“What should I study after Class 12?”
I thought this would be a simple question. Pick a degree, join college, graduate, get a job. But the more I started researching, the more confusing it became.
I was interested in world politics, international relations, different cultures, diplomacy and global affairs. I enjoyed reading about what was happening around the world, but I wasn’t sure whether a degree could turn these interests into a career.
That is when I started looking at a BA International Studies in Pune.
But then came the next set of questions. What exactly does International Studies involve? Is it the same as political science? What can I do after graduation? Which colleges are the best for International Studies in India? And most importantly, does an International Studies degree actually have a future?
If you are asking the same questions, here is what I discovered during my research.
What Is BA International Studies?
At first, I assumed International Studies would be all about memorising countries, capitals and international organisations. I was wrong.
An undergraduate program in global affairs can introduce students to the political, economic, social and cultural forces that shape the world. It can help students understand international relations, global conflicts, diplomacy, foreign policy, international organisations and relationships between countries.
For someone like me who constantly wondered “Why do countries behave the way they do?” or “How do international events affect India?”, the subject suddenly started making sense.
A BA in International Studies can provide an interdisciplinary understanding of global affairs while helping students develop skills such as research, communication, critical thinking and analysis.
Can I Study International Relations After 12th in India?
This was one of my biggest concerns.
I initially thought that international relations was something I could study only after completing a political science degree or pursuing a master’s program.
However, students can explore undergraduate programs focused on international studies and global affairs after Class 12. This makes it possible to start building an understanding of international relations, diplomacy and global issues at the undergraduate level itself.
For students who already know that they want to explore global affairs, choosing the right undergraduate degree can be a good way to begin developing relevant knowledge and skills early.
Why Consider BA International Studies in Pune?
Pune is already known as an education hub, with students from different parts of India choosing the city for undergraduate and postgraduate education.
For me, studying International Studies in a city with a diverse student community was also appealing. College isn’t only about textbooks. It is about discussions, debates, exposure to different viewpoints and learning to look at an issue from more than one perspective.
While searching for options, I came across Ajeenkya DY Patil University and its focus on interdisciplinary and contemporary education.
If you’re researching ADYPU BA International Studies admission 2026, it is worth looking at the university’s program structure, learning opportunities, eligibility requirements and admission process before making a decision.
What Does a BA in International Studies Teach You?
One reason I became more interested in the course was its broader approach.
Instead of looking at international affairs through just one subject, International Studies can connect different areas of knowledge. These may include international politics, diplomacy, economics, history, culture, global governance and contemporary international issues.
This interdisciplinary approach matters because global problems rarely fit into one category.
Take climate change, for example. It isn’t simply an environmental issue. It involves economics, international agreements, geopolitics, technology, public policy and cooperation between countries.
Similarly, a global conflict can have political, economic, humanitarian and social consequences.
That is the kind of interconnected thinking I wanted to develop.
BA in Diplomacy and International Policy: Is It for Me?
Another search that kept appearing during my research was BA in diplomacy and international policy Pune.
Diplomacy sounded fascinating to me, but I also realised that I needed to understand what the field actually involved.
Diplomacy is much more than formal meetings between ambassadors. It involves negotiation, communication, international cooperation, policy, conflict management and understanding different national interests.
If you are someone who enjoys debating, analysing current affairs, understanding different perspectives and communicating ideas clearly, areas such as diplomacy and international policy could be worth exploring.
Of course, studying International Studies does not automatically mean becoming a diplomat. The degree can instead provide a foundation for exploring several career directions.
What About Foreign Languages?
This was another factor that caught my attention.
International affairs involve communication across cultures, so a BA International Studies with foreign language training can be particularly interesting for students who want to develop a broader international profile.
Learning another language can provide more than a communication skill. It can also encourage students to understand another culture and perspective.
If you are planning to work in international organisations, multinational companies, diplomacy, international education, research or other globally oriented fields, language skills can complement your academic background.
What Are the Career Options After BA in International Studies?
This was probably the question my parents asked me first.
“So what job will you get after this?”
Fair question.
The career options after BA in International Studies can span multiple sectors depending on a student’s interests, skills, internships and further qualifications.
Possible areas include:
- International organisations and NGOs
- Government and public policy
- International business
- Diplomatic and foreign affairs-related fields
- Research and think tanks
- Journalism and international affairs media
- Political and policy research
- International education
- Corporate roles involving global markets
- Development and humanitarian organisations
- Higher education and academic research
Students can also pursue postgraduate education in areas such as international relations, public policy, diplomacy, political science, international development, economics, law or related disciplines.
What Is the Scope of an International Studies Degree in India?
I had initially worried that studying International Studies would limit my career to a very small number of jobs.
But I realised that the scope of an international studies degree in India depends significantly on how I use the degree.
The undergraduate degree can provide the academic foundation, but I would also need to build practical skills.
That could mean participating in debates and Model United Nations, following international news, developing research and writing abilities, learning a foreign language, completing internships and pursuing specialised postgraduate education.
In other words, the degree could be a starting point rather than an endpoint.
How Do I Choose Among the Best Private Universities for International Relations in India?
This is where my research became overwhelming again.
There are many institutions to consider when looking for the best private universities for international relations India has to offer. Instead of choosing a university simply because it appears in a search result, I realised I needed to compare the things that actually matter to me.
I would look at:
- Curriculum: Does the program cover contemporary global issues and provide interdisciplinary learning?
- Faculty: Are students exposed to experienced academics and practitioners?
- Experiential learning: Are there opportunities for discussions, projects, internships, simulations and events?
- Language opportunities: Can I develop foreign-language skills?
- Research exposure: Will I get opportunities to develop analytical and research abilities?
- Career support: Does the university help students explore internships, higher education and career pathways?
- Student environment: Will I be surrounded by students with different perspectives and interests?
These questions helped me move beyond simply searching for a “top college.”
Should I Choose BA International Studies?
I still don’t have every answer about my future. And perhaps that’s okay.
Choosing an undergraduate degree doesn’t mean having your entire career mapped out at 17 or 18.
If you are curious about global affairs, international politics, diplomacy, cultures, foreign policy and the forces shaping the world, a BA in International Studies could give you the foundation to explore those interests seriously.
For students looking for BA International Studies in Pune, exploring programs at institutions such as Ajeenkya DY Patil University can be a starting point in the decision-making process.
And yes, I am still confused.
But now my confusion is different.
Instead of asking, “Is there a career in International Studies?”, I am asking a much better question:
“Which part of the world do I want to understand—and what do I want to do with that understanding?”
Maybe that is exactly where choosing the right degree begins.