Overview:
A Bachelor of Arts in National Security is a specialized undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of national security, geopolitics, intelligence, and defense strategies. This program is particularly relevant for those interested in careers related to defense services, intelligence agencies, or government roles focused on national safety and security. It helps students build a foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and policy formulation to handle issues of national and international security.
Course Duration
The BA in National Security is typically a 3-year undergraduate program, spread over six semesters.
Syllabus and Semester-Wise Breakdown
Semester 1:
Introduction to National Security
Political Science Fundamentals
Indian Constitution & Governance
History of Warfare
Basics of International Relations
Environmental Security
Semester 2:
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Intelligence Operations and Cybersecurity
Geopolitics in South Asia
Public Policy Analysis
Defence Economics
Communication Skills for Defense
Semester 3:
Indian Defense Mechanisms
Strategic Culture and Deterrence
Border Management and Homeland Security
Global Security Organizations (UN, NATO, etc.)
Research Methodology in Security Studies
Environmental Issues and Disaster Management
Semester 4:
Defense Policies of Major Nations
Conflict and Peace Studies
Nuclear Strategy and Arms Control
Insurgency and Asymmetric Warfare
Defense Technology and Innovation
Intelligence Gathering and Analysis
Semester 5:
Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean
Energy Security and Diplomacy
Cyber Warfare and Information Security
Foreign Policy Analysis
Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Tactics
Crisis Management and Decision Making
Semester 6:
Indian Internal Security Framework
National Security Strategies
Defense Budgeting and Military Expenditure
Dissertation / Research Project
Emerging Threats (AI, Space Warfare, etc.)
Capstone Seminar on National Security
Average Fees
The fees for the BA in National Security range between INR 30,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year, depending on the institution.
Exams to Attend
Students seeking admission typically need to pass:
University-level entrance exams: Specific to universities (e.g., Delhi University Entrance Test)
State-level entrance exams: Applicable for some state universities in Kerala and other states
Defense entrance exams: In some cases, institutions may prefer candidates with a background in NDA or other defense services entrance qualifications.
Top 10 Institutions in India for BA in National Security
Based on combined rankings from various educational bodies, here are the top 10 institutions offering a BA in National Security or related programs:
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
University of Delhi, Delhi
Amity University, Noida
Symbiosis International University, Pune
Panjab University, Chandigarh
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), New Delhi
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
Madras University, Chennai
Top 10 Institutions in Kerala for BA in National Security or Similar Courses
Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Calicut University, Malappuram
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi
Kannur University, Kannur
Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi
St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam
Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram