M.Phil Programme at the Centre for Political Studies consists of course work and dissertation for the M.Phil and thesis for Ph.D. For the M.Phil programme students are required to take five courses: three compulsory and two optional courses in two semesters. The three compulsory courses are: 1) Philosophy and Methods in Social Sciences; (2) Approaches, Concepts and Methods of Political Analysis; (3) Seminar. Two of the compulsory courses are designed to equip and train students in the methods and techniques of research work, along with an introduction to the methodological debates and issues in social sciences, as well as the basic approaches and concepts of political analysis. The third compulsory course follows a seminar format and is offered in the second semester of the programme. Here, each student is required to present a seminar paper in the area in which she/he is writing a dissertation. The choice of the two optional courses would be decided by the research needs and specialization stream chosen by the student.

The programme for the M.Phil. course work comprises of a component of lectures, preparation and presentation of seminar papers and participation in discussion on work in progress. The range of academic activities enable students to understand the link between theoretical and empirical investigation in research work.

The M.Phil / Ph.D students seeking admission to the Centre are required to bring with them a synopsis of their research theme indicating scope, plan and feasibility.

As a degree in Political Science, the M.A. programme of the Centre for Political Studies focuses on the study of Political Theory / Ideas, Comparative Politics / International Relations, and Indian Government and Politics. The programme is designed to acquaint students with: (a) theoretical understanding and methodological skills in these three branches of Political Science; (b) to relate political processes with social structures and ideas; and (c) to interpret institutions, policies and processes in a historical perspective. The Centre places special emphasis on the study of political developments in India and promotes theoretically informed analysis of social and political reality.

The M.A programme consists of 16 courses, which are taught over four semesters. Of these 12 are compulsory and remaining four are optional courses. The twelve compulsory courses are defined around three broad rubrics: 1) Indian Government and Politics; 2) Political Theory and Philosophy; and 3) Comparative Politics and International Relations. Of the four optional courses, at least two should be chosen from a wide range of optional courses offered by the Centre each year.