CU South Bihar MA International Relations And Political Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. No, a Political Science background is not required. The eligibility criteria for this programme at CUSB requires only a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from any recognised university with minimum 50% marks (General/OBC/EWS) and 45% for SC/ST/PwD. Students from science, commerce, law, or any other stream can apply. However, the CUET-PG paper (HUQP18) tests knowledge of Political Science and International Relations concepts, so students without a Political Science background will need to prepare more thoroughly. Students who have studied Political Science at the undergraduate level will have a natural advantage in both the entrance examination and the programme's coursework.

Ans. The CUET-PG Political Science and International Relations paper (HUQP18) typically covers Political Theory (concepts like democracy, sovereignty, justice, rights), Indian Government and Politics (Constitution, federalism, electoral system), Comparative Politics, International Relations theories (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism), India's Foreign Policy, International Organisations (UN, WTO, IMF), and contemporary global issues. Candidates are advised to study standard Political Science textbooks, NCERT books (Classes 11 and 12), and reference books by authors like O.P. Gauba, B.L. Fadia, and Mohit Bhattacharya. Given the department's strong IR focus, candidates should also be familiar with topics like geopolitics, energy security, maritime security, and nuclear policy.

Ans. This programme opens up a wide range of career paths. Political Science and International Relations is one of the most popular optional subjects in UPSC Civil Services and state PSC examinations, and CUSB's campus environment is particularly conducive to such preparation. Graduates can also qualify for UGC-NET/JRF to pursue teaching and research careers. Other career avenues include diplomatic services (IFS), think tanks and policy research organisations, international NGOs and development organisations, journalism and media (political analysis), and roles in government ministries dealing with foreign affairs, defence, and strategic studies. The department's faculty specialisations in areas like African Studies, Energy Security, and Maritime Security also open doors to niche research and policy careers.

Ans. The Department of Political Studies at CUSB has a notably strong International Relations focus, which is reflected in its faculty specialisations. Faculty members specialise in African Studies, Geopolitics, International Relations, Energy Security, Maritime Security, India's Foreign Policy, Nuclear Policy, and Human Security, covering both traditional and emerging areas of IR. This makes the programme particularly valuable for students interested in strategic studies, foreign policy analysis, and global governance. The department's interdisciplinary approach, combining theory and practice at regional, national, and international levels, ensures that students develop both analytical skills and practical understanding of contemporary global issues.

Ans. Yes, MA Political Science and International Relations is highly relevant for UPSC Civil Services aspirants, as Political Science and International Relations is one of the most popular optional subjects in the UPSC Mains examination. CUSB's campus environment is widely noted by students and alumni as being particularly conducive to competitive exam preparation, given its quiet residential setting, access to a well-stocked central library, and relatively low distraction environment compared to urban campuses. The programme's curriculum, which covers Indian polity, comparative politics, IR theories, and India's foreign policy, directly aligns with the UPSC Political Science and International Relations optional syllabus. Many CUSB students have successfully cleared UPSC and state PSC examinations.

Ans. CUSB offers both a 2-year MA in Political Science and International Relations (for graduates) and a 5-year Integrated UG-PG programme in Political Studies and IR (for students after Class 12). The 2-year MA is designed for students who have already completed their graduation in any discipline and wish to specialise in Political Science and IR at the postgraduate level. The 5-year Integrated programme combines BA and MA in a single programme and is meant for students who want to commit to Political Science from the undergraduate level. For students who have already graduated, the 2-year MA is the appropriate route. Both programmes lead to the same MA degree, but the integrated programme provides a more comprehensive 5-year grounding in the discipline.