Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course. There are various aspects of history which are covered in this course, including cultural, social, economic, political and ideological, and this is to provide a better understanding of the subject to students. It explores past events, societies, and cultures, as well as civilisations across the entire world. It assists students to understand historical processes and their influence on the modern era, shaping crucial perceptions on contemporary social and political as well as cultural issues.
A student from any stream can apply for this course, preferably from the arts stream. Students who have passed the 10+2 or equivalent exam with a minimum of 50% marks can apply for this course. While many colleges admit students based on merit, some top universities have given chances to join them through an entrance exam conducted either individually or through an all-India entrance exam.
BA History gives a thorough knowledge of the ancient period to the modern age. This course encourages the student to advance their analytical thinking and in-depth knowledge in socio-political contexts, as well as research skills. It also helps to understand timeframes, heritage and the evolution of civilisations and societies over time.
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BA History Highlights Table
The following table supports the course details, fee structure, eligibility criteria, top colleges, and possible job opportunities associated with the BA History course.
What is BA History?
A BA in History is a 3-year, full-time, based undergraduate degree programme that emphasises the study of past events, civilisations, and societies across different eras and geographic locations. This course helps the students to understand the causes and consequences of historical developments as well as their influence on modern society.
This course enables the students to develop a complete knowledge of political systems, cultural movements, wars, economic structures, and the evolution of societies over time. A BA in History integrates the students into the study of different aspects, such as historical documents, artefacts, literature, and archaeological findings. The core topics of the course include Indian history of the ancient, medieval and modern eras; world history; colonialism; and historical methodology.
Why Study BA History?
BA History is a well-suited career option for students who have an interest in uncovering patterns of the past to understand the present and future in a better way. It improves critical thinking and analytical reasoning, as well as writing skills, all of which are valued in a broad range of professions.
- History helps the student to understand how the society they live in came to existence and how it is connected to their past.
- It gives knowledge about how the Indian culture is different from the West.
- The student will come to know about how nations developed, about heroes of the past, and so on.
Who should study BA History?
The students who want to study BA history must possess the following criteria.
- This course is open to all students who are completing 10+2 in any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce).
- Students who are interested in knowing the historical events, politics and cultures.
- Students who enjoy reading and researching historic situations will find this course engaging and meaningful.
BA History Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for BA History admission varied from university to university. The general criteria to take admission are listed below.
- The candidate should be qualified 10+2 or equivalent with any stream, preferably from the arts stream, from a well-recognised board.
- The candidates should have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their previous examinations. However, for the reserved categories, there is a 5% relaxation in cut-off marks.
- The candidate must have scored well on the entrance exam, if conducted by the applied university.
BA History Entrance Exams 2025
There are different entrance exams conducted by different universities. The most common entrance exam for BA History is listed below.
BA History Colleges in India
The topmost colleges for BA History in India are highlighted below.
BA History Admission Process 2025
Students who are seeking admission to take the BA History admission at Desh Bandhu College, University of Delhi, can follow the following steps.
Step 1: First, the applicant should register through the University of Delhi online admission portal. Only online applications will be acceptable. There is no offline admission process for the students.
Step 2: The applicants have a valid e-mail ID and contact number for future notifications about the admission.
Step 3: The applicants should fill in the personal and academic details accurately during the registration process. After that, the registration fee must be paid only through the provided link.
Step 4: The applicant will be permitted to update the marks and make minor changes in the form during the window provided to them. This will only be a one-time process.
Step 5: After declaration of the cut-off marks, the applicants should log in to the UG admission portal dashboard to choose the course and college they want to take admission to.
Step 5: The university will declare the merit list of selected candidates, and selected candidates must join the online verification of documents.
Documents Required:
- Class X certificate
- Class XII certificate
- TC and Migration
- Photo identity card
- Passport-sized photographs
BA History Syllabus
The table below highlights the syllabus involved in this course. The semester-wise syllabus of this course in National College, Tiruchirappalli, is mentioned in the following table.
BA History Job Opportunities in India
The job opportunities after completion of a BA in History are given in the following table. There is a varied range of job opportunities in various fields with attractive salary packages.
BA History FAQs
Is a BA in History useful if I want to pursue Law or Political Science later?
Yes, absolutely. A BA in History can be very beneficial if you want to pursue law or political science later. Studying the history of constitutional law can help you understand the context of constitutional law and its principles over time. Similarly, studying the history of political movements can help you understand current political events.
What kind of internships can I do while pursuing a BA in History?
While pursuing a BA in History, as a student, you have several internship opportunities. These include historical societies and organisations, museum internships, archaeological research, NGO internships, or a subject-specific research project.
Can I work in the tourism industry with a BA in History?
Yes. You can work in the tourism industry with a BA in History. BA History graduates can work as heritage tour guides and content developers for cultural tourism. The graduates can also join as consultants in historical storytelling and destination curation.
How does a BA in History help in preparing for government exams?
A BA in history offers a great advantage to prepare for the government exams, specifically the exams like the UPSC exams. It offers a strong foundation in historical context and critical thinking, as well as general knowledge. History can be chosen as an optional subject in the UPSC main exam, which provides a competitive advantage.
