🏛️ Political Science

The journey, step by step

SSLC through to leadership.

1. 1Foundation · 1 Year🎓 SSLC — Class 10Finish Class 10. Your marks decide which colleges and subject combinations are open to you next.
2. 2Stream Selection · 2 Years📚 PUC — any streamTwo years of pre-university study in any stream — Science, Commerce or Arts all qualify. This guide lists the course under Arts. This is where you prepare for the entrance exam.
3. 3Entrance Exam · Exam year📝 CUET / college meritEntry to BA Political Science is through CUET / college merit. CUET UG is run by National Testing Agency (NTA) and leads to Central and participating universities for BA, B.Sc, B.Com and more. Dates change every year — always confirm on the conducting authority's official portal.
4. 4Degree · 3 Years (4 Years Honours under NEP)📘 BA Political SciencePolitical Science: 3 Years (4 Years Honours under NEP). You can specialise in International Relations, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and more.
5. 5First Job · After graduating💼 Policy AnalystCommon starting roles include Policy Analyst, Legislative Assistant, Political Consultant.
6. 6Higher Studies · Optional🎯 MA Political Science (2Y)You can continue with MA Political Science (2Y), MA Public Policy (2Y), PhD. Graduates of this course also commonly go on to Civil Services (IAS/IPS), Law (LLB).
7. 7Research · 3–5 Years for a PhD🔬 MA → PhDMA → PhD · Think-tank research (ORF, CPR) · UGC-NET Political Science
8. 8Government Route · Exam-based🏛️ IAS / IPS / IFSIAS / IPS / IFS via UPSC · KAS via KPSC · Parliamentary staff · Ministry of External Affairs roles
9. 9Entrepreneurship · Any time🚀 Political consultancyPolitical consultancy · Policy advisory firm · Advocacy organisation · Campaign strategy consultancy
10. 10Leadership · Long term⭐ Secretary to GovernmentSecretary to Government · Head of Policy · Professor

Job roles and salary ranges

Salary figures are indicative annual ranges, not guarantees.