BA Political Science vs Public Administration: Which Course Should You Pick?

Shuchi Bagchi

Updated On: October 31, 2025 09:50 PM

Both the BA Political Science and the BA Public Administration courses provide an in-depth understanding of politics and government. Know the course details and career options to choose wisely.


 
BA Political Science vs Public Administration

The students who are planning to take admission in BA courses and are confused regarding what to choose: BA political science or BA public administration, must know the course details and career options to discover their interest. To make a wise choice, it is important to understand the purpose of the BA Political Science and BA Public Administration and the course material. To assist you in choosing the right option, let us take a quick look at both disciplines.

Also Check - Government vs Private BA Political Science Colleges: Which is Right for You?

BA Political Science vs. BA Public Administration: Course Highlights, Eligibility, Scope

Check out the major highlights for both the courses: BA Political Science and BA Public Administration from the table below:

Factors

BA Political Science

BA Public Administration

Focus

Theory and analysis of political systems

Implementation of government policies

Scope

A vast and comprehensive study of global politics and economy

Specialized focus on government administration

Career Opportunities

Political analyst, lobbyist, politician, diplomat, policy analyst

Public administrator, policy analyst, budget analyst, human resource manager

Duration of UG Programme

3 years

3 years

Duration of PG Programme

2 years

2 years

Eligibility Criteria

BA Political Science: 10+2 from any recognized Board with minimum 50% aggregate.

MA Political Science: Bachelor's degree in Political Science from any recognized University with minimum 55% aggregate.

BA Public Administration: 10+2 from any recognized Board with minimum 50% aggregate.

MA Public Administration: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or relevant subject from any recognized University with minimum 55% aggregate

Also Check - Top Colleges for BA Political Science in Tier-3 Indian Cities

BA Political Science vs. BA Public Administration: Career Orientation

The students confused regarding the career options after pursuing the BA political science vs BA public administration must consider the details from the table below:

Career Path

BA Political Science

BA Public Administration

Civil Services (IAS, IPS etc)

BA political science provides strong base, which is strong for polity & IR sections in civil services

BA Public Administration syllabus overlaps in optional subject in civil services

Academia/ Research

BA Political Science is suitable for MA political science, IR or public policy

BA Public Administration is suitable for MA public administration, governance or developmental studies

Corporate/NGO Management

BA political science is of Moderate relevance

BA public administration is high relevance for NGOs, administrative and HR roles

Policy Making and Think Tanks

BA political science provides strong background in political systems and governance

BA public administration is strong in implementation and in administrative systems

Journalism, Law, Diplomacy

BA Political Science course is very relevant in journalism, law, and diplomacy

BA public administration is not as helpfua as BA political science but it is helpful in public affairs journalism or legal administration

Also Check - Top 10 Political Science Online Courses

BA Political Science vs BA Public Administration Career: Which Course to Pick

The student who wants to prepare for the UPSC exam can choose the BA political science subject, as the syllabus overlaps with the civil service exam. Whereas the students who want to work in NGOs, the public policy domain, the development sector, or policy implementation can choose the BA public administration course.

BA Political Science and BA Public Administration are two closely related yet different courses. Both are important to social studies and impart knowledge that complements each other. However, their nature and objectives in the course curriculum are different from each other. The BA Political Science focuses on creating a framework for government machinery, while BA Public Administration works within that framework.

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FAQs

What is the course fee for BA political science course in govt colleges?

The course fee for the BA in Political Science at the government college ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000.

What are the job prospects after BA Public Administration course?

The various job prospects after BA public administration course are:

  • Diplomat
  • Governance and Public Policy
  • International Relations

What are the job prospects after BA political science course?

The various job prospects after a BA political science course are:

  • Research
  • Higher studies (MA/Phd)
  • Journalism

After pursuing the BA Public Administration course, can the student apply for govt sector jobs?

Yes. After pursuing the BA Public Administration course, can the student apply for govt sector jobs. 

Do both the BA Political Science and BA Public Administration take admission based on merit?

Yes. Both the BA Political Science and BA Public Administration take admission based on merit. 

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