Not politics, poltical science grads eye public service | Ahmedabad News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India
Author: Prashant Rupera, Parth Shastri

AHMEDABAD/ VADODARA: The current batch of Master of Arts (Political Science) of 30 at Department of Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies, Central University of Gujarat (CUG), saw 300-plus applications, giving 1:10 ratio for the seats to applicants. Prof Janak Singh Meena, head of the department, told TOI that it was one of the highest in the past few years.

"The number has nearly doubled in the past five years - primary drivers are aspirants who go for competitive exams including those by GPSC and UPSC. Many are also going for research and analysis. A few students who have completed studies in the past few years are also engaged in surveys and consultancy this election," he said.

It is not just CUG - across Gujarat, several universities are witnessing the emergence of political science as a subject of choice for students. As Gujarat is going to polls on Tuesday, out of 52 candidates analysed (based on their affidavits submitted to Election Commission of India) for BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party, the only candidate with a political science degree is Mansukh Mandaviya, Union health minister and BJP candidate from Porbandar, who holds PhD from Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University in the subject.

While the US has a history of public faces with political science degrees, there are only a few known faces with political science background in India, opine experts. The primary reason is a relatively smaller number of institutions offering courses a few years ago.

Thus, several of the political leaders from Gujarat and even those in the fray come from backgrounds such as LLB (law), MBA (management) and B.Ed. (education) among others in higher education.

'Political science among top five subjects for UPSC'

At MS University of Baroda in Vadodara, in 2016 there were not more than 20 students at masters' level, and not more than five students at bachelors' level course in political science. "But today we have a full strength of 40 students at MA level and more than 150 students at BA level," said Prof Lajwanti Chatani, professor in Faculty of Arts at the MS University of Baroda and former head of political science department. "Even at allied (optional) subjects, a high number of students are opting for political science as one paper at the faculty level."

The reasons range from help in studies for competitive exams to joining organizations that carry out research in public systems and policy, said a senior faculty member at Gujarat University. "The course encompasses civic system, constitution, state and centre relationship, external policies and relationship, role of office-bearers, various forms of government and so on. If you look closely, 75-80% of these topics are covered in competitive exams. As of 2023, political science and international relations was one of the top five subjects opted by successful UPSC candidates along with history, geography, and public administration. Thus, knowledge of the topic comes handy," said the senior faculty member.

Thus, while these grads may not go to electoral politics, many are working behind the curtains. "We do not work directly with political parties or organizations - but our projects often encompass data collection and analysis from grassroots for think tanks and survey agencies. Some of the students are keeping a close eye on the ongoing election and various factors impacting voter perception and participation," said Prof Meena. "Today the discipline gives a wide array of options for students."

Priyanka Gamit, a fresh graduate from CUG with political science, now works with a Tapi-based organization to understand tribal belt and its intricacies. "I had opted for the subject to look at society closely and develop critical and analytical abilities. Several of my classmates are now working with organizations for research. Awareness about social sciences and its applied side is improving," she said.

(With inputs from Bharat Yagnik)