UGC NET Political Science Syllabus: Chapter Wise Revised Topics, PDF Download, Pattern & More

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test 2024 ( UGC NET )

11 mins read19K Views2.1K Comments

Registration: 19 Nov '24 - 10 Dec '24

Updated on May 28, 2024 15:19 IST

Candidates taking the UGC NET Political Science exam can check the syllabus in brief. The candidates can also learn about the UGC NET exam pattern, exam highlights, and more in the article. 

UGC NET 2023, UGC NET Syllabus, Paper 1 Syllabus, Paper 2 Syllabus, Political Science Syllabus

UGC NET Political Science Syllabus

UGC NET Political Science Syllabus: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the UGC NET Political Science exam on June 18, 2024, on behalf of UGC (University Grants Commission). The candidates who are preparing for the UGC NET exam in Political Science must read the article to learn about the syllabus and preparation tips.  

The candidates must know about the UGC NET 2024 exam pattern before knowing the exam syllabus of the UGC NET/JRF Political Science Syllabus

Also Read

UGC NET Exam Highlights 

The UGC NET exam highlights have been given below for the candidates in the table: 

UGC NET Exam Highlights  

Exam Name 

UGC NET/JRF 

Exam Authority 

UGC (University Grants Commission) 

Exam Conducting Authority 

NTA (National Testing Agency) 

Exam Level 

National  

Exam Frequency  

Twice a year 

June Session 

December Session 

Mode of Exam 

Online CBT 

UGC NET Exam Pattern 2024

The exam pattern for the UGC NET has been given below for the candidates. The candidates must know the exam pattern before applying for the UGC NET exam: 

  • The time duration of UGC NET exam is 180 minutes (3 hours) 
  • No negative marks are given for wrong answers  
  • No marks are deducted for unanswered questions  

Also Read: UGC NET Psychology Syllabus 2024

Check the exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the table below: 

Q:   What is the section-wise weightage of Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the UGC NET exam?

A:
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. The section-wise weightage of each paper is as follows: Paper 1: a)Teaching Aptitude: 5 questions (10 marks) b)Research Aptitude: 5 questions (10 marks) c)Reading Comprehension: 5 questions (10 marks) d) Communication: 5 questions (10 marks) e)Reasoning (including Mathematical): 5 questions (10 marks) f) Logical Reasoning: 5 questions (10 marks) g) Data Interpretation: 5 questions (10 marks) h) Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 5 questions (10 marks) I) People and Environment: 5 questions (10 marks) j) Higher Education System: 5 questions (10 marks) The total marks for Paper 1 are 100. Paper 2: The UGC NET Paper 2 is subject-specific, and the section-wise weightage varies according to the subject. Paper 2 consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 2 marks. The total marks for Paper 2 are 200. In Paper 2, most of the questions are asked from the core subject, while a few questions may be asked from related subjects. The questions are designed to test the in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject by the candidate. Therefore, the section-wise weightage of the UGC NET exam varies according to the paper and subject. It is important for candidates to go through the UGC NET syllabus for their subject and prepare accordingly to score well in the exam.

Q:   What is the marking scheme of UGC NET exam?

A:
The marking of the UGC NET exam has been given below for the candidates. Following the marking scheme for the UGC NET exam the candidates who are willing to appear in the UGC NET exam can understand the exam pattern and prepare for the exam well. The marking will also help the candidate to count the probable scores from the UGC NET provisional answer key that is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA): a)Correct answer: 2 b) Incorrect answer: No negative mark c) Unanswered/marked for review: 0 (no marks given) d) Incorrect or ambiguous question/has multiple correct answers: 2 to those who have chosen one of the correct answers. E) Incorrect or dropped questions: 2 to those who have attempted the question.

Q:   What is the latest exam pattern for UGC NET 2024 exam?

A:

The UGC NET 2024 exam pattern is outlined in the official notification by the NTA. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. The duration of the exam is three hours, Both papers consist of objective type multiple-choice questions (MCQs), totaling 150 questions across both papers. Each question weightage is two marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. 

UGC NET Paper 

Number of Questions 

Marks 

Paper 1 

50  

100 

Paper 2 

100  

200 

Total 

150  

300 

UGC NET Political Science Syllabus  2024

UGC NET 2024 will be conducted for 83 subjects. The candidates have to take paper 1 and paper 2 exams for the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 is common for every subject while Paper 2 is subject-specific. Both papers are compulsory and candidates have to take the exam for both papers. The syllabus for paper 1 and paper 2 syllabus for Political Science has been given below for the candidates. 

