BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY
Degree Course Type
Bachelors
Entry Level Qualification
Class 10+2
Degree Course Duration
3 Year
Degree Course Entrance Exam
CUET UG
Average Course Fee
5000 - 100000
Average Salary Offered
300000 - 350000
Course Details
BA History or Bachelor of Arts in History is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that teaches students how human civilization evolved from prehistoric times to the present time. In the BA History course, the students get to know about the global and Indian major historical events. By the end of the BA History course, a history graduate has more than just knowledge about culture and society.
Course Highlights
Check out some of the BA History course highlights from the table provided below:
Degree | Bachelors |
Full-Form | Bachelor of Arts in History |
BA History Course Duration | Bachelor of Arts in History is a 3 Year course. |
Age | No Age Limit |
BA History Admission Process | Merit + Entrance based |
BA History Average Fees | INR 5000 - 1 L per annum |
Similar Options of Study | BA (Ancient History), BA (Sociology), BA (Political Science), etc. |
Average Salary Offered | INR 3.7 L per annum |
About Course
BA History or Bachelor of Arts in History is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that teaches students how human civilization evolved from prehistoric times to the present time. In the BA History course, the students get to know about the global and Indian major historical events. By the end of the BA History course, a history graduate has more than just knowledge about culture and society. The minimum eligibility for BA History is to clear the 12th class from any recognized board in any stream.
BA History course also develops an understanding of those factors that propel the development of a civilization namely power, religion, economy, culture, etc. within the students. The BA History degree also focuses on building the basic and advanced lessons of the discipline history amongst the candidates. BA History includes the skills required in research, analysis, qualitative as well as quantitative reasoning that are important for a firm base in the Liberal Arts.
Generally, BA History students are offered jobs such as historian, archaeologist, tour guide, museum curator, broadcast journalist, history teacher, editorial assistant, charity officer, early year’s teacher, etc. BA History Students are hired in areas like museum curation, museum education, archaeology genealogy, advertising and public relations, marketing, business, commerce, law, and media. The BA History average course fees in India range between INR 4,000 – INR 1.5 Lakhs for a three-year period. The average annual salary offered to BA History graduates range between INR 3 Lakhs – 9 Lakhs.
Study BA History Abroad
History majors are at an advantage when it comes to studying abroad—because history is everywhere and all around us! BA History students abroad get to learn about a country’s past and how it affects its present and future. Even for non-history majors, taking a BA history class abroad allows you to better understand the country you are living in while checking off general education courses.
When it comes to the subjects taught in B.A History program, it is important to note that the curriculum will vary from one country to another. For instance, in India, the BA History syllabus focus will be mainly on Indian history along with the major political and socio-economic developments that took place across the world. However, this will be different when you will study B.A History course abroad. Not only will you get to learn about the history of the country you will study in but will also gain knowledge of the History of Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.
If your specialty is ancient, or classical history, Egypt or Jordan are logical choices, and both are also good if you’re interested in doing field study or want a scientific edge to your experience abroad, such as working on archaeological or anthropological digs. Most BA history study abroad programs in Egypt are based in Cairo, which is a fairly inexpensive city to live in by international standards, with plentiful housing and good public transportation.
Why Choose Course And Required Skills
1. Students who are willing to make a career in History can pursue B.A History.
2. Students who want to specialize in Archaeology, Museology, and Archival Studies can take up BA History.
3. Any student who wants to take up research in history as a career option can study BA in History, followed by an MA in History, and finally a PhD in History.
4. History is a very important and common topic in the Civil Service exam, so any students who wish to sit for the Civil Service exam should study BA History and get clarity on the subject.
Why Pursue B.A History?
1. Your existence is what makes you connected to your past. BA History course helps you understand how the society we live in came to existence.
2. How is the Indian culture different from the West? BA History course opens the gate for you to perceive various cultures around you.
3. As a student of BA History, you will come to know about how nations developed, about heroes of the past, and much more.
4. The BA History course is the study of transformation wherein you’ll understand the mechanism driving change and its significance in the present time.
5. Studying BA history prepares students with a broad set of skills which is ideal for keeping career options open. Analytical skills are essential and crucial for any job sector, the ability to analyse as well as prioritize information is vital in decision-making.
