Are you planning to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer? Then you’ve probably heard that a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science is one of the smartest choices for UPSC aspirants. But is it really that helpful? And what if you could get free UPSC coaching while doing your graduation?
Understanding
the BA in Political Science Course
BA in Political Science is a three-year undergraduate program that gives you deep insight into how political systems, governments, and societies work — nationally and globally.
Core
Subjects You’ll Study
- Indian Government and Politics
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Public Administration
- Western Political Thought
- Indian Political Thought
Skills
You’ll Gain
- Critical thinking
- Essay writing
- Data interpretation
- Policy analysis
These are the exact skills
you’ll need to ace the UPSC.
The
Growing Trend: BA in Political Science + Free UPSC Coaching
Several top colleges and state governments have realized the need to integrate UPSC coaching with undergraduate education — especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Why
It’s a Game-Changer
- Saves time and money
- Keeps you focused from day one
- Provides a clear roadmap to success
Notable
Colleges Offering Free UPSC Coaching with BA Political Science
Here are some examples of institutions providing this unique advantage:
Some DU colleges offer mentorship programs and seminars on civil services preparation.
A few private institutions like IIBS Airport Campus have started offering BA Political Science along with optional UPSC preparation modules, mentoring, and guidance.
Tamil
Nadu, Rajasthan & Other States
Some state universities have tie-ups with UPSC coaching institutes to provide free training for SC/ST/OBC and general students from low-income backgrounds.
Why
Political Science is a Smart Pick for UPSC Aspirants
- Overlap with UPSC Syllabus
- UPSC Prelims and Mains have a strong focus on:
- Indian Polity
- Constitution
- International Relations
- Governance
All of which are covered in BA Political Science.
Improves
Writing & Argument Skills
Mains exam is all about
structured answers, critical analysis, and clarity — which political science
trains you for.
⚖️ Political Science vs Other
Popular UPSC Subjects
|
Subject |
Syllabus Overlap |
Scoring Potential |
Popularity |
|
Political Science |
✅✅✅ |
High |
Very High |
|
History |
✅✅ |
Moderate |
High |
|
Sociology |
✅ |
High |
Moderate |
|
Public Administration |
✅✅ |
High |
Moderate |
Verdict: Political Science balances syllabus overlap
and scoring potential well.
Benefits
of Doing BA Political Science for UPSC
- Saves time during UPSC prep
- Teaches answer writing
- Develops understanding of society, law, and governance
- Easier transition to Mains + Interview round
Challenges
You Might Face
UPSC is still a highly
competitive exam — you’ll need more than a degree
Career scope is limited if not paired with additional qualifications or coaching
Regular
College vs Integrated UPSC Coaching
|
Feature |
Regular College |
Integrated Program |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Moderate |
|
Focus |
General Studies |
UPSC-specific |
|
Time management support |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Mentorship |
Rare |
Common |
Go for integrated coaching if
you’re 100% focused on civil services.
What to Look for in a College
- Experienced faculty in Political Science
- Regular seminars and mock tests
- In-house UPSC mentoring programs
- Tie-ups with coaching academies
Top
BA Political Science Colleges in India for UPSC Aspirants
- St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University
- JNU, New Delhi
- Loyola College, Chennai
- IIBS Bangalore (for integrated programs)
- Presidency University, Kolkata
📘 Self-Preparation Tips
Alongside Your BA
Read NCERTs early on
Solve sample papers and
current affairs
Practice answer writing
weekly
🔄 Career Alternatives if You
Don’t Clear UPSC
Teaching: With a BA + NET exam
NGOs: Policy and governance roles
Journalism: Political reporting, analysis
Law: After LLB
Research Think Tanks
✅ Conclusion
So,
is BA in Political Science good for UPSC preparation?
Absolutely, yes! If you're clear
about your goal, committed to consistent effort, and ready to take full
advantage of the free or integrated UPSC coaching offered by some colleges,
then BA in Political Science can be a
powerful first step. With the right choice of college, focused preparation, and
strong personal dedication, a BA in Political Science can truly serve as your
stepping stone to success in the civil services journey.
"अच्छे रिजल्ट लेन के लिए बातो से नही, रातो से लड़ना पड़ता है "
Vikas
Divyakirti
(IAS
officer)
Comments
Post a Comment