UGC NET Political Science 2025 is a national examination held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidates who wish to become eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professorship in Political Science. Having an extensive syllabus of political theory, Indian politics, comparative politics, public administration, and international relations, this examination assesses depth as well as breadth of knowledge in the subject. Whether your aim is academic research or a teaching career, UGC NET Political Science provides a stepping stone to coveted higher education opportunities. Get here the entire exam pattern, syllabus division, and expert preparation tips to enhance your success in the next cycle.

What is UGC NET Political Science?

UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is held by NTA (National Testing Agency) to test the eligibility of the candidates for the post of Assistant Professorship and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) in Indian institutions and universities. Political Science is also among the most popular subjects because of its extensive academic field and research potential in the areas of governance, international relations, and public policy.

UGC NET Political Science Eligibility Criteria 2025

To be eligible to apply for the UGC NET Political Science 2025, candidates should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

UGC NET Political Science Educational Qualification

• Post-Graduation: The applicants should be Master’s degree holders in Political Science or allied subjects (i.e., Public Administration, International Relations, etc.) from a valid university.

Also Read: UGC NET Eligibility 2025

UGC NET Political Science Minimum Marks

• General/Unreserved: Minimum 55% marks (without rounding off).
• SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/Third Gender: Minimum 50% marks.

UGC NET Political Science Appearing Candidates

• Final-year students of Master’s programs can also appear. But they have to get the degree with the specified marks within 2 years from the NET result date.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam 2025

UGC NET Political Science Exam Pattern 2025

The exam  is held in two papers – both are objective (MCQ type) and conducted in a single sitting of 3 hours.

Also Read: UGC NET Exam Pattern 2025

UGC NET Political Science Marking Scheme 2025

The UGC NET exam contains two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both are held in one session with no break. All the questions are objective-type (MCQs) and No negative marking for wrong answers.

UGC NET Political Science Minimum Qualifying Marks (Aggregate for Both Papers)

In order to be eligible for the award of JRF or Assistant Professorship, the candidates should obtain the following minimum qualifying marks:

UGC NET Political Science Syllabus

UGC NET Political Science Paper 2 syllabus is carefully designed to evaluate a candidate’s conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and analytical skills in core areas of the subject. The UGC NET syllabus covers a broad range of themes in political theory, public administration, governance, and international relations. Below is an overview of the major units covered:

UGC NET Political Science Unit-wise Syllabus 

• Political Theory – Concepts like liberty, equality, justice, rights, democracy, and ideologies (liberalism, Marxism, feminism, etc.)
• Political Thought – Western thinkers (Plato to Marx), Indian political thought (Kautilya, Ambedkar, Gandhi, etc.)
• Indian Government and Politics – Constitution, federalism, judiciary, political parties, elections, and reforms.
• Comparative Politics – Approaches, political systems (USA, UK, China), and institutions.
• International Relations – Theories, foreign policy, international organizations (UN, WTO), and global issues.
• Political Institutions in India – Parliament, President, PM, governance, bureaucracy, decentralization.
• Public Administration – Principles, theories, budgeting, governance, accountability.
• Political Processes in India – Caste, religion, ethnicity, regionalism, civil society, and movements.
• India’s Foreign Policy – Relations with neighbors, strategic concerns, and contemporary issues.
• Research Methods in Political Science – Hypothesis, variables, sampling, qualitative & quantitative methods.

Download UGC NET Full Official Syllabus PDF

UGC NET Political Science Syllabus 2025 PDF Download (Hindi & English)

UGC NET Political Science 2025 syllabus is a must-have for candidates appearing for the June 2025 exam. It includes subjects such as political theory, Indian government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. Familiarity with the syllabus is crucial to strategically preparing and securing good marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2.

The syllabus has been made available in both Hindi and English languages so that all candidates can benefit from it. You can download the official PDF of the syllabus from the below-provided links and make your study plan accordingly.

Why Choose Political Science for UGC NET?

