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Master of Arts (MA)
Political Science

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MA Political Science Course
Two-Year PG Programme

A rigorous study of politics, governance and global affairs

The Master of Arts in Political Science at SGGS is a two-year postgraduate programme (four semesters) affiliated to Panjab University, designed for students who want to engage rigorously with political theory, Indian government and politics, comparative politics, international relations and public policy — equipping them for careers in academia, civil services, research and public life.

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Areas of Study

Four core sub-fields of political science

Political Theory

Western & Indian

Classical and modern thinkers — from Plato and Aristotle to Gandhi and Ambedkar — and the major debates in political philosophy.

Indian Politics

Institutions & Processes

The Indian Constitution, political institutions, party system, federalism, elections and contemporary issues in Indian government.

Comparative Politics

Systems & States

Comparative study of political systems, regimes and political processes across democracies and non-democracies.

International Relations

Theory & Practice

IR theory, India's foreign policy, South Asia, global governance and contemporary international issues.

Official Course Details

Duration, seats & minimum eligibility

Course Name Duration Seats Minimum Eligibility
MA Political Science I 2 - Year (4 Semesters) 60

i) A candidate who has passed Bachelor's degree (BA / BA Hons.) with Political Science as one of the subjects from Panjab University or any other recognised University, with the minimum aggregate prescribed by Panjab University. Admission is subject to merit and availability of seats as per Panjab University admission guidelines 2026-27.

MA Political Science II 2 - Year (4 Semesters) 60

A student who has passed MA Political Science I from Panjab University Chandigarh, or from any other University recognised by PU with the same subjects / scheme of the prescribed course, or shall have to pass the deficient subjects, subject to availability of seats.
Without Political Science at Bachelor's — — Candidates without Political Science at the Bachelor's level may be considered as per Panjab University's bridge / equivalence rules. For exact conditions, please refer to PU's MA admission notification for the current session.
For details: Refer to Panjab University Admission Guidelines 2026-27 (www.puchd.ac.in) and the latest SGGS Prospectus. Fractions of marks below the requisite percentage are not rounded off in the candidate's favour.
Programme Overview

Core papers build the foundation

The MA Political Science programme at SGGS is structured across four semesters under Panjab University's curriculum, combining compulsory core papers in political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics and international relations with electives in areas such as public policy, political sociology and area studies. The programme emphasises analytical reading, research and debate.

Indicative — The paper structure reflects the broad shape of the MA. For the current semester-wise syllabus and the exact list of electives for the current session, please consult the latest Prospectus or Panjab University's official MA Political Science syllabus.

Core Areas of Study

  • Western and Indian Political Thought
  • Indian Government and Politics
  • Comparative Politics and Political Analysis
  • International Relations and India's Foreign Policy
  • Research Methodology in Political Science
Indicative Themes

Areas you can explore

Through core papers and electives, MA Political Science students engage with a wide range of theoretical, institutional and policy questions. The actual electives permitted vary by session and depend on PU's latest curriculum.

Indicative list — Refer to the current Prospectus and Panjab University's MA Political Science syllabus for the exact papers offered this session.

Western Political Thought

Plato to Marx — classical traditions

Indian Political Thought

Kautilya to Gandhi, Ambedkar and beyond

Indian Constitution

Reading the text, principles and practice

Indian Political System

Parliament, parties, federalism, elections

Comparative Politics

Political systems and regime types

International Relations

Theory, history and contemporary IR

India's Foreign Policy

Doctrine, neighbourhood and strategic affairs

South Asia & Area Studies

Understanding South Asia and its politics

Public Policy

Policy process, analysis and governance

Political Sociology

Society, identity and political behaviour

Human Rights

Rights, justice and constitutional morality

Research Methods

Qualitative and quantitative methods

Two Important Conditions

For MA Political Science admissions

Aggregate & Rounding

Admission is strictly by merit on aggregate Bachelor's marks as prescribed by Panjab University. As per PU rules, fractions of marks less than the requisite percentage are not rounded off in the candidate's favour — e.g. 49.9% will not be rounded to 50%.

Compartment / Deficient Subjects

All compartment candidates must fulfil the requirements prescribed by Panjab University under its rules and regulations governing admissions. Students with deficient subjects from the previous year must clear them within the prescribed PU chances.

Duration

Two years across four semesters, as per Panjab University's MA curriculum.

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree with Political Science as one of the subjects, with the minimum aggregate prescribed by PU (see the table above for full conditions).

Career Opportunities

Civil services (UPSC / PCS), legislative and policy roles, teaching and academia, journalism, think tanks, diplomacy, law, NGO and development sector, and postgraduate research including PhD and NET / JRF.

Ready to apply? The MA Political Science programme prepares students for academic research, civil services and public-affairs careers. Begin your application here.