Political Science helps students drive their career with a multitude of exciting opportunities. The study of political science is an ideal choice for students keen on understanding and evaluating the functions of politics, the government, and society. Political Science is a perfect subject for anyone interested in learning how political systems function, as well as those who aspire to develop essential critical thinking and analytical skills. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition.

These reasons make political science among the most sought–after majors among humanities students today. Listed below are some great career options for a career in Political Science that students can explore. Let’s discuss some political science courses after 12th.

Career Options in Political Science

1. Civil Services

Civil servants are the steel frame of India. They are behind the successful implementation of policies and administration. They work from the ground level to develop the country and take it forward through their efforts and vision. Becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), or IFS (Indian Foreign Services) officer is considered one of the most respectable professions in India. 

A career in civil services also offers a chance to bring about radical and positive changes in India’s fabric, since officers play an important role in the execution of law and order in the country. You can also consider doing our Management Essentials Bootcamp if you are interested.

Interestingly, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of the optional subjects for the  UPSC exam, the aspiring bureaucrats who already have an education background in political science grab the PSIR concepts quicker than the rest. For anyone considering appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, a thorough knowledge of Political Science is a must, and studying the subject at the undergraduate level can immensely help aspirants.

Skills required 

• Responsible
• Accountable
• Patriotic
• Transparent
• Integrity 
• Hard work
• Committed

It is one of the sought-after political science career options; the basic salary for an IAS officer is INR 56,000 per month.

Must Read: What to do after 12th 

2. Policy Analyst

Political Science majors develop strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills, along with an in-depth knowledge of public policy, all of which are essential requirements for applying for the role of a policy analyst. The job of policy analysts is to evaluate the impacts of adopting a policy and use the analysis to devise arguments that either support or discredit the implementation. They do extensive research on the existing situation, identify the problems, and come up with solutions. They should be having strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

This is a great career option for Political Science graduates, as students possess the necessary proficiency in the political and legislative processes of the country and are an excellent fit for the job.

The political science scope in India is good. The role of the Policy Analyst is an example. 

Skills required

• Communication 

• Research
• Political aptitude
• Data management 
• Critical thinking 
• Reports generation

It is one of those government jobs after ba political science, where one can get an opportunity to work with the government as well. The average salary of a Policy Analyst is 7.0 lakhs per annum.

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3. Law

The laws of the Indian state, as well as the Indian Constitution, form a significant component of the syllabus of Political Science. This makes the students of the subject ideal for pursuing law following the completion of their studies, given how they already have an in-depth knowledge regarding the fundamentals of the discipline.

Although both of them are two different fields of study but having studied political science is an added advantage to law students. A fair understanding of political sciencegives a good perspective of political behavior, political activities, and theories. 

It is one of those reputable political science honours career options one can pursue. 

Skills required

• Law aptitude
• People handling
• Communication
• Documentation 
• Research 
• Time Management

The scope of political science is high, and law professionals do get a good salary. The average salary for a law professional is 6.0 lakhs per annum.

4. Legislative Assistant

Most people are unaware of the fact that Members of Parliament and other elected representatives and officials often hire assistants who can help them with their legislative duties.

These hires are professionally known as legislative assistants, who work in close collaboration with our MPs to research on policy issues, pending legislation, inquire into the problems of citizens within the jurisdiction of their employers, and coordinate and communicate with other officials of the jurisdiction.

The legislative assistants also prepare reports and maintain data on the undergoing issues, development, and implementation of the policies for the MPs. This data is not generic but rather related to the constituency of these ministers. This gives a rational perspective to the ministers so they could do the work effectively. It is one of those sought-after BA political science jobs. 

Skills required

• Paralegal
• Law Clerk 
• Legal Secretary 
• Legal Assistant

The average salary for a legislative assistant is 32,689 per month. 

