MA Political Science is a two-year postgraduate program in India that explores political theory, governance, public policy, comparative politics, and international relations. Open to graduates from recognised universities, most institutions require around 50% aggregate marks, with admissions based on merit or entrance exams such as CUET PG or university tests. Annual fees typically range from ₹5,000–₹20,000 in government colleges and ₹30,000–₹1,00,000 in private universities. The course builds analytical, research, and policy skills, preparing graduates for careers in civil services, political consulting, journalism, academia, NGOs, think tanks, and public administration, with entry-level salaries commonly ranging between ₹3 LPA and ₹12 LPA.
The following table lists top colleges and universities in India offering MA Political Science programs across government and private sectors. Institutions are selected based on academic reputation, faculty strength, university rankings, and student outcomes rather than subject-specific NIRF rankings. Approximate annual fees are included to help compare affordability, along with admission modes such as CUET PG, university entrance exams, or merit-based selection. These colleges are located across major academic hubs like New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, and Hyderabad. Fees generally range from around INR 2,000 in government universities to INR 50,000 or more in private institutions, depending on facilities and program structure.
College Name
City
Approx. Annual Fees
Admission Mode
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
New Delhi
INR 300 – 1,000
CUET PG / University Entrance
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Varanasi
INR 5,000 – 10,000
CUET PG
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
New Delhi
INR 8,000 – 12,000
Entrance Exam (University / CUET PG)
University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad
INR 7,000 – 10,000
CUET PG
Presidency University
Kolkata
INR 2,000 – 5,000
University Entrance / Merit
Madras Christian College
Chennai
INR 40,000 – 50,000
Merit-Based / Entrance
Loyola College (Autonomous)
Chennai
INR 40,000 – 50,000
Merit-Based
Christ University
Bengaluru
INR 35,000 – 60,000
Entrance Test + Interview
Entrance Exams for MA Political Science in India
Entrance exams play a central role in MA Political Science admissions in India. Many central universities — including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and the University of Hyderabad — now admit students primarily through CUET PG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Some universities, such as Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, may continue to conduct their own entrance examinations. Private universities often conduct institutional tests or provide merit-based admissions. Exam syllabi typically include political theory, Indian politics, international relations, comparative politics, public administration, and current affairs.
Exam Name
Conducting Body
Exam Type
Syllabus Highlights
CUET PG
National Testing Agency (NTA)
National-level
Political Theory, Indian Politics, IR, Public Administration
Jamia Entrance Test
Jamia Millia Islamia
University-level
Political Science, Current Affairs, General Knowledge
AMU Entrance Exam
Aligarh Muslim University
University-level
Political Science, Indian Politics, IR
LPUNEST
Lovely Professional University
University-level
Political Science, GK, Current Affairs
Symbiosis Entrance Test (PG) / Institute Test
Symbiosis International University
University-level
Political Science concepts, Analytical Ability
Amity PG Entrance / Merit-Based
Amity University
University-level
Subject knowledge & aptitude
MA Political Science Admission Process in India
The admission process for MA Political Science programs in India varies by university but generally includes entrance exam–based or merit-based selection. Candidates must apply through the official university or college admission portal and pay an application fee typically ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,500 (may vary by institution). Many central and state universities admit students through CUET PG conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), while others conduct their own entrance exams or offer merit-based admission based on bachelor’s degree marks. Most institutions require a minimum of 50% aggregate in a relevant undergraduate degree (relaxation for reserved categories as per norms). Selection may include document verification and, in some cases, a personal interview or counselling round. Final admission is confirmed after merit list publication, fee payment, and submission of required documents within the specified deadline. Admission notifications and updates are released through official university websites or registered email IDs.
Apply through the official university or college admission portal and pay the prescribed application fee (approx. ₹300–₹1,500).
Appear for an entrance exam such as CUET PG or a university-specific entrance test, where applicable.
Ensure eligibility with a minimum 50% aggregate in a bachelor’s degree (subject requirements vary by university).
Participate in merit-based selection where admission is granted based on graduation marks.
Complete document verification including academic certificates, ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), and photographs.
Attend counselling or personal interview rounds if required by the institution.
Check merit lists and admission notifications on the official website or registered email.
Confirm admission by paying fees and completing formalities within the specified deadline.
MA Political Science Syllabus in India
The MA Political Science syllabus in Indian universities is designed to provide a strong academic foundation in political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics, public administration, and international relations while developing research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. The program is generally structured across four semesters over two years, with core theoretical and methodological papers introduced in the first year and advanced papers, electives, and specializations offered in the second year. While exact subjects vary by university and curriculum framework (CBCS/NEP-based structures), most programs combine classroom learning, seminars, term papers, and a dissertation or research project in the final semester.
