Have you ever thought of politics as a mainstream career? Perhaps many people do not see politics as a traditional career field like engineering, medical, or science. The main reason for this is that politics does not have a clear educational path or standardized entry process. It has not been traditionally considered easy for anyone to directly enter politics and make a career there.
However, a change has been seen in the last few years. Earlier people used to come to politics through various careers, but now many youngsters are directly entering the political field. The question arises whether only prestigious degrees or special courses are necessary to understand the needs of the people and run the country smoothly.
Education in Politics
If you are interested in the complexities of politics and the functioning of the government, then a career in politics may be the right choice for you. Though not taken seriously by many, students of political science can pursue a variety of courses that will help them better understand the Indian elections and governance system.
India Today spoke to experts to find out how one can make a career in politics.
Prakriti (name changed), a politician, says:
“Political training courses are like guidebooks. They impart knowledge, but true politics is about feeling the pulse of the people. As a politician, I believe in learning from both—the classroom and the streets.”
The Nature of a Career in Politics
Politics, in simple terms, is a set of activities that affect the power and governance of institutions of a state or region.
Politics is primarily a set of activities between parties with different ideologies. It is a branch of social science, called political science. A person who studies politics is called a politician.
Aparajita, secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), says:
“A candidate does not win elections alone; his team helps. Grassroots organisation is important as it gives candidates a chance to connect with the common people on a personal level.”
In fact, politics is not just in the classroom. It is a real-world arena where experience, community involvement, and a desire to make positive change are equally important.
Duties of a Politician
Just having an interest is not enough to become a politician. It also comes with certain responsibilities:
- Addressing people’s problems and concerns
- Making laws on important social issues
- Campaigning for elections
- Participating in political meetings and events
- Discussing political issues
- Serving on government committees
How to Become a Politician
Becoming a politician in India is not easy, especially when many people aspire to reach power. Early preparation is extremely important. The basic steps include:
- Schooling: Complete your education up to 12th from a recognized board.
- Undergraduate: Pursue BA/BSc courses in political science, sociology, economics, business, or international relations.
- Postgraduate: Complete a master’s degree in political science and take up related internships.
- Volunteering: Participate in social work during college.
- Networking: Build connections with political leaders and parties.
- Electoral Campaigning: Start your political career by campaigning at the local level.
- Team Building: As support grows, build a team and take on higher responsibilities.
- Campaigning: Run election campaigns for your party, deliver speeches, and request votes.
Skills Required by Politicians
Several skills are essential for a successful career in politics:
- Communication skills: Communicate effectively with different people and the media.
- Leadership skills: Motivate others and gain support.
- Problem-solving: Solve complex problems efficiently.
- Interpersonal skills: Build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Political skills: Understand the political process and build coalitions.
Aparajita says:
“Public speaking and communication are essential in politics. I learned this by participating in student events and debates.”
Abhimanyu Bharati, founder of the School of Politics, adds:
“Politicians must be honest and ethical. They must work in the public interest.”
Early Positions in Politics
Not everyone can become a politician directly. Various roles in the political ecosystem can also lead to a career in politics:
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Social media strategist
- Political scientist
- Pollster
- Scheduler
- Staff assistant
Major Institutes and Courses
India has several institutes that offer political science courses:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
- Presidency College, Chennai
- Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi
- Miranda House, New Delhi
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Ferguson College, Pune
- Loyola College, Chennai
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Major institutes abroad include:
- Harvard University
- Oxford University
- Princeton University
- London School of Economics
- Cambridge University
- Stanford University
Difference Between Politics and Government Careers
Politics involves elections, parties, and leadership. Government careers, on the other hand, involve public service, courts, and administrative roles. While both intersect, politics is more about governance and leadership influence, whereas government work focuses on implementing laws and policies.
Indian Politicians’ Salary
Salaries for politicians in India vary depending on their position:
- Prime Minister: ₹2,00,000 per month
- President: ₹5,00,000 per month
- Cabinet Minister: ₹35,000 + Allowances
- MP: ₹1,00,000 + Allowances
- Chief Minister: ₹2,50,000 + Allowances
- Minister: ₹1,50,000 + Allowances
- MLA: ₹75,000 + Allowances
In addition, politicians receive travel, office, and constituency allowances depending on their role.
Conclusion
A career in politics does not depend solely on degrees. True politics is about understanding people, working for them, and bringing positive change.
Education is important, but real success comes from experience, networking, and active engagement with society. Patience, consistent practice, and a service-oriented mindset are crucial for anyone aspiring to become an effective political leader. With the right guidance and effort, anyone can carve out a meaningful career in politics.