About IGNOU BAFPS – Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
This programme focuses on the study of political power, governance systems, and international relations. It prepares students for careers in civil services, non-profit organizations, journalism, and academic research by developing a strong base in political theory and public policy.
The Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) curriculum is designed to help students understand how governments function and how laws affect daily life. It covers everything from the Indian Constitution and local administration to global politics and human rights. By studying these subjects, learners gain a deep insight into the rights and duties of citizens, which is essential for anyone looking to work in the public sector or social advocacy. The syllabus is structured to start with basic concepts before moving into complex topics like political thought and comparative politics, ensuring a smooth learning curve for students from various backgrounds.
Upon completing this programme, students will be equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills. They will be able to analyze political events, understand the impact of public policies, and participate effectively in democratic processes. These skills are highly valued in roles such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, and social workers. The programme also serves as an excellent foundation for those planning to pursue a Master’s degree or competitive examinations like the UPSC or State PSCs. Whether you are a fresh school graduate or a working professional, this degree offers the flexibility and knowledge needed to excel in the field of social sciences.
IGNOU BAFPS Syllabus Highlights
The table below summarizes the key academic features of the BAFPS programme. It includes details about the duration, total credits, and the school responsible for the curriculum under the 2026 framework.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) |
| Programme Code | BAFPS |
| Minimum Duration | 3 Years / 4 Years (FYUP) |
| Maximum Duration | Not specified in reference |
| Total Credits | 160 Credits (for 4 years) |
| Offering School | School of Social Sciences |
IGNOU BAFPS Course Structure
The BAFPS programme is divided into a semester-based system following the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) guidelines. Each year consists of two semesters where students take a mix of core political science subjects, minor electives, and skill-based courses. This structure allows for a balanced academic workload of 40 credits per year.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| 1st Year (Sem 1 & 2) | Major Core, Minor, Multi-disciplinary, AEC, VAC | 40 Credits |
| 2nd Year (Sem 3 & 4) | Major Core, Minor, Skill Enhancement, AEC | 40 Credits |
| 3rd Year (Sem 5 & 6) | Major Core, Minor, Discipline Electives | 40 Credits |
| 4th Year (Sem 7 & 8) | Advanced Core, Research Methodology, Dissertation/Project | 40 Credits |
IGNOU BAFPS Syllabus: 2026
Below is the detailed year-wise breakdown of the syllabus. Students must complete the specific course requirements in each phase to progress toward their degree in Bachelor of Arts (Political Science).
1st Year (Semester 1 & 2)
| Course Category | Course Name | Credits |
| Major Core | As per official Prospectus | – |
| Minor/AEC/VAC | Foundational Subjects | 40 Total |
2nd Year (Semester 3 & 4)
| Course Category | Course Name | Credits |
| Major Core | Intermediate Political Concepts | – |
| Minor/SEC/AEC | Skill & Language Courses | 40 Total |
3rd Year (Semester 5 & 6)
| Course Category | Course Name | Credits |
| Major Core | Advanced Political Theory | – |
| Electives | Discipline Specific Electives | 40 Total |
4th Year (Semester 7 & 8)
| Course Category | Course Name | Credits |
| Advanced Core | Specialized Research Topics | – |
| Research | Dissertation/Project Work | 40 Total |
Total Credits: 160 Credits (FYUP)
IGNOU BAFPS Credit System
The IGNOU BAFPS Syllabus follows a credit system where 1 credit equals 30 hours of total study time. This includes reading the printed blocks, listening to audio lessons, and writing assignments. To complete the 4-year Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) degree, a student must successfully earn a total of 160 credits. If a student fails to pass a specific course, they do not need to re-enroll in the whole programme; they can simply reappear for the term-end exam of that particular course in the next session. This flexibility ensures that learners can study at their own pace while maintaining their professional or personal commitments.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ The syllabus reflects the 2026 academic framework. IGNOU may revise course contents at its discretion. Always verify the latest syllabus at ignou.ac.in before starting your studies.
Also Read
More resources for BAFPS students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU BAFPS Syllabus
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). The syllabus information provided here is for academic reference only and may be subject to revision by IGNOU. Always verify the latest course structure at ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
