Clearing the UGC NET Political Science exam in just three months may seem tough, but with the right plan and consistency, you can succeed.
This guide provides an easy study plan, best books, and preparation tips to help you clear the UGC NET Political Science exam in one attempt.
Understanding the UGC NET Political Science Exam Pattern
Before you start preparing, you must understand the exam pattern:
Paper 1 (General Aptitude)
50 questions (100 marks)
Covers Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and ICT
Paper 2 (Political Science)
100 questions (200 marks)
Covers topics like Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Indian Government & Politics, International Relations, Public Administration, and more
Total Marks: 300
Exam Duration: 3 hours (No break between papers)
No Negative Marking
Passing Criteria: Candidates must secure at least 40% (General) or 35% (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) in total for both papers.
Three-Month Study Plan for UGC NET Political Science
Month 1: Build Strong Basics
Week 1-2: Political Theory & Thinkers
Study Western Political Thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Gramsci, Rawls)
Learn Indian Political Thinkers (Kautilya, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ambedkar, Gandhi, Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan)
Understand Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism, Feminism, Nationalism)
Read O.P. Gauba’s Political Theory and Andrew Heywood’s Political Ideologies
Week 3-4: Comparative Politics & International Relations
Study Comparative Politics Approaches (Structural-Functionalism, Political Culture, Political Economy)
Understand Forms of Government (Presidential, Parliamentary, Federal, Unitary)
Learn International Relations Theories (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Marxism)
Read about Cold War, United Nations, SAARC, BRICS, ASEAN
Refer to Andrew Heywood’s Global Politics and Palmer & Perkins’ International Relations
Month 2: Indian Politics & Public Administration
Week 5-6: Indian Government & Politics
Read Indian Constitution & Fundamental Rights (Preamble, DPSP, Federalism, Emergency Provisions)
Learn Indian Political System (Parliament, Judiciary, Executive, Governor, Chief Minister)
Study Political Parties, Electoral System, and Pressure Groups in India
Refer to M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity and B.L. Fadia’s Indian Government & Politics
Week 7-8: Public Administration & Governance
Understand Public Administration Concepts (Bureaucracy, Leadership, Accountability)
Study New Public Management (NPM), Governance & E-Governance
Learn about Indian Public Administration: Civil Services, Panchayati Raj, Welfare Policies
Read Nicholas Henry’s Public Administration and Mohit Bhattacharya’s New Horizons of Public Administration
Month 3: Mock Tests, Revision & Paper 1 Preparation
Solve at least 5 previous years’ papers to understand question patterns
Attempt mock tests daily to improve speed and accuracy
Revise important topics in Political Science
Week 11-12: Paper 1 Preparation & Final Revision
Study Teaching & Research Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation
Learn ICT, Higher Education, and People & Environment
Revise key concepts from Paper 2 with notes and short summaries
Attempt at least 5 full-length mock tests under exam conditions
Best Books for UGC NET Political Science
Paper 1 (General Aptitude)
Trueman’s UGC NET Paper 1 – KVS Madaan
Teaching and Research Aptitude – Arihant
Paper 2 (Political Science)
Political Theory – O.P. GaubaIndian
Polity – M. Laxmikanth
International Relations – Andrew Heywood / Palmer & Perkins
Public Administration – Mohit Bhattacharya
UGC NET Political Science Guide – R. Gupta’s or Arihant
Important Tips to Crack UGC NET Political Science
Follow a Proper Study Plan: Study at least 6-8 hours daily.
✅ Make Short Notes: Write down key thinkers, theories, and concepts.
✅ Solve Past Papers: Most questions repeat in similar formats.
✅ Use Diagrams & Charts: Helps in remembering topics easily.
✅ Attempt Mock Tests: Improves time management and accuracy.
✅ Stay Updated: Read current affairs related to politics and international relations.
✅ Stay Motivated: Consistency is the key to success.
Final Words
Cracking UGC NET Political Science in 3 months is possible with smart preparation and consistent effort.
Follow the study plan, use recommended books, and practice mock tests to improve your chances of qualifying for NET & JRF in Political Science.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!