Paper I: Political Theory and Indian Politics

Part A: Political Theory

1. Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
2. Definition and Nature: What is political theory? Normative vs empirical approaches.
3. Approaches: Classical, Modern, Marxist, Post-modern, Behavioralism and Post-behavioralism.
4. Theories of the State
5. Liberal Theory: State as a neutral arbiter, limited government.
6. Marxist Theory: State as an instrument of class oppression.
7. Neo-liberal & Pluralist Views: Role of state in a market economy and multiple power centers.
8. Justice: Conceptions and Theories
9. Liberal Conception: John Rawls' Theory of Justice, fairness, and equality.
10. Communitarian Critique: Emphasis on community over individual.
11. Distributive Justice: Allocation of wealth and opportunities.
12. Equality
13. Concept and Types: Political, economic, social equality.
14. Equality vs Equity: Justice in treatment vs justice in outcome.
15. Positive Discrimination: Affirmative action and reservations.
16. Rights
17. Meaning and Theories: Natural rights, legal rights, moral rights.
18. Rights and Duties: Interdependence in a democratic framework.
19. Rights-based approach to development.
20. Democracy
21. Classical and Contemporary Theories: Participatory, deliberative, liberal, and radical democracy.
22. Democratic Elitism: Joseph Schumpeter’s view on competitive democracy.
23. Challenges: Populism, authoritarianism, and decline in civic participation.

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1. Concept of Power, Hegemony, Ideology
2. Power: Coercive, legitimate, soft power.
3. Hegemony: Gramsci’s theory – ideological control through consent.
4. Ideology: Role in political legitimacy and conflict.
5. Political Ideologies
6. Liberalism: Individual liberty, rule of law, capitalism.
7. Socialism: Economic equality, social ownership.
8. Marxism: Class struggle, dialectical materialism.
9. Fascism: Authoritarian nationalism, corporatism.
10. Gandhism: Non-violence (Ahimsa), trusteeship, Swaraj, self-sufficiency.
11. Feminism: Liberal, radical, socialist, and postmodern feminism.
12. Indian Political Thought
13. Ancient: Kautilya's Arthashastra – statecraft and diplomacy.
14. Medieval: Islamic political thought in India.
15. Modern Thinkers:
16. Raja Ram Mohan Roy – social reform, rationality.
17. Swami Vivekananda – spiritual nationalism.
18. Gandhi – Swaraj, Satyagraha.
19. Ambedkar – social justice, caste critique.
20. Nehru – secularism, planning.
21. Lohia, JP Narayan – socialism and participatory democracy.
22. Western Political Thought
23. Plato: Ideal State, Philosopher King.
24. Aristotle: Classification of governments, citizenship.
25. Machiavelli: Realpolitik, separation of ethics and politics.
26. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau: Social contract theories.
27. Mill: Liberty, Utilitarianism, Representative Government.
28. Marx: Historical materialism, alienation, revolution.
29. Gramsci: Cultural hegemony.
30. Hannah Arendt: Totalitarianism and revolution.

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Paper I: Political Theory and Indian Politics

Part A: Political Theory

1. Political Theory: Meaning and Approaches
2. Definition and Nature: What is political theory? Normative vs empirical approaches.
3. Approaches: Classical, Modern, Marxist, Post-modern, Behavioralism and Post-behavioralism.
4. Theories of the State
5. Liberal Theory: State as a neutral arbiter, limited government.
6. Marxist Theory: State as an instrument of class oppression.
7. Neo-liberal & Pluralist Views: Role of state in a market economy and multiple power centers.
8. Justice: Conceptions and Theories
9. Liberal Conception: John Rawls' Theory of Justice, fairness, and equality.
10. Communitarian Critique: Emphasis on community over individual.
11. Distributive Justice: Allocation of wealth and opportunities.
12. Equality
13. Concept and Types: Political, economic, social equality.
14. Equality vs Equity: Justice in treatment vs justice in outcome.
15. Positive Discrimination: Affirmative action and reservations.
16. Rights
17. Meaning and Theories: Natural rights, legal rights, moral rights.
18. Rights and Duties: Interdependence in a democratic framework.
19. Rights-based approach to development.
20. Democracy
21. Classical and Contemporary Theories: Participatory, deliberative, liberal, and radical democracy.
22. Democratic Elitism: Joseph Schumpeter’s view on competitive democracy.
23. Challenges: Populism, authoritarianism, and decline in civic participation.
24. Concept of Power, Hegemony, Ideology
25. Power: Coercive, legitimate, soft power.
26. Hegemony: Gramsci’s theory – ideological control through consent.
27. Ideology: Role in political legitimacy and conflict.
28. Political Ideologies
29. Liberalism: Individual liberty, rule of law, capitalism.
30. Socialism: Economic equality, social ownership.
31. Marxism: Class struggle, dialectical materialism.
32. Fascism: Authoritarian nationalism, corporatism.
33. Gandhism: Non-violence (Ahimsa), trusteeship, Swaraj, self-sufficiency.
34. Feminism: Liberal, radical, socialist, and postmodern feminism.
35. Indian Political Thought
36. Ancient: Kautilya's Arthashastra – statecraft and diplomacy.
37. Medieval: Islamic political thought in India.
38. Modern Thinkers:
39. Raja Ram Mohan Roy – social reform, rationality.
40. Swami Vivekananda – spiritual nationalism.
41. Gandhi – Swaraj, Satyagraha.
42. Ambedkar – social justice, caste critique.
43. Nehru – secularism, planning.
44. Lohia, JP Narayan – socialism and participatory democracy.
45. Western Political Thought
46. Plato: Ideal State, Philosopher King.
47. Aristotle: Classification of governments, citizenship.
48. Machiavelli: Realpolitik, separation of ethics and politics.
49. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau: Social contract theories.
50. Mill: Liberty, Utilitarianism, Representative Government.
51. Marx: Historical materialism, alienation, revolution.
52. Gramsci: Cultural hegemony.
53. Hannah Arendt: Totalitarianism and revolution.

