A PhD in Political Science is a research-oriented degree that teaches students how to examine political challenges and provide solutions. The program can be pursued as a full-time or part-time course. The course duration is 3 years, which can be extended to 6 years depending on the university's rules and regulations.
To be eligible for a PhD degree in Political Science, applicants must have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Political Science or a related discipline with 55% marks from a recognised university. Depending on the college or university selected, they must also qualify for applicable entrance examinations.
Some of the good colleges that offer a Doctorate Degree in Political Science are JNU (New Delhi), Delhi University, AMU, Andhra University (Visakhapatnam), Christ University (Bengaluru), and Amity University (Gurugram). After completing a PhD in Pol Science, one can work as an Assistant Professor, Academic Coordinator, Principal of School, Political Science Teacher, Researcher and others. The average salary can range between INR 4- 14 LPA, depending on the experience level.
- PhD in Political Science Course Highlights
- Why Pursue a PhD in Political Science?
- PhD in Political Science Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Political Science Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Political Science Entrance Exams
- Top Colleges in India for PhD in Political Science
- PhD in Political Science Syllabus
- PhD in Political Science Jobs and Salary
- PhD in Political Science FAQs
PhD in Political Science Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in Pol Science
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | PhD in Political Science |
Level of Study | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years (can be extended up to 6 years) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related discipline with 55% marks from a recognised university
Master's degree in Political Science or related discipline with 55% marks from a recognised university |
Entrance Exams | UGC-NET, CUET PG, DUET |
Admission Process | Merit-Based/Entrance Exam |
Colleges/Universities | JNU (New Delhi), Delhi University, AMU, GITAM University (Hyderabad), Christ University (Bengaluru) |
Average Salary | INR 4-14 LPA |
Job Roles | Assistant Professor, Academic Coordinator, Principal of School, Political Science Teacher, Researcher and others |
Why Pursue a PhD in Political Science?
Some of the reasons to pursue a PhD in Political Science are listed below:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of political ideologies, governance structures, and policies to better understand how democracies operate and communicate.
- An individual qualified with a PhD degree in Political Science can eventually assist policymakers, public administrators, and government reformers through research-based insights after obtaining a PhD Pol Science.
- A doctorate in political science gives opportunities to work with global organisations, think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or diplomatic services.
- One can engage with social and political science professors, politicians, and executives to establish a solid professional connection.
Candidates can also explore the PhD in Public Administration, ideal for those focused on policy-making and government operations.
PhD in Political Science Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for enrolling in a Ph.D. in Political Science course are:
- Have a BA (Hons.) in Political Science or Master's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university.
- Have a minimum of 55% marks in a Master's degree.
- Qualify for entrance exams like UGC NET, CUET PG and DUET.
- Pass the Personal Interview (PI) taken by the college or university.
PhD in Political Science Admission Process 2025
The PhD in Political Science admission process at JNU, New Delhi, is given below:
- Applicants must fill out the application form for admission in their respective courses.
- JNU conducts an entrance examination to evaluate candidates' analytical skills and competence in their discipline.
- Candidates who qualify for the entrance examination are called for a viva-voice.
- Applicants must also submit a research proposal for a thesis that the admission committee can supervise. The proposal must demonstrate a strong understanding of the field.
- The final selection is based on multiple factors, including past academic performance, entrance examination scores, performance in the viva voce and the quality of the research proposal submitted.
- After final selection, candidates can pay the admission fee and enrol for the Doctorate degree in Political Science course.
PhD in Political Science Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for taking admission into a Doctorate in Politics are listed below:
Examination | Registration Date (tentative) | Exam Date (tentative) | Application Fees |
UGC NET 2025 | May 12, 2025 | June 21 to 30, 2025 | INR 1150 (Gen)
INR 600 (OBC/EWS)
INR 325 (SC/ST/PwD/TG) |
APRCET 2025 | April 24, 2025 | May 2 to 5, 2025 | INR 1500 (UR)
INR 1300 (OBC)
INR 1000 (Res.) |
CUET PG 2025 | February 2026 | March 2026 | INR 1400 (Gen)
INR 1200 (OBC/EWS)
INR 1100(SC/ST/TG/PwD) |
Top Colleges in India for PhD in Political Science
Some of the top colleges, as per the NIRF ranking, offering a doctorate in politics are listed below:
NIRF Ranking | College/University | Total Tuition Fee |
2 (University) | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi | INR 720 |
6 (University) | Delhi University, New Delhi | INR 21,390 |
8 (University) | AMU, Aligarh | INR 35,500 |
25 (University) | Andhra University, Visakhapatnam | INR 6,00,000 |
32 (University) | Amity University, Gurugram | INR 2,70,000 |
60 (University) | Christ University, Bengaluru | INR 1,80,000 |
70 (University) | Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh | INR 4,77,000 |
98 (Management) | Galgotias University, Greater Noida | INR 2,85,000 |
1 (Open University) | IGNOU, New Delhi | INR 16,800 |
- | University of Mysore, Karnataka | INR 2,11,775 |
- | GITAM University, Hyderabad | INR 90,000 |
PhD in Political Science Syllabus
The doctorate in political science syllabus, according to the AMU, is given below:
Modules | |
Electoral Process and Voting Behaviour in India | Indian Government and Politics |
Social Movements in India | Constitutional Law of India |
International Relations | International Politics in West Asia |
Socio-Economic and Cultural Rights in International Law | Federalism |
World Politics and Asia in Transition | Public Administration in India |
Good Governance: Issues and Challenges | Muslim Political Thought |
Course on the Rights of the Child | International Human Rights |
World Politics | Nationalism and Nation Building |
Major Issues in South Asia | Research Methodology |
PhD in Political Science Jobs and Salary
A list of a few jobs and their salary for PhD Pol Science graduates has been given below:
Job Role | Recruiter | Experience Level | Average Salary |
UPSC Faculty for Political Science | Argasia Education Pvt Ltd | 0-1 year | INR 4-6 LPA |
Political Science Teacher | Richmond Global School | 3-5 years | INR 5-6.5 LPA |
Academic Coordinator | Indian School of Public Policy | 3-4 years | INR 12-14.2 LPA |
PhD in Political Science FAQs
What are the main research areas in a PhD thesis in Political Science?
Some of the more prevalent research fields are political theory, international relations, global politics, policy-making, administration and political economics. These contribute to one's understanding of the political frameworks and practices apart from the processes of decision-making.
