Political science may be defined as the study of politics and government, in terms of its principles, aims and methods. The first duty of any state system is to maintain peace. This difficult role is not only entrusted with the police and politicians, but with political science administrators too. It is an institution that does not stand-alone, it is an inseparable part of the larger society, it serves and is influenced by the forces of the larger society.

Skills

Leadership qualities, interpersonal relationship, communication skills, good judgement, decision making, ability to face stress.

Functioning

To understand the political science in the right perspective, it is essential to study its functional aspects. It plays an important role in the development and inter-linking of various courses. A student studying in any course can opt for Political Science. It requires serious probing of matters concerning the nation. A Political Science employee gets an opportunity to control the financial activities of various agencies of the government.

Political science plays a pivotal role in the importance of budgeting, the budget process, its characteristics, objectives and various theories of budgeting, principles of budgeting and enactment of budget. The political science also warrants an employee to assess the changing concept of organisation and human behaviour in an organisation.

Opinion

Head of the Department of Politics in Madras University, Balasubramaniam, says that Political Science will ideally suit the IAS/IPS Officers. According to him, there is a tendency to recruit Clerks as PAs and Secretaries for MPs, MLAs and Ministers, whereas the Political Science students will ideally be suited to assist them, considering their political acumen. He further adds that "The modern constitution comparative study is being dealt with only in a few countries, viz. USA, UK, France, Switzerland and parts of Asia. The paper on constitution study would explain about processes, and naturally, the students are benefited abroad. Paper on Element, Instrumental revision will benefit the students immensely."

Prospects

The job prospects, unfortunately are not abundant in India for Political Sciences. But it is a proven fact that only the political science students can find a berth in United Nations Organisation (UNO). The sources are of the view that Political Science is not only closely related to Social Science, but it is also associated to Law, Public Administration and Public Relations. There are courses like Social Management of Family Organisation, Labour standards, Labour studies, Labour management, political communications. The prospects for students opting this course widen when they enter in Voluntary Organisations. Political Science graduates could also look at joining the media as political journalist/analyst/ researcher.

Career options at a glance

Ministers
They are members of the ruling party. They have their own particular portfolio and command lot of respect, salary, power, perks and concessions.

MLC/MLA/MP
The members of the house at the state level are called Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Member of Legislative Councils (MLC). They are paid a monthly salary and are entitled to lot of fringe benefits. MPs are representatives of people at national level. They may be members in either Lok sabha or Rajya sabha.

Party functionaries
Various positions such as General Secretary, Vice President, President, Party leader, State Incharge are available and obviously experience would be a critical factor in becoming a party functionary.

Primary membership
Primary membership means becoming a member of any state or national party and support it. The membership registration may vary from Rs 5 - Rs 20. Members are bound by certain norms.

Political journalism
Being a political journalist is also an attractive option. Analyzing the current political situation, predicting future alliances, present comments on various political issues are the major focus. Parliamentary sessions, election coverage, etc are to be covered. Opportunities are available in both print media as well as electronic media.

Recognition

Political science as a career has not got its share of publicity, but having said that, it does not mean that the scope is limited. It has immense potentials both in the country as well as in Organisations like the UN. After all, this is about managing a country, how can it not be challenging or rewarding? Currently the recognition for a person with in political science may be bad because of the aspects like corruption and inefficiency, but who cares, because if you can succeed, then you may well be the personality of the century.

Institutes

A course in Political Science is offered by all major Universities in India.