MA International Relations in India: Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, and Career Opportunities

The MA International Relations program in India prepares students for careers in diplomacy, policy research, and global governance. It covers eligibility, admission process, syllabus, top colleges, fees, and career opportunities for aspiring international affairs professionals.

The MA International Relations program in India is a two-year postgraduate course that explores global politics, diplomacy, international organizations, and foreign policy analysis. The program builds strong analytical, research, and communication skills while offering insights into global governance, security studies, and international cooperation. Students typically require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50%–60% aggregate marks for admission, and some universities may consider entrance exam scores or interviews. Graduates can pursue careers in government services, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and corporate sectors as policy analysts, diplomats, or research professionals, with average salaries ranging from INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA. This article provides a complete overview of course structure, colleges, fees, syllabus, and career prospects.

MA International Relations Course Overview

The MA International Relations program in India is a 2-year postgraduate degree that focuses on global politics, diplomacy, foreign policy, international security, and international organizations. The course develops analytical, research, and policy-making skills required to understand contemporary global issues and geopolitical developments. Students study international relations theories, international political economy, strategic studies, and global governance systems.

Eligibility generally requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50%–60% aggregate marks, while admission is commonly based on entrance examinations such as CUET PG or university-level tests. Annual fees vary widely depending on institution type. Graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, research, international organizations, policy analysis, media, and academia.

Feature	Description	Details
Course Level	Program Type	Postgraduate Degree (MA)
Program Duration	Typical Course Length	2 Years (4 Semesters)
Average Fees	Annual Fee Range	INR 2,000 – INR 1,50,000
Eligibility	Minimum Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50%–60% marks
Entrance Exams	Accepted Exams	CUET PG, University Entrance Tests
Admission Process	Selection Method	Entrance Exam / Merit + Interview (varies by university)
Specializations	Areas of Study	Foreign Policy, International Law, Global Governance, Security Studies
Core Subjects	Academic Focus	IR Theories, International Political Economy, Diplomacy, Strategic Studies
Career Prospects	Potential Job Roles	Diplomat, Policy Analyst, IR Officer, Research Analyst, Consultant
Average Salary	Expected Salary Range	INR 3 LPA – INR 8 LPA (Entry Level)
Top Colleges	Leading Institutions	Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Christ University, Symbiosis International University

Skills Developed During the Program

Critical thinking and geopolitical analysis
Policy research and strategic assessment
Diplomatic communication and negotiation
International law and governance understanding
Data interpretation and global issue analysis

MA International Relations Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the MA International Relations program in India requires candidates to hold a recognized bachelor’s degree from a university approved by the University Grants Commission or equivalent authority. Universities admit students through merit-based evaluation or postgraduate entrance examinations such as CUET PG.

Eligibility conditions may slightly vary across institutions, but most universities follow standard postgraduate admission norms. Relaxation in minimum marks is usually provided to reserved categories as per Government of India regulations.

Parameter	Requirement	Details
Minimum Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree	A 3-year or equivalent undergraduate degree from a recognized university
Minimum Percentage / CGPA	50% – 60%	Varies by university and category; relaxation applicable for reserved categories
Acceptable Streams	Any Discipline	Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Science, or related backgrounds preferred
Preferred Subjects	Academic Background	Political Science, History, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration (preferred but not mandatory)
Age Limit	Not Applicable	No prescribed upper age limit in most universities
Reservation Policy	Government Norms	SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD reservation as per central/state university rules
Entrance Exams	National/University Level	CUET PG or university-specific entrance examinations
English Language Requirement	International Applicants	TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required for foreign students
Additional Requirements	Selection Process	Document verification, entrance score evaluation, and interview (if applicable)

MA International Relations Admission Process

Admission to MA International Relations programs in India follows a structured selection procedure combining eligibility verification, entrance examination performance, and institutional admission processes. Application fees generally range between INR 500 – INR 2,000, depending on the university.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Research and Shortlist Universities
- Identify institutions offering MA International Relations such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, and Jamia Millia Islamia.
Check Eligibility Requirements
- Confirm academic qualifications, minimum percentage, and subject requirements.
Appear for Entrance Examination
- Register and prepare for CUET PG or university-level entrance tests where applicable.
Fill Application Form
- Complete the online application form on the official university portal.
- Upload academic records, photographs, and identity proof.
Pay Application Fee
- Submit payment through online modes such as debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Entrance Test / Interview Round
- Attend written tests, group discussions, or personal interviews if conducted by the university.
Merit List & Selection
- Universities release merit lists based on entrance scores and academic performance.
Admission Confirmation
- Selected candidates must pay admission fees (approx. INR 2,000 – INR 15,000 initially) and submit original documents.
Document Verification
- Verification of degree certificates, mark sheets, ID proof, caste certificates (if applicable).
Course Commencement
- Attend orientation sessions and begin the 2-year MA International Relations program.

