About the
Program
A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Defence & Strategic Studies is an undergraduate academic programme focused on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of defence, national security, military operations and strategic affairs.
The course curriculum typically covers a wide range of subjects related to national security policies, military history, defence technologies, international relations and strategic planning. Students also delve into topics such as warfare tactics, intelligence analysis, counterterrorism strategies, and peacekeeping operations.
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities necessary to pursue careers in defence organizations, government agencies, security consulting firms, research institutions and international organizations.
Program Objectives
- The basic Learning objective of this programme is to make the students aware about India’s Defence structure.
- Student will be able understand the decision-making process over the security issues in India
- To provide information of all wings of Indian Armed Forces and related services.
- To introduce students’ division and functions of different wings of Military, Paramilitary,
- and other institutions.
- To develop the necessary theoretical & experimental knowledge, and aptitude regarding
- defence technologies and systems.
- Student will be able to analyse the Defence operations performed by India from the point of view of armed forces.
- This paper covers overall picture of India’s Defence structure which encompasses evolution of defence forces, principle of defence administration as well as role of Armed Defence forces in internal and external security.
Practical components such as field visits, simulations, internships and research projects may also be included to provide students with hands-on experiences and real-world applications of theoretical concepts in defence studies.
Overall, a B.Sc. in Defence & Strategic Studies offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing contemporary defence and security challenges in national and global contexts.
Program Structure
First Year | |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
1. Introduction to Defence and Strategic Studies
• Definition and Scope of Defence Studies • History and Evolution of Defence Studies • National Power: Concept and Components • Introduction to Strategic Thought |
1. Evolution of Strategic Thought
• Classical Strategic Thinkers: Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Machiavelli • Modern Strategic Thinkers: Liddell Hart, Mahan, and Mackinder • Nuclear Strategy and Deterrence Theory • Asymmetric Warfare and Guerilla Strategy  |
2. Political Science and International Relations
• Introduction to Political Science • Basics of International Relations Theories of IR (Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism) • International Organizations: UN, NATO, etc |
2. India’s Defence Organization
• Structure of Indian Armed Forces • Role of Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and Defence PSUs • Civil-Military Relations • Indian Defence Policy since Independence
|
3. Military History of India
• Ancient Military History: Mauryan and Gupta Empires • Medieval Period: Sultanate and Mughal Military Systems • Modern Indian Military History: Colonial and Post-Independence
|
3. Geopolitics and Global Security
• Introduction to Geopolitics • Major Geopolitical Theories (Heartland, Rimland, etc.) • Contemporary Geopolitical Issues • Case Studies of Global Conflict Zones
|
4. Human Rights and International Law
• Basics of Human Rights • Introduction to International Law • Law of Armed Conflict • Geneva Conventions
|
4.Environmental Security and Disaster Management
• Concept of Environmental Security • Disaster Risk Management in India • Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Management
|
Second Year | |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
1. Indian Military History (Post-Independence)
• Indo-Pak Wars (1947-48, 1965, 1971) • India-China War (1962) • Kargil Conflict (1999) • Counter-Insurgency Operations
|
1. Strategic Issues in South Asia
• India-Pakistan Relations • India-China Relations • Role of External Powers in South Asia (USA, Russia, etc.) • South Asia’s Security Challenges
|
2. National Security Concepts and Challenges
• Internal and External Security Challenges • Counter-Terrorism Policies • Role of Intelligence Agencies • Cyber and Information Security
|
2. Introduction to Military Sociology
• Armed Forces and Society • Military as an Institution • Women in Armed Forces • Veterans and Rehabilitation
|
3. Introduction to Defence Economics
• Defence Budgeting • Economics of War and Peace • Defence Industrial Base and Indigenous Production • Defence Trade and Technology Transfer
|
3. Technology and National Security
• Role of Technology in Modern Warfare • Cybersecurity • Space Security and Satellite Warfare • Artificial Intelligence in Defence
|
4. Non-Traditional Security Threats
• Environmental Degradation and Climate Change • Pandemic and Health Security • Energy and Water Security • Role of Non-State Actors
|
4. India’s Maritime Security
• Maritime Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region • Role of Indian Navy • Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) • Piracy and Sea-Based Terrorism
|
Third Year | |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
1. Nuclear Strategy and Disarmament
• Nuclear Weapons and Strategy • India’s Nuclear Doctrine • Global Non-Proliferation Efforts (NPT, CTBT) • Contemporary Issues in Nuclear Disarmament
|
1. Regional and Global Security Architecture
• Collective Security and Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN) • NATO and its Role in Global Security • Role of International Financial Institutions in Security (IMF, World Bank) • Globalization and Security
|
2. Peace and Conflict Studies
• Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping • Role of the UN in Conflict Resolution • Major Peace Treaties in History • Post-War Reconstruction
|
2. Arms Control and Disarmament
• Major Arms Control Treaties (START, SALT, INF) • Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions • Challenges to Arms Control in the 21st Century • Role of International Organizations (IAEA, OPCW)
|
3. Strategic Leadership and Decision Making
• Leadership in Military and Civil Organizations • Strategic Decision-Making Models • Crisis Management • Case Studies of Strategic Leadership
|
3. Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
• Theories and Types of Terrorism • Counter-Terrorism Strategies • Role of the Armed Forces in Counter-Terrorism • Case Studies of Global Terror Networks
|
4. Cyber Warfare and National Security
• Types of Cyber Threats • Cyber Defence Strategies • India’s Cybersecurity Framework • International Cyber Laws
|
4. Capstone Project / Dissertation
• Independent Research Project • Topics Related to Defence, Strategy, or Security Studies • Presentation and Viva Voce
|
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for BSc in Defence & Strategic Studies are as follows:
- Student needs to have completed their 10+2 from a recognized university or board.
