.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA-HONS in Political Science at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at University of Delhi Delhi?
This BA (Hons) Political Science program at University of Delhi focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It delves into Indian political thought, international relations, and public administration, providing a strong theoretical and analytical foundation relevant to India''''s evolving socio-political landscape and its crucial role on the global stage. The program emphasizes critical thinking and informed analysis.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into civil services, public policy analysis, journalism, or academia. It also caters to those passionate about understanding governance, social justice, and international affairs, preparing them for careers demanding critical thinking and analytical skills in the Indian public sector, NGOs, and research organizations. A strong interest in current affairs is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including civil services (UPSC/state PSCs), legislative research, policy advocacy, political consulting, media, and social work. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience in these fields. It provides a robust foundation for pursuing higher education in political science, law, public administration, or journalism, aligning with India''''s increasing demand for informed citizens and effective leaders.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Conceptual Clarity- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core political concepts like liberty, equality, justice, and the state from multiple perspectives. Engage in active reading of foundational texts, participate in classroom discussions, and form study groups to debate complex ideas and clarify doubts. Attend optional tutorial classes for deeper understanding.
Tools & Resources
Classic texts by Plato, Aristotle, Locke, NCERT Political Science books (Classes 11 & 12), JSTOR for academic articles, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong conceptual understanding is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC/SSC), advanced policy analysis, and academic research roles in India, providing a solid theoretical base.
Enhance Academic Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Develop critical reading habits by analyzing scholarly articles and primary sources. Practice structuring arguments, synthesizing information, and writing clear, concise essays and research papers. Seek regular feedback on assignments from professors and peers to improve analytical and communication skills, especially in academic English.
Tools & Resources
University writing centers (if available), Online academic writing guides (e.g., Purdue OWL), Peer review sessions, Official DU library resources
Career Connection
Essential for research, policy briefs, journalistic reporting, and any role requiring articulate written communication, a highly valued skill in Indian professional and academic settings.
Engage with Current Affairs and Public Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow major national and international news, political developments, and policy debates. Participate in college societies for debates, quizzes, and Model UN sessions to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world issues. Maintain a current affairs notebook for exam preparation and general awareness.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), News magazines (Frontline, The Caravan), Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV, Relevant podcasts on Indian politics and global affairs
Career Connection
Indispensable for aspiring civil servants, journalists, policy analysts, and anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to public discourse in India, as it builds informed perspectives.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization Through Electives and Research- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose Generic Electives, Skill Enhancement Courses, and Discipline Specific Electives that align with emerging interests (e.g., public policy, international relations, human rights). Undertake small research projects or term papers on chosen areas, leveraging the University''''s vast library resources.
Tools & Resources
DU Department faculty for guidance on elective choices, Academic databases (e.g., EPW, research journals), Mendeley/Zotero for reference management
Career Connection
Helps in building a specialized profile for master''''s programs, specific research roles, or entry-level positions in policy think tanks or NGOs in India, demonstrating focused expertise.
Seek Internship and Field Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively apply for internships with NGOs, think tanks, legislative bodies (like PRS Legislative Research), media houses, or local political campaigns to gain practical exposure to political processes and policy implementation in India. This hands-on experience complements classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
University career cells, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Networking with alumni and faculty, DU''''s official internship drives
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, builds a professional network, and significantly enhances the resume for future jobs or further studies. Essential for a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Participate in Extracurriculars and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join college clubs and societies related to political science, public speaking, or social service. Participate in inter-college debates, essay competitions, policy formulation challenges, and youth parliaments to hone communication, leadership, and analytical skills beyond academics. Take up leadership roles within societies.
Tools & Resources
College event calendars, Notices from student societies, Mentorship from senior students and faculty, Inter-college competition platforms
Career Connection
Develops soft skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork abilities highly valued by employers across various sectors, especially for roles requiring public engagement and advocacy in the Indian context.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Civil Services and Postgraduate Exams- (Semester 6 and Post-Graduation)
Dedicate significant time to preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, or entrance exams for Master''''s programs (e.g., DUET, JNU, TISS). Focus on revising core political science concepts, current affairs, and general studies. Consider forming dedicated study groups for these exams.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if opted), Previous year question papers and mock tests, Online test series platforms, Government publications like India Year Book
Career Connection
Directly leads to prestigious careers in public administration and policy-making within the Indian government or facilitates entry into advanced academic pursuits in reputable Indian institutions.
Develop Advanced Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 6)
For those considering academic or research careers, focus intently on the research methods course. Undertake a capstone research project or dissertation (if chosen as a DSE option) to demonstrate independent research capabilities, data analysis, and critical argumentation using robust methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors for thesis guidance, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for social sciences), Access to university library''''s specialized research databases, Workshops on research methodology
Career Connection
Essential for entry into M.Phil./Ph.D. programs, research associate positions in think tanks, or specialized policy analysis roles in India, showcasing analytical rigor.
Network and Strategic Career Planning- (Semester 6 and Post-Graduation)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in target fields (e.g., civil servants, journalists, policy experts) through seminars and departmental events. Attend career fairs, workshops, and placement drives. Prepare a strong resume/CV and practice interview skills, specifically tailored for roles in the Indian context, leveraging university career services.
