Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a prestigious central university in India, offers a distinguished Master of Arts (M.A.) programme in Political Science through its Centre for Political Studies (CPS). This two-year postgraduate program is well known for its demanding academic structure and critical analysis of political theories and practices. Admission ProcessAdmission to the M.A. in Political Science programme is done through the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET-PG) 2025, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Applicants must appear for the CUET-PG under the test paper code HUQP18.Eligibility Criteria:Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree under the 10+2+3 pattern.For candidates from Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines: minimum 50% marks.For candidates from Science and Technology disciplines: minimum 55% marks.Reservation Policy: Applicable as per the Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/PWD categories.Application Process:After the declaration of CUET-PG 2025 results, candidates must apply separately to JNU for admission consideration.Programme StructureThe M.A. in Political Science at JNU spans four semesters, requiring the completion of 64 credits. The credit distribution is as follows:Compulsory Courses: 10 courses, each worth 4 credits, totaling 40 credits.Optional Courses: Students must undertake at least two optional courses offered by the Centre, contributing to the remaining 24 credits.Course registration starts at the beginning of each semester, with faculty advisors available to guide students in their course selection.The programme's curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and practices. The core areas of study include:Political Theory and Philosophy: Exploration of foundational political concepts and thinkers.Indian Government and Politics: In-depth analysis of India's political structures and processes.Comparative Politics: Comparative study of different political systems and institutions.International Relations: Examination of global political dynamics and foreign policies.Research Methods: Training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies pertinent to political science.The Centre updates its course offerings at the beginning of each semester, ensuring that the curriculum remains contemporary and relevant.CUET-PG 2025 Examination PatternThe CUET-PG 2025 for Political Science comprises 75 multiple-choice questions, focusing solely on domain-specific knowledge. Candidates are allotted 90 minutes to complete the test. Syllabus Overview:Unit I: Western Political Philosophy (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Rawls)Unit II: Indian Political Thought (e.g., Kautilya, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Savarkar)Unit III: Political Theory (concepts of liberty, equality, justice)Unit IV: International Relations (theories and contemporary issues)Unit V: Indian Government and Politics (constitution, political institutions)Unit VI: Comparative Government and PoliticsUnit VII: Public Policies in IndiaUnit VIII: General issues of contemporary relevance Programme DetailsDuration: 2 years (4 semesters)Total Seats: Approximately 110 (excluding direct foreign admissions)Total Fees: Approximately Rs 658 for the entire programmeJNU's M.A. in Political Science programme is known for its strong academic training and critical engagement with political issues, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, civil services, and various sectors requiring analytical and policy-oriented expertise.
