BPSE-142 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BPSE-142: India’s Foreign Policy in a Globalising World

BPSE-142, a core course under the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Political Science (BAPSH) curriculum, examines the evolving dynamics of India’s foreign policy within a rapidly globalising world. This course is designed to equip students with a critical understanding of India’s strategic engagements, diplomatic frameworks, and geopolitical challenges across major power blocs, regional neighbours, and global governance structures. Through a rigorous analysis of historical precedents, theoretical models, and contemporary case studies, students explore how India navigates sovereignty, non-alignment, multilateralism, and economic diplomacy in an era of shifting power equilibria. The syllabus integrates political theory, international relations paradigms, and empirical evidence to dissect India’s policy formulations toward the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union, alongside its regional leadership in South Asia and beyond. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interplay between domestic priorities—such as economic growth, security, and soft power—and external alliances, making this course indispensable for aspiring policymakers, diplomats, and scholars.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1 Introduction: This block establishes foundational concepts, tracing the evolution of India’s foreign policy from pre-independence ideals to post-colonial pragmatism, including the principles of non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and the role of key institutions like the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Block-2 India’s Policy towards Major Powers: Focuses on bilateral relations with the United States, China, and Russia, analyzing treaties, trade agreements, defence collaborations, and the geopolitical implications of these engagements in the 21st century.
• Block-3 India’s South Asia Policy: Examines regional diplomacy, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), nuclear non-proliferation challenges, water-sharing disputes, and India’s role in conflict resolution within the subcontinent.
• Block-4 India and Its Regions: Explores India’s diplomatic initiatives in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, highlighting economic partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and the balancing act between traditional allies and emerging powers.
• Block-5 India’s Concerns in the Globalising World: Addresses contemporary global issues such as climate change diplomacy, cybersecurity, terrorism, and multilateral institutions like the UN, BRICS, and the G20, while assessing India’s advocacy for reform and representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are marks distributed in the BPSE-142 Term-End Examination (TEE), and what type of questions should students prioritise for revision?
A: The TEE for BPSE-142 carries 100 marks, with a 50-mark descriptive question (essay-type) and 50 marks divided into short-answer questions (SAQs) and very short-answer questions (VSAQs). Prioritise revising high-weightage topics like India’s policy toward China and the US, regional diplomacy in South Asia, and global multilateral engagements, as these frequently appear in repeated questions.

Q: Are assignments mandatory for BPSE-142, and how do they impact the final grade?
A: Yes, assignments are a compulsory component of BPSE-142, contributing 30% to the total evaluation. They assess analytical and critical thinking skills through case studies, policy briefs, and discussions on assigned readings. Students must submit assignments on time to avoid penalties, as they significantly influence the final grade alongside the TEE.