MPhil Political Science Eligibility, Colleges, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary 2023

MPhil Political Science is a two-year research course taken up by aspiring students after completing their masters in the subject. Although the course is actually of 2 years if it is an integrated MPhil+PhD course then the duration of MPhil is 1 year. 

Although an M.Phil. degree is considered more or less equivalent to a PhD degree but in reality, the two differ from each other in certain aspects. MPhil in Political Science analyses the social relations including regulation of a political unit, authority or power, methods and ways used to formulate and implement policies. 

The program introduces the students to various methodologies as well as the famous political thinkers like Karl Marx, Rousseau, Plato, Mill, Chanakya, etc. The students are taught about the various 'isms' including politics and comparative politics. 

The aim of the course is to widen the knowledge of the students about the nature of politics, international relations, political systems, etc. 

The minimum eligibility criteria to be eligible to pursue this program is a postgraduate degree in Political Science. Admission to this course will be done on the basis of Personal Interview after clearing entrance tests like RET/ UGC NET and other depending on the colleges.

After completion of this course, the professionals find lucrative job opportunities as Lecturer, Political Research Associate, Political Consultant, Business Political Writer, Assistant Professor, etc. These opportunities are available to them in areas like State Government, Central Government, National and International NGOs, Universities and Colleges, etc. 

The average salary offered to a degree holder in MPhil Political Science is around INR 4,00,000 to 7,00,000, but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.

The average tuition fees for MPhil Political Science course in Indian colleges usually ranges between INR 10,000 and 80,000. 

If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future.

MPhil Political Science Course Highlights

Course Level Postgraduate Research
Full-Form Masters of Philosophy in Political Science
Duration 1-2 years
Examination Type  Semester/Year based
Eligibility Criteria  Master’s degree in Political Science from any recognised university or college.
Admission Process Merit/ Entrance-based
Average Course Fees INR 10,000 - 80,000
Job Positions Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Business Political Writer, Political Consultant etc.
Top Recruiters Quislex, Mind crest, Pangea 3, UnitedLex etc. 
Average Annual Salary INR 4,00,000 - 7,00,000.

MPhil Political Science: What is it about?

This course has been very popular among the youth of the nation who aspire to build their career in the field of Political Science. As we all know, Political Science is a very interesting and knowledgeable subject, it must also be known to you that this course has been the most desired and chosen program by the students in India pursuing MPhil or PhD. A brief introduction of the course has been given below:

  • It aims to do a research-based study of the government and political institutions of the country and the world too.
  • It provides excellent knowledgeable experiences to build students written and practical skills as well.
  • It makes an in-depth study of topics like Public Administration, Research Methods, Political Sociology, Indian Political System, Contemporary Political Theory, etc.
  • It provides the students with a wide knowledge about political problems, the nature of politics, international relations, political systems, etc.
  • It aims to provide the students with worthy employment opportunities including the Civil Services.
  • A candidate is required to clear two elective papers and a theory test on the Research Methodology as course work.
  • The students who wish to enter the world of politics and to build a career in the field of political science must acquire leadership skills with a sense of accountability.
  • The course is also a good choice for the ones who are willing to opt for a PhD in Political Science.

There are uncountable reasons for the students to choose this field to build their career in. Some of the advantages of the program have been listed as follows:

  • The students are provided with a wide knowledgeable understanding of the field of Political Science including its various aspects. 
  • It aims to do a research-based study of the government and political institutions of the country and the world too.
  • M.Phil. in Political Science analyses the social relations including regulation of a political unit, authority or power, methods and ways used to formulate and implement policies.
  • The program introduces the students to various methodologies as well as the famous political thinkers like Karl Marx, Rousseau, Plato, Mill, Chanakya, etc.
  • The aim of the course is to widen the knowledge of the students about the nature of politics, international relations, political systems etc. 
  • It provides the students with a wide knowledge about political problems, the nature of politics, international relations, political systems etc.

What is the MPhil Political Science Admission Process?

Most colleges and institutes offering MPhil Political Science courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which select candidates through national-level entrance examinations to judge their abilities and skill sets.

MPhil Political Sciene

The following are the two major pathways through which MPhil Political Science admissions takes place.

Merit-Based Admission

The step-by-step procedure for merit-based admission is as follows: 

  • Step 1: Students have to register on the official website. 
  • Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
  • Step 3: Students will be called for a personal interview based on their score in the qualifying examination. 
  • Step 4: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.  

Entrance Based Admission

Most of the colleges and universities offer admission to MPhil Political Science on the basis of entrance exams like DUET, RET, UGC NET etc.

The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows: 

  • Step 1: Students have to register on the official website. 
  • Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
  • Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. 
  • Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course. 
  • Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.  

What is the MPhil Political Science Eligibility Criteria?