Just completed your 12th in science and curious about your future? Navigate through the career options after 12th science to find a path that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

5. Social Media Manager

From political candidates, officials, and parties to interest groups, every individual or organisation in the public eye needs a strong social media presence. Their presence further needs to be managed by social media experts who understand politics and current issues well.

This is where political science graduates can leverage their knowledge of what constitutes a positive public image and opinion, and formulate and implement plans to shape and enhance their clients’ social media campaigns.

With the advent of social media, having a positive social media presence and image is pertinent. Social media is working as a tool to bridge the gap between legislators and citizens. It is a good career scope in political science because the manager can do a need analysis basis their educational background and strategise relevant content on the page. Relevancy of the content enhances the connection and thus creates popularity among the people.

It is one of the in-demand career in political science. 

Skills required 

• Communication
• Social Media
• SEO
• Creativity 
• Efficiency 
• Customer Care

The average salary for a social media manager is 4.5 lakhs per annum.

Read: Top Career Options after BA 

6. Journalism

A good political journalist is someone who has profound expertise in politics and aspires to use it to increase public awareness about the same across different media. Political Science graduates make excellent political journalists, reporters, and correspondents, given their competence in politics and their understanding of the political environment.

Whether students choose to supplement their undergraduate degree with a degree or diploma in journalism or mass communication or start working directly after graduation, journalism is a fantastic career option for Political Science graduates. Political science students can choose to upskill themselves by doing a degree or diploma in either journalism or mass communication. They could choose to work in the industry right after they complete graduation.  journalism is a fantastic career option for political science graduates.

There are various political science job opportunities in the field of journalism, one can go ahead and pursue any field of their interest. 

Skills required

• Communication 
• Attention to detail 
• Research skills
• Problem-solving 
• Digital Literacy 

7. Marketing Research Analyst

8. Teaching

Students who enjoy gaining more knowledge about the subject can consider teaching at the school or college level as a career option in Political Science. At the school level, teachers are required to hold a B.Ed. degree, along with an MA in political science, while at the college level, teachers need to qualify examinations such as UGC NET/ SET and/or hold a Ph.D.

For graduates who are inclined towards academia, teaching is a suitable career in political science. Based on their preference they could either choose to teach in the school or for higher education. 

It is one of those jobs for political science students where they can get recruited by eminent institutions and fulfil their minds with extensive knowledge.

Also Read: Career Options for Commerce Students

9. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts work for government agencies like the CBI. They utilise their knowledge of political science to analyse all levels and parameters of development in the country’s volatile regions, which requires their specific knowledge and skill set.

Their work also includes making reports on groups that may pose a threat to national security, study patterns of leadership and public response, and present their findings in a conclusive manner. This opens a good career scope in political science.

10. Political Campaign Staff

A political campaign staff’s job profile is the same as that of a social media manager, except that this work is done mostly offline. Political campaign staff members prepare press releases and draft speeches for their clients, design and execute campaign strategies, analyse current political issues, study public reactions to cultivate their client’s image, and organise fundraisers for the campaign.

11. Public Relations Representative/ Specialist

Public relations representatives or specialists are people who act as mediators between their clients and the public through various platforms of the media. From organising press releases and conferences to managing campaigns, events, and public appearances, the profession requires astute critical skills of researching, writing, and analysing to promote their client’s image, something that political science majors possess in abundance.

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12. Political Scientist

Lastly, for students who are deeply passionate about the study of political science, academia is an industry that is always open. Students can pursue their MA and PhD in Political Science following the completion of their graduation, to become thinkers and subject matter experts.

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Conclusion

All of these disciplines can be of service in various industries and fields. The choice of opting for the subject will undoubtedly be easier if you know of the brilliant career options in Political Science that lie ahead after studying the same.

The above-mentioned political science job opportunities are an example of various interesting paths one can choose for themselves. Depending upon where the interest lie, one can choose a path for themselves. As we saw that application of political science education is not restricted to a few opportunities rather it has wider relevancy.