MA Political Science Course: Eligibility, Duration and Scope
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- 25 Sep 2026SGGS College Panjab University Fee Concession Deadline
SGGS College notified that candidates seeking fee concessions for the 2026-27 academic session must submit online applications by 25 September 2026. - 12 Aug 2026Amity Online MA Political Science Career Insights Released
Amity Online published updated industry salary benchmarks and career pathways for MA Political Science candidates across consulting and civil services.
MA Political Science is a 2-year postgraduate program (or a 1-year ODL course via IGNOU for 4-year undergraduate degree holders) open to candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with 45% to 55% aggregate marks.
At least 988 colleges offer MA Political Science in India, providing versatile pathways for higher learning and professional careers. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, semester syllabus, fee structures across government and private institutions, top-ranked colleges, placement packages, and step-by-step admission procedures.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) / 1 Year ODL at IGNOU for 4-Year UG Graduates |
| Minimum Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Humanities, or related discipline with 45%–55% aggregate marks |
| Average Course Fees | ₹8,000 – ₹2,00,000 (Govt: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000; Distance: ₹8,000 – ₹30,000; Private: ₹35,000 – ₹2,00,000) |
| IGNOU MAPSOY Fee | ₹8,200 for full programme plus applicable registration & development fee |
| Starting Salary Range | ₹2.4 LPA – ₹4.2 LPA (Fresher); Mid/Senior Level: ₹4.5 LPA – ₹10+ LPA |
| Top Colleges & Rank 1 (2026) | Lady Shri Ram College for Women (DU) – Ranked #1 Arts College 2026 (Fees: ₹37,942; Avg Package: ₹12.18 LPA) |
What is MA Political Science
MA Political Science (Master of Arts in Political Science) is a comprehensive postgraduate degree that equips students with an advanced understanding of political structures, governance mechanisms, international diplomacy, and public policy analysis. The standard curriculum spans 2 years divided into four semesters, though IGNOU offers a 1-year Master of Arts in Political Science (MAPSOY) under Open Distance Learning (ODL) specifically for candidates who have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree in Political Science.
The course systematically covers political theory, public policy, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. Students critically examine historical and contemporary governance models, global conflict resolution, modern political thought, and constitutional frameworks to prepare for leadership and analytical roles in public and private sectors.
MA Political Science Eligibility
To gain admission to an MA Political Science program, candidates must satisfy basic academic standards set by university guidelines:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA or BA Hons in Political Science, Social Sciences, or a relevant humanities discipline) from a recognized university.
- Minimum Aggregate Marks: Applicants must secure aggregate marks between 45% and 55% at the undergraduate level.
- Strict Percentage Rules: Under specific institution rules, such as Panjab University admission guidelines at SGGS College, aggregate marks below the prescribed percentage are strictly not rounded off (for instance, 49.9% is not counted as 50%).
- 1-Year ODL Eligibility: IGNOU’s 1-year MAPSOY program requires a completed 4-year undergraduate degree with Political Science as the major subject.
MA Political Science Admission Process
Admission to MA Political Science programs across Indian universities follows either a merit-based selection model or an entrance examination route. Under the merit-based system, colleges publish cutoff lists based on aggregate percentages obtained in the Bachelor’s degree. Under the entrance route, candidates are selected based on written test performance evaluating general knowledge, political awareness, research aptitude, and core political theory.
At least 988 colleges offer MA Political Science in India, including government 178 and private 251 institutions. State-wise distribution shows high concentration of options, led by Uttar Pradesh with 148 colleges, Madhya Pradesh with 85, Rajasthan with 83, Maharashtra with 77, Punjab with 49, and Bihar with 46 colleges.