Being eligible for any course is a prerequisite for getting admissions to that course in top reputed colleges. The minimum eligibility criteria required for MPhil Political Science have been listed below:

  • The candidate should possess a masters degree in Political Science from any recognised university.
  • They should have obtained a minimum of 55% aggregate if they want admission in Delhi University, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, etc.
  • In colleges like Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapith the minimum marks in the master's degree, qualifying exam stand at 60%.
  • However, the Presidency College, Chennai requires at least 50% marks at their qualifying exam of a masters degree.
  • Most importantly, the colleges from which the students complete their post graduation must be affiliated to UGC.
  • Once the students have their names in the merit lists, they should be attending the counselling sessions after which the enrollment takes place.

How to Prepare for a MPhil Political Science Entrance Exams?

If a candidate wishes to find his or her name in the merit lists issued by the college after the conduct of the entrance exams, then they must work really hard to achieve it. Certain basic tips have been mentioned below for the students to refer to for successful cracking of the exam:

  • Stay alert and be updated about the latest exam pattern and syllabus for the exam which is usually available on the official website.
  • Be clear about what syllabus you need to cover for the exam, do not study extra topics.
  • Do practice every type of question so that you can be prepared for any type of question that might be asked in the exam.
  • Make newspaper reading your habit so as to stay updated about the happenings around the world.
  • Do sit for mock tests before the actual exam. This will help you to well converse with the exam type and exam pattern.
  • Revise only the prepared topics thoroughly. Do not go for new topics a day before the actual exam as this might confuse you.
  • Be well conversed about your subject so that you are not confused at the time of the written exam or personal interview.

How to get admission to a good MPhil Political Science college?

If a student aspires to get admissions in a college that he or she desires to get into then they must strive hard enough to achieve it. In India, many reputed colleges are providing this course across different states. Some guidelines have been given that must be followed by the students so as to get admissions in these colleges:

  • Admission to any reputed college requires a strong academic background as a prerequisite. In the case of M.Phil Political Science, the students should have scored really well in their qualifying exam of the Postgraduate degree.
  • Clearance of the qualifying exam is must with at least 55-60% aggregate.
  • The aspirants must start preparing for the entrances a year before the actual exam.
  • The candidates must also prepare themselves well for the personal interview round. Merit lists are issued by the colleges on the basis of the marks obtained by the students in the written exam and the personal interview round.
  • Find out whether the college you aspire to get is good enough or not. Do go through the curriculum of the course available on the official websites.
  • You must have an idea about the placement opportunities provided by the college which is a necessary aspect these days.
  • Please check the fees structure of the college and ensure if it matches your requirements or not.

What is the Syllabus of MPhil Political Science?

The MPhil Political Science degree is spread over two semesters. The first semester includes three subjects and the second includes two subjects and a dissertation. The syllabus for the course has been listed below:

SEMESTER SUBJECTS
Semester 1
  • Research Methodology
  • Recent Trends and Issues in Indian Politics
  • Key Political Thinkers
  • Computer Application
Semester 2
  • Contemporary Political Theory
  • Contemporary Indian Political Thought

Which books to study for MPhil Political Science?

Tabulated below are some of the MPhil Political Science subject books that can help students to have a broader and better understanding of the course: 

Name of the Book Name of the Author
Theory and Methods of Social Science Research  Galtung, John
Methods of Social Research  Kenneth D. Bailey
The Politics of India since Independence  Paul R. Brass
Indian Politics at Cross Roads A.K.Java
India as a Secular State Smith Donald E.

Which are the top MPhil Political Science Colleges?

The table below shows the best MPhil Political Science colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode

Name of the College Admission Process Average Course Fee
Presidency College, Chennai Entrance based INR 2,215
JNU, New Delhi Entrance-Based INR 1,391
University of Calcutta , Kolkata Research Entrance Test INR 4,400
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad Merit-Based INR 8,670
NEHU, Shillong  Entrance based INR 7,850
CU, Calicut Merit-Based INR 6,575
Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur Entrance based INR 74,500
Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Merit-Based INR 3,984
BAMU, Aurangabad Merit-Based INR 22,231
Comparison of Average Annual Salary of Top MPhil Political Science Colleges

MPhil Political Science College Comparison

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top MPhil Political Science colleges in India

Comparison Parameters  University of Calcutta, Kolkata JNU, New Delhi Presidency College, Chennai
Overview This is one of the oldest public universities established in 1857 by the Britishers. It provides UG, PG and Research Courses under various specialisations. This is a pretty popular institute offering UG, PG and Research courses under various departments. One of the oldest institutes set up by the British Government in 1840. The university provides 18 specialisations under M.Phil.
NIRF Ranking 2020 11 8 5
Eligibility Criteria Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.  Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.  Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. 
Admission Process Entrance-based Entrance-based Entrance-based
Average Fees INR 4,400 INR 1,391 INR 2,215
Average Salary INR 5,17,000 INR 6,89,000 INR 4,21,000
Job Prospects Business Political Writer, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Political Research Associate, Political Consultant etc. Business Political Writer, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Political Research Associate, Political Consultant etc. Business Political Writer, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Political Research Associate, Political Consultant etc.
JNU vs Presidency College vs University of Calcutta

MPhil Political Science vs PhD Political Science

Both MPhil Political Science and PhD Political Science are doctoral level courses in the field of Political Science. However, there is a difference between these two courses. 

