Political Science

Part A: Contemporary World Politics

  • Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity Study the collapse of the Soviet Union (USSR) and the end of the Cold War. Understand the “Shock Therapy” in post-communist regimes and how the world transitioned into a unipolar system led by the USA.
  • Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power Explore the rise of alternative power blocs. Detailed summaries of the European Union (EU), ASEAN, and the emergence of China and India as global economic giants.
  • Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia Analyze the political dynamics of India’s neighborhood. Covers the democratic struggles and conflicts in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the role of SAARC.
  • Chapter 4: International Organisations Focuses on the United Nations (UN). Learn about its structure (Security Council, General Assembly) and its role in managing global conflicts and development in a post-Cold War era.
  • Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World Understand the changing nature of threats. Learn the difference between “Traditional” (military) and “Non-traditional” (poverty, epidemics, terrorism) security.
  • Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources Study the “Global Commons.” Explore international environmental agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and the politics of oil and water resources.
  • Chapter 7: Globalisation A critical look at the interconnected world. Analyze the economic, cultural, and political impact of globalisation and the various resistances to it across the globe.

Part B: Politics in India Since Independence

  • Chapter 8: Challenges of Nation Building Follow the story of India in 1947. Learn about the three major challenges: Unity, Democracy, and Development. Detailed notes on the Partition of India and the integration of Princely States.
  • Chapter 9: Era of One-party Dominance Study the early years of Indian democracy. Understand why the Congress party dominated the first three general elections and the nature of the “Congress System.”
  • Chapter 10: Politics of Planned Development Learn about the formation of the Planning Commission and the NITI Aayog. Compare the First Five-Year Plan (Agriculture) with the Second Five-Year Plan (Industry).
  • Chapter 11: India’s External Relations Trace India’s foreign policy journey. Learn about the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and India’s relations (and conflicts) with China and Pakistan.
  • Chapter 12: Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System Analyze the turbulent 1960s. Explore the rise of opposition parties, the split in the Congress, and how Indira Gandhi restored the party’s dominance.
  • Chapter 13: The Crisis of Democratic Order A deep dive into the Emergency (1975-1977). Understand the reasons for its imposition, the suspension of civil liberties, and its long-term impact on Indian democracy.
  • Chapter 14: Regional Aspirations Study the diverse political demands from different parts of India, including the movements in Punjab, the North-East, and Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Chapter 15: Recent Developments in Indian Politics Explore the shift toward Coalition Politics starting from 1989. Learn about the rise of the Mandal issue, the politics of secularism vs. communalism, and the current trends in the 2020s.

💡 Pro-Tip for Pol Science Students

Political Science is a “Living Subject.” In your board exams, always try to link your answer to a recent headline. If you are writing about the UN, mention a current global crisis. If you are writing about regionalism, mention a recent state-level election. This shows the examiner that you don’t just “read” history—you “analyze” the present.

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