About the Department
The Department of Political Science was established in 1962 at the erstwhile Cotton College. It was previously part of the Department of Civics and Economics, established in 1901. Since the 1980s, the Department has been offering PG programmes along with the UG programme under Gauhati University. At present, it is an independent department under the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Cotton University. The Department has also initiated a PhD programme since 2018, and two research scholars have successfully defended their PhD theses and have been awarded Doctoral Degrees. The Department’s best and brightest students from across India’s North-eastern states are known for their academic excellence and dedication to civic engagement. Renowned academicians like Prof. Sanjib Baruah, Prof. Monirul Hussain, Prof. Akhil Ranjan Dutta, etc.; academic administrators like current Vice Chancellors Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta of Gauhati University, Prof. Arupjyoti Choudhury of Madhabdev University and former Vice Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saikia of Sati Sadhani State University; many noted bureaucrats such as ADG of Police Hiren Nath, IPS, notable public personalities like the present Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, former cabinet minister Bharat Chandra Narah, Member of Parliament and former Cabinet Minister and Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Prithibi Majhi constitute the rich alumni of the Department.
The Department implemented the National Education Policy 2020 in 2023 with a detailed curriculum. It also offers courses in the University’s Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Bachelor of Arts for Sportspersons. The Department offers the higher Secondary courses under a mentorship programme.
A good number of students secured the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the University Grants Commission. The Department's placement record has been impressive over the years, and many alumni have been placed in higher academics, higher bureaucracy, allied services, and other public service sectors.
The Department of Political Science attracts the best-performing students from across the Northeast region. The competition for admission, especially to the UG courses, is formidable, as the cut-off mark exceeds 97 per cent every year. The Department also receives thousands of applications for admission to the PG programme and is considered one of the most sought-after departments in the University. Sixteen research scholars are currently pursuing PhD in the Department in diverse areas of research.
Objectives of the Courses:
- Providing Comprehensive and theoretical knowledge and understanding of political systems and processes
- Developing critical thinking and skills
- Promoting civic engagement and active citizenship
- Enhancing research and analytical abilities
- Encouraging interdisciplinary research
Expected Course outcomes:
- Fostering a deeper understanding of political ideas, systems and processes in India and the contemporary world
- Empowering citizens to actively participate in the democratic processes by cultivating informed and active citizens
- Developing critical thinking and analytical skills applicable in the allied fields of enquiry
Contributing to informed public discourse and decision-making