The Department of Political Science was established in 1963. However, it was discontinued in 1977 and later reintroduced in 1993. Since then, the department has been actively functioning, attracting a growing number of students to the discipline.

In the academic year 2019-2020, the department introduced the B.A. Honours in Political Science, along with the existing B.A. General program. Under NEP 2020, from academic year 2023-2024, the department offers Single Major Honours in Political Science along with Double Majors with History, Economics, Philosophy, Konkani and Marathi.

The department emphasizes on interactive and student-oriented teaching methods, ensuring an engaging learning experience. Third-year students are guided through research projects that focus on public institutions and policies. Over the years, the student strength in the Honours program has been steadily increasing, reflecting a strong interest in the subject.

The faculty of the department have been awarded two Minor research projects in the academic year 2022-2023 by GIPARD and the D. D. Kosambi Post-Doctoral research fellowship for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

The department promotes a vibrant and interactive learning environment that enables students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience through a wide range of co-curricular activities. These include certificate courses, guest lectures, seminars, and research paper presentations, all aimed at strengthening academic engagement and intellectual growth.

In addition, the department organizes workshops and field visits to important institutions such as the Goa Legislative Assembly, Lok Bhavan, Goa University, as well as naval bases, museums, panchayats, courts, and jails, providing students with valuable exposure to the practical dimensions of Political Science. Students are also encouraged to participate in national and state-level inter-collegiate competitions, offering opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Through these initiatives, the department nurtures critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a deeper understanding of political systems, thereby preparing students for diverse career pathways in governance, public administration, law, and academia.

The subject exposes the students to diverse areas of political theory and practice, directly addressing the pressing contemporary societal and political concerns. Students of Political Science develop analytical expertise in democracy, governance, public administration, political philosophy and foreign relations. Graduates in Political Science are well prepared for careers in law, research, teaching, public administration, civil services, social work, diplomacy, media & journalism, and non-governmental organisations. Those interested in higher studies can pursue postgraduate programs at Goa University, particularly at D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Manohar Parrikar School of Law, Governance & Public Policy, and School of International Relations and Area Studies.

Skills offered by the course:

1. Provides thematic and practical knowledge to foster effective leadership skills.
2. Provides students with theoretical and practical exposure to research methodology.
3. Offers civic skills such as RTI filing, using grievance redressal mechanisms, accessing e-governance platforms, etc.
4. Introduces students to the nuances of journalism and political reporting.

Stepping into Political Science was not just the beginning of a degree for me, but the start of a new way of thinking. It felt like entering a completely new world filled with ideas, challenges, and opportunities.

My experience at Xavier’s has been truly meaningful and enriching. As a student of the Political Science department, from nervous beginnings to growing confidence, my experience has been unforgettable. Over time, I grew not only academically but also in confidence and self-expression. The learning here focuses more on understanding and thinking deeply rather than just memorising.

Like many students, I initially found the subject challenging, especially because of the theoretical nature and the amount of reading involved. However, with the guidance and support of my lecturers, I slowly began to understand and appreciate the subject more. I realised that Political Science is not just about studying, but about learning to think critically and see things from different perspectives.

The teachers have been a big part of this journey. They are knowledgeable, friendly, approachable, and always ready to help, which made learning feel comfortable and engaging. Classes were interactive, with discussions, presentations, and debates that helped me build confidence and improve my communication skills. Beyond academics, field visits and trips made learning political science more practical and interesting.

I am also grateful for the opportunities to take part in activities and represent the department, which made my experience more memorable. Along the way, I formed meaningful friendships, and the department always felt like a close-knit family.

Looking back, I am grateful for everything this journey and the course has given me, and I would sincerely encourage others to be a part of it.

Ms. Lynn Albertina D’souza