MA Political Science Syllabus and Subjects
The standard 2-year curriculum is divided across four semesters to build core foundational knowledge before advancing into specialized areas of research, public policy, and global affairs.
| Semester | Core Subjects & Curriculum Areas |
|---|---|
| Semester I | Political Theory, Indian Political System, Western Political Thought, Research Methodology in Political Science |
| Semester II | Comparative Politics & Political Analysis, Public Administration, International Relations, Indian Foreign Policy |
| Semester III | Political Sociology, Human Rights & Gender Studies, Public Policy & Governance, Governance and Development |
| Semester IV | Contemporary Political Issues, Democracy & Constitution, Area Studies / Electives, Dissertation / Research Project Work |
Distance learning curriculum patterns, such as IGNOU’s MAPSOY program, award credit values across specific course modules:
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| MPSE1 | India and the World | 4 Credits |
| MPSE2 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 Credits |
| MPSE3 | Western Political Thought | 4 Credits |
| MPSE4 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 Credits |
| MPSE6 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 Credits |
| MPSE7 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 Credits |
| MPS110 | Research Methodology (Mandatory if not done in UG) | 4 Credits |
Top MA Political Science Colleges
Multi-city availability provides options across top educational hubs. Delhi features 37 colleges with fees ranging from ₹10,762 to ₹1.40 lakh; Jaipur offers 35 colleges (₹10,725 – ₹1.57 lakh); Bhopal features 23 colleges (₹11,290 – ₹1.08 lakh); Kolkata has 15 colleges (₹7,800 – ₹2.18 lakh); Lucknow has 15 colleges (₹15,110 – ₹2.80 lakh); Patna has 14 colleges (₹11,240 – ₹1.60 lakh); Guwahati has 12 colleges (₹13,050 – ₹2.50 lakh); and Dehradun offers 12 colleges (₹7,246 – ₹2.49 lakh).
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hindu College New Delhi | Delhi | University | ₹55,510 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | Government | — | 2 (Overall, 2025) |
| Kirori Mal College | Sonipat | Private | ₹33,366 | 4 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | Government | ₹20,350 | 4 (Overall, 2025) |
| Delhi University | Delhi | Government | ₹16,352 | 5 (Overall, 2025) |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | Government | ₹6,000 | 6 (Overall, 2025) |
| Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College | Delhi | Government | ₹35,732 | 7 (Overall, 2025) |
| St. Xavier’s College Kolkata | Kolkata | Private (aided) | ₹2.18 lakh | 8 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | Government | ₹7,800 | 9 (Overall, 2025) |
| City | Colleges | Fee range | Well-known options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 37 | ₹10,762 – ₹1.40 lakh | Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi University |
| Jaipur | 35 | ₹10,725 – ₹1.57 lakh | University of Rajasthan, Banasthali Vidyapith |
| Bhopal | 23 | ₹11,290 – ₹1.08 lakh | LNCT University, Rabindranath Tagore University |
| Kolkata | 15 | ₹7,800 – ₹2.18 lakh | Jadavpur University, Amity University Kolkata |
| Lucknow | 15 | ₹15,110 – ₹2.80 lakh | University of Lucknow, Integral University |
| Patna | 14 | ₹11,240 – ₹1.60 lakh | Patliputra University, Patna University |
| Guwahati | 12 | ₹13,050 – ₹2.50 lakh | Gauhati University, Cotton University |
| Dehradun | 12 | ₹7,246 – ₹2.49 lakh | Graphic Era University, Shri Guru Ram Rai University |
MA Political Science Career Scope and Salary
Graduates of MA Political Science enter diverse professional avenues across policy research think tanks, civil services, political consulting, journalism, non-governmental organizations, legal advocacy, and higher education. The median average placement package across 22 reporting colleges stands at 2.73 LPA.
Political Consultants command high private sector pay, earning average salaries between ₹7 LPA and ₹9 LPA, with senior consulting roles reaching ₹10 LPA to ₹30 LPA.
