

B-A in Defence Strategic Studies at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalay Ravindra Kishore Shahi, Patherdeva, Deoria


Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Defence & Strategic Studies at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalay Ravindra Kishore Shahi, Patherdeva, Deoria Deoria?
This Defence & Strategic Studies program at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalay Ravindra Kishore Shahi focuses on understanding national security, international relations, military history, and modern warfare dynamics. It prepares students to analyze global geopolitical shifts, India''''s defence policies, and strategic challenges. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking on security issues relevant to India''''s regional and global standing, addressing the evolving security landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates aspiring for careers in defence forces, intelligence agencies, or think tanks specializing in national security. It also suits individuals interested in public service, diplomacy, journalism focusing on international affairs, or higher education in strategic studies. Candidates with a strong interest in history, political science, and current global events will find this program enriching and highly relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including joining the armed forces (through various entry schemes), working with paramilitary forces, intelligence services, or defence journalism. They can also pursue roles as policy analysts, researchers in strategic affairs, or prepare for civil services examinations. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in specialized roles within government and private security domains.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts like national security, international relations, and military history. Focus on understanding key theories and historical events through detailed reading and classroom discussions. Form study groups to dissect complex strategic doctrines and India''''s historical defence posture.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU Central Library resources, NCERT history books for foundational Indian military history, Current affairs magazines like Frontline or Outlook, Reputable international news sources (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express)
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for cracking competitive exams like UPSC (Civil Services, CAPF) and other defence-related entry tests, providing the conceptual clarity needed for analytical roles.
Develop Analytical and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critical thinking by analyzing contemporary defence issues and India''''s strategic challenges. Learn to gather information from various credible sources and present reasoned arguments through debates and short analytical essays on national security topics.
Tools & Resources
Academic search engines (Google Scholar, JSTOR), University library''''s e-resources, Reputable defence blogs and think tank publications (e.g., IDSA, ORF), Mendeley or Zotero for citation management
Career Connection
Essential for roles in policy analysis, intelligence, and research, where objective assessment, evidence-based reporting, and clear communication of findings are paramount.
Engage in Current Affairs & General Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated with national and international news, especially related to defence, foreign policy, and security. This enhances overall awareness and provides context to academic learning, crucial for understanding real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers and news channels (e.g., Sansad TV, Doordarshan News), Government of India (Ministry of Defence, MEA) official press releases, Annual reports of defence ministries and strategic think tanks
Career Connection
Vital for competitive exams, interview preparation for armed forces and civil services, and for a successful career in defence journalism or strategic analysis requiring up-to-date knowledge.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively attend and, if possible, present papers at academic seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on defence and strategic studies. Preparing and presenting research papers helps hone presentation skills and deepens subject understanding.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU academic calendar and departmental notices, Calls for papers from other universities or think tanks in Uttar Pradesh/India, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Mentorship from faculty for paper guidance
Career Connection
Builds networking opportunities with peers and experts, enhances public speaking and critical thinking skills, and adds valuable experience to a resume for academic or research-oriented careers.
Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 4-5)
Seek out internships with think tanks, NGOs working on peace and conflict, or local administrative bodies involved in security-related initiatives. This provides practical exposure beyond theoretical learning.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell (if available at the college/university), LinkedIn for professional networking and job search, Direct applications to think tanks like IDSA, ORF, VIF, University professors for recommendations and guidance
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical exposure, builds professional networks, and can be a significant stepping stone to future employment or higher studies by demonstrating real-world application of knowledge.
Develop Language and Communication Skills- (Semester 3-5)
English proficiency and strong communication are essential for global strategic discussions and official documentation. Practice writing precise, clear, and persuasive arguments through group discussions, essay writing, and presentations.
Tools & Resources
University language labs or communication skill development workshops, Online platforms for English practice (e.g., Coursera, IELTS prep courses), Academic writing guides and grammar resources, Participation in college debating societies
Career Connection
Critical for roles in diplomacy, defence forces (officer cadre), international organizations, and effectively communicating policy recommendations and strategic analyses.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Exams- (Semester 6 and post-graduation)
Begin focused preparation for UPSC Civil Services, Combined Defence Services (CDS), or Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exams, leveraging the strong foundation built in the program.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms and study materials for competitive exams, Previous year question papers and mock tests series, Standard textbooks for General Studies and optional subjects, Mentorship from successful alumni or exam trainers
Career Connection
Directly leads to prestigious careers in civil administration, Indian Armed Forces as officers, or central police services, aligning with the program''''s core objectives.