- Student should have secured a minimum of 50% in their class 12th boards.
- Students from any stream can opt to pursue the course in BSc Defence & Strategic Studies.
Tuition Fees
Student Nationality | Duration of the Course | Tuition Fees Per year |
Indian Nationals | 3 Years | 5,00,000 INR |
International Students | 3 Years | 12,010 USD |
Program Highlights
- The subject is comprehensive enough to enlighten the students with the different frameworks of defence strategy and provides deeper insight and understanding of the defence management prevailing in the nation.
- The study is interdisciplinary in nature as the subject broadly covers military history, war, national security studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, international terrorism, defence economics, military psychology/sociology and other aspects related to military or security of the nation and as such encompasses such aspects like geopolitics and military geography, science and technology, the economics of defence, conflict management and conflict resolution, etc.
- Students will learn to understand Conflict Management and Resolution, International Law and Relations, Geopolitics and Military, Nuclear deals and Policies, Science and Technology, etc.
- Overall, the students can gain immense knowledge on military education involving their history and geographical importance. The students understand the issues related to war and the different policies which help in the management of the defence; this makes the graduates highly eligible in assisting government bodies to tackle any defence-related problem strategically.
Scope of the Programe
BSc in Defence & Strategic Studies is the most respectable and sought after option for youth to work for national security and military services of the nation. The scope of this programme is broad and offers a wide range of career opportunities in various public and private sectors related to defence, security, military affairs and strategic studies. In addition to academic the programme conducts research and engages with the policymakers, Defence and strategic studies practitioners. The ultimate goal of the programme is to contribute to developing effective Defence strategies and policies, prepare students for successful careers in the field, and impart advanced knowledge and understanding of Defence and strategic studies.
Here are some key aspects of the scope of a B.Sc. in Defence & Strategic Studies:
- Government and Military Careers
- International Organizations
- Academic and Teaching Careers
- Security and Risk Management
- Diplomacy and International Relations
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Programme Outcomes
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Equipped with critical and creative thinking which will enable students to increase their problem solving and decision-making skills.
Team work, Leadership and Experiential Learning: Develop the capacity to work with the team members and have good leadership, analytical and scientific reasoning through Experiential Learning
Multicultural Ethics and Competency: Exposed to varied cultural ethics and attain competency in a globalized world.
Communication Skills and Digital Literacy: Strong digital literacy and effective communication abilities, which enables to reach their Higher Education and employability goals.
Knowledge Management, Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development: Equipped with knowledge management to engage in the activities related to Environment and Sustainable development.
Internship and Placement Opportunities
The internship program provides students an opportunity to participate in real-time work for the Department of Defense, assist in research for publications, and work closely with a Senior Fellow who is a subject matter expert in his or her field. Interns may also have the opportunity to meet government and defense officials, attend congressional hearings, or participate in symposia hosted by the University. Career and job opportunities for graduates with a BSc in Defence & Strategic Studies degree are diverse and can span across public and private sectors, including roles in defence policy, intelligence, strategic analysis, diplomacy, think tanks, research, and academia. The graduates are recruited in the Air Force, CISF, CRPF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, SSC, Railways, DRDO and IDSA, etc. This course will equip students to face combined defence examination, join armed forces as officers, civil services (UPSC/TNPSC). The job roles are of highly respectable positions.
Here are some potential career paths and job opportunities:
- Military Officer
- Defense Analyst
- Defense Consultant:
- Policy Advisor
- Intelligence Officer
- Security Manager
- International Relations Specialist
- Academic and Research Roles
- Arms Control Specialist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Strategic Planner
- Risk Analyst:
- Homeland Security Officer:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
- Journalism and Media