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

SSC JHT Exam Date 2024

9 Dec '24

SBI Clerk notification 2024

31 Dec '24

IAS 2025 Application Dates

22 Jan '25 - 11 Feb '25

WB 26th SET Exam 2024

15 Dec '24

KTET Admit Card

8 Jan '25

TSTET Exam Date

1 Jan '25 - 20 Jan '25

Kerala SET Exam 2025 for Janua...

31 Jan '25

MH SET 2025 40th Application

31 Jan '25

UGC NET Political Science Paper 1 Syllabus 2024

The Paper 1 syllabus is the common paper for all the candidates who are taking the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 comprises 50 questions that hold two marks for each correct answer. The total mark for Paper 1 is 100 marks. The syllabus for paper 1 has been given below for the candidates: 

  • Teaching Aptitude   
  • Research Aptitude   
  • Reading Comprehension   
  • Communication   
  • Reasoning   
  • Logical Reasoning  
  • Data Interpretation   
  • Information and Communication Technology   
  • People and Environment   
  • Higher Education System: Governance, Polity, and Administration 

Also Read: UGC NET English Syllabus 2024

UGC NET Political Science Paper 2 Syllabus

Paper 2 is subject-specific and holds 200 marks for 100 questions. There is no negative marking for the exam. The syllabus for Political Science comprises 10 units. The detailed syllabus for the political science has been given below for the candidates: 

Q:   What is the UGC NET exam pattern?

A:

The UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The exam is conducted twice a year to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and for awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges. The exam is conducted in two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Here are the details of the UGC NET exam pattern: Paper 1: a) Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes combining both papers) b) Total marks: 100 c) Number of questions: 50 d) Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) e) Marking scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. F) Syllabus: Teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness. Paper 2: a) Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes combining both papers) b) Total marks: 200 c) Number of questions: 100 d) Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) e) Marking scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. f) Syllabus: Based on the subject selected by the candidate. The UGC NET exam is conducted in online mode. The questions in both papers are in English and Hindi except for languages other than English and Hindi. Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in both papers to be eligible for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).

Unit 1: Political Theory  

  • Political Traditions 
  • Liberalism 
  • Conservatism 
  • Socialism 
  • Marxism 
  • Feminism 
  • Ecologism 
  • Multiculturalism 
  • Postmodernism 

Unit 2: Political Thought  

  • Confucius, Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt, Frantz 
    Fanon, Mao Zedong, John Rawls 

Unit 3:  Indian Political Thought 

  • Dharmashastra, Kautilya, Aggannasutta, Barani, Kabir, Pandita Ramabai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Swami Vivekanand, Rabindranath Tagore, M.K Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, Muhammad Iqbal, M.N.Roy, V D Savarkar, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, J L Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jaya Prakash Narayan, Deendayal Upadhyaya 

Unit 4: Comparative Political Analysis  

  • Approaches: Institutional, Political Culture, Political Economy and New, Institutionalism; Comparative Methods 
  • Colonialism and decolonisation: forms of Colonialism, anti-colonial struggles, and decolonisation 
  • Nationalism: European and non-European 
  • State theory: the debate over the nature of the state in capitalist and socialist societies; post-colonial state; welfare state; globalization and nations-states 
  • Political regimes: democratic (Electoral, Liberal, Majoritarian and Participatory) and non-democratic regimes (Patrimonialism, Bureaucratic authoritarianism, 
    Military dictatorship, Totalitarianism, and fascism) 
  • Constitutions and Constitutionalism: forms of constitutions, rule of law, judicial independence and liberal constitutionalism; emergency powers and the crisis of 
    constitutionalism 
  • Democratisation: democratic transition and consolidation 
  • Development: Underdevelopment, Dependency, Modernization, World Systems, Theory, development and democracy 
  • Actor and Processes: Electoral Systems, Political Parties, and Party Systems, Interest groups, social movements, new social movements, Non-Governmental 
    Organisations (NGOs) and civil society campaigns; Revolutions 