Check the list of Top PhD Political Science Colleges in India

Check the table below for more comparative details:

Parameters  MPhil Political Science  PhD Political Science
Overview  MPhil Political Science is a two-year research course taken up by aspiring students after completing their masters in the subject. This program covers all the aspects of the political science area in which the candidate has chosen to do the research
Admission Process Merit/ Entrance-based Merit/Entrance-based
Average Course Fee INR 10,000 - 80,000 INR 50,000 - 1,00,000
Job Positions Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Business Political Writer, Political Consultant etc. Political Scientists, Professor, Survey Researchers, Consultant, Market trend Research Analysts, Public Relations Specialists, Political Research Associate etc.
Top Recruiters QuisLex, Mind crest, Pangea3, UnitedLex etc.  Education Institutions, Accountancy, Media, Entertainment, Civil Services, Political firms, Government sector, Banking, Public Utilities etc. 
Average Annual Salary INR 4,00,000 - 7,00,000 INR 3,00,000 - 10,00,000
MPhil Political Science vs PhD Political Science
MPhil Political Science vs PhD Political Science

What are Job Prospects and Career Options after MPhil Political Science?

After getting a degree in this field, a candidate can get a variety of jobs to choose from. It will be easy for them to work for the government and private organizations and many other sectors. They can also choose to teach as a professor or a lecturer in colleges or universities.

  • Students who possess a degree of MPhil Political Science are provided with a wide range of opportunities in terms of their job prospects and career aspects. They can build their career as a Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Business Political Writer, Political Consultant etc. 
  • MPhil Political Science degree holders will be able to work as a Lecturer, Professor, Campaign Manager, State Legislator, District Attorney etc. 

Some of the most chosen job profiles by the candidates have been listed below:

Job Profile Job Description  Average Salary
Assistant Professor  As an Assistant Professor, they are required to teach students of University level in the field of Political Science. INR 6,00,000
Business Political Writer Their work involves coverage of a business firm, and creates a knowledgeable group of freelance writers. INR 3,00,000
Project Officer They are responsible for the preparation and implementation of policies, activities, research analysis, etc. INR 4,41,280
Political Research Associate  They are required to work on a special project on political, economic and social development. INR 6,48,000
Program Officer Their area of work involves focussing on the implementation of policies, advocacy strategies, proper regular reports and presentations. INR 3,28,250
Political Advocacy They are required to develop relations with government officials and political parties, organise meetings, etc. INR 5,87,000

Average Annual Salary vs Job Profiles

MPhil Political Science Future Scope

Students can prefer to do jobs after completion of MPhil Political Science or can go for further research. The most popular choices of education post completing a MPhil Political Science degree are as follows.

  • They have teaching jobs in colleges/universities after this course and then clearing the UGC-NET exam required for becoming a permanent lecturer.
  • There are a large number of MPhil Political Science jobs. You can choose in accordance to your area of interest. 
  • Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
  • Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Political Science and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales. 

MPhil Political Science FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions related to MPhil Political Science course are provided below: 

Ques. What is the MPhil Political Science program?

Ans. MPhil Political Science is a two-year research course taken up by aspiring students after completing their masters in the subject.

Ques. What is the scope after completion of MPhil Political Science?

Ans. Students who possess a degree of MPhil Political Science are provided with a wide range of opportunities in terms of their job prospects and career aspects. They can build their career as a Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Business Political Writer, Political Consultant etc.

Ques. What is the average initial salary of the candidates?

Ans. The average initial salary to pursue this course ranges between INR 4,00,000 and 7,00,000. 

Ques. Is there any entrance exam for the MPhil Political Science admissions?

Ans. The admissions to colleges across the country providing MPhil Political Science course are done through various national or university level entrance tests. Some of the well-known entrance exams for the required JNUEE, Aptitude Test of Banasthali, UGC - NET etc.

Ques. Which are the top recruiters of MPhil Political Science graduates?

Ans. The top recruiters include Lex, Mind crest, Pangea 3, UnitedLex etc.

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria that students need to fulfill to pursue this course from Indian Colleges/ Universities? 

Ans. The eligibility criteria for admissions require a Master’s degree in Political Science from a recognised university.

Ques. Which are the top institutes offering this course?

Ans. A list of the top colleges has been mentioned in the above article. However, these three colleges are the most reputed ones: 

  1. University of Calcutta 
  2. Banasthali Vidyapith
  3. Presidency College

Ques. What is the average course fee for MPhil Political Science?

Ans. The average course fee for the program ranges between INR 10,000 to 80,000.

Ques. What is the admission process of this program in ?

Ans. The admission process involves an entrance test followed by a personal interview session. The merit lists are released based on the scores obtained in the written test and personal interview.

Ques. Which is the most related course to MPhil Political Science?

Ans. The most closely related course to MPhil Political Science is MPhil Public Administration.

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