POLITICAL SCIENCE

The Department of Political Science at Khariar (Autonomous) College is one of the vibrant and academically dynamic departments of the institution. Since its inception, the department has been committed to fostering critical thinking, democratic values, and a deep understanding of political processes among students. The Department of Political Science at Khariar (Autonomous) College has a long and distinguished history of academic development and expansion. The department was initially established in 1977 at the Intermediate level, marking the beginning of Political Science education in the institution.

With growing demand and academic progress, the department was upgraded to offer Undergraduate (UG) programmes in the academic session 1980–81, providing students with comprehensive knowledge in core areas of Political Science.

Further strengthening its academic profile, the department introduced the Postgraduate (PG) programme in 2019, enabling advanced study and research in the discipline.

Academic Programmes

The department offers Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programmes in Political Science under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and NEP-2020 as per UGC guidelines. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in areas such as:

• Political Theory 

• Indian Government and Politics 

• Comparative Government and Politics 

• International Relations 

• Public Administration 

• Political Sociology 

The syllabus is regularly updated to incorporate contemporary developments in political thought and global politics.

Vision:

The Department of Political Science envisions becoming a centre of excellence in teaching, learning, and research in the discipline. It seeks to nurture intellectually competent, socially responsible, and ethically grounded citizens who are deeply aware of political processes, democratic values, and constitutional principles. The department aspires to develop critical thinkers who can engage with contemporary political, social, and global challenges with clarity, sensitivity, and analytical rigour.

It aims to promote a culture of inquiry, debate, and innovation, encouraging students to question, analyze, and contribute meaningfully to society. The vision also includes fostering leadership qualities among students so that they emerge as responsible citizens, policymakers, academicians, and administrators committed to justice, equality, and inclusive development.

Mission:

To realize its vision, the Department of Political Science is committed to the following objectives:

• To provide comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in Political Science through a well-structured curriculum that integrates classical political thought with contemporary developments in governance, international relations, and public policy. 

• To instill respect for the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and to encourage active and informed citizenship. 

• To develop analytical and research skills among students through seminars, projects, debates, and participation in academic discussions on current political issues. 

• To prepare students for competitive examinations, public service, academia, and corporate sectors by strengthening their conceptual clarity, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. 

• To motivate students to engage with society through awareness programmes, outreach activities, and participation in democratic processes. 

• To create an academic atmosphere that values diversity, gender sensitivity, and ethical conduct, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. 

• To organize seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, and to collaborate with academic institutions and experts for knowledge exchange and academic enrichment.

The Department of Political Science is supported by a team of qualified, experienced, and dedicated faculty members who play a pivotal role in maintaining academic excellence and fostering intellectual growth among students. The teaching staff comprises well-trained educators with specializations in diverse areas such as Political Theory, Indian Government and Politics, Public Administration, International Relations, and Comparative Politics.

In addition to teaching, the faculty actively engage in research and academic activities. They present papers at International, national and state-level conferences, and participate in academic discussions on contemporary political issues. Their involvement in research enhances the quality of teaching and helps in bridging the gap between theory and practice.

The teachers also extend mentorship and guidance to students, supporting them in academic pursuits, competitive examination preparation, and career planning. Their dedication and commitment create a conducive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, discipline, and academic curiosity among students.

Overall, the teaching staff of the department serves as the backbone of its academic strength, guiding students towards intellectual excellence and responsible citizenship.

The Department of Political Science takes immense pride in the remarkable achievements of its students in various competitive examinations and professional sectors. The department has strong academic foundation, and emphasis on current affairs has enabled students to excel in diverse career paths.

Several students have successfully qualified in SSB examinations, demonstrating leadership qualities, analytical ability, and strong communication skills.

Our students have also qualified in examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (PGT).Their success reflects the department's focus on Indian Polity, Public Administration, and Governance.
Students have been selected in various Police Services through competitive recruitment processes, contributing to law enforcement and public service with integrity and dedication.

Some of our graduates have secured placements in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India's leading multinational IT companies. Their analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities nurtured through Political Science studies have enabled them to adapt successfully to the corporate environment.
Holistic Development
The department encourages participation in seminars, debates, group discussions, and field studies, which enhance students' confidence, decision-making capacity, and leadership skills. This holistic development has been instrumental in their success across public service and private sectors.
The consistent achievements of our students stand as a testimony to the department's commitment to academic excellence, career guidance, and overall personality development.