Top Government Colleges in India for MA International Relations

India offers several reputed government universities providing MA International Relations or closely related postgraduate programs in International Studies, Political Science (International Relations), and Global Studies. These institutions are known for strong academic research, policy exposure, and preparation for careers in diplomacy, academia, public policy, and international organizations.

Annual tuition fees in government universities are comparatively affordable, generally ranging between INR 2,000 and INR 20,000 per year. Admission is primarily conducted through national-level postgraduate entrance examinations such as CUET PG or university-specific entrance tests.

College Name	City	NIRF Rank	Approx. Annual Fees	Admission Mode	Program Highlights
Jawaharlal Nehru University	New Delhi	2	INR 2,000 – 5,000	Entrance Exam	International Studies, diplomacy, strategic affairs specialization
University of Delhi	New Delhi	11	INR 10,000 – 15,000	CUET PG	Political Science with IR focus, foreign policy studies
Banaras Hindu University	Varanasi	11	INR 6,000 – 8,000	Entrance Exam	Global governance, diplomacy, political economy
Jamia Millia Islamia	New Delhi	16	INR 8,000 – 12,000	Entrance Exam	International politics, West Asian & global studies
University of Hyderabad	Hyderabad	15	INR 5,000 – 7,000	Entrance Exam	International relations theory and global politics
Aligarh Muslim University	Aligarh	18	INR 10,000 – 12,000	Entrance Exam	Diplomacy, security studies, international organizations
Pondicherry University	Puducherry	20	INR 7,000 – 9,000	CUET PG	Foreign policy and global governance focus
Jadavpur University	Kolkata	12	INR 8,000 – 10,000	Merit/Entrance	International politics and area studies
Andhra University	Visakhapatnam	25	INR 7,000 – 9,000	Entrance Exam	International relations and diplomatic studies

Top Private Colleges in India for MA International Relations

Private universities in India increasingly offer specialized postgraduate programs in International Relations, Global Affairs, Diplomacy, and Public Policy with industry exposure, internships, and international collaborations. Annual fees generally range between INR 50,000 and INR 2,50,000, depending on infrastructure, faculty expertise, and global partnerships.

College Name	City	Annual Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode	Specializations Offered	Program Features
Christ University	Bengaluru	INR 70,000 – 90,000	Merit + Interview	Global Politics, Foreign Policy	NGO internships and policy exposure
Symbiosis School of International Studies	Pune	INR 1,50,000+	Entrance Exam	Security Studies, Global Governance	Study abroad & international internships
Amity University	Noida	INR 1,00,000 – 1,20,000	Merit-based	Diplomacy, IR Studies	Industry interaction and research projects
Jindal School of International Affairs	Sonipat	INR 2,00,000+	Entrance + Interview	Area Studies, Global Politics	Policy labs and global faculty exposure
Shiv Nadar University	Greater Noida	INR 1,40,000 – 1,60,000	Merit-based	Governance, Human Rights	International academic collaborations
Azim Premji University	Bengaluru	INR 90,000 – 1,10,000	Entrance Exam	Development Studies, Public Policy	Fieldwork and research immersion
Manipal Academy of Higher Education	Manipal	INR 1,00,000 – 1,20,000	Merit-based	Security Studies, Diplomacy	Internship and research training

MA International Relations Subjects and Syllabus

The MA International Relations program in India is a two-year postgraduate course designed to develop a strong understanding of global politics, diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international organizations, and strategic affairs. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with research training, internships, policy analysis, and dissertation work.

The program is typically divided into four semesters, including core papers, electives, skill-based learning, research methodology, and a final dissertation project. The syllabus may vary slightly across universities but broadly follows the structure below.

Semester	Core Subjects	Elective Subjects	Credits (Approx.)	Academic Activities
Semester 1	Theories of International Relations, International Political Economy, Research Methodology	Foreign Policy Analysis, Conflict Resolution	16–20	Seminars, Group Discussions
Semester 2	International Organizations, International Law, Comparative Politics	Human Rights Studies, Global Governance	16–20	Research Paper & Presentations
Semester 3	Security Studies, Diplomacy & Negotiation, Geopolitics	Area Studies (South Asia/Middle East/Europe), Development Studies	16–20	Internship, Fieldwork
Semester 4	Dissertation / Project Work	EU Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies, Strategic Affairs	16–20	Viva Voce & Dissertation Defense

Check the syllabus for MA International Relations.