Tools & Resources
University alumni network and departmental mentors, LinkedIn for professional networking, Career services department for resume building and mock interviews, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Facilitates informed career choices, opens doors to mentorship, and significantly improves chances of securing desired employment or admission to higher education institutions in India post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board, with specific aggregate percentage requirements as per University admission guidelines (typically 40-45% aggregate and program-specific Best Four calculation).
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 4 | What is Politics, What is Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Key Concepts: Rights, Democracy, Power, State, Civil Society |
| DSC 2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Philosophy of the Constitution, Organs of Government: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism and Decentralization, Constitutional Amendments and Basic Structure |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective - I (Student''''s Choice) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| AECC 1 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Environment and Ecosystems, Natural Resources and Conservation, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Control, Global Environmental Issues and Policies, Environmental Protection Acts and Sustainable Development |
| VAC 1 | Value Addition Course - I (Student''''s Choice) | Value Addition Course | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 3 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core | 4 | Liberalism: Classical and Contemporary, Marxism and its Variants, Conservatism and its Principles, Socialism and Democratic Socialism, Feminism: Waves and Debates, Anarchism, Postmodernism and other theories |
| DSC 4 | Political Processes in India | Core | 4 | Party System and Party Politics, Electoral Process and Reforms, Regionalism, Caste, and Identity Politics, Religion and Politics, Social Movements in India, Impact of Globalization on Indian Politics |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective - II (Student''''s Choice) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| AECC 2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Language of Communication, Reading Skills and Comprehension, Writing Skills: Paragraph, Essay, Report, Listening and Speaking Skills, Formal and Informal Communication, Digital Communication and Etiquette |
| VAC 2 | Value Addition Course - II (Student''''s Choice) | Value Addition Course | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Comparative Politics: Nature, Scope, Methods, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Forms of Government: Unitary and Federal Systems, Electoral Systems and Party Systems, Nationalism and Globalization, Regimes: Democratic and Authoritarian |
| DSC 6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 4 | Public Administration: Meaning, Scope, Approaches, Theories of Administration: Classical, Human Relations, Public Policy: Process and Analysis, Bureaucracy and its Role, Accountability and Control in Administration, New Public Management and Governance |
| DSC 7 | Introduction to International Relations | Core | 4 | International Relations: Meaning, Scope, Theories, Major Debates in IR, The Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Global Actors: UN, WTO, EU, ASEAN, Contemporary Global Challenges: Terrorism, Environment, India''''s Foreign Policy Principles |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective - III (Student''''s Choice) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| SEC 1 | Skill Enhancement Course - I (Student''''s Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 8 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Philosopher King, Aristotle: Citizenship, Constitution, Polis, Revolution, Machiavelli: Virtu, Fortuna, Statecraft, Locke: Social Contract, Natural Rights, Property, Rousseau: General Will, Sovereignty, Civil Society, Hobbes: State of Nature, Leviathan, Absolutism |
| DSC 9 | Indian Political Thought - I | Core | 4 | Kautilya: Arthashastra, Statecraft, Barani: Fatawa-i-Jahandari, Abul Fazal: Ain-i-Akbari, Sovereignty, Kabir: Bhakti Movement, Social Harmony, Rammohan Roy: Social Reform, Rationalism, Gandhi: Swaraj, Satyagraha, Ahimsa |
| DSC 10 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 4 | Public Policy: Concept, Approaches, Models, Policy Making in India: Actors and Institutions, Social Welfare Policies: Health, Education, Poverty Alleviation, Decentralization and Local Governance, Good Governance and E-Governance, Citizen Participation and Accountability |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective - IV (Student''''s Choice) | Generic Elective | 4 | |
| SEC 2 | Skill Enhancement Course - II (Student''''s Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 11 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Kant: Categorical Imperative, Perpetual Peace, Mill: Liberty, Utilitarianism, Representative Government, Hegel: Dialectic, State, Freedom, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, Nietzsche: Will to Power, Master-Slave Morality, Hannah Arendt: Action, Power, Totalitarianism |
| DSC 12 | Indian Political Thought - II | Core | 4 | Nehru: Modernity, Secularism, Non-Alignment, Ambedkar: Annihilation of Caste, Constitutionalism, Savarkar: Hindutva, Nationalism, J.P. Narayan: Total Revolution, Sarvodaya, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Periyar: Self-Respect Movement, Social Justice |
| DSE 1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I (Student''''s Choice) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | |
| DSE 2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II (Student''''s Choice) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 13 | International Relations: Global Political Economy | Core | 4 | Global Political Economy: Nature and Scope, Theories of GPE: Mercantilism, Liberalism, Marxism, Bretton Woods System and its Institutions, Globalization and its Impact, North-South Divide and Development, Contemporary Issues in GPE: Trade, Finance, Environment |
| DSC 14 | Research Methods in Political Science | Core | 4 | Social Science Research: Nature and Scope, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection Methods: Survey, Interview, Observation, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethics in Social Science Research |
| DSE 3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III (Student''''s Choice) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | |
| DSE 4 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (Student''''s Choice) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 |
