism Theory and Practice / Gandhi and Contemporary World (DSE 1 & 2)

 

Also, check the syllabus for other BA courses

 

BA Political Science Exam Scheme

Here is the exam scheme followed by Periyar University for BA in Political Science. The exam scheme is similar in all the semesters.

Course Category

Internal Marks

External Marks

Total Marks

Core Courses

25

75

100

Allied Courses

25

75

100

Elective Courses

25

75

100

 

BA Political Science FAQs

What are the key topics included in the BA Political Science syllabus?

The BA Political Science syllabus commonly has subjects such as Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics, International Relations, Public Administration, Political Thought (Indian & Western), Human Rights, and Comparative Politics.

Is the BA Political Science syllabus uniform in all Indian universities?

No, although the major concepts are the same, the structure of the syllabus, electives, and depth of study can differ slightly according to the university and state board guidelines. Each institution follows UGC guidelines for designing its syllabus but could adjust content for regional and academic emphases.

Is the BA Political Science course practical in nature with components such as projects or fieldwork?

Yes, most universities have project work, viva voce, or dissertations in the last semester for promoting research and practical application of political concepts. These elements promote the research skills of students and use theoretical knowledge to relate to real-life political concepts.

Is there any interdisciplinary or elective course in the BA Political Science curriculum?

Yes, students have a variety of general electives and interdisciplinary courses such as Sociology, History, Economics, or courses like Environmental Politics, Human Rights, and Gender Studies.

Is there a focus on current affairs and contemporary political issues in the BA Political Science syllabus?

Yes, the BA Political Science syllabus includes papers on contemporary politics, Indian foreign policy, and global political developments, ensuring students stay updated with current political scenarios. These subjects enable critical thinking and awareness of the changing dynamics in both domestic and international politics.

What kind of skill enhancement courses are offered in the BA Political Science program?

Skill-based papers often include Research Methodology, Legislative Practices, Survey Research, Legal Literacy, and Conflict Resolution to develop analytical and practical skills. These courses aim to equip students for both academic progression and roles in policy, governance, and civic engagement.

Does the syllabus of BA Political Science help students with competitive exam preparation?

Yes, the BA Political Science syllabus is well-suited to prepare for numerous competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and state civil services, providing a good foundation in Indian polity, constitution, and governance. The curriculum frequently overlaps with major exam topics, enabling students to prepare effectively while pursuing their degree.

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