MA in international relations, SIS, JNU
If you like to think for yourself and prefer to understand concepts rather than mug up, this is the university for you. Institute of Career Studies gives its viewpoint:
Established in 1955, the School of International Studies (SIS) is one of the oldest schools of the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. During the forty-six years of its existence, SIS has established itself as a premier institute for the study of international relations and area studies. SIS publishes a quarterly journal, International Studies. Founded in July 1959, this journal has acquired an international standing. It publishes original research articles on issues and problems of contemporary relevance in the field of international relations and area studies.

The prospectus and application form can be obtained on all working days from the counter in the administrative block on payment of Rs 120 per set or through post by sending a crossed bank draft for Rs 200 in favour of Jawaharlal Nehru University (payable at New Delhi) along with a self-addressed (unstamped) envelope (28 cm x 20 cm) clearly indicating the category for which the form is required (on the self-addressed envelope) to the Assistant Registrar (admissions), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067.

Eligibility:-

For a masters in politics (with specialisation in international relations), a bachelors degree under the 10+2+3 pattern of education in any discipline with 50 per cent marks. For a masters in economics (with specialisation in world economy), graduation in economics, statistics or mathematics with at least 50 per cent marks in aggregate.

Entrance exam:-

The entrance examination is held in May at cities across India.

Pattern of exam :-

The essay-type written test for the international relations course is intended to evaluate the knowledge of candidates in political science, history and economics as well as their awareness of world affairs. The exam for the world economy course evaluates the candidate’s understanding of micro-economics, macro-economics, maths, statistics and related disciplines, such as public finance and economic development. The three-hour test has two sections, one with questions requiring precise and short answers and the other with essay-type questions with a specified word limit.

How to prepare:-

To clear the MA in international relations test, you must have a thorough understanding of world history, politics and economics. You could prepare from Political Theory by Ashirvadam, Introduction to Political Theory by M.P. Jain, Great Political Thinkers by William Ebenstein, International Relations by Puspesh Pant, International Relations and Politics by J.C. Johari, International Relations by Asit Kr. Sen, International Relations by Palmer and Perkins, and World Civilization by Burns and Ralph. The journal World Focus has an excellent compilation of articles on international relations and international affairs that will help. To crack the economics section, consult Micro Economics by H.L. Ahuja and Kautsiyanis, Macro Economics by Jhingan and Shapiro, International Economics by Bo Soderston, Public Finance by H.L. Bhatia, Indian Economics by Misra and Puri, India: Financial Sectors for the 21st Century by Hansen and Kathuria, Free Trade Today by Jagdish Bhagwati, The Oxford Companion for Economics in India by Kaushik Basu, Economic Survey by the planning department and newspapers and magazines like Economic Times, Financial Express and The Economic and Political Weekly.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)