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BA in Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Varanasi?
This Political Science program at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, governance, and international relations. It delves into Indian political thought, constitutional frameworks, and public administration, equipping students with analytical skills essential for understanding societal dynamics and policy formulation. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for politically aware and ethically responsible citizens in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds who possess a keen interest in current affairs, public policy, and societal structures. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, teaching, or non-governmental organizations. Students with a strong inclination towards critical thinking, research, and understanding governance at various levels would find this specialization rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as policy analysts, civil servants (IAS, PCS), journalists, researchers, and political consultants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and expertise. Opportunities abound in government bodies, think tanks, media houses, and NGOs, contributing to public discourse and policy implementation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to understanding core political concepts (state, liberty, justice) and historical events of the Indian national movement. Use prescribed textbooks thoroughly and refer to academic journals for deeper insights.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks (Class XI-XII), Standard university textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, R.C. Agarwal), Online lectures, Academic articles
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for advanced studies or research roles in the Indian context.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Note-Taking- (Semester 1-2)
Practice concise note-taking during lectures and while reading. Organize notes systematically by topic and semester. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and share different perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Digital note-taking apps (Evernote, OneNote), Traditional notebooks, Collaborative study platforms
Career Connection
Improves information retention, analytical skills, and prepares for structured writing in professional contexts or competitive examinations in India.
Engage with Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Read national newspapers daily (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express) and follow reputable news analysis programs. Actively relate current events to the political theories and constitutional concepts learned in class.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers, News magazines (Frontline), Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV discussions, PRS Legislative Research
Career Connection
Essential for civil services aspirants, journalists, and anyone seeking to be an informed and impactful citizen or professional in the Indian socio-political landscape.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Debates and Public Speaking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively join college debates, moot courts (if applicable), and group discussions. Practice articulating arguments clearly, logically, and respectfully, drawing from your subject knowledge and current issues.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Toastmasters International (if available), Online public speaking courses
Career Connection
Develops strong communication and persuasion skills, highly valued in civil services, legal professions, advocacy, and management roles across India.
Undertake Short-term Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond regular assignments, identify a topic of interest and conduct a mini-research project. Learn to gather data, analyze it, and present findings in a structured manner, often as part of Skill Enhancement Courses.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic databases, Basic statistical tools (e.g., Excel), Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Builds critical research skills vital for academic careers, policy analysis, and journalism in India.
Explore Internships with NGOs or Local Governance- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out short internships (e.g., during summer breaks) with local NGOs, political consulting firms, or local government bodies to gain practical exposure to governance and social work in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct outreach to organizations
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, networking opportunities, and helps clarify career interests, making you more employable in the social and political sectors.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Civil Services Exam Preparation- (Semester 6)
If aiming for civil services, dedicate significant time to UPSC/State PSC preparation. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and optional subject (Political Science). Consider joining coaching or self-study groups for structured preparation.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms (Unacademy, Vajiram & Ravi), Standard General Studies books, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Direct pathway to prestigious government administrative roles and policymaking positions in India.
Develop Specialization through Electives and Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives wisely, aligning with your career interests (e.g., Human Rights, Indian Foreign Policy). Invest deeply in your final year project or dissertation to develop expertise in a niche area.
Tools & Resources
Academic mentors, University library resources, Specialized journals and government reports
Career Connection
Builds deep expertise, making you a specialist for specific roles in think tanks, research, or advocacy within India.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Attend alumni events, seminars, and workshops to connect with professionals working in political science-related fields. Seek guidance on career paths, further studies, and job opportunities in the Indian landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network portals, Professional conferences and public lectures
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities through referrals and informed guidance in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) in any stream from a recognized board or equivalent examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC101 | Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development | Core (Major) | 4 | Rise of Indian Nationalism, Major Freedom Movements, Constituent Assembly, Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties |
| PSC102 | Political Theory: Concepts | Core (Minor/General Elective) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, State and Sovereignty, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and Duties, Democracy and Citizenship |
| AEC101 | General Hindi | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Grammar and Composition, Vocabulary Development, Essay Writing, Official Letter Writing, Translation |
| CCC101 | Food, Nutrition and Hygiene | Co-curricular Course | 2 | Basic Concepts of Food and Nutrition, Balanced Diet, Food Adulteration, Personal and Environmental Hygiene, Common Health Issues |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC201 | Indian Government and Politics | Core (Major) | 4 | Preamble and Basic Structure, Union Executive and Legislature, Judiciary in India, Federalism and State Politics, Electoral System |
| PSC202 | Western Political Thought | Core (Minor/General Elective) | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Constitution, Machiavelli: Statecraft, Morality, Locke: Natural Rights, Social Contract, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government |
| AEC201 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change and Global Warming, Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Laws |
| VOC201 | Office Management | Vocational Course | 3 | Office Environment and Organization, Record Management, Office Communication, Office Automation, Time Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC301 | Comparative Government and Politics | Core (Major) | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions of UK and USA, Political Systems of China and Switzerland, Federal and Unitary Systems, Party Systems and Pressure Groups |
| PSC302 | Public Administration | Core (Minor/General Elective) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy and its Role, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration |
| SEC301 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
| GE301 | Generic Elective from other discipline (e.g., History/Sociology) | Generic Elective | 4 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC401 | International Relations | Core (Major) | 4 | Theories of International Relations, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations and its Organs, Disarmament and Arms Control, Globalization and New World Order |
| PSC402 | Indian Political Thought | Core (Minor/General Elective) | 4 | Kautilya: Arthashastra, Gandhi: Swaraj, Satyagraha, Ambedkar: Social Justice, Dalit Movement, Nehru: Socialism, Secularism, Savarkar: Hindutva, Lohia: Socialism, Decentralization |
| SEC401 | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Philosophy of the Indian Constitution, Preamble and its Significance, Fundamental Duties, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Directive Principles of State Policy |
| GE402 | Generic Elective from other discipline | Generic Elective | 4 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC501 | Contemporary Political Theory | Core (Major) | 4 | Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism, Marxism and Neo-Marxism, Feminism: Waves and Perspectives, Post-modernism and Identity Politics, Multiculturalism and Communitarianism |
| PSDSE501 | Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) 1 | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India: NHRC, Role of NGOs in Human Rights Protection, Challenges to Human Rights |
| VOC501 | e-Governance | Vocational Course | 3 | Concept of e-Governance, Models of e-Governance, Challenges in e-Governance Implementation, Digital India Initiatives, Citizen-Centric Services |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC601 | Indian Administration | Core (Major) | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Union and State Administration, District Administration, Public Sector Undertakings, Administrative Reforms |
| PSDSE601 | Local Self Governance | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) 2 | 4 | Concept of Decentralization, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Rural-Urban Linkages, Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance |
| PSC602 | Project / Dissertation | Core (Major)/Project | 6 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis and Findings, Report Writing and Presentation |
| CCC601 | Physical Education & Yoga | Co-curricular Course | 2 | Concept of Physical Fitness, Basic Yoga Asanas, Health and Wellness, Sports and Recreation, Importance of Healthy Lifestyle |
