BPSC-114 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BPSC-114: Indian Political Thought-II

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Political Science (BAPSH) curriculum at IGNOU places BPSC-114: Indian Political Thought-II as a foundational course within the School of Social Sciences, designed to deepen students’ understanding of post-colonial political ideologies and theoretical frameworks. This course builds upon Indian Political Thought-I by critically examining the evolution of political thought in India from the late 19th century through the present, emphasizing the interplay between tradition, modernity, and nation-building. The syllabus integrates primary texts from philosophers, reformers, and nationalist leaders while contextualizing their contributions within broader global political discourses. By analyzing key debates on reform, community, and the nation’s imaginaries, students develop analytical skills essential for evaluating contemporary political challenges.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Introduction to Modern Indian Political Thought: This block traces the foundational shifts in Indian political discourse during the colonial era, exploring the works of early reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda. It examines their critiques of caste, gender, and religious orthodoxy, alongside their engagement with Western political theories, to highlight the emergence of secular and reformist ideologies.
• Block-2: Encounter with Modernity and the Question of Reforms: Focusing on the 19th and early 20th centuries, this unit dissects the tensions between traditional Indian values and Western modernity, as seen in the debates of figures such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Dayananda Saraswati. It also evaluates the role of social reform movements in shaping political consciousness and the demand for constitutional reforms.
• Block-3: Engagement with Tradition: This block investigates how traditional political institutions—such as the panchayat system and the raj of medieval India—were reinterpreted by nationalist thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave. It analyzes their strategies for blending traditional governance with modern democratic ideals, particularly in the context of rural self-governance and non-violent resistance.
• Block-4: Imaginaries of the Nation and the World: The unit explores the construction of the Indian nation-state through the lenses of political theorists like Jawaharlal Nehru and M.N. Roy, who grappled with questions of sovereignty, federalism, and India’s role in the post-colonial world. It also examines the influence of global political thought, such as Marxism and Gandhian socialism, on India’s political identity.
• Block-5: Community and Nation: This block critically examines the relationship between community (caste, religion, and regional identities) and the modern nation-state, drawing on the works of scholars like B.R. Ambedkar and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. It evaluates how these thinkers addressed the challenges of social justice, secularism, and inclusive citizenship in the formation of the Indian Republic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are marks distributed in the BPSC-114 Term-End Examination (TEE), and what is the passing criterion?
A: The BPSC-114 TEE carries a total of 100 marks, with the examination typically comprising essay-type and short-answer questions. The passing criterion for IGNOU’s Bachelor’s programs is a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in the TEE, with no single subject requiring less than 30% to be considered for eligibility.

Q: Are there specific chapters or units in BPSC-114 that frequently appear in repeated questions across past TEE papers?
A: Yes, units such as Block-3: Engagement with Tradition (focusing on Gandhi’s political philosophy) and Block-5: Community and Nation (covering Ambedkar’s contributions) are consistently featured in past papers due to their foundational role in Indian political thought. Reviewing these blocks, along with key theorists like Nehru and Roy, will significantly enhance your preparation.