Eligibility
Every student wishes for the opportunity to get admission in their dream college and for that, they have to meet some eligibility criteria. If they fail to do so, their admission in BA History can get canceled, so they should pay close attention to these criteria.
BA History eligibility criteria is given below –
1. Students should have passed 10+2 from the recognized board in any stream.
2. They should secure 50% or more aggregate marks at the qualifying level.
3. Some universities may also demand that the candidates have studied History at their 10+2 level.
Entrance Exams Details
Some universities and institutions or even states may conduct their entrance examinations for BA History admissions. The exam includes topics like Indian History, World history, current affairs, General knowledge, general science, social science, etc., helping them understand the course.
Some of the BA History entrance exams are:
1. JNUEE
2. IPU CET
3. DSAT
4. JMI
5. PUCET
6. TISS BAT
7. CUCET
8. CUET
9. NPAT
10. BHU UET
Degree Course Syllabus
The BA History curriculum can be divided into six semesters while marking but looked upon as more minor studying hours for the three years. It aims to train the students and prepare them to provide good historians and writers/curators and expertise in working in teams and assisting researchers. The BA History course includes certain core subjects and electives. It also includes a compulsory internship in the final year. Given below is the course structure of BA History followed by the University of Delhi.
BA History Subjects Semester I | BA History Subjects Semester II |
Paper I – History of India-I | Paper IV – History of India-II |
Paper-II- Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World | Paper V – Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World |
Paper III - Concurrent – Qualifying Language | Paper VI - Concurrent – Credit Language |
BA History Subjects Semester III | BA History Subjects Semester IV |
Paper VII – History of India-III (c. 750-1206) | Paper XI- History of India-IV (c. 1206-1550) |
Paper VIII – Rise of Modern West-I | Paper XII- Rise of Modern West-II |
Paper IX –Note: Students can take any one of the following sets. But they should opt the same paper from the next semester sets. Paper IX (a) I: History Of United States Of America (C.1776 – 1945) Paper IX (b) I: History Of The USSR (c. 1917- 1964) Paper IX (c) I: History Of Africa (c. 1500 – 1960s) Paper IX (d) I: History Of Southeast Asia – The 19th Century | Paper XIII – Note: It is desirable that each college offers more than one option out of the four listed below Paper XIII (a) II: History Of The United States Of America (C. 1776 – 1945) Paper XIII (b) II: History Of The USSR (c. 1917 – 1964s) Paper XIII (c) II: History Of Latin America (c. 1500 – 1960s) Paper XIII (d) II: History Of Southeast Asia - The 20th Century |
Paper X - Concurrent – Interdisciplinary | Paper XIV - Concurrent – Discipline Centered I |
BA History Subjects Semester V | BA History Subjects Semester VI |
Paper XV- History of India-V (c. 1550-1605) | Paper XIX – History of India-VII (c. 1605-1750) |
Paper XVI – History of India-VI (c. 1750-1857) | Paper XX- History of India-VIII (c. 1857-1950) |
Paper XVII – History of China & Japan – I (c. 1840-1949) | Paper XXI- History of China & Japan – II (c. 1840-1949) |
Paper XVIII – History of Modern Europe I (c. 1780-1939) | Paper XXII - History of Modern Europe –II (1780-1939) |
BA History Course Syllabus
The list of BA History subjects that are taught in BA History course are tabulated below:
BA History Subjects | Particulars |
History of India (from Ancient up to 600 AD) | Religious Development Aspects of Society Age of the Guptas Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era Vedic Corpus and Transition to Janapadas and Mahajanapadas Harappan Civilization Pre – Historic Hunter-Gatherers Reconstructing Ancient Indian History |
History of India (from 600 AD to 1500 AD) | Institutional Structure (Varna System) Cave Architecture Polity Sanskrit Literature Temple Indian & Oceanic Trade Urban Centres Agricultural Expansion Ghaznavi & Ghori’s Invasion of India The Emergence of Major Political Centres – Peninsular India Arab, Bengal and Kannauj |
History of India (1500 AD to 1800 AD) | Society, Religion and Culture in Mughal India The Mughal Empire Economy In Mughal India Crisis of the Mughal EmpireIdeology and State in Mughal India |
History of India (1800 AD to Modern times) | Partition of India Communal Politics Post War Upsurges Pre-War Political Developments New Trends in National Movements The Gandhian Era Indian Nationalism Colonial Intervention and Growth of Modern Education Revolt of 1857 Early Resistance to Colonial Rule Rural Economy & Society Socio-Religious Movements in India East India Company – Theory of Rent |
