B.A. (Hons.) Political Science and International Relations

  1. Programme Overview

The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science and International Relations programme offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of politics, political institutions, ideas, processes and international affairs. It integrates the major domains of Political Science—including Political Theory, Indian Politics, Comparative Politics and Political Thought—with International Relations, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, International Organisations, Global Governance and Contemporary Global Issues.

The programme enables students to examine political phenomena across local, national, regional and global contexts while developing the ability to interpret changing relations among the state, society, institutions and international actors. Through an outcome-based and learner-centric approach, the curriculum emphasises critical thinking, analytical writing, research competence, digital literacy, communication, ethical reasoning and experiential learning. It prepares students for higher education, research, competitive examinations and diverse professional opportunities in government, academia, policy research, media, civil society and international affairs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  • Key Highlights
  • Built-In Coaching for Civil Services and Competitive Examinations

A distinctive feature of the programme is the integration of Civil Services and competitive examination preparation with undergraduate education. The embedded coaching component enables students to begin structured preparation from the first semester, allowing academic learning and competitive examination preparation to progress simultaneously.

Key Features

  • Embedded Coaching from the First Semester: Students can begin structured preparation for Civil Services and other competitive examinations alongside their regular undergraduate studies.
  • Integrated Academic and Competitive Examination Preparation: The programme combines disciplinary knowledge with systematic, examination-oriented training to strengthen conceptual understanding, analytical ability, general awareness and competitive preparedness.
  • UPSC-Oriented Training: The coaching component is designed with inputs from experienced experts and faculty members from reputed institutions, with focused preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and other relevant competitive examinations.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Students receive interdisciplinary academic exposure through a range of subjects relevant to higher education and competitive examinations, supplemented by opportunities to undertake certified courses available through the SWAYAM portal.
  • Internship and Experiential Learning: Internships, projects and hands-on learning opportunities enable students to connect classroom knowledge with practical, administrative and professional contexts.
  • Academic and Professional Expertise: The programme brings together faculty and experts from Adamas University, RICE Education, RICE IAS and Destination IAS, Delhi, providing students with complementary academic and competitive-examination perspectives.
  • Academic Mentorship: The programme has been designed under the mentorship of Professor D. P. Agrawal, Former Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
  • Preparation Beyond Civil Services: The integrated training develops knowledge, aptitude, analytical ability and examination skills relevant not only to the Civil Services Examination but also to a range of Central and State Government competitive examinations.
  • Programme Advantage

By integrating a university degree with structured competitive-examination preparation, the programme enables students to pursue academic development, career preparedness and professional skill enhancement within a unified learning framework.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  1. Programme Vision

To develop critically informed, academically competent, globally aware and socially responsible graduates capable of understanding and analysing political processes and international affairs and contributing meaningfully to democratic society, public life and an interconnected world.

  1. Programme Mission

M1. To provide a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation in Political Science, Public Administration and International Relations through interdisciplinary and outcome-based learning.

M2. To develop critical, comparative and analytical abilities for understanding political institutions, processes, public issues and international developments.

M3. To strengthen research aptitude, academic writing, communication, digital literacy and evidence-based inquiry.

M4. To promote constitutional values, ethical reasoning, democratic citizenship, social sensitivity and respect for diversity.

M5. To prepare students for higher education, research, competitive examinations and professional opportunities in public, private and civil-society sectors.

  1. Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Graduates of the programme will be able to:

PEO1 – Disciplinary and Intellectual Competence

Develop a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation in Political Science, Public Administration and International Relations and apply disciplinary knowledge to understand political and global developments.

PEO2 – Analytical and Research Orientation

Employ critical, comparative, interdisciplinary and evidence-based approaches to analyse political, social, policy and international issues and pursue advanced academic and research opportunities.

PEO3 – Professional Competence

Develop knowledge and transferable skills relevant to civil services, government, academia, research organisations, think tanks, media, NGOs, international organisations, public affairs and allied professional domains.

PEO4 – Democratic and Social Responsibility

Demonstrate constitutional and democratic values, ethical responsibility, social sensitivity, respect for diversity and informed participation in civic and public life.

PEO5 – Leadership and Lifelong Learning

Demonstrate leadership, adaptability, independent learning and commitment to continuous academic, professional and personal development.

  1. Programme Outcomes (POs)

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

PO1 – Disciplinary Knowledge

Demonstrate systematic knowledge of the concepts, theories, institutions, processes and debates of Political Science and International Relations across local, national, regional and global contexts.

