Highlights
Mahesh Bhattarai
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
Mahesh Bhattarai is an Assistant Professor of Political Science with over 12 years of experience in teaching, research, and public engagement. His academic work focuses on comparative politics, public policy, governance, international relations, democracy, and Nepal's political development. He has a strong interest in the intersection of domestic politics and international affairs, particularly Nepal's relations with neighboring countries and the geopolitical implications of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
His research emphasizes evidence-based policy analysis, democratic governance, anti-corruption, political institutions, federalism, and sustainable development. He is actively engaged in supervising student research, publishing scholarly articles, and participating in national and international academic conferences.
His current research interests include:
As an educator, Mahesh Bhattarai is committed to developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capacity among students. He encourages interdisciplinary learning and promotes academic excellence through innovative teaching and collaborative research.
Academic Interests
Professional Goal
To contribute to high-quality research and policy development while strengthening higher education in Nepal through excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
Profile of the Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science is one of the prominent academic departments of Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus, a constituent campus of Tribhuvan University, located at Pradarshanimarga, Kathmandu. The department is committed to academic excellence in the study of politics, governance, public policy, international relations, diplomacy, academic research and contemporary political issues.
The department aims to equip students with strong theoretical knowledge, analytical ability, research competence, and practical understanding of political systems at national and global levels. Through its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the department prepares students for careers in academia, research, civil service, diplomacy, public administration, media, development organizations, and policy-making institutions.
The Department of Political Science offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs under Tribhuvan University. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, leadership, academic inquiry, and informed citizenship by engaging students with classical and contemporary political ideas and practices.
Academic Programs
Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
The MA in Political Science is a postgraduate program of Tribhuvan University conducted under the semester system. The semester-based structure allows students to engage deeply with each course through continuous assessment, assignments, presentations, seminars, and examinations.
The program offers advanced study in major areas such as Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, Governance, International Relations, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Constitutional Development, and Contemporary Global Politics.
Recognizing the diverse needs of students, especially working professionals and learners from outside Kathmandu Valley, the department offers the MA program in both physical and online modes during the evening shift.
A. In-Person (Evening Shift)
The in-person modality is designed for students who prefer face-to-face learning, direct interaction with faculty members, and the academic environment of the campus.
Physical classes are conducted at the campus from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This mode particularly benefits students who value classroom discussion, peer learning, seminars, and in-person academic engagement. It also creates opportunities for stronger academic networking and collaborative learning.
B. Online (Evening Shift)
The online modality is ideal for working professionals, students living outside Kathmandu, and learners who require greater flexibility in attending classes.
Online classes begin from 6:00 PM onwards through digital platforms. Students receive the same curriculum, academic support, and learning opportunities as in physical classes while enjoying the convenience of remote participation. This modality enables students to pursue higher education without interrupting their professional or personal commitments.
Eligibility for MA in Political Science
Prospective students seeking admission to the MA program in Political Science must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, Law, or related disciplines are eligible to apply, subject to Tribhuvan University’s admission policies and departmental requirements. Admission procedures may include application review and other criteria as prescribed by the campus and university.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science
The Department also offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science under Tribhuvan University’s undergraduate framework. The program provides foundational knowledge in political systems, governance, political institutions, constitutional processes, public administration, and international politics.
The BA program helps students build a strong academic base for higher studies and prepares them for diverse professional opportunities in public and private sectors.
Eligibility for BA in Political Science
Students seeking admission to the BA program must have successfully completed grade 12 from National Examination Board (NEB) or equivalent from the recognized educational institution.
Students from all academic streams, including Humanities, Science, Management, Law and Education, are eligible to apply. Admission is granted according to Tribhuvan University and campus admission policies.
Guest Lectures, Debate/Discussions, Research, Workshops, and Academic Engagement
The Department of Political Science actively promotes regular guest lectures, academic debates and discussions, research, and scholarly engagement beyond regular classroom teaching. The department encourages students and faculty members to participate in research activities, seminars, workshops, conferences, presentations, and policy dialogues.
The department seeks collaboration with academic institutions, researchers, policy experts, governmental bodies, and national and international organizations to strengthen research culture and academic excellence.
Through these academic initiatives, students gain practical exposure to contemporary political developments, governance challenges, international affairs, and policy debates. Such engagement enhances their research capacity, analytical skills, and professional readiness.
The Department of Political Science at Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus remains committed to nurturing intellectually capable, socially responsible, and globally aware graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society, governance, and nation-building.