Undertake a Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Engage in a substantial research project or dissertation on a specialized area of defence and strategic studies under faculty guidance. This allows for deep exploration of a topic like India''''s nuclear doctrine or cyber security.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines and ethical clearance processes, Faculty advisors for topic selection and methodology, DDUGU library resources and access to academic journals and databases, Statistical software if quantitative analysis is involved
Career Connection
Develops advanced research and writing skills, essential for pursuing higher education (MA/PhD) in strategic studies or for roles in policy research and analysis in think tanks and government bodies.
Network and Career Planning- (Semester 6 and beyond)
Actively network with alumni working in relevant fields, attend career fairs, and seek career counseling to define post-graduation pathways. Refine your resume and practice interview skills tailored to defence and strategic roles.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU alumni network and LinkedIn for professional connections, University career services department for workshops and counseling, Online platforms for interview preparation and resume building, Industry-specific career events and seminars
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, informs decisions about higher education, and helps build a valuable professional support system for long-term career growth in the defence and strategic domain.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognized board (General University requirement)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 credits (for complete B.A. program as per NEP 2020) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for theory component), External: 75% (for theory component)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS101 | Fundamentals of Defence and Strategic Studies | Major (Core) | 4 | Definition & Scope of Defence Studies, Concepts of War, International Relations & Power, National Security & its Elements, Defence Policy of India |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS201 | Military History of India (Ancient to Modern Period) | Major (Core) | 4 | Ancient Indian Military Systems, Medieval Indian Warfare, Rise of European Powers in India, Modern Indian Military Campaigns, Post-Independence Conflicts (1947-1971) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS301 | Concepts of Warfare | Major (Core) | 4 | Principles of War, Theories of Warfare, Conventional Warfare, Irregular Warfare (Guerrilla, Terrorism), Nuclear Warfare & Deterrence |
| DAS302 | Geo-Politics and Strategic Environment | Major (Core) | 4 | Geo-Political Theories & Concepts, India''''s Geo-Political Environment, Major Power Relations (USA, China, Russia), Regional Security Issues (South Asia, West Asia), International Organizations & Security |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS401 | International Security | Major (Core) | 4 | Concepts of Security (Traditional & Non-Traditional), Security Threats (Terrorism, Climate Change, Pandemics), Arms Control & Disarmament, International Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism, Global Security Institutions (UN, NATO) |
| DAS402 | Defence Economics | Major (Core) | 4 | Defence Expenditure & Budgeting, Defence Production & Procurement, Arms Trade & its Impact, Economic Impact of Defence on Development, Defence Industrial Base in India |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS501 | Military Psychology | Major (Core) | 4 | Psychology of Combat & Stress, Military Leadership & Morale, Group Dynamics in Armed Forces, Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), Motivation & Discipline in Military |
| DAS502 | India''''s Defence Policy and Organisation (Elective Group A) | Major (Elective) | 4 | National Security Apparatus in India, Higher Defence Organisation, Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Paramilitary and Central Armed Police Forces, Defence Modernization and Indigenization |
| DAS503 | Internal Security (Elective Group B) | Major (Elective) | 4 | Concepts of Internal Security, Challenges to Internal Security (Insurgency, Naxalism), Counter-Insurgency Operations, Border Management & Coastal Security, Role of State Police & CAPFs |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAS601 | Science & Technology in Warfare | Major (Core) | 4 | Impact of Technology on Warfare, Nuclear Weapons & Missile Technology, Space Warfare & Satellite Intelligence, Cyber Warfare & Information Security, Artificial Intelligence & Future Warfare |
| DAS602 | Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Elective Group A) | Major (Elective) | 4 | Concepts of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Laws of Armed Conflict, Protection of Civilians in Conflict, Role of UN in Human Rights & IHL |
| DAS603 | Disaster Management (Elective Group B) | Major (Elective) | 4 | Concepts of Disaster & Hazard, Types of Disasters (Natural & Man-made), Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation, Disaster Response & Recovery Operations, Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Management |