Unit 5: International Relations 

  • Approaches to the study of International relations: Idealism, Realism, Structural, Marxism, Neoliberalism, Neorealism, Social Constructivism, Critical International 
    Theory, Feminism, Postmodernism  
  • Concepts: State, state system and non-state actors, Power, Sovereignty, Security: traditional and non-traditional 
  • Conflict and Peace: Changing Nature of Warfare; Weapons of mass destruction; deterrence; conflict resolution, conflict transformation 
  • United Nations: Aims, Objectives, Structure, and Evaluation of the Working of UN; Peace and Development perspectives; Humanitarian intervention. International law; International Criminal Court 
  • Political Economy of IR; Globalisation; Global governance and Bretton Woods system, North-South Dialogue, WTO, G-20, BRICS 
  • Regional Organisations: European Union, African Union, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, ASEAN 
  • Contemporary Challenges: International terrorism, Climate change and Environmental Concerns, Human Rights, Migration and Refugees; Poverty and Development; Role of Religion, Culture and Identity Politics 

Also Read:

Unit 6: India’s Foreign Policy 

  • Perspectives on India’s Foreign Policy: India’s Identity as postcolonial, development, rising power, and as emerging political economy 
    Continuity and change in India’s Foreign Policy: Principles and determinants; Non-Alignment movement: historical background and relevance of Non Aligned 
    Movement; India’s Nuclear Policy India’s relations with major powers: USA, USSR/Russia, People’s Republic of China 
  • India’s Engagement with the multipolar world: India’s relations with European Union, BRICS, ASEAN, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, African Union, Southern African Development Community, Gulf Cooperation Council 
  • India’s relations with neighbourhood: SAARC, Gujaral doctrine, Look East/ Act East, Look WestIndia’s Negotiation Strategies in International Regimes: The United Nations, World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 
    Contemporary challenges: maritime security, energy security, environmental security, migrants and refugees, water resources, international terrorism, cyber security 

Unit 7: Political Institutions in India 

  • Making of the Indian Constitution: Colonialism heritage and the contribution Indian National Movement to the making of the Indian Constitution 
  • Constituent Assembly: Composition, Ideological Moorings, Constitutional Debates 
  • Philosophy of the Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles 
  • Constitutionalism in India: Democracy, Social Change, National Unity, Checks and Balances, Basic Structure Debate, Constitutional Amendments 
  • Union Executive: President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers 
  • Union Parliament: Structure, Role and Functioning, Parliamentary Committees 
  • Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Court, Judicial Review, Judicial Activism, Judicial Reform. 
  • Executive and Legislature in the States: Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature 
  • Federalism in India: Strong Centre Framework, Asymmetrical Federal Provisions and Adaption, Role of Intergovernmental Coordination Mechanisms, Inter-State 
    Council, Emerging Trends 
  • Electoral Process and Election Commission of India: Conduct of Elections, Rules, Electoral Reforms 
  • Local Government Institutions: Functioning and reforms 
  • Constitutional and Statutory Bodies: Comptroller and Auditor General, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Human Rights, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities 

Unit 8: Political Processes in India 

  • State, Economy and Development: Nature of Indian State, Development Planning model, New Economic Policy, Growth and Human Development 
  • Process of globalisation: social and economic implications 
  • Identity Politics: Religion, Tribe, Caste, Region, Language 
  • Social Movements: Dalit, Tribal, Women, Farmers, labour 
  • Civil Society Groups: Non-Party Social Formations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Social Action Groups 
  • Regionalisation of Indian Politics: Reorganisation of Indian States, States as Political and Economic Units, Sub-State Regions, Regional disparities, Demand 
    for New States 
  • Gender and Politics in India: Issues of Equality and Representation 
  • Ideology and Social basis of Political Parties: National Parties, State Parties 
  • Electoral Politics: Participation, Contestation, Representation, Emerging trends 

Unit 9: Public Administration 

  • Public Administration: meaning and evolution; public and private administration 
  • Approaches: System Theory, Decision Making, Ecological Approach 
  • Public administration theories and concepts: Scientific Management Theory, Rational Choice theory, New Public Administration, Development Administration, Comparative Public Administration, New Public Management, changing nature of Public Administration in the era of liberalisation and Globalisation 
  • Theories and Principles of Organization: Scientific Management Theory, Bureaucratic Theory, Human Relations Theory  
  • Managing the organization: Theories of leadership and motivation 
  • Organisational Communication: Theories and Principles, Chester Bernard Principles of Communication, Information Management in the organization 
  • Managing Conflict in the Organization: Mary Parker Follett 
  • Management by Objectives- Peter Drucker 

