Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (BA in Social Science) is a 3-year UG program focusing on social and political studies. It is a multidisciplinary program that covers a broad range of fundamentals related to society and development.
To enrol in BA Social Science, one has to qualify 10+2 from any stream and obtain a valid score in the Common Entrance exam. The most widely accepted exam for admission to BA Social Science is CUET. However, some private universities conduct their own entrance exam to grant admission to this program.
LPU, Hindu College of Delhi University, Amity University, JNU, etc are some of the best places to pursue a BA Social Science course. Tuition fee for this program ranges between INR 50,000 to 1,00,000 for private institutes. Government institutes charge very less, up to INR 5,000-10,000.
After completing BA Social Science, one can work in a dynamic career path like Education, Research, Media and Communication, Business and Market, Government Sector, NGOs, etc.
- BA in Social Science Key Highlights
- What is a BA in Social Science?
- Why Study a BA in Social Science?
- Who should study a BA in Social Science?
- BA in Social Science Eligibility Criteria
- BA in Social Science Entrance Exams
- BA in Social Science Colleges in India
- BA in Social Science Admission Process
- BA in Social Science Syllabus
- BA in Social Science Job Opportunities in India
- BA in Social Science Vs BA
- BA in Social Science FAQs
BA in Social Science Key Highlights
The key highlights of BA Social Science are tabulated below.
What is a BA in Social Science?
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science is an undergraduate program that provides a comprehensive understanding of human society, behavior, and institutions.
- Unlike specialized Bachelor of Arts degrees (e.g., BA Hons. Economics, BA Hons. Political Science), a BA in Social Science is an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from multiple social science disciplines.
- For instance, it includes Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, Geography, History, Public Administration, Philosophy, etc.
- With such a broad curriculum, this program cultivates an advanced liberal arts education.
- It provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as master's degrees (MA, MSW, MBA, MPP) and doctoral studies
Why Study a BA in Social Science?
Studying a BA in Social Science can be a good choice of career as Social Science is inherently multidisciplinary. One can explore how different aspects of society (economics, politics, culture, psychology, history, environment) are interconnected and influence each other. This provides a holistic and nuanced understanding of the world.
- It delves into the underlying reasons for social phenomena.
- Studying a BA in Social Science can enhance your communication skills due to extensive reading, essay writing, report preparation, presentations, and group discussions.
- It prepares the candidates for the higher studies like, MA Sociology, or PhD Social Work.
Who should study a BA in Social Science?
Those who are fascinated by social and political concepts will find BA Social Science a great fit for them.
- Individuals who want to study Human Behaviour, Socio-Economic Issues, Political Science, etc, can pursue this program.
- Individuals considering professions that include social research, the field of public policy, or work associated with providing services to a community, education, or work that requires an understanding of societal dynamics.
- The candidates who want to enroll in higher studies, MA Political Science, or PhD in International Relations.
- Those who enjoy learning about different cultures, international relations, and global challenges, social science offers a rich understanding of interconnectedness.
BA in Social Science Eligibility Criteria
The complete details of the Social Science BA eligibility criteria are given below, which the candidates need to fulfill:
- To be eligible for a BA in Social Science, one must pass 10+2 from any stream.
- Students must have obtained a minimum of 45-50% in 12th from a recognised board. Admission to the BA in Social Science is either based on 12th-grade merit or entrance exam scores. Therefore, candidates have to qualify for a common entrance exam like CUET UG or a university-specific exam to be eligible for admission.
BA in Social Science Entrance Exams
The primary BA Social Science entrance exam is CUET UG. Many universities consider CUET for admission in various programmes. Some universities may conduct their own exam as a selection matrix. For example, LPUNEST, Christ University Entrance Exam, etc.
BA in Social Science Colleges in India
BA Social Science is offered by many private and government institutes in India. This course is also available for online/distance learning. Some of the best institutes/universities to study BA Social Science are tabulated below.
BA in Social Science Admission Process
The admission process for a BA in Social Science is generally based on the entrance exam. Candidates are advised to go through the selection criteria for their chosen institute/university. BA Social Science admission at Hindu College, Delhi University, is taken as an example here to guide you through the basic framework.
Step 1: Admission for the 2025 academic session will primarily be based on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) scores. Candidates need to appear and qualify the CUET exam with relevant subject combinations.
Step 2: Once CUET results are out, candidates must register on University of Delhi's Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details on the CSAS portal. This will be followed by filling your program and college preference. Make an application fee payment to submit your candidature.
Step 4: Delhi University will prepare merit lists based on your CUET UG scores, considering the program-specific eligibility and your chosen subject combinations.
Step 5: The candidates will be required to visit the campus for the document verification and fee payment procedure in order to confirm admission.
Documents Required
- Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade
- School Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Entrance Exam Score Card
BA in Social Science Syllabus
BA Social Science syllabus covers a broad array of subjects from history of India to Western Political Concepts. The semester-wise syllabus designed by Guru Nanak Dev University for BA in Social Science is tabulated below.
BA in Social Science Job Opportunities in India
Graduates with BA in Social Science can work in various sectors like Media, NGOs, Business firms, Education, etc. Here are some of the popular BA Social Science Jobs, recruiting areas, experience, and salary range for your reference.
BA in Social Science Vs BA
BA Social Science is a more specialized part of the general degree program, it focus on social science subjects, whereas a general Bachelor of Arts degree offers a broader area of study by taking various courses in arts and humanities.
BA in Social Science FAQs
Can I become a government teacher after BA in Social Science?
Yes, one can become a teacher in government schools for Social Science Subjects. For that, one has to pursue B.Ed and qualify the TET examination (CTET/STET). This qualification will lead you to teach students up to 10th grade. To become a teacher for higher secondary, you will need a PGT qualification.
What is the scope of BA social science?
A BA in Social Science offers a broad scope in various sectors. It provides a foundation for careers in fields like education, media, government, public relations, human resources, and even creative industries. One can also explore Intelligence analysis, market research, and policy analysis. Those looking for a government job can prepare for competitive exams like PSC and IFS-conducted recruiting exams.
What are the benefits of BA social science?
The BA in Social Science has many advantages, which include a variety of career choices such as government, policy-related, education, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and corporate jobs. It provides students with interdisciplinary social knowledge of human behavior, society, politics, economy, and culture, besides deepening analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and intercultural understanding.
What is the difference between BA Arts and BA Social Science?
BA Arts involves concentration on cultural and creative studies and focuses on literature, history, languages, and philosophy as subjects, whereas, instead, BA Social Science is a concentration on social systems, human behaviour, political structures, and economic tendencies, and it is more analytical and empirical-based as a study of society.
Which is better, B.Sc. or BA?
A B.Sc. degree would best suit a person who inclines to science, technology, research, and a data-driven approach, whereas a BA degree would be best suited to an individual who is interested in the humanities, creativity, social sciences, and critical thinking faculties as it provides wider flexibility in career choices that require communication and critical thinking skills.
What is Humanities and Social Science?
Humanities and Social Sciences are broad academic fields that explore human culture, society, and behavior. These two terminologies are often utilized together to name a department of Arts and relevant subjects. Humanities focus on the study of human culture, including history, literature, philosophy, art, music, languages, and religion. Social sciences, on the other hand, examine human behavior and interactions within societies, encompassing disciplines like sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and anthropology.