Fresh graduates entering content development, research analysis, or junior teaching positions start at ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 per month (₹2.4 LPA to ₹4.2 LPA), which typically grows to ₹35,000–₹60,000 per month after 3 to 5 years of professional experience.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | Average package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ewing Christian College | Allahabad | Private (aided) | ₹30,000 | 3.9 LPA |
| CMD PG College | Bilaspur | Private (aided) | ₹16,280 | 3.5 LPA |
| Madras Christian College | Chennai | Private (aided) | ₹95,910 | 3.2 LPA |
| Agra College | Agra | Private (aided) | ₹13,764 | 3.1 LPA |
| Mahishadal Raj College | Medinipur | Private (aided) | ₹33,720 | 2.94 LPA |
| Hislop College | Nagpur | Private (aided) | — | 2.55 LPA |
| Meerut College | Meerut | Private (aided) | — | 2.4 LPA |
| Nowrosjee Wadia College | Pune | Private (aided) | ₹13,500 | 2.37 LPA |
| Basanti Devi College | Kolkata | Private (aided) | ₹56,800 | 2.2 LPA |
| Sree Kerala Varma College | Thrissur | Private (aided) | — | 1.9 LPA |
How to Apply for MA Political Science Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Minimum Educational Qualification & Aggregate Marks: Verify that you hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA / BA Hons with Political Science, Social Sciences, or relevant stream) from a recognized university with at least 45% to 55% aggregate marks. (Note: Panjab University rules strictly prohibit rounding off fractions like 49.9%).
- Select Programme Mode (2-Year Regular vs 1-Year ODL): Choose between a standard 2-year (4-semester) regular MA Political Science degree or IGNOU’s 1-year MAPSOY ODL program (available if you have completed a 4-year undergraduate degree in Political Science).
- Submit Online Application Form on Portal: Fill out the application form on the official admission portal (e.g., IGNOU Samarth portal for distance learning or university specific portals for regular admissions like Panjab University / Mangalayatan University).
- Upload Required Documents & Verify Stream Equivalence: Upload marksheets, category certificates, ID proof, and bridge/equivalence documents if applying without Political Science at the Bachelor’s level.
- Merit List Declaration or Entrance Exam Evaluation: Institutions publish merit lists based on undergraduate aggregate percentage or entrance test scores.
- Document Verification & Fee Payment: Complete document verification and pay the prescribed course fee (e.g., ₹8,200 for IGNOU MAPSOY, ₹33,366 at KMC, or ₹37,942 at LSR) to confirm seat allotment.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| application | IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | MA Political Science colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Candidates must verify university-specific eligibility norms and submit required documents before paying fees. Admission confirmation is finalized after document verification and payment of prescribed fees.
FAQs
What is the scope of MA Political Science?
MA Political Science opens career avenues in civil services, policy research, political consulting, journalism, international relations, public administration, and teaching. Graduates earn average salaries ranging from ₹4 LPA to ₹10 LPA, with fresher starting pay between ₹2.4 LPA and ₹4.2 LPA.
Who is eligible for MA Political Science?
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree (BA or BA Hons in Political Science or Social Sciences) with minimum aggregate marks of 45% to 55% from a recognized university are eligible to apply.
What are the fees for IGNOU MA Political Science in 2026?
The course fee for IGNOU’s 1-year Master of Arts (Political Science) MAPSOY program is ₹8,200 for the full programme, plus applicable registration and development fees.
Which college is best for MA Political Science in DU?
Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) in Delhi is ranked #1 for Arts in India with total fees of ₹37,942 and an average placement package of ₹12.18 LPA. Hindu College and Kirori Mal College are also top choices.
Which job is best after MA Political Science?
Private sector options include Political Consultants earning ₹7 LPA to ₹9 LPA and Political Analysts earning ₹4.1 LPA to ₹6.3 LPA.
What are MA political science course subjects?
Core subjects include Western and Indian Political Thought, Indian Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Research Methodology, Public Administration, Political Sociology, Human Rights, and Public Policy.
