Politics is all pervasive and impacts every aspect of human life. Thus, an understanding of politics is essential for everyone to become active and productive members of society. The discipline of Political Science studies the theory and practice of politics and thus has immense relevance and scope. While political philosophers have reflected on the basic questions of political life since the beginning of recorded history, the field remains dynamic as the concerns and focus of the discipline keep expanding over the decades in response to the changing socio-political landscape at both the national and international level. The discipline is being problematized and enriched by multiple perspectives, especially from that of the historically marginalized sections whose voices were suppressed till recently. Also, in today’s globalized world, the line of demarcation between domestic politics and international politics is disappearing fast. Hence, it is important to understand political processes at local level from a global perspective and vice versa. Students and Scholars of Political Science thus have to constantly reinvent themselves, questioning their deeply held assumptions in order to stay at the forefront of an ever evolving field.  

Established in 2013, the Department of Politics & Governance is relatively a new department in Central University of Kashmir. It strives to be a platform where new ideas are explored, old ones questioned with academic rigour with respect for multiple perspectives. The department seeks to engage with difficult issues of the present with an objective to cultivate inter-community, inter-state peace and harmony. The department currently offers a Masters in Political Science degree with an annual intake of 36 students. The M.A. Political Science programme provides a platform for students to refine their skills of inquiry and critical thinking, thereby fostering intellectual development such that they can excel in any career of their choice in future. The department plays an instrumental role in the School of Social Sciences.  It also enriches other departments by offering different skill development courses. Apart from familiarizing the students with classical theories in philosophy, it also engages with contemporary academic debates and since its inception has emerged as a place for in-depth research and also as a hub for crafting future researchers. The department has cultivated linkages with academics, research institutions, think tanks, civil society organisations and public intellectuals in India and abroad. These networks are utilised in the form of guest/extension lectures, interactive sessions, and workshops so that new avenues are opened up for the students to develop further engagement for regress academic research that contributes to the society. The department engages with all the core areas of Politics & Governance that include Political Theory, Political Philosophy, Institutions and Practices in India and Jammu & Kashmir, Social Movements in India, Foreign Policy of India, Comparative Politics, Peace and Conflict studies, International Relations Theory and International Law as well as Research Methodology to equip students with the knowledge required for further research. The special focus of the department is International Relations with specific stress on South Asia. 

The Department of Politics & Governance is committed to expand its horizons in innovative ways. In this regard the Department has started an integrated MPhil - PhD programme from the academic year July 2018. The Department is in the process of conducting PG Diploma courses in near future. The department will continue to strive to contribute to the university as well as the society and remain as a centre of excellence. 

At present he Department of Politics and Governance has faculty members from diverse research backgrounds - Political Theory, International Politics, Gender, Indian Politics, Human Rights and Kashmir Politics.