Ancient World History | Political, Sociological and Cultural History of Rome Macedonia Expansion Political History of Greece Major Centres of Ancient Mediterranean World – Persia Egypt and Mesopotamia Polis in Ancient Greece Slave Society in Ancient Greece Nomadic groups in Ancient and Central Asia Bronze Age Civilization Paleolithic & Mesolithic Cultures |
Transformation of Europe | English Civil war of the 17th Century Europe Scientific Revolution Renaissance Humanism Economy of 17th Century Proto Industrialization Renaissance Economic Expansion of Europe in the 16th Century The economy in the 15th Century Development of the National Monarchy Fall of Constantinople Economic Crisis of the 14th Century Crisis of Feudalism Nature of Feudal Society |
European History | Anglo – German Antagonism Age of Imperialism The Third Republic, German Reich and Paris Commune Rise of Working Class Movement and Socialist through Arts and Culture, Religion and Science of 18th Century Europe Industrialization of Europe France Under the IInd Empire Russian Modernization Unification of Italy and Germany The Emergence of Non-Nation States in Central Europe The Vienna Congress French Revolution of Napoleon Bonaparte Understanding the 18th Century Europe, Social Economic and Political Background to French Revolution |
World Politics | Truman Doctrine Cold War United Nations Organization US Foreign Policy The Great Depression Reunification of Germany Indo-Pakistan Relations The League of Nations |
History of East Asia | The emergence of Japan as an Imperial Power Economic Modernization Popular and Democratic Movements Meiji Restoration Japan – Pre-Restoration Period Nationalism and Communism in China Colonial Penetration in China China and Pre Colonial China |
History of the United States of America | Making of the Republic Religious, Cultural and Intellectual Trends Women’s Movement Afro-American Movements US Imperialism Civil War and Industrial America Early Capitalism Evolution of American Democracy |
History of Latin America | Economic Transformations Assertion of the US Hegemony Bolivar’s Vision Conquest of America and its Repercussions |
Top Colleges
India has a variety of colleges offering a course in BA History. Since it's a form of specialization, it requires a practical and theoretical study which helps them get in-depth knowledge of the course. Given below are the best BA History colleges in India.
BA History Top Colleges | Cities |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | Delhi |
Mount Carmel College | Bangalore |
Christ University | Bangalore |
Loyola College | Chennai |
Ramjas College | Delhi |
Fergusson College | Pune |
Stella Maris College | Chennai |
St. Xavier's College | Ahmedabad |
Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce | Pune |
St. Joseph's College | Bangalore |
Jai Hind College | Mumbai |
Study BA History Abroad
History majors are at an advantage when it comes to studying abroad—because history is everywhere and all around us! BA History students abroad get to learn about a country’s past and how it affects its present and future. Even for non-history majors, taking a BA history class abroad allows you to better understand the country you are living in while checking off general education courses.
When it comes to the subjects taught in BA History program, it is important to note that the curriculum will vary from one country to another. For instance, in India, the BA History syllabus focus will be mainly on Indian history along with the major political and socio-economic developments that took place across the world. However, this will be different when you will study BA History course abroad. Not only will you get to learn about the history of the country you will study in but will also gain knowledge on the History of Asia, Africa, Europe, etc.
If your specialty is ancient, classical history, Egypt or Jordan are logical choices, and both are also good if you’re interested in doing field study or want a scientific edge to your experience abroad, such as working on archaeological or anthropological digs. Most BA history study abroad programs in Egypt are based in Cairo, which is a fairly inexpensive city to live in by international standards, with plentiful housing and good public transportation.
BA History Top Universities Abroad
Apart from academic institutions like Harvard University, University of Chicago, LSE, Yale University, University of Cambridge, etc., which have etched their name in global rankings, here is a list of some of the top universities offering BA History and various specializations.
