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In an era where India’s democratic fabric is constantly tested by polarization, misinformation, and governance challenges, the role of Political Science in undergraduate education cannot be overstated. As a discipline, it equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of power, policy, and society. Yet, in many Indian universities, Political Science is often relegated to an elective or overlooked entirely in favor of more “practical” fields like engineering or commerce. Growing complexities and challenges in the practices of modern day politics has created an urgency of integrating Political Science as a core component of undergraduate curricula is not just beneficial but essential for fostering informed citizenship, critical thinking, and national progress. However, we must critically examine its implementation to ensure it evolves beyond theoretical rote learning.
At its core, Political Science demystifies the mechanisms of governance and power dynamics that shape everyday life. In a country as diverse as India, with its 1.4 billion people spanning myriad ethnicities, religions, and languages, understanding politics is crucial for addressing structural inequalities. For instance, the Indian Constitution, a living document amended over more than 100 times since 1950, embodies principles of federalism, secularism, and social justice. Studying Political Science allows students to grapple with these concepts, analyzing how they play out in real-world scenarios, such as the recent farm laws protests or the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Without this foundation, graduates risk becoming passive observers in a democracy that demands active participation.
Critics might argue that Political Science is too abstract for undergraduates, especially in a job market dominated by technology and business. However, this view overlooks the discipline’s practical applications. In India, where youth unemployment hovers around 23% as per recent National Sample Survey Office data, Political Science graduates are uniquely positioned for careers in civil services, journalism, non-governmental organizations, and even corporate policy advisory roles. The 2023 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, for example, saw a significant number of successful candidates with backgrounds in Political Science, highlighting its role in building analytical skills essential for competitive examinations. Moreover, in an age of digital misinformation, the ability to evaluate sources, discern biases, and construct logical arguments—skills honed through political theory and comparative politics courses empowers students to combat fake news and engage in meaningful public discourse.
Yet, a critical analysis reveals flaws in how Political Science is taught in Indian universities. Many programs suffer from outdated syllabi that prioritize rote memorization of theorists like Plato or Machiavelli over contemporary issues such as climate change politics or digital surveillance. A 2022 study by the University Grants Commission (UGC) indicated that only 40% of political science courses incorporate case studies from India’s post-liberalization era, leaving students ill-prepared for the nuances of coalition politics or electoral reforms. Furthermore, the discipline is not immune to ideological biases; in institutions influenced by political affiliations, curricula may skew towards certain narratives, as seen in debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This raises questions about whether Political Science truly promotes objective analysis or inadvertently perpetuates divisions.
Despite these shortcomings, the broader societal benefits of mandating Political Science in undergraduate programs far outweigh the criticisms. India’s youth, comprising over 50% of the population under 25, are the demographic dividend that could drive the nation towards its envisioned “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. However, this potential is squandered if they remain uninformed about the political processes that affect their lives. For instance, understanding federalism could help students from states like Kashmir or the Northeast appreciate the tensions between central and regional autonomy, fostering empathy and reducing separatist sentiments. Additionally, in a globalized world, Political Science provides insights into international relations, enabling students to navigate India’s rising role in forums like the G20 or BRICS. By studying topics such as foreign policy or global governance, undergraduates can contribute to diplomacy and trade, areas where India seeks to assert its influence.
The counterargument that Political Science is elitist or irrelevant for non-liberal arts students holds some merit but is ultimately flawed. In interdisciplinary programs, it can be integrated as a foundational course, much like how economics is woven into business studies. Universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University have successfully demonstrated this by offering blended courses that combine Political Science with technology or environmental studies, producing graduates who are not only employable but also socially conscious. To address accessibility, online modules and community-based projects could be introduced, ensuring that even students in rural institutions benefit.
In conclusion, studying Political Science in Indian undergraduate programs is imperative for nurturing a generation capable of steering the country through its democratic challenges. It cultivates critical thinking, civic responsibility, and practical skills that are indispensable in today’s interconnected world. However, for it to be truly effective, reforms are needed: updated curricula, reduced biases, and greater emphasis on experiential learning. Today it has become even more important to advocate for a higher education system that prioritizes Political Science not as a luxury, but as a cornerstone of enlightened citizenship. Only then can we hope to build a more equitable and resilient democracy.
Dr. Kunwar Siddarth Dadhwal
Assistant Professor
Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts,
Shoolini University (Solan, Himachal Pradesh)
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.