BA in Defense and Strategic Studies

Course Overview:

BA in Defense and Strategic Studies focuses on national security, military strategy, geopolitics, and international relations. This program trains students in defense policies, strategic thinking, and national security, providing insights into military history, conflict management, and defense economics. Graduates often find opportunities in defense services, research, civil services, and international organizations.

Duration:

3 years (6 semesters)Average Fees:

Syllabus (Semester-Wise Breakdown):

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Defense Studies

  • Fundamentals of Military Geography

  • Political Science (Basics of Government and Politics)

  • Indian Military History

  • English/Regional Language Communication Skills

Semester 2:

  • National Security Studies

  • Introduction to International Relations

  • Defense Mechanism & Organization

  • Military Psychology

  • Introduction to Economics

Semester 3:

  • Contemporary International Politics

  • Modern Warfare and Military Tactics

  • Indian Defense Policies

  • Peace and Conflict Studies

  • Cyber Security and Information Warfare

Semester 4:

  • Geopolitics and Global Power Shifts

  • Defense Technology and Weaponry Systems

  • Research Methodology in Defense Studies

  • Terrorism and Counterterrorism

  • Military Ethics and Law

Semester 5:

  • Strategic Studies and Nuclear Deterrence

  • South Asian Security

  • Defense Economics

  • Arms Control and Disarmament

  • Elective Paper I (e.g., Maritime Security or Cybersecurity)

Semester 6:

  • Intelligence, Espionage, and Surveillance

  • Contemporary Issues in National and Global Security

  • Disaster Management and Humanitarian Intervention

  • Dissertation/Research Project

  • Elective Paper II (e.g., Strategic Leadership or Global Terror Networks)

INR 25,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Exams to Attend:

Entrance exams vary by university but may include:

  • CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

  • University-Specific Entrance Exams

  • Written exams for institutions such as NDA or Sainik Schools.

Top 10 Ranking Institutions in India (Combined Rankings)

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

  2. University of Madras, Chennai

  3. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

  4. Panjab University, Chandigarh

  5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  6. University of Mumbai, Mumbai

  7. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

  8. National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune

  9. Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara

  10. Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala:

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  3. Calicut University, Malappuram

  4. Kannur University, Kannur

  5. St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam

  6. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi

  7. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  8. Government Victoria College, Palakkad

  9. Farook College, Kozhikode

  10. St. Thomas College, Thrissur