BA History Universities | Location | Courses |
Michigan State University | USA | BA Global History |
University of Toronto | Canada | BA [Hons] History |
University of New South Wales | Australia | Bachelor of Arts and Business in History |
Humboldt University of Berlin | Germany | BA Historical Sciences |
Trinity College Dublin | UK | BA in Classical Civilisation BA in Classics, Ancient History, and Archaeology |
Australian National University | Australia | BA Ancient History |
University of Bristol | UK | BA [Hons] Ancient History |
University of California, Los Angeles | USA | BA History |
National University of Singapore | Singapore | BA/BA [Hons] History |
Johns Hopkins University | USA | BA-MA Accelerated Program |
State Wise BA History Colleges
India is home to roughly around 14,000 colleges that offer BA History courses. Out of these 7058 colleges are private, 2692 are government colleges. The majority of the BA History colleges are spread across top cities. Some of these colleges that offer BA History course are mentioned below:
BA History Colleges in Delhi
Delhi is the one-stop for all your educational needs and also influenced nearby areas. Delhi has the potential to cater to the demands of every field and interest of education. It is home to some of the best colleges in the country. The famous Delhi University, JNU, and IIT are present in this city. Given below are some of the best BA History colleges in Delhi along with their BA History fees.
BA History Colleges | BA History Fees (INR) |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | 49,170 |
Miranda House | 21,690 |
St. Stephens College | 1,05,000 |
Hansraj College | 50,070 |
Vivekananda College | 13,760 |
BA History Colleges in Mumbai
Apart from being a business and trade metropolis, Mumbai has great Institutes and Universities, which makes it the best place to study. Being home to more than 80 Universities and Research Institutes, students can seek quality education in all fields and according to their own interests. Given below are some of the best BA History colleges in Mumbai along with their BA History fees.
BA History Colleges | BA History Fees (INR) |
Sophia College for Women | 40,140 |
SK Somaiya Degree College for Arts Commerce and Science | 16,590 |
St Xaviers College | 5,537 |
Jaihind College | 5,730 |
Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College | 4,825 |
BA History Colleges in Kolkata
Kolkata has always been the centre of education, not only in West Bengal but in the entire country. The city which has some of India’s oldest institutes, lists 41 among India’s 1000 Most Trusted, making it the fifth-best education hub in India. Given below are some of the best BA History colleges in Kolkata along with their BA History fees.
BA History Colleges | BA History Fees (INR) |
Presidency University | 2,000 |
St Xavier's College | 32,600 |
Jadavpur University | 2,400 |
Bethune College | 1,181 |
Loreto College | 21,940 |
BA History Colleges in Bangalore
Bangalore has a prestigious college in the country for every subject. IISc is undoubtedly the best choice for research. If you want to study design, then Bangalore has prestigious colleges, such as NID and NIFT. The best law college of India NLSIU is located in Bangalore. Given below are some of the best BA History colleges in Bangalore along with their BA History fees.
BA History Colleges | BA History Fees (INR) |
Christ University | 50,000 |
Kristu Jayanti College | 50,000 |
Universal Group of Institutions | 1,50,000 |
Jyoti Nivas College | 20,492 |
MES College of Arts Commerce and Science | 19,018 |
BA History Colleges in Pune
Known as the Oxford of The East, Pune has high-quality educational institutions that attract thousands of students from across India and even abroad every year. From undergraduate to postgraduate colleges; from research institutes to interdisciplinary centres; from language training to vocational courses – there is no dearth of educational options in the city. Given below are some of the best BA History colleges in Pune along with their BA History fees.
BA History Colleges | BA History Fees (INR) |
Fergusson College | 9,355 |
St. Mira’s College for Girls | 19,350 |
Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce | 19,100 |
Abeda Inamdar Senior College | 9,240 |
Poona College of Arts Science and Commerce | 5,380 |
Course Fees
The BA History course fees may vary based on college. A government-based institute charges less than a private institute because of its infrastructure and facilities. The average price of a BA History course in a private institute is about INR 50,000 - 2Lac per annum. There are plenty of government colleges so if you wish to study by paying less fees then these are the best place to study BA History.