Unit 10: Governance and Public Policy in India 

  • Governance, good governance, and democratic governance, the role of the state, civil society, and individuals 
  • Accountability and control: Institutional mechanism for checks and balances, legislative control over the executive, administrative and budgetary control, control through parliamentary committees, judicial control over legislature and executive, administrative culture, corruption, and administrative reforms 
  • Institutional mechanisms for good governance: Right to Information, Consumer Protection Act, Citizen Charter; Grievance redress system: Ombudsman, Lokpal, Lokayukta 
  • Grassroots Governance: Panchayati Raj Institutions and their functioning 
  • Planning and Development: Decentralised planning, planning for development, sustainable development, participatory development, e-governance; NITI Aayog 
  • Public policy as an instrument of socio-economic development: public policies with special reference to housing, health, drinking water, food security, MNREGA, NHRM, RTE 
  • Monitoring and evaluation of public policy; mechanisms of making governance process accountable: Jansunwai, Social Audit 

Age Limit for UGC NET/JRF 2024

There is no age limit to appear for the UGC NET exam to become eligible for Assistant Professor. However, the candidates must be less than equals to 31 years old to be eligible for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). 

UGC NET 2024 Preparation Tips 

The candidates who want to qualify for the UGC NET exam with flying colours must follow the tips given below for the candidates: 

  • The candidates must start preparing for the UGC NET exam form their post-graduation days  
  • The candidates should follow the syllabus of Central University 
  • Regularly solve the previous years’ question and analyse the repeated topics and weightage of the sections 
  • Take online mock tests to get habitual of exam condition 
  • Give time to paper 1 as paper 2 because paper 1 can be the deciding factor for qualifying the exam 

Read More: UGC NET Preparation Tips 2023

UGC NET Syllabus FAQs

Q: Is the syllabus change every year for the UGC NET exam?

A: No, the syllabus remains same every year for the UGC NET exam. The candidates can download the syllabus from the official website. The steps to download the syllabus has been given below for the candidates:

  • Go to the official website- https://www.ugc.ac.in/net/syllabus.aspx
  • Click on the syllabus link of the required subject
  • Syllabus PDF will appear on the screen
  • Download the syllabus and save it for later use

Q: What is the marking scheme for Paper 1 and Paper 2 exam?

A: In UGC NET exam, two marks are awarded for each correct answer in Paper 1 and 2. There is no negative marking in the exam for wrong answers marked by the candidates. The UGC NET exam pattern has been given below for the candidates:

UGC NET Paper Number of Questions Total Marks
UGC NET Paper 1 50  100
UGC NET Paper 2 100  200
Total 150  300

Q: Is it mandatory to appear for both papers of UGC NET exam?

A: Yes, it is mandatory for candidates to appear for both UGC NET Paper 1 and 2 to qualify for the UGC NET E-Certificate. The candidates have to qualify for both papers separately. Candidates who will qualify for one paper will not be considered as qualified for the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 consists 50 questions for 100 marks. Paper 2 consists 100 questions for 200 marks. The candidates are advised to study paper 1 as paper 2 or they will not qualify for the UGC NET exam 2023

Q: What is the syllabus of UGC NET?

A: The syllabus for the UGC NET exam includes all the topics that candidates need to prepare for Paper 1 and 2. Candidates need to refer the UGC NET syllabus to appear for the examination. The list of topics that is asked in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam has been given below for the candidates:

  • Teaching Aptitude 
  • Research Aptitude 
  • Maths 
  • Reasoning 
  • Communication 
  • Data Interpretation 
  • Environmental Studies, etc.

Q: How to prepare for UGC NET exam?

A: The candidates who are willing to appear for the UGC NET/JRF exam must follow the tips given below to qualify for the exam:

  • Start preparing from the post graduation days 
  • Follow the syllabus of different Central Universities 
  • Read prescribed books in brief 
  • Take mock test regularly and analyse the performance after the test 
  • Work on the weak areas 
  • Prepare for Paper 1 as well as Paper 2 together
  • Take frequent breaks while preparing for the exam 

Q: Is it mandatory to appear for both papers of UGC NET exam?