Semester-wise Structure
Year 1 – Core Foundations
Semester 1: Western Political Thought / Political Theory, Indian Political Thought, Comparative Politics, Research Methodology (Introductory)
Semester 2: International Relations Theory, Indian Government and Politics, Public Administration, Political Sociology / Modern Political Analysis
Year 2 – Advanced Papers and Specializations
Semester 3: Public Policy and Governance, State Politics in India / Federalism, Elective Paper (based on specialization), Research Methods / Field Study
International Relations: Global politics, foreign policy analysis, international organizations, diplomacy, and strategic studies
Public Administration: Administrative theory, governance, development administration, and public policy analysis
Comparative Politics: Comparative political systems, political institutions, democratisation, and global political processes
Political Theory: Classical and contemporary political philosophy, democracy, justice, equality, and political ideologies
The first year focuses on building theoretical and analytical foundations, while the second year allows students to explore advanced topics and specialization areas aligned with academic interests and career goals. Most universities conclude the program with a dissertation or research project, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge through independent research and academic writing.
The fee structure for MA Political Science programmes in India varies widely between government and private institutions. Central and state universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and the University of Hyderabad offer highly subsidised education, with annual tuition fees typically ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 20,000. Private universities such as Amity University and Symbiosis International University generally charge higher fees due to enhanced infrastructure, facilities, and industry exposure, with annual tuition fees commonly ranging from INR 40,000 to INR 1,20,000. Apart from tuition, students should also consider hostel charges, examination fees, and scholarships or financial aid opportunities offered by institutions.
College Type
Average Annual Fees
Government Universities
INR 2,000 – INR 20,000
Private Universities
INR 40,000 – INR 1,20,000
MA Political Science Fees at Top Universities
University
Approx. Annual Fees
Notes
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
INR 2,000 – INR 5,000
Hostel & other charges separate
University of Delhi
INR 8,000 – INR 15,000
Varies by college
University of Hyderabad
INR 6,000 – INR 10,000
Subsidised central university fees
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
INR 8,000 – INR 12,000
Scholarships available
Amity University
INR 50,000 – INR 1,00,000
Merit scholarships offered
Symbiosis International University
INR 70,000 – INR 1,20,000
Financial aid schemes available
Career Opportunities After MA Political Science
An MA in Political Science equips graduates with analytical, research, policy evaluation, and communication skills applicable across government, academia, media, policy research, and the non-profit sector. Career options range from policy analysis and journalism to teaching and civil services preparation. Entry-level salaries vary depending on institution, skill set, and sector, while experienced professionals can move into leadership roles in public policy, academia, diplomacy, and governance.
Job Role
Description
Average Salary Range
Political Analyst
Analyses political trends and policy developments
INR 4 – 8 LPA
Public Policy Consultant
Advises organisations or governments on policies
INR 5 – 10 LPA
Journalist/Political Correspondent
Reports on political events and public affairs
INR 3 – 6 LPA
Civil Services Officer
Administrative roles through UPSC/State PSC
As per government pay scale
Assistant Professor/Lecturer
Teaching in colleges/universities (NET/PhD often required)
INR 4 – 10 LPA
Research Associate
Academic or policy research roles
INR 3.5 – 6 LPA
NGO/Development Sector Professional
Social policy and governance projects
INR 3 – 6 LPA
Policy Advisor
Strategic policy guidance roles
INR 6 – 12 LPA
Compared to specialised degrees such as MA International Relations, MA Political Science provides a broader foundation covering political theory, governance, comparative politics, and public administration, enabling graduates to work across multiple sectors.
FAQs
Q1. What is the typical eligibility requirement for MA Political Science in India?
Eligibility typically requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate score (often 50%). Some institutions may also conduct entrance exams or interviews as part of the admission process.
Q2. What is the average annual fee for government colleges offering MA Political Science in India?
The average annual fee for government colleges offering MA Political Science in India ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000.
Q3. What are the core subjects covered in the first semester of MA Political Science?
In the first semester of MA Political Science, the core subjects covered include Political Theory, Indian Political Thought, and Comparative Politics.
Q4. What are the career opportunities available to MA Political Science graduates in India?
MA Political Science graduates in India can pursue careers as Political Analysts, Public Policy Consultants, Journalists, Civil Servants, and Professors/Lecturers, with salary ranges varying from INR 3 LPA to INR 12 LPA.
Q5. What are the entrance exams available for MA Political Science admission in India?
Some of the entrance exams available for MA Political Science admission in India include CUET PG, JNU Entrance Exam, and DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test), which are conducted at the national and university levels.
Amay Mathur is an EdTech content and SEO professional with over 4 years of experience in building scalable education content systems. He played a key role in developing the content framework at Chegg, focusing on structure, discoverability, and student intent. Amay actively contributes to editorial education content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and search-aligned storytelling that helps learners make informed academic decisions.