• Strong relevance in present-day affairs, politics, and civil services
• Long career prospects in teaching, policy research, NGOs, and think tanks
• Improves your critical thinking, analytical, and academic writing abilities
• Strong demand for trained professors and researchers in Indian universities

UGC NET Political Science Preparation Tips 2025

Below are some preparation tips mentioned for UGC NET Political Science 2025:

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and divide it unit-wise
• Use standard textbooks such as Rajeev Bhargava, Andrew Heywood, Laxmikanth (for Indian Polity), and IGNOU notes
• Practice previous year papers and mock tests regularly
• Emphasis on clarity of thought, contemporary issues in IR & Indian politics
• Take brief notes for revision and familiarize yourself with key thinkers and theories
• Time management during exam preparation and within the actual exam

Best Booklist for UGC NET Political Science | UGC NET Polity Best Books | Harshita Mam JRFAdda

UGC NET Political Science Question Paper 2024

The UGC NET 2024 Political Science test was held in two parts—

Paper 1 : General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude

Paper 2 : Subject-specific: Political Science 

Both the papers were conducted in a single 3-hour session. The Political Science paper tested a candidate’s thorough understanding of central concepts such as Political Theory, Indian and Western Political Thought, Comparative Politics, Indian Government and Politics, International Relations, and India’s Foreign Policy. Candidates who are preparing for the upcoming UGC NET Political Science examinations can benefit a lot by practicing the 2024 question paper. 

UGC NET Political Science Previous Year Question Papers

UGC NET Political Science Previous Year Question Papers are an essential material for aspirants seeking to clear the Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts. The papers offer essential information on the pattern of the exam, the recurring subjects, and the level of difficulty year after year. By solving these papers, aspirants can:

• Know the importance of various units (e.g., Political Theory, Indian Government, IR, etc.)
• Practice time management and accuracy.
• Recognize common themes and conceptual questions asked.
• Study strategically by relating their studies to the changing trends of the exam.

Career Scope in Political Science

Political Science unlocks a wide array of career avenues, particularly for UGC NET passers. If your interest is in teaching, research, policy-making, or governance, this field makes you proficient in critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive knowledge of social and political dynamics.

Assistant Professor in Colleges/Universities

UGC NET qualification is required for the application against the position of Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. With PhD or JRF, such opportunities are also available in central universities, IITs, and research institutes.

Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

JRF qualification opens doors to funded research in Political Science. You may apply for MPhil/PhD in best institutions with fellowship and associate with state-of-the-art research in political theory, public policy, governance, or international relations.

Think Tanks & Research Organizations

Organizations such as ORF, PRS Legislative Research, IDSA, CPR, and ICSSR employ political science researchers to prepare reports, public policy briefs, and impact analysis.

Civil Services & State Services

Political Science is one of the most popular optional subjects for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The conceptual clarity acquired through NET preparation also proves beneficial for state PSCs and other competitive examinations.

International Organizations & NGOs

Political Science graduates are able to work with international NGOs, UN organizations, and development organizations in fields such as international development, human rights, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.

Policy Analyst / Political Advisor

Having the knowledge of public administration, governance, and election politics, you can be employed as a policy advisor or analyst to government departments, election campaigns, or interest groups.

Content Developer / Subject Expert

You may work as an online education platform content expert, UPSC/ NET coaching centers, or publishing houses dealing with academic content.

Media & Journalism

With good analytical and communication skills, political science scholars can become political journalists, columnists, or news analysts in print and online media.

Also Read: UGC NET Application Form 2025

Conclusion

UGC NET Political Science 2025 is not merely an eligibility test—it is a passport to a research-orientated academic future. With a well-framed syllabus encompassing essential political ideas, governance systems, and world politics, it is an excellent opportunity for aspirants to pursue careers in academia, policymaking, or civil society. With strategic preparation, constant practice, and proper resources, clearing the exam is absolutely achievable with consistent effort and smart planning. Stay informed, stay steady, and follow your dedication to Political Science to success.