What is International Relations?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

To pursue an International Relations course at the undergraduate level, you should have completed class 12, preferably in Humanities subjects. For a course at the postgraduate level, you should have completed a bachelor’s degree with specialisations such as political science, sociology, history, cultural anthropology, and related subjects.

In India, you can pursue International Relations degrees at three levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctorate. The most popular International Relations degree courses in India are BA in International Relations, MA in International Relations, and a PhD in International Relations. However, you can also seek these degree courses combined with disciplines like Politics, West Asian Studies, Peace Studies, International8 Public Policy, and so on.

International Relations in Political Science is important because it provides a framework to understand how states, countries, and other global bodies interact to work together on global issues like climate change, pandemics, peace, war, security, and so on. It helps in grasping global dynamics, promotes peace & security, helps address challenges, and fosters coordination. Hope you got it.

International Relations can be called as an interdisciplinary course. This indicates that 10+2 in any stream is accepted as eligibility for admission to graduation in International Relations. This is only the technical eligibility. This is an out of the box course and I suggest only those students who have interest and passion in this and other related subjects only should seek admission in this course. As in this course whole gamut of issues and subjects related to this like politics, sociology, military studies, currency, trade deficits, economics, etc. are also taken up for studies, students should have interest in learning all these diverse subjects under one roof. However let me assure you all that it normally is a wholesome experience and would be cherished forever. To conclude I would say that, even if eligibility is only 10+2 in any stream, students should have passion for obtaining knowledge.

The minimum percentage required for admission in DU for MA in Political Science is 50 to 55%. However, maintaining a good academic record can provide you with an edge over other candidates and help you secure admission in Delhi University and its affiliated colleges.

No there is no age limit to pursue BA in International Relations so you can apply for this course at any age. Most colleges and entrance exam conducting bodies do not prescribe any maximum or minimum age limit to pursue this course. Though some colleges, especially private colleges may have their own eligibility criteria.

Yes, International Relations is a subdomain under Political Science. The scope of Political Science is vast. It can study about political structures, political thoughts and philosophies at a global level or restrict its area of study to smaller political entities. It is essential for the students of International Relations or International Studies to understand basic concepts of Political Science. 

Traditionally, the study of international relations primarily dealt only with political history. But today, a standard Masters programme in International relations is a dynamic mix of political science, economics, foreign policy, anthropology and sociology. Students pursuing this course are also encouraged to take up an additional foreign language. Students who finish this course go on to have careers as diplomats, teachers, researchers and analysts for multinational companies. Many top foreign correspondents and journalists pursue this course. Students also choose to pursue further studies abroad or work in NGOs. Students planning to study the course abroad should do extensive research before narrowing down on a school. Some schools require candidates to have prior knowledge of economics before applying. Hope this information helps. Please feel free to revert. Wish you luck.

Foreign Policy is a set of guidelines and framework followed by a nation to deal with other nations. This foreign policy can be idealistic or realistic and it serves as a translation of the thoughts and believes of the people in power. It predominantly determines how the people of a nation are represented at an international platform. Foreign Policy is closely linked with the economy, trade and soft power of the nation.

Yes, International Relations is a subdomain under Political Science. The scope of Political Science is vast. It can study about political structures, political thoughts and philosophies at a global level or restrict its area of study to smaller political entities. It is essential for the students of International Relations or International Studies to understand basic concepts of Political Science. 

Of course, you can. Here are some top college options for an online BA in International Relations in India:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Yes, they are. You'll get the domain-specific knowledge with the flexibility to upskill yourself with other certifications or get work experience alongside. If you pursue an online International Relations course from a reputed institute, you may also get a chance to participate in the placement drive.

Several colleges conduct placement sessions for the final year students of International Relations courses. Placements sessions are usually offered in advanced courses such as MA International Relations and PhD in International Relations.

Given below are some renowned colleges that offer lucrative packages during placement drives:

The fee structure is an important criteria which students like you consider while taking admission in International Relations courses. Here are some colleges with affordable fee structures:

 No, it is not tough to make a career in International Relations but one needs to plan it beforehand as a selection of right the subjects for graduation is extremely important. The field of International Relations is open to students from all backgrounds, but it will be more beneficial to study Humanities subjects such as Sociology,  Political Science,  History,  and Cultural Anthropology.

Career options available in this field include International Relations Officer, Public Relations Officer, Communication Specialist, Translator, Advisor, Consultant, Political Analyst, Foreign Affairs Analyst, Foreign Affairs Specialist, Foreign Affairs Officer, Archivist, Economist, Diplomat and Professor. Anybody who has a keen interest in world politics and policies can opt for a career in International Relations. In this field, interest is the main requirement because it requires several years of theoretical study. To make a career in this field, one should also opt for learning a foreign language.

Some high-paying International Relations job roles with salary details are as follows:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

International Relations as a subject is taught at academic level in central universities. Some of the private universities have also started to offer courses in International Relations. Check below the admission process:

Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Political Science/International Relations. Check the fees, the seats offered, eligibility criteria of the preferred course.

Apply for Course: Check the admission/application dates for the desired academic year and apply to the university. Make sure to apply on the official website of the university/college only and not through any other website. If the application forms are to be filled in offline, make sure to purchase the form from a verified source.

Admission Process: Universities and colleges either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Selection and Admission: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission. Some universities may conducted Personal Interview for selection of candidates for final admission.

To be eligible for a  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations (IR) in India, or political Science with a focus on International relations you typically need to have passed a similar exam from any stream with 50% from a recognised board.

 Some colleges may also conduct entrance exams as part of their selection process.

Hey, thankyou for raising your query, I would like to answer your question here, For a Master's degree in International Relation you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, History, Econmics or any similar fields that are often preferred to taking admissions. Also Most universities require a minimum of 60% marks in your bachelor's degree. some universities may prefer specific requirements, such as completing basic economics courses or taking standardized tests like the GRE.

International Relations is the study of the interconnectedness of Politics, Economics and Law on a global level. The field is all about developing and maintaining relations between countries to ensure peace and prosperity prevail in every part of the world. The topics covered by its curriculum include viewpoints on humanity, development, poverty, cross-border activities, etc. Government agencies that deal with international relations and issues may hire graduates of international relations courses. While focusing on issues like the environment, trade, security, economy, politics and human rights, among other things, their responsibilities would be to ensure good relations and peace between states.