Part B: Indian Government and Politics

1. Indian Nationalism
2. Phases: Moderates, Extremists, Gandhian era.
3. Movements: Non-cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India.
4. Ideologies: Communalism, Socialism, Revolutionary nationalism.
5. Constitutional Development
6. British Legacy: Acts of 1909, 1919, 1935.
7. Constituent Assembly Debates: Objectives, Fundamental Rights, Federalism.
8. Constitutional Structure
9. Preamble, FRs, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties.
10. Amendment Process: Landmark amendments and their impact.
11. Organs of Government
12. Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers.
13. Legislature: Parliament and its functions.
14. Judiciary: Supreme Court, judicial review, activism vs restraint.
15. Federalism
16. Centre-State Relations: Legislative, administrative, financial.
17. Inter-State Council, Finance Commission, GST Council.
18. Special Provisions: J&K (now abrogated), NE states.
19. Grassroots Democracy
20. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 73rd & 74th Amendments.
21. Urban Local Bodies: Devolution of powers.
22. Election Process
23. Electoral Reforms: VVPAT, NOTA, EVMs.
24. Role of Election Commission: Powers, challenges, credibility.
25. Political Parties and Pressure Groups
26. Party System: National vs regional parties, coalition politics.
27. Pressure Groups: Farmers' movements, business lobbies, NGOs.
28. Social Movements
29. Environmental, Women, Dalit, Tribal, Civil Rights movements.
30. New Social Movements: Identity and issue-based mobilizations.
31. Secularism and Communalism
32. Indian Model of Secularism: Equal respect to all religions.
33. Communal Conflicts: Role of state, politics, media.
34. Regionalism
35. Causes and Types: Linguistic, economic, cultural.
36. Demand for Autonomy, Statehood.
37. Globalisation and its Impact on Indian Politics
38. Liberalisation: Economic reforms and their socio-political impact.
39. Changing role of state: Welfare vs facilitator.

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Paper II: Comparative Politics & International Relations

Part A: Comparative Politics and International Relations

1. Comparative Politics
2. Nature and Scope: Evolution from traditional to modern comparative politics.
3. Approaches: Structural-functional, Systems theory, Political economy.
4. State in Comparative Perspective
5. Unitary vs Federal systems.
6. Westminster vs Presidential democracies.
7. Post-colonial state: Challenges of development and democracy.
8. Political Institutions
9. Legislatures, Executives, Judiciary across countries.
10. Party Systems, Electoral Systems.
11. Political Culture and Political Socialization
12. Concepts: How values, beliefs, and ideologies shape political behavior.
13. Agents: Family, education, media, peer groups.
14. Nation-State and Globalisation
15. Changing Nature of Sovereignty.
16. Rise of Supra-national bodies: EU, WTO, etc.
17. United Nations and Global Order
18. Structure and Role: UNSC, General Assembly, ICJ, UNDP.
19. Reforms Needed: Representation, veto powers, effectiveness.
20. Peace and Conflict Theories
21. Realism vs Liberalism, Neo-realism, Constructivism.
22. Conflict Resolution: Mediation, peacekeeping, peacemaking.
23. Theories of International Relations
24. Realist: Power and national interest.
25. Liberal: Institutions and interdependence.
26. Marxist: Dependency theory, world-systems theory.
27. Constructivist and Post-colonial perspectives.
28. Part B: India and the World
29. Indian Foreign Policy
30. Evolution: From non-alignment to multi-alignment.
31. Determinants: Geography, history, political economy.
32. Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs, PMO.
33. India’s Relations with Major Powers
34. USA: Strategic partnership, Quad, CAATSA issues.
35. Russia: Defence ties, energy, BRICS.
36. China: Border issues, trade, diplomacy.
37. EU and UK: Trade and diaspora.
38. India and its Neighbours
39. SAARC and BIMSTEC: Regional cooperation.
40. Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar: Border, water sharing, cultural diplomacy.
41. India and South-East Asia
42. Act East Policy, ASEAN engagement.
43. India and Africa
44. Energy security, development partnerships, Indian diaspora.
45. India and the UN System
46. Peacekeeping, UNSC reforms, SDGs.
47. India and the Global South
48. Leadership Role: Non-alignment, BRICS, G-77, South-South cooperation.
49. India and the Nuclear World
50. Nuclear Doctrine, NPT, CTBT, NSG, strategic autonomy.
51. Contemporary Global Issues
52. Climate Change: Paris Agreement, COP summits.
53. Terrorism: Cross-border and global.
54. Cyber Security, Energy Security, Migration

