Why I Chose Political Science: Or Did It Choose Me Instead?

Some choices in life feel deliberate, calculated, and well-thought-out. Others sneak up on you, growing quietly until one day you realize they’ve shaped the course of your life. My decision to study Political Science? It feels like a mix of both.

And now that I sit on my desk studying for the subject of the semester - you guessed it right! - Political Theory: Concepts and Debates, with low motivation and too much self-doubt, I decided to go back to the basics - opening my diary and revisiting the purpose - of why I am doing what I do. Why I chose to pursue B.A. Political Science (Hons.) after passing my Class 12 Board exams with 97.4% in Humanities with subjects like Informatics Practices and Mathematics into the mix.

A Spark That Came Unexpectedly

To be honest, Political Science wasn’t always on my radar. Back in Class 7, Social Science was split into History, Geography, Civics, and Economics. Civics (which I later understood was essentially Political Science) didn’t particularly stand out to me then—History was my favorite.

But sometimes, life has funny ways of nudging you in unexpected directions. I still remember the moment: a casual conversation where my middle school crush mentioned that his favorite subject was Civics. Suddenly, I found myself curious—what was so fascinating about Civics? That curiosity turned into a spark. I started paying closer attention to the subject, and soon enough, I realized I genuinely enjoyed it. It wasn’t just about impressing someone anymore; Civics had caught my interest on its own.

By the time I reached Class 11, I chose Humanities, and Political Science quickly became my favorite subject. My teacher, Mrs. Anjana Bansal, played a pivotal role in this transformation. She brought the subject to life, inspiring me with her passion and knowledge. I’d talk to her about her own academic journey, her research, and her experiences, and those conversations left a lasting impression.

When I scored the highest marks in Political Science and History in my board exams and aced the CUET with a perfect 200/200 in Political Science, I knew I was on the right path. My college preference list? It wasn’t based on the institution—it was based on the course. Political Science topped my list every time.

Me with Anjana Ma'am! 🥰

Discovering the shocking depths in DRC as an undergraduate

When I entered college, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what studying Political Science would be like. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. It was everything I imagined and so much more.

The subject turned out to be far more challenging than I expected. There were countless philosophers, each with their own arguments, models, and theories to unpack. One moment I was deep into political ideologies, and the next, I was connecting the dots with history, economics, and even geography. It felt interdisciplinary in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

What struck me the most was how Political Science demanded not just understanding but engagement. It wasn’t about passively reading or memorizing—it was about forming opinions, articulating arguments, and debating ideas.

For all its challenges, Political Science is endlessly rewarding. There’s always something new to learn, and yet it all connects back to the foundational concepts I’ve studied. That continuity fascinates me.

The subject has taught me how to think critically and articulate my ideas, both in writing and in speech. It encourages discussions and debates, making it perfect for someone like me who loves presenting and defending viewpoints. Plus, let’s be honest—it makes for some fantastic conversations over tea!

My first day at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi as a student of Political Science 🌼✨

Why Not History?

This question has come up more times than I can count. History was my first love, and I still carry a deep respect for it. But when it came to choosing my major, Political Science felt like the natural choice. Why? Because it offered something new.

History, as much as I loved it, sometimes felt repetitive—memorizing dates, events, and facts. Political Science, on the other hand, was dynamic. It wasn’t just about understanding the past but engaging with the present and thinking critically about the future. It also aligned with my long-term goals, giving me a solid foundation for government exams and opening doors to careers that demanded nuanced thinking.

That said, I didn’t want to completely let go of my love for history, which is why it remains my minor subject in college and am unwilling to let go of my General Elective, no matter how difficult it gets semester by semester.

The Hurdles Along the Way

Studying Political Science hasn’t been without its struggles. Keeping track of all the philosophers, their theories, and their books is no small feat. Writing essay-based answers that stretch across 8 to 10 pages? That was a skill I had to develop from scratch.

And then there’s the constant feeling of “never enough.” Political Science is a vast subject—you can read for hours, dive into hundreds of books, and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Keeping up with the workload while balancing other responsibilities is a constant challenge, but it’s also taught me discipline and perseverance.

So, Who Chose Whom?

When I reflect on my journey, I’m not entirely sure whether I chose Political Science, or it chose me. Maybe it’s a little bit of both. What I do know is that it feels like home—a challenging, ever-evolving, thought-provoking home.

For anyone out there wondering what it feels like to study Political Science, I’ll say this: it’s like solving a puzzle that never fully ends. Each piece you find makes the picture clearer, but there’s always more to discover.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. 😊

Events organized by Republica - the Political Science association of DRC gave me the space to participate, contribute and refine my skills!