PO2 – Critical and Analytical Thinking

Analyse and evaluate political arguments, institutions, policies, events and international developments using logical, comparative and evidence-based reasoning.

PO3 – Interdisciplinary and Integrated Learning

Integrate perspectives from Political Science, Public Administration and International Relations and allied disciplines to interpret complex political, socio-economic and global phenomena.

PO4 – Research and Inquiry

Formulate research questions and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods to collect, interpret and present information concerning political and international issues.

PO5 – Communication Skills

Communicate political ideas, arguments and research findings effectively through academic writing, presentations, discussions and appropriate forms of professional communication.

PO6 – Digital and Information Literacy

Use digital technologies, academic databases and information resources responsibly for research, analysis, communication and knowledge creation.

PO7 – Social Responsibility and Diversity

Analyse issues relating to equality, rights, justice, identity and diversity and demonstrate sensitivity towards pluralism, inclusion and democratic participation.

PO8 – Ethics and Democratic Values

Apply ethical reasoning and constitutional and democratic values while examining political decision-making, public affairs and contemporary societal challenges.

PO9 – Leadership and Professional Competence

Demonstrate teamwork, leadership, decision-making, problem-solving and professional skills appropriate to academic, civic and organisational environments.

PO10 – Application and Lifelong Learning

Apply disciplinary knowledge to contemporary political and global challenges and demonstrate the capacity for independent and lifelong learning.

  1. Programme Specific Outcomes (PSOs)

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

PSO1 – Political Ideas, Institutions and Processes

Interpret and apply major political concepts, theories and intellectual traditions to analyse political institutions, political processes, behaviour and state–society relations.

PSO2 – Indian Politics and Governance

Analyse India's constitutional framework, political institutions and processes and evaluate contemporary issues concerning democracy, governance, rights and public policy.

PSO3 – International Relations and Global Affairs

Apply major theories and concepts of International Relations to analyse foreign policy, diplomacy, international organisations, international security, global governance and changing geopolitical developments.

PSO4 – Comparative and Research Capability

Employ comparative perspectives and appropriate research methods to investigate political systems, public issues and international developments and communicate findings systematically.

PSO5 – Academic, Professional and Civic Application

Apply disciplinary knowledge and transferable skills to higher education, research, competitive examinations, public service, policy analysis, media, civil society and other professional domains.

  1. Graduate Attributes

Graduates of the programme will demonstrate:

GA1 – Disciplinary Competence: Sound knowledge of Political Science, Public Administration and International Relations.

GA2 – Critical Thinking: Ability to critically interpret arguments, evidence, institutions and contemporary developments.

GA3 – Research Aptitude: Capacity to undertake systematic and evidence-based academic inquiry.

GA4 – Communication Competence: Effective written, oral and digital communication.

GA5 – Digital Literacy: Responsible and effective use of digital and information resources.

GA6 – Ethical Reasoning: Sensitivity towards ethics, integrity and responsible decision-making.

GA7 – Democratic and Social Responsibility: Commitment to constitutional values, inclusion, pluralism and responsible citizenship.

GA8 – Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to collaborate, lead and contribute effectively in diverse environments.

GA9 – Global Awareness: Understanding of international affairs, intercultural perspectives and global interconnectedness.

GA10 – Lifelong Learning: Capacity for independent learning, adaptability and continuous professional development.

  1. Programme Highlights
  • Integrated study of Political Science and International Relations at the undergraduate level.
  • Comprehensive coverage of Political Theory, Indian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Thought, International Relations, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy and Global Politics.
  • Strong emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing and research methodology.
  • Engagement with contemporary national, regional and international developments.
  • Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning.
  • Research projects, presentations, internships and experiential learning.
  • Development of communication, leadership and digital competencies.
  • Academic foundation for higher education and research.
  • Knowledge and analytical skills relevant to civil services and other competitive examinations.
  • Exposure to professional pathways in government, policy research, think tanks, media, civil society and international affairs.
  1. Duration

4 Years / 8 Semesters

  1. Eligibility

Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised Board.

  1. Career and Higher Education Opportunities

Graduates may pursue opportunities in Civil Services and Government Services; Higher Education and Research; Teaching and Academia; Policy Research; Think Tanks; International Organisations; NGOs and NPOs; Media and Journalism; Publishing; Political and Social Research; Public Affairs; Political Consultancy; Content Development; and allied professional sectors.

Graduates may also pursue postgraduate and research programmes in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Strategic Studies, Area Studies, Development Studies, Public Administration and allied disciplines.