Skill-Based and Interdisciplinary Components

Component	Subjects / Activities	Credits
Research Training	Statistical Analysis, Policy Research Methods	6–8
Language Courses	French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic (varies by university)	4–6
Professional Skills	Academic Writing, Leadership & Communication	4
Practical Exposure	Model UN, Policy Brief Writing, Case Studies	4
Summer Internship	Think Tanks / NGOs / Government Bodies	2–4
Dissertation	Original Research Thesis	10–12

MA International Relations Fee Structure

The fee structure for MA International Relations programs varies widely depending on institution type. Government universities offer affordable education, while private universities provide global exposure, industry collaborations, and international exchange opportunities.

Institution / College Type	Average Annual Tuition Fees	Hostel Fees (Approx.)	Examination Fees	Other Expenses
Jawaharlal Nehru University	INR 2,000 – 5,000	INR 4,000 – 6,000	INR 1,000	INR 5,000
University of Delhi	INR 10,000 – 15,000	INR 8,000 – 12,000	INR 2,000	INR 10,000
Christ University	INR 70,000 – 90,000	INR 45,000 – 60,000	INR 5,000	INR 10,000
Symbiosis School of International Studies	INR 1,40,000 – 1,60,000	INR 90,000 – 1,10,000	INR 10,000	INR 20,000
Loyola College	INR 40,000 – 60,000	INR 25,000 – 35,000	INR 5,000	INR 10,000
Amity University	INR 1,00,000 – 1,20,000	INR 70,000 – 85,000	INR 10,000	INR 15,000

Entrance Exams for MA International Relations in India

Admission to MA International Relations programs is generally based on postgraduate entrance examinations assessing analytical ability, political awareness, reasoning, and subject knowledge.

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Exam Type	Eligibility	Syllabus Overview	Official Portal
CUET PG	National Testing Agency	National Level	Bachelor’s degree (50%+)	Language comprehension, reasoning, domain subjects	cuet.nta.nic.in
JNUEE	Jawaharlal Nehru University	University Level	Graduation	IR theory, global politics, history	jnu.ac.in
Delhi University PG Entrance Exam	University of Delhi	University Level	Graduation	Political science, reasoning, English	du.ac.in
Christ University Entrance Test	Christ University	University Level	Graduation	English, GK, analytical reasoning	christuniversity.in
Symbiosis Entrance Test	Symbiosis International	University Level	Graduation	GK, reasoning, international affairs	siu.edu.in
Amity University Entrance Exam	Amity University	University Level	Graduation	English, reasoning, subject knowledge	amity.edu

Preparation Tips for Aspirants

Build strong conceptual understanding of international politics and global affairs
Read newspapers and international policy journals regularly
Focus on current affairs, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments
Practice reasoning and analytical aptitude questions
Solve previous years’ entrance papers and mock tests

These steps significantly improve chances of admission to leading MA International Relations programs in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the duration of the MA International Relations course in India?

The MA International Relations course in India is typically 2 years long. It is a postgraduate course that focuses on the study of global politics, international organizations, and diplomacy. The course examines theories of international relations, foreign policy analysis, and global governance.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for Indian students to pursue MA International Relations?

Indian students must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university to be eligible for MA International Relations. They must also have a minimum of 50% – 60% aggregate marks in their bachelor’s degree, although this may vary by institution. Some universities may also require entrance exam scores, such as CUET PG.

Q3. What is the average annual fee for MA International Relations in government and private colleges in India?

The average annual fee for MA International Relations in government colleges in India is between INR 2,000 – INR 15,000. In contrast, private colleges charge between INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000 per annum. For example, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) charges INR 2,000 per year, while Symbiosis School of International Studies charges INR 1,50,000 per year.

Q4. What are the career prospects for MA International Relations graduates in India?

MA International Relations graduates in India have opportunities in government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. They can work as diplomats, policy analysts, international relations officers, or research analysts. The expected salary range after graduation is between INR 3 LPA – INR 8 LPA, depending on experience and role.

Written by Shreoshree Chakrabarty

Shreoshree Chakrabarty is an experienced content writer with over five years of professional expertise in creating engaging and impactful content across diverse formats. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with well-known brands such as Myntra and Justdial, contributing high-quality content that aligns with brand voice and audience expectations. Academically, Shreoshree holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, and outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and a passionate traveller who enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She also loves watching movies, finding inspiration in cinema and literature that often reflects in her writing style.

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