What is MA Political Science

A MA in Political Science is a two years postgraduate programme that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, institutions, theories, and processes. It helps students learn more about politics, government, foreign relations, public policy, and political ideas. The goal of the programme is to improve political science-related critical thought, analytical skills, and research skills. It covers subjects such as political theory, foreign relations, public administration, and Indian politics. These courses are a mix of classroom classes, seminars, research projects, and internships so that students can understand all parts of political science. Given... Read More

MA Political Science Admission Criteria

The requirements for getting into a MA in Political Science programme vary from one college to the another. But most colleges and universities have a similar process for letting students in, which includes the steps below:

Educational Qualifications
  • Applicants for the Master of Political Science degree must have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or equivalent from an accredited university.
Entrance Exams
  • Universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations as part of the admission process for the MA in Political Science programme.
Merit-Based Selection
  • In addition to entrance exams, institutions employ a merit-based selection process. They consider various factors such as academic performance, entrance exam scores, undergraduate marks, and personal interviews. Universities assign weights to these components to evaluate and select candidates for the programme.

MA Political Science Eligibility

The requirements to get a Master of Arts in Political Science degree may be different depending on the institution. But here are some general eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Criteria Description
Educational Requirements Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or college. The majority of institutions recommend applicants with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related fields.
Minimum Marks Applicants must have gotten at least 50% on their qualifying exam as a whole. But some colleges and universities might have a different minimum grade point average.
Age Limit There is no upper age limit for getting into Political Science programmes in India. Some colleges and universities may have a lower age limit.

MA Political Science Entrance Exams

Candidates interested in pursuing the MA Political Science programme in India are required to participate in entrance examinations administered by universities and colleges. The exams are intended to evaluate the candidates' language proficiency, general awareness, and analytical skills. Although it's not a must for all colleges to require entrance exams for MA in Political Science admission, some colleges consider merit-based admission based on the students' academic records. The following are the most popular entrance exams taken by MA in Political Science applicants:

National Level Entrance Exams

UGC NET( University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test), JNU CEE (Jawaharlal  Nehru University Combined Entrance Examination), DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), IGNOU OPENMAT (Indira Gandhi National Open University Open Management Admission Test)

State Level Entrance Exams

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET), Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET), Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET), Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Exam (UPSEE), Telangana State Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test (TS PGECET), Rajasthan Master of Arts Admission Test (RMAT), Himachal Pradesh University Post Graduate Entrance Test (HPU PGET), Punjab University Common Entrance Test (PU CET PG)

University Level Entrance Exams

DUET(Delhi University Entrance Test), JNUEE
(Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam), IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University Open Management Admission Test), BHU PET(Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test), JUET(Jamia Millia Islamia University Entrance Test)

MA Political Science Fee Structure

The fee structure for a MA in Political Science varies widely in India. This course costs between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 per year, on average. However, the fee may be different depending on things like the type of institution (government or private), its reputation, its location, and the facilities it offers.

Courses after MA Political Science

Candidates who have finished a MA in Political Science can take additional courses to learn more and improve their skills in the field. Here is a list of some of the popular programmes candidates can choose from:
MBA

MBA in Public Policy and Governance, MBA in International Business, MBA in Public Administration, MBA in Policy Analysis and Management, MBA in Social Entrepreneurship, MBA in Human Resource Management.

PHD

PhD in Political Science, PhD in International Relations, PhD in Public Administration, PhD in Comparative Politics, PhD in Political Theory, PhD in Development Studies.

Career Opportunities after MA Political Science

MA in Political Science programme offers a broad knowledge that can lead to many different careers in Political science. It is a professional master’s programme that trains students to become experts in a wide range of Political Science-related fields. Some common private and public sector jobs for people who finish this programme are:

Position/Role Responsibilities Salary Range (Approx.)
Policy Analyst Analyze and evaluate policies, prepare reports, and provide recommendations. ₹4,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum
Government Relations Manager Establish and maintain relationships with government officials, monitor policy changes, and advocate for the organization’s interests. ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 per annum
Political Consultant Provide strategic advice to political candidates or organizations, conduct research, and develop campaign strategies. ₹3,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum
Public Policy Researcher Conduct research on public policy issues, analyze data, and contribute to the development of policy recommendations. ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum
Legislative Assistant Assist legislators in researching and drafting legislation, analyzing bills, and communicating with constituents. ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per annum
Political Journalist Research and report on political developments, interview key figures and analyze policies for media outlets. ₹2,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum
International Relations Specialist Monitor international developments, analyze diplomatic relations, and contribute to foreign policy formulation. ₹4,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum
Public Affairs Officer Manage communication between organizations and the public, develop public relations strategies, and handle crisis communication. ₹3,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum
Nonprofit Program Manager Plan and oversee programs aimed at addressing social or political issues, manage budgets, and coordinate with stakeholders. ₹3,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 per annum
Political Campaign Manager Organize and manage political campaigns, develop campaign strategies, coordinate volunteers, and oversee fundraising efforts. ₹3,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum

MA Political Science Scope, Salary & Employers

Scope: A MA in Political Science opens several doors. Graduates work as professors, researchers, policy analysts, programme managers, consultants, and more. They may engage in academia, government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), think tanks, international organisations, and more.

Salary: Job position, industry, experience, and location affect MA Political Science graduates’ salaries. Banking, financial analysis, and research entry-level earnings average INR 3,00,00 to INR 5,00,000. Experience and specialisation may boost management and senior wages.

Employers: MA Political Science graduates have several job options. The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and State Public Service Commissions employ them. NGOs such as Oxfam, CARE India, and Amnesty International hire political science professionals for research, advocacy, and programme management roles. International organisations like the United Nations and the World Bank also recruit political science graduates for various roles related to policy research and program management.

Required Skills for MA Political Science

Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Political Science programme must possess a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed. Both skill sets are equally important to a MA in Political Science student’s success. Here are some of the essential skills required for a Master of Arts in Political Science:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Research Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Interdisciplinary Perspective

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, several universities offer MA Political Science programmes through distance learning or correspondence mode.
Yes, some universities offer specialisation options within Political Science, such as International Relations, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, Political Theory, or Public Policy.
Yes, you can apply to foreign universities with the help of the certificates.
Yes, students may be required to complete a research project or thesis as part of their coursework during the second year.
Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for students pursuing an MA (Master of Arts) in Political Science. These scholarships can be provided by universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private institutions. Scholarships are typically awarded based on various criteria, including academic excellence, financial need, research interests, and more.
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