The Department of Political Science is committed to academic excellence, critical thinking, and the promotion of democratic values through quality education and research. The Department maintains a strong intellectual tradition through its distinguished alumni and retired faculty, whose contributions span civil services, academia, law, journalism, and public policy. Their legacy continues to inspire current students and enrich the academic environment.

The Department of Political Science at St. John’s College, Agra is deeply rooted in the long and distinguished academic tradition of the institution, which was established in 1850 by the Church Missionary Society. As one of the oldest centres of higher education in North India, the college has consistently contributed to the intellectual and civic life of the nation.

Within this broader legacy, the discipline of Political Science evolved as a crucial component of liberal arts education, reflecting the college’s commitment to nurturing informed citizenship, democratic values, and critical inquiry. The Department of Political Science formally emerged as a distinct academic entity in the mid-20th century, in response to the growing importance of political studies in post-independence India. It has since developed into one of the prominent departments of the college.

From its early years, the department has played a pivotal role in shaping students’ understanding of political institutions, governance, and public affairs. Initially offering undergraduate instruction as part of the Bachelor of Arts programme, Political Science became a popular and essential subject choice, reflecting the increasing relevance of political awareness in a newly independent nation.

Over time, the department expanded both academically and intellectually, incorporating diverse subfields such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. This expansion mirrors the broader transformation of Political Science as a discipline in India—from a descriptive study of political systems to a more analytical and interdisciplinary field engaging with socio-economic realities.

The department has also been influenced by the institutional ethos of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (formerly Agra University), to which the college is affiliated. This affiliation has enabled the department to align its curriculum with evolving academic standards while maintaining its distinctive pedagogical approach.

Throughout its history, the Department of Political Science has contributed to the production of graduates who have excelled in diverse fields including academia, civil services, law, journalism, and public life. The department’s emphasis on critical thinking, debate, and public engagement reflects the college’s long-standing mission of combining academic excellence with social responsibility.

In the contemporary era, the department continues to build upon its historical foundations by integrating modern teaching methodologies, research orientation, and interdisciplinary perspectives. It remains committed to fostering analytical skills, democratic values, and a global outlook among students, thereby sustaining its legacy as a vital centre for political education in the region.

Timeline of Milestones Department of Political Science

• 1850: Establishment of St. John’s College, Agra by the Church Missionary Society, laying the foundation for liberal arts education in North India.
• Late-19th-Early-20thCentury: Introduction of subjects related to history, civics, and governance within the arts curriculum, which later contributed to the development of Political Science as a discipline.
• 1947–1950: Post-independence phase: Growing importance of political awareness and democratic education leads to the expansion of Political Science teaching in undergraduate programmes.
• 1950s: Formal emergence of the Department of Political Science as an independent academic unit within the college.
• 1960s–1970s: Curriculum expansion to include core areas such as Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and Indian Government and Politics.
• 1980s: Strengthening of academic activities through seminars, debates, and student participation in political discourse and public speaking.
• 1990s: Incorporation of International Relations and Public Administration as specialized areas of study, reflecting global and administrative transformations.
• 2000s: Modernization of teaching methods with increased use of research-based learning, presentations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• 2010s: Alignment with updated university curriculum frameworks (CBCS pattern), emphasizing choice-based credit systems and skill-oriented education.
• 2020: Integration of themes from the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), promoting multidisciplinary learning and research orientation.
• 2020–Present: Continued focus on academic excellence, digital learning tools, research engagement, and preparing students for civil services, academia, and public life.

The Department has benefited from the guidance of distinguished scholars and educators who have served as Heads of Department over the decades:

• Dr. Daniel
• Dr. H.R. Mall
• Dr. Gyaneshwar Chaturvedi
• Dr. Jayati Chaturvedi
• Dr. Smita Srivastava

To name a few, have made lasting contributions to the ethos of the department.