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If you're a Political Science postgraduate gearing up for the UGC NET or your state-level SET exams, you're stepping into important academic territory. These exams test not just what you know—but how deeply you understand it. At ANSS Academy, we’ve put together a robust preparation roadmap that includes a clear breakdown of the Political Science syllabus and high-quality mock tests tailored just for you.
Why the Political Science Syllabus Matters
The Political Science syllabus for UGC NET (Subject Code: 02) is thoughtfully structured into 10 comprehensive units, designed to evaluate conceptual depth, analytical skills, and subject expertise. Here’s what you need to master:
Unit 1: Political Theory
- Key concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Democracy, Power, Citizenship.
- Major ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Marxism, Feminism, Ecologism, Multiculturalism, Postmodernism.
Unit 2: Political Thought
- Western philosophers: Confucius, Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel.
- Modern contributors: Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt, Fanon, Mao Zedong, John Rawls.
Unit 3: Indian Political Thought
- Classical and medieval ideas: Dharmashastra, Kautilya, Aggannasutta, Barani.
- Modern voices: Kabir, Ramabai, Tilak, Vivekananda, Tagore, Gandhi, Aurobindo, Periyar, Iqbal, M.N. Roy, Savarkar, Ambedkar, Nehru, Lohia, JP Narayan, Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Unit 4: Comparative Political Analysis
- Analytical frameworks: Institutionalism, Political Culture, Political Economy, New Institutionalism.
- Methods of comparison: colonialism, nationalism, state theory, democratic models, globalization.
Unit 5: International Relations
- Theoretical foundations: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism.
- Topics: State, Sovereignty, Security, Peace, Conflict, UN, WTO, IMF, regional organisations; global issues.
Unit 6: India’s Foreign Policy
- Evolution and guiding principles.
- Relationships: neighbours (e.g., Pakistan, China), major powers, role in multilateral forums (SAARC, BRICS, UN).
Unit 7: Political Institutions in India
- Structure and functioning: President, PM, Parliament, State Legislatures.
- Local governance: Panchayati Raj, Urban Bodies.
- Supporting bodies: Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission.
Unit 8: Political Processes in India
- Caste, religion, regional politics.
- Social movements, civil society, NGOs.
- Identity politics and mobilization strategies.
Unit 9: Public Administration
- Key theories and approaches, including Weberian models.
- Bureaucracy, development administration, accountability, budgeting, e-governance, policy formulation.
Unit 10: Governance and Public Policy in India
- Concepts of good governance.
- Tools: RTI, Citizen Charters, policy planning, monitoring, evaluation.
ANSS Academy's Political Science Mock Test Program
To help you master this expansive syllabus, ANSS Academy offers a full suite of subject-specific mock tests in Political Science, covering all 10 units with clarity and rigor.
Why our mock tests stand out:
- Accurate Syllabus Coverage: Tests aligned with official UGC NET pattern.
- Expert-Crafted Questions: Each test is developed by Political Science educators to mirror real exam challenges.
- Instant Performance Insights: Get in-depth analytics to pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Unlimited Reattempts: Practice until you achieve mastery.
How to Use the Syllabus Effectively
- Break it down by unit and focus deeply on one at a time—don't rush across.
- Pair study with tests—after completing each unit, attempt the related mock to gauge your understanding.
- Analyze mistakes carefully—understand why an answer is incorrect to avoid repeating errors.
- Review regularly to help retain key thinkers, theories, and contemporary concepts.
Final Thoughts for UGC NET & SET Aspirants
UGC NET or SET in Political Science isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about understanding context, theory, and the modern political world. With ANSS Academy’s mock tests and this robust syllabus roadmap, your preparation will be structured, focused, and effective.
ANSS ACADEMY