A: Yes, it is mandatory for candidates to appear for both UGC NET Paper 1 and 2 to qualify for the UGC NET E-Certificate. The candidates have to qualify for both papers separately. Candidates who will qualify for one paper will not be considered as qualified for the UGC NET exam. Paper 1 consists 50 questions for 100 marks. Paper 2 consists 100 questions for 200 marks. The candidates are advised to study paper 1 as paper 2 or they will not qualify for the UGC NET exam 2024. .

About the Author
Download Important Dates for Sarkari Exams Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

Oct '24

Online Registration of CSIR NE...

12 Sep '24

CSIR NET June Session Result 2...

11 Nov '24

SSC JE Tier 2 Provisional Answ...

11 Nov '24 -

14 Nov '24

SSC JE Tier 2 Provisional Answ...

26 Nov '24

HPTET Exam Date for Punjabi & ...

24 Nov '24

HPTET Exam Date for TGT NM & L...

Jan '25

Kerala SET Exam 2025 for Janua...

Nov '24

Kerala SET 2025 Admit Card

8 Jan '25

KTET Admit Card

18 Jan '25 -

19 Jan '25

KTET Exam Date

Nov '24

SBI PO Application Form 2024

Nov '24

SBI PO Notification 2024

22 Nov '24

OTET OMR Sheet & Final Answer ...

22 Nov '24

OTET Result

6 Oct '24

IBPS RRB 2024 Clerk Mains Exam...

29 Sep '24

IBPS RRB 2024 Single Online Ex...

1 Jan '25 -

20 Jan '25

TSTET Exam Date

7 Nov '24

Release of TSTET notification

22 Jan '25 -

11 Feb '25

IAS 2025 Application Dates

May '25

IAS Prelims Admit Card 2025 Is...

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 8 hours ago

Yes, you can choose Economics as your Paper 2 subject for UGC NET, even though your PG degree is in MBA (HR and Marketing). Here's why:

1. Eligibility for UGC NET:

The general requirement to appear for UGC NET is a master's degree or equivalent in any subject from a recognised university, with at leas

...more

K

Kartikey Goyal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Hii,   After qualifying for the UGC NET exam, you can apply for a Ph.D. programme through the following steps:

  1. Eligibility Check: Ensure your UGC NET score is valid for Ph.D. admission. From the 2024-25 session, UGC NET categories 2 (without JRF) and 3 (eligible for Ph.D. only) will allow you to appl

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Open the official website of NTA, find the "UGC NET Cut Off" link, now select Geography and choose the session of that particular year. The UGC NET cut-off marks will be displayed to download.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The UGC NET 2024 December session result is expected to be released in January 2025 after the conduct of an exam. The UGC NET 2024 December exam dates are January 1 to January 19, 2025. Candidates will be able to check their UGC NET 2024 December result on the official website by entering their app

...more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, the NTA has published the provisional answer key for the UGC NET 2024 exam conducted between August 27 and September 5, 2024. Candidates have the opportunity to challenge the answer key from September 11 to September 13, 2024, with the deadline for fee payment also set for September 13, 2024

...more

A

Arshita Tiwari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official notification for the UGC NET 2024 December session on November 19, 2024. The application form link for UGC NET 2024 is now also available. Candidates can access both the December session UGC NET 2024 notification and the application form l

...more

A

Arshita Tiwari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, the UGC NET 2024 result for the June session were announced by National Testing Agency (NTA) on Oct 17, 2024. Candidates who participated in the UGC June exam can access their scorecards. In addition to the results, the authority has released the UGC NET Cutoff for 2024. The final answer key f

...more

A

Arshita Tiwari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The authority released the UGC NET 2024 December session notification on November 19, 2024. Along with the notification, the UGC NET 2024 application form link was activated at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. The last date to apply for the UGC NET 2024 December session is December 10, 2024, and the last date f

...more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can check below the UGC NET 2024 application fee for the December session:

Exam Fees

  • INR 1,150 for the General category
  • INR 600 for OBC
  • INR 325 for SC/ ST/ PwD/Third Gender

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The December session exam dates for UGC NET 2024 are January 1 to January 19, 2025. The authority released the UGC NET 2024 notification on November 19, 2024, on the official website at ugcnet.nta.ac.in. 

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10