Scope of MA in Political Science: Top Ranking Jobs [For Freshers & Experienced]

A 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, environment 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.

MA in political science in India varies depending upon the type of university, whether it is a private or a government degree. Keeping account of this the fees for an M A Political Science course can range from INR 10000 to 200000. 

According to Payscale, the median salary of a Political Scientist in India is 6.14 lakhs and the upper range can go up to 30 lakhs per year. Thus, this academic degree can open a path for some unique and engaging job opportunities that you can pursue based on your skills and inclinations. 

Also Read: Top career opportunities in Political Science after B.A. 

Scope of MA in political science in 2025

The scope of an MA in political science in India is not just limited to academics and research. 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 

Since the scope of MA. political science is diversified into a series of work profiles, industries, and organizations, you are prone to amass a bunch of opportunities with this degree. Whether you want to work in academics, research de

With professional options in both conventional positions and cutting-edge domains that demand a thorough comprehension of politics, policy, and society, an MA in Political Science offers a versatile scope. 

Below are three broad domains wherein we can examine the scope of jobs after an MA in political science

• Non-profit: The non-profit sector involves jobs for political science majors in NGOs, charity foundations, private foundations, religious organizations, and volunteer organizations. Herein, the scope of employment is in roles of 

• Public Sector: The public sector is open for political science graduates for roles in public banking, tax department, ministerial duties, jobs in administration in ministries, as well as civil services and state civil service.

• Private Firms: Private firms offer employment to political science majors for roles related to analysis, like risk analysis and management, market research roles as well public relations management roles.

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. 

Let's examine some of the top ranking jobs after MA in Political Science graduates.

1. PGT Political Science 

A postgraduate teacher in political science is appointed at the higher secondary school level in India. Since political science is an advanced social science subject taught in the seniormost grades in Indian school education, it requires higher qualifications of a master’s degree in political science. 

In addition to this, necessary teaching qualifications such as a degree in education, clearing central teaching eligibility exams (CTET) as well as state teacher eligibility exams (TET) are usually required. The specific requirements differ with institution type, state, and location.

2. Professor

After the scrapping of the M.Phil degree in India, the road to enter the professor profession has become quite doable and has been fast-tracked in India. After an MA in political science, you can appear for the National Eligibility Test(NET) and be eligible to become an Assistant Professor. 

With further experience and qualifications ( like a PhD), you can advance to senior positions in this profession and obtain even higher-paying compensation. 

3. Political Analyst

A political analyst has expertise in political happenings, and closely monitors regional, state, country, and global politics. A political analyst utilizes analytical acumen to apply in real-world political scenarios. 

You must have noticed political analysts appearing in news channel debate programs. Political analysts also work with political parties, government organizations, political firms, and governance agencies in analytical and leadership roles.

4. Corporate Lawyer 

With an MA in political science, you can advance in your law career and pursue corporate law. Herein, you represent a company’s legal matters and work on intellectual property protection, dispute resolution, and legal proceedings handling.

Curious to know what skills and certification courses you can pursue in law? Check out upGrad’s courses on law here!

5. Campaign Manager

Campaign managers work vehemently for election campaigns and lead large areas with teams of field associates.  Political parties usually appoint them to oversee and supervise party campaigns ahead of elections. 

They are involved in budget management, event management, managing public relations as well as digital media management.

6. Public Relations Manager

As a public relations manager, political science graduates work in areas of handling public relations, communication management, event management, conflict resolution, working on public image and organization branding. 

7. Civil Services

One of the most desirable jobs in the public sector for political science majors is that of civil services. With top positions in administration, civil servants handle different posts with set guidelines for work areas. 

For instance, IAS officers are posted across the country and handle administration at district and sub-district levels. IFS officers work in foreign relations, diplomacy, and consular services. 

8. CSR Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is another popular job profile for political science graduates in MA. Herein you can work in managing budget, overseeing compliance regulation, stakeholders engagement as well as development of CSR objectives and their implementation. 

Source: AmbitionBox, Glassdoor, SalaryExpert

Sectors where you can work with an MA in political science

 MA. Political Science graduates have a multitude of sectors where they can work and apply skills in policy analysis, political systems, and research. Below is a general overview of the various sectors wherein job opportunities after a master’s in political science are witnessed.

1. NGOs

Non-governmental organizations seek political science graduates for roles in community outreach, project coordination, fundraising, program management along policy analysis. 

Working across these diverse roles in NGOs can be quite pertinent for job seekers who want to work in the social impact sector and make use of their skills for the social good. 

2. International Organisations 

Another attractive sector offering jobs for MA. political science graduates is international organizations and agencies. International Organizations like the United Nations and its agencies hire for roles in public affairs, research analysis, consultancy, program management, and program associate.

3. Think Tanks

Think tanks and policy research organizations like the Centre for Policy Research are often on the lookout for graduates of master’s in political science due to their alignment with the job profiles present in this sector. 

Herein, you can be hired to work in public affairs, public policy research, consultancy, communications, outreach, social impact management as well as quality analysis. Usually, you get to work with both government and non-government stakeholders in this sector.

4. Media 

The media sector is a very appropriate working sector for political science graduates. As they already have some expertise in political scenarios and regional and global politics, they can venture into roles in political journalism, media research, newspaper journalism, and political editors.

5. Political firms

India is the world’s largest democracy. Politics and political institutions play a massive role in decoding political analyses for better public administration. Political consultancy firms like IPAC and Leadtech recruit political science majors for roles in policy analysis, campaign management, strategy consulting as well as project management. 

6. Educational institutions 

With an MA in political science, you are set on the path of becoming an educator at the higher secondary school and university levels. Teachers and professors form an integral part of the political science jobs after MA. 

However, you need to pursue further education for example a B.Ed and PhD to solidify your position and make your work profile better and reliable.

7. Corporate startups

Roles in corporate social responsibility, risk analysis, and public relations are commonly witnessed by political science graduates. This is because they are skilled in analytical assessment and strategic communication.  

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 inculcate 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 students at the PG level of political science, you must keep track of international politics and have an understanding of its socioeconomic impact on politics. Furthermore, an added interest or knowledge of foreign policy, and bilateral relationships will be helpful to advance in 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 and 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. Check out upgrad’s Free Courses on Soft Skills to elevate your learnings. 

Are you eligible for an MA in political science? Let's find out

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 bachelors from a recognized university or institution in India.
• Your undergraduate percentage should at least be 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 at grabbing 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. Nonetheless, we witness a huge percentage of students enrolled in MA in political science who come from completely different domains or fields but seem to have a rekindled interest in political science study.