Top Recruiters And Salary
The names of some main recruiters for B.A. in education are as follows:
1. Deloitte
2. WNS Global
3. HEC Ltd.
4. NSIC
5. Wipro
6. Tata Motors
7. Citi Bank
8. ICICI Bank
9. HDFC Bank
10. BSNL


Salary
Some of the BA History graduates job profiles along with their updated salary figures are tabulated below for a better understanding of the prospects of the profession as a whole.
BA History Graduates Job Profile | Average Salary (INR) |
Archaeologists | 3,50,000 - 4,80,000 |
Historians | 6,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
Teachers | 3,80,000 - 6,50,000 |
Auctioneers | 5,00,000 - 7,00,000 |
Archivist | 5,50,000 - 8,00,000 |
Course Scope And Career Options
History is a wide subject that takes you on a journey of mankind and develops your insight into the future of civilization. If you are someone who gets curious about figuring out the larger picture of how the world has evolved, you can further pursue a master’s degree in history and research in their chosen specialization.
Studying BA History prepares students with an extensive set of abilities which is perfect for preserving professional picks open. Analytical abilities are essential and necessary for any job sector, the ability to analyse as nicely as prioritizing data is vital in decision making.
A BA History degree, if pursued from a reputed and prestigious University/college can be magnificent and make your CV attractive. BA History degree in records can land you various interesting jobs like that of an archaeologist, historian, etc.
Career Options and Job Prospects after BA History
Post the completion of BA History, students can find jobs in various fields of history, which include Archaeology, Historian, Teachers, etc. Below are some of the best career options in the field of history.
Archaeologist
An archaeologist has to do work that is research-based or field-related. It consists of excavation, however, that is solely one factor of archaeology. You are free to specialize in precise objects of study. For instance, you can be an expert on coins known as a numismatist or an epigraphist who decipher inscriptions. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) employs archaeologists and is entrusted with the renovation of 3,600 monuments, state departments of the archaeology of distinctive nation governments, heritage bodies, museums, and different research institutions.
Museology
Museologists or professionals in museology are the ones who deal with the design, organization, and administration of museums. Their work is stuffed with research, administration, and public relations. For instance, The National Museum Institute in New Delhi offers Masters in Museology.
Museum curators
Museum curators are specialized in natural history, metals, terracotta, textiles, paintings, and related things. The area requires a creative and aesthetic bent of mind alongside administrative skills. It additionally consists of maintenance of information of every item, for instance, from the place it has been discovered or acquired, its estimated age, conservation treatment, and such details.
Archivists
Archivists are professionals in preservation, repairing parchment and paper manuscripts, and microfilm documents. They get work in museums, libraries, the National Archives of India, and in unique state archives. Students after getting a BA History degree can pursue this profession.
Historians
A historian’s job is to find out about and research history, and speak it via written or published works. The prerequisite to becoming a historian is a BA History degree s followed by way of a Master’s in precise areas such as political history, navy records, etc.
Teacher
Those interested in teaching can share their knowledge by becoming a teacher either for primary schools or for universities. To be a teacher you need to have pursued history in your graduation and should have pursued B.Ed. If you wish to teach at the university level, you will have to complete your Master’s degree and then clear the NET examination.
Admission Process
The BA History admission procedure begins with the student having a minimum aggregate score of 45% to 50% in their 10+2 exams and passing marks on entrance exams conducted by national bodies, institutes, or a group of institutes. The selection is based on the BA History eligibility criteria of the minimum scores in the listed exams. Once that is done, there might be an entrance test in colleges. After passing those with a decent score, the aspirant is selected. Though the BA History admission process varies from college to college, above mentioned are the steps that one should go through generally to get admission.
BA History Entrance Exams
Some universities and institutions or even states may conduct their entrance examinations for BA History admissions. The exam includes topics like Indian History, World history, current affairs, General knowledge, general science, social science, etc., helping them understand the course.
Some of the BA History entrance exams are:
1. JNUEE
2. IPU CET
3. DSAT
4. JMI
5. PUCET
6. TISS BAT
7. CUCET
8. CUET
9. NPAT
10. BHU UET