Scope of MA in Political Science in India: Career, Higher Studies & Future Opportunities

 So, what’s an MA in Political Science? An Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science is a two-year postgraduate degree program offered in most educational institutions in India, catering to courses from the humanities and social sciences field.  

The course content of Political Science offers an interdisciplinary study in areas like politics. political systems, government structures, environmental politics, political sociology, functioning of government, global governance, and international relations. Studying this degree facilitates career opportunities in the fields of politics, public policy, consulting, public relations, and academia, to name a few spheres. 

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the scope of MA in political science and list top job roles in public administration, policy, education and more. So read along to know how this academic degree can open a path for some unique and engaging job opportunities that you can pursue based on your skills and inclinations. 

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Scope of MA in Political Science in 2025 

Did you know that jobs after an MA in political science can mean working with the government, working in public policy, working in the corporate sector as well as research and development. 

The scope of an MA in political science in India is not just limited to academics and research. Since the scope of MA in Political science is diversified into a series of work profiles, industries, and organizations. You can avail a bunch of opportunities with this degree.  

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Here are some of the areas where the scope of MA in political science lies and the consequent job roles and skills needed: 

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Top Jobs after MA in Political Science

Job opportunities after a master’s in political science are manifold. Being an advanced level higher education degree, jobs after MA in political science can be in multiple roles and profiles.  

Here’s a table with top jobs after M.A. in Political Science with approx. salary range: 

Source: Ambition Box, Glassdoor, SalaryExpert 

Also Read: Top 12 Career Options in Political Science: Job Roles After BA in Political Science 

What Skills do You Require for an MA in Political Science? 

For potential students of MA Political Science, it is recommended to gain a variety of skills that can help them succeed academically, improve their research capacity, and get ready for a wide range of professional options.  

We shall discuss the major skills required for an MA in political science: 

1. Researching Skills - Having proficiency and experience in research roles is largely instrumental in future career prospects in political science and similar domains. The ability to conduct effective, organic, and useful research involves a combination of designing the research strategy and conducting large-scale or small-scale research as per the ongoing demand. 

2. Ability to communicate effectively - Being adept at effective communication requires a dual combination of written and verbal communication. To be able to concisely communicate intent and ideas and present them in both writing and speech is a highly valued skill for political science professionals.  

3. Analytical Skills - These include data interpretation, policy assessment, analysis of real-world problems, and proposing achievable solutions. Inculcating a multitude of perspectives to assess problems and deeply analyzing complex issues are also involved in the purview of analytical skills. 

4. General Awareness of global politics - To be a student at the PG level of political science, you must keep track of international politics and understand its socioeconomic impact on politics. Furthermore, an added interest or knowledge of foreign policy, and bilateral relationships will be helpful in advancing a career in international relations. 

5. Digital Skills - Having a sound knowledge of data analysis tools and software, social media tools, presentation tools, and research databases along with a basic understanding of social media makes it easier to navigate and present gathered data in a structured manner. Hence, proficiency in these skills is a must for a career in political science.  

6. Research Methodology - An important segment in social science research. Research methodology entails skills in areas like quantitative and qualitative analysis, case study as well as comparative methods. To understand simply, the focus is on numerical data, surveys, case studies, and content analysis as tools to conduct research in political science. Proficiency in these segments is fundamental for political science students in higher education as well as later on in their professional journey in the field. 

Soft skills are also, like any other discipline, rudimentary to fostering professional and academic growth during an MA in political science.  

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Eligibility Criteria for MA in Political Science 

If you are looking to pursue an MA in political science, you must check the eligibility criteria.  

Usually, an MA in political science requires certain prerequisites to determine whether or not you are not eligible to pursue this degree: 

• You must have completed your undergraduate or bachelor's from a recognized university or institution in India. 

• Your undergraduate percentage should be at least 50%. However, some institutes may require you to have as little as 45% or as high as 55%. 

• Many universities, especially government universities in India have the criteria for national entrance exams for PG courses. Thus, you need to clear these entrance exams to have a chance to grab a seat in the university department. 

• Similarly, universities also have the option to avail admission to an MA in political science via merit-based criteria. 

• Admission to certain universities may be multi-tiered, involving processes of written examination, interview screening as well as personality assessment. 

• Although it is not 100% mandatory to have completed UG in political science only, it surely is beneficial for people coming from the same UG degree as they have a general idea of the scope, subject matter as well relevant practical skills to a certain extent. 

Future Trends of MA in Political Science 

An MA in Political Science is not limited to traditional teaching or government jobs. With digital governance and global policy changes, this degree is opening up diverse career opportunities. 

• New trends like big data, e-governance, and digital governance are shaping this field. 

• Use of AI and data tools is growing to study voters, policies, and governance. 

• In India, jobs are opening in digital political campaigns, media, consultancy, and policy work. 

• Policy experts, researchers, and analysts are in high demand across sectors. 

• Many graduates work in policymaking and think tanks, helping design and review policies. 

• The degree is very relevant in today’s digital era, where online campaigns and data-driven politics are key. 

• Career options are not limited to government, you can also work in consulting, NGOs, media, and global organizations. 

• A mix of political knowledge and digital skills ensures strong career growth. 

Learn about new political trends and read: How Big Data Impacts Political Campaigns to Drive Election Success? 

Is MA in Political Science the Right Choice for You?  

 If you are looking to pursue an MA in political science, you must make sure to truly understand if it is the right degree of choice for you. So, let’s see who a suitable student would be to pursue this master’s degree. 

An MA in Political Science is a specialized master’s degree and would be the right choice for you if you fit into the following categories: 

• If you enjoy analyzing politics and want to make a career out of it 
• If you want to understand governance at the theoretical and systemic level 
• You want to career in civil services, political research, policy think tanks 

Wrap Up  

You now know how the scope of MA in political science involves a range of career opportunities where you can actively contribute to areas that have a large socio-political impact, be it policy research, analysis, or governance. These areas have demand for skilled and expert people. 

For anyone ready to dedicate themselves to understanding political systems and public policy, an MA in Political Science is a smart choice. With an MA, you build solid subject foundations as well as develop skills that position you as a valuable asset in a series of domains. However, it is highly important to complement your theoretical expertise with useful digital skills, which are needed in almost every field now. 

If you want to explore what upskilling options you can choose from, go ahead and book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad and our mentors will help you choose your right path. 

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