IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Political Science [BAPSH], a flexible and affordable undergra

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)

Political Science is one of the most popular subjects for students in India, especially for those who want to pursue civil services, law, public policy, research, journalism, or teaching. It helps us understand how governments work, how laws are made, and how international relations shape the world.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Political Science [BAPSH], a flexible and affordable undergraduate program that gives students deep knowledge of political theory, Indian government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy.

About the Program

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science

• Program Code: BAPSH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Mode: Distance Learning + Online

• Minimum Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Duration: 6 Years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent

• Fee Structure: Around ₹4,200 – ₹5,000 per year (subject to change)

• Admission Cycles: January & July every year

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Objectives of the Program

This program is designed to:

• Provide theoretical and practical knowledge of political systems.

• Introduce students to Indian politics, government, and constitutional framework.

• Train learners in political analysis, policy-making, and governance.

• Familiarize students with global politics, diplomacy, and international relations.

• Prepare students for civil services, law, teaching, journalism, and research careers.

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📚 Course Structure – BA Political Science (BAPSH)

The program follows the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). Students must complete 148 credits across 3 years (6 semesters).

Courses are divided into:

• Core Courses (CC) – Compulsory subjects in political science.

• Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE) – Advanced specialization.

• Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC) – Environmental studies, communication skills.

• Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) – Practical and applied training.

• Generic Electives (GE) – Interdisciplinary subjects.

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📌 Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

Core Courses:

1. BPSC-101: Understanding Political Theory

   • Concepts of power, authority, legitimacy, and rights.

2. BPSC-102: Constitutional Government and Democracy in India

   • Indian Constitution, parliament, judiciary, federalism.

3. BPSC-103: Political Theory—Concepts and Debates

   • Liberty, equality, justice, democracy, secularism.

4. BPSC-104: Political Process in India

   • Elections, parties, pressure groups, public opinion.

AECC:

• BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

👉 Credits: ~24

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📌 Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

Core Courses:
5. BPSC-105: Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics

• Political systems of UK, USA, China, South Africa.

6. BPSC-106: Perspectives on Public Administration

   • Bureaucracy, governance, administrative theories.

7. BPSC-107: Perspectives on International Relations and World History

   • Cold War, UN, globalization, regionalism.

8. BPSC-108: Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective

   • Comparative study of political systems across nations.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Public Policy and Administration in India

• Global Politics

• Gandhi and the Contemporary World

• Understanding South Asia

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Legislative Practices and Procedures

• Public Opinion and Survey Research

👉 Credits: ~46

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📌 Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6)

Core Courses:
9. BPSC-109: Classical Political Philosophy

• Thinkers: Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Kautilya.

10. BPSC-110: Modern Political Philosophy

    • Thinkers: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Ambedkar.

11. BPSC-111: The United Nations and Global Conflicts

    • Role of UN, peacekeeping, terrorism, global conflicts.

12. BPSC-112: India’s Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World

    • India’s relations with USA, Russia, China, SAARC, BRICS.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• Democracy and Development in Northeast India

• Women, Power, and Politics

• Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective

• India’s Political Thought

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Conflict and Peace Building

• Governance and Public Policy Analysis

👉 Credits: ~70+

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Compulsory, must be submitted before exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Conducted in June & December.

• Project Work (optional in electives) – Encouraged in final year.

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Admission Process

1. Visit IGNOU’s admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

2. Register with email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill out personal, academic, and program details.

4. Upload documents:

   • Passport-size photo

   • Signature

   • Age proof

   • 10+2 certificate

5. Pay fees online (Debit/Credit/Net Banking/UPI).

6. Save and print the confirmation slip.

👉 Admissions are open in January & July cycles.

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Career Opportunities After BA (Honours) Political Science

Graduates in Political Science have wide-ranging career opportunities.

🔹 Government Jobs & Civil Services

• UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)

• State Public Service Commissions (PSC)

• Staff Selection Commission (SSC) jobs

• Defence & police services

🔹 Politics & Public Policy

• Political Analyst

• Policy Researcher in think tanks

• Legislative Assistant

🔹 Media & Journalism

• Political Correspondent

• News Analyst

• Opinion Writer / Editor

🔹 International Careers

• Diplomacy (Indian Foreign Services, UN, NGOs)

• Global Governance & International Relations

🔹 Higher Education & Academia

• MA Political Science

• PhD / Research Scholar

• Lecturer / Professor

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Why Choose IGNOU for Political Science?

1. Flexibility – Study at your own pace (3–6 years).

2. Affordable Fees – Much lower than private universities.

3. Recognition – UGC-approved, valid for jobs and higher studies.

4. Civil Services Edge – Syllabus overlaps with UPSC & State PSC exams.

5. Digital Learning – Free e-material on eGyankosh, SWAYAM, IGNOU apps.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU BA (Honours) Political Science (BAPSH) is an excellent choice for students who want to build a career in government, civil services, law, journalism, or public policy. With its strong academic foundation, affordable fees, and flexible learning mode, it is ideal for both full-time learners and working professionals.

If you are aiming for UPSC, SSC, law, teaching, or diplomacy, this program will give you the right mix of theory, practice, and analytical skills.