Part B: Indian Government and Politics

1. Indian Nationalism
2. Phases: Moderates, Extremists, Gandhian era.
3. Movements: Non-cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India.
4. Ideologies: Communalism, Socialism, Revolutionary nationalism.
5. Constitutional Development
6. British Legacy: Acts of 1909, 1919, 1935.
7. Constituent Assembly Debates: Objectives, Fundamental Rights, Federalism.
8. Constitutional Structure
9. Preamble, FRs, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties.
10. Amendment Process: Landmark amendments and their impact.
11. Organs of Government
12. Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers.
13. Legislature: Parliament and its functions.
14. Judiciary: Supreme Court, judicial review, activism vs restraint.
15. Federalism
16. Centre-State Relations: Legislative, administrative, financial.
17. Inter-State Council, Finance Commission, GST Council.
18. Special Provisions: J&K (now abrogated), NE states.
19. Grassroots Democracy
20. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 73rd & 74th Amendments.
21. Urban Local Bodies: Devolution of powers.
22. Election Process
23. Electoral Reforms: VVPAT, NOTA, EVMs.
24. Role of Election Commission: Powers, challenges, credibility.
25. Political Parties and Pressure Groups
26. Party System: National vs regional parties, coalition politics.
27. Pressure Groups: Farmers' movements, business lobbies, NGOs.
28. Social Movements
29. Environmental, Women, Dalit, Tribal, Civil Rights movements.
30. New Social Movements: Identity and issue-based mobilizations.
31. Secularism and Communalism
32. Indian Model of Secularism: Equal respect to all religions.
33. Communal Conflicts: Role of state, politics, media.
34. Regionalism
35. Causes and Types: Linguistic, economic, cultural.
36. Demand for Autonomy, Statehood.
37. Globalisation and its Impact on Indian Politics
38. Liberalisation: Economic reforms and their socio-political impact.
39. Changing role of state: Welfare vs facilitator.

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Paper II: Comparative Politics & International Relations

Part A: Comparative Politics and International Relations

1. Comparative Politics
2. Nature and Scope: Evolution from traditional to modern comparative politics.
3. Approaches: Structural-functional, Systems theory, Political economy.
4. State in Comparative Perspective
5. Unitary vs Federal systems.
6. Westminster vs Presidential democracies.
7. Post-colonial state: Challenges of development and democracy.
8. Political Institutions
9. Legislatures, Executives, Judiciary across countries.
10. Party Systems, Electoral Systems.
11. Political Culture and Political Socialization
12. Concepts: How values, beliefs, and ideologies shape political behavior.
13. Agents: Family, education, media, peer groups.
14. Nation-State and Globalisation
15. Changing Nature of Sovereignty.
16. Rise of Supra-national bodies: EU, WTO, etc.
17. United Nations and Global Order
18. Structure and Role: UNSC, General Assembly, ICJ, UNDP.
19. Reforms Needed: Representation, veto powers, effectiveness.
20. Peace and Conflict Theories
21. Realism vs Liberalism, Neo-realism, Constructivism.
22. Conflict Resolution: Mediation, peacekeeping, peacemaking.
23. Theories of International Relations
24. Realist: Power and national interest.
25. Liberal: Institutions and interdependence.
26. Marxist: Dependency theory, world-systems theory.
27. Constructivist and Post-colonial perspectives.

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Part B: India and the World

1. Indian Foreign Policy
2. Evolution: From non-alignment to multi-alignment.
3. Determinants: Geography, history, political economy.
4. Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs, PMO.
5. India’s Relations with Major Powers
6. USA: Strategic partnership, Quad, CAATSA issues.
7. Russia: Defence ties, energy, BRICS.
8. China: Border issues, trade, diplomacy.
9. EU and UK: Trade and diaspora.
10. India and its Neighbours
11. SAARC and BIMSTEC: Regional cooperation.
12. Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar: Border, water sharing, cultural diplomacy.
13. India and South-East Asia
14. Act East Policy, ASEAN engagement.
15. India and Africa
16. Energy security, development partnerships, Indian diaspora.
17. India and the UN System
18. Peacekeeping, UNSC reforms, SDGs.
19. India and the Global South
20. Leadership Role: Non-alignment, BRICS, G-77, South-South cooperation.
21. India and the Nuclear World
22. Nuclear Doctrine, NPT, CTBT, NSG, strategic autonomy.
23. Contemporary Global Issues
24. Climate Change: Paris Agreement, COP summits.
25. Terrorism: Cross-border and global.
26. Cyber Security, Energy Security, Migration.