A BA Honors in political science will introduce you to the core concepts and theories of political science, such as political institutions, political behavior, political philosophy, and international relations. You will also learn about the history and current affairs of different regions and countries, and how they interact with each other.

What is Political Science?

• It is the social science that studies the systems and activities of governance and power. If you are interested in this field, you can pursue a bachelor of arts in political science, which is also known as BA in political science or BA major in political science.

The scope of BA political science in India is vast and diverse. You can pursue higher studies in political science or related disciplines, such as law, public policy, journalism, sociology, economics, etc. You can also explore various career options after BA political science in India, such as civil services, diplomacy, teaching, research, media, NGOs, think tanks, and consultancy.

Political science is a fascinating and rewarding subject that can help you understand the world and make a difference in it. If you have a passion for politics and a curiosity for learning, you should consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

What Makes It Different at JGU?

• The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of the changing political and economic landscape in a global context. The curriculum goes beyond traditional areas of study and incorporates real-world political experiences to prepare students for meaningful careers in emerging domains of politics. The programme focuses on developing critical intellectual, practical, and language skills to help students thrive in a wide range of careers.
   
• One of the key goals of the programme is to enhance students' understanding of political behaviour and communication, public opinion and voting, and regional issues and perspectives in national politics. This knowledge will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and prepare them for careers in diverse areas, including government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academia.
   
• The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA places a strong emphasis on independent learning and research. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that will enable them to work and study independently. By the end of the programme, students will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced studies in political science, pursue a career in politics, or make a meaningful contribution to society in other ways.

The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA is a four-year course open to students who have successfully completed their Class XII or equivalent. It focuses on Indian as well as global political perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of states and institutions, political behaviour and communication, public opinion and voting, and regional issues in national politics, among other subjects. The course is designed to equip students with critical thinking and communication skills, and offers experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research collaborations, and language learning.

The course curriculum is spread across eight semesters, with mandatory industry internships in the first five semesters, and a range of electives on international, comparative, and regional politics. The curriculum includes core courses from related disciplines like economics, history, and philosophy, and advanced research electives that offer methodological training in research skills used by practitioners as well as academics. The programme also offers language learning and the option to develop a regional or topical area of specialisation in the third year with faculty guidance.

JSIA also offers minors programmes in collaboration with JSBF and JSAA, with courses ranging from entrepreneurship to urban and community studies. Students must have a consistently high academic standing and be enrolled in full-time BA or MA programmes to be eligible for these programmes.

Program Brochure - https://jgu.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/jsia/BA+Pol+Sc+(JSIA)-Brochure.pdf

Progression to M.A. (DLB)

Students who successfully complete the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme will have the opportunity to directly progress to JSIA’s highly regarded M.A. Diplomacy, Law and Business program, provided they meet high academic performance standards. This programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in international affairs, diplomacy, law and business. Graduates of this programme have a wide range of career options in government, diplomacy, international organizations, law, and business.

In addition, B.A. (Hons.) Political Science students can also opt for a second master’s degree from top universities such as Queen Mary University of London, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warsaw. This provides students with the opportunity to further specialize in their areas of interest and gain valuable international experience. With these options for further education, graduates of the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the global political and economic landscape.

Course Structure

1. The eligibility requirement for the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA is the successful completion of Class XII examination or an equivalent qualification recognized by the government, such as CBSE, State Boards, IB, Cambridge, etc.
    
2. JSIA’s admission process is different from most other institutions. They have a comprehensive admissions process that evaluates each application in its unique context. Candidates are selected for the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme through a three-round admissions process, which includes submission of a personal statement, a supplemental question, consideration of Class 10 and 12 marks, a faculty interview, and a JSAT/SAT/ACT score that fulfills the given requirements.

Duration - 4 Years

Residential Fees

*The programme fee and residential fee are subject to an annual increase of upto 10%.

1. The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at Jindal School of International Affairs prepares students for a variety of meaningful careers. With a focus on exposure and practical elements of politics, students who wish to pursue careers in active national politics, new domains of politics, or international organizations will find this programme to be one of the best globally. The degree emphasizes teaching students how to read, think, and write on national politics and global issues, which is fundamental to any professional path they pursue.
    
2. Political Science is a versatile social science degree that can lead to various career paths. Students who pursue this degree at JSIA will gain valuable analytical, communication, and research skills. They will be equipped to pursue careers in civil service and bureaucracy, political leadership, political consultancies and parties, embassies and high commissions, news media, NGOs, IGOs, public relations firms, risk analysts, think tanks, activist and advocacy groups, as well as higher studies and academia.
    
3. Graduates with a degree in Political Science from JSIA will not only learn about politics and government but also develop skills that are highly sought after in various industries. They will have the ability to analyze complex information, articulate their thoughts in writing and verbally, and conduct research to support their arguments. These skills will enable them to pursue successful careers in the public and private sectors, as well as in academia.

1. The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA offers elective courses to students from their second semester of study. The courses are interdisciplinary, involving elements of law as well as other social sciences and humanities. JSIA offers five main clusters of elective courses, including Peace and Conflict Studies, Economics and Foreign Policy, Defence and National Security Studies, Human Rights and International Development, and Global South Studies. Students can choose three elective courses worth 12 credits from one track (cluster) to specialize in a given concentration and get awarded with a certificate of specialization after graduation in that cluster.
    
2. Apart from the list of JSIA elective courses offered every semester, students can also opt for cross elective courses that are offered by other schools of JGU. However, students can only take a maximum of 46 credits outside JSIA, which represent 25% of the minimum credit requirement for graduation (185 credits). The removal of an elective with an (F) grade is only possible after the final semester if the student fulfills the mandatory credit requirement of 185 credits. External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will require the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate programs.

1. O.P. Jindal Global University awards Merit cum Means Scholarships (MCM) every year.
    
2. The MCM Scholarship covers the tuition fee only.
    
3. Scholarship applications will be opened by the University by April and will be awarded to eligible students in July.
    
4. The eligibility criteria includes annual family income, Graduation score, entrance examination results and faculty interview score. Weightage will also be given to curricular and non-curricular achievements.
    
5. JGU has established tie-ups with AVANSE (ICICI), Dena Bank, Axis Bank and Credila(HDFC) to facilitate educational loans for students who are admitted to the B.A.(Hons.) Global Affairs Programme.

Short Term Study Abroad Progammes:

Students can opt for summer schoola at the University of Oxford, the UK, the Fletcher School at the University of Tufts, the USA, and UN-Geneva Winter School. This opportunity is available to both M.A. and B.A. students.

Semester Exchange:

The student spends a semester at a partner university while paying tuition only at JSIA. JSIA has semester exchange collaborations with some of the top schools in international affairs. These include University of Warsaw, Sciences Po, Comillas Pontifical University, and Sabanci University, among others. This opportunity is available to both M.A. and B.A. students.

Pathway Program:

JSIA and King;s College Pathway Programme is a demanding, selective option that allows qualified students of BAPS and BAGA Programs an opportunity to earn a M.Sc. Degree in Global Affairs from King’s College London upon completion of their Undergraduate Degree.

Dual Degree:

Graduate student completes one year of the M.A.(DLB) program at JSIA and the second year at a partner University. Undergraduate students opting for a dual degree spend their first two years at JSIA and transfer to our partner university for the last two years. At the end of their time, they earn a degree from both institutions.