A BA course or a Bachelor of Arts degree is a three-year UG program. It is offered by top colleges in India such as St Xavier’s College Kolkata, Hindu College Delhi, University of Delhi, RV University, etc. In this course, students learn about English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, etc.
To be eligible for admission to a BA course, students must have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 45% marks. It is not mandatory to pursue any particular stream. Students from humanities, commerce and science are eligible to apply. There may be an entrance examination such as CUET-UG, or a university entrance test. Few colleges conduct interviews too as part of the admission process.
A BA course is a versatile degree, and it provides knowledge on various subjects. After a BA degree, students can work as content writers, HR manager, researchers, editors, reporters, teachers, etc. The starting salary ranges from 3-5 LPA, which increases based on the work experience.
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BA Highlights Table
The BA Course in India is one of the most well-known courses. Details regarding this course are mentioned below:
Why Study BA?
There are numerous reasons to opt for a Bachelor of Arts degree. A few of them are:
- It improves the students analytical and communication skills.
- Students form well-informed opinions on political processes.
- Students can work across sectors, and are employable in both private and public sectors.
Who should study BA?
The ideal candidates for a BA course are those curious about the social environment of the world. A few potential candidates who can consider this course are:
- Students with a strong foundation in the humanities in general, can opt for this course.
- Students aspiring to appear for UPSC or SSC can pursue BA course, as it will enhance their knowledge.
- Students looking to work as content writers and editors can pursue this course.
- Students who enjoy theoretical learning more than hands-on training can apply for this degree.
BA Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet certain conditions to be allowed into a BA course in India. No admissions will be given to students who do not satisfy the defined requirements.
- It is necessary for a candidate to have attained 10+2 from an acceptable board, no matter which stream they opted for (Arts, Science or Commerce).
- To pass the 10+2 board exams, you usually need to have at least 50% aggregate marks. Yet, colleges may admit some students with 40-45%, mainly those who come from reserved categories or select boards.
- Usually, students belonging to SC/ST/OBC are given a break from meeting the full aggregate mark requirement, with the relaxation depending on the rules of each university.
- There won’t usually be an upper age limit unless mentioned by the institution in their rules.
- Students wishing to attend universities using entrance exams must also get at least the minimum score in the proper test or appear on the merit list’s cut-off list.
BA Entrance Exams 2025
The BA course entrance exams are mentioned in the table below:
BA Colleges in India
There are several Indian Colleges providing BA courses. A few of them are listed below:
BA Admission Process 2025
The BA Admission process is mostly based on merit. Students must check the eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application. The step-wise admission process of St Xavier’s College, Kolkata is mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of SXC Kolkata, and click on UG admissions.
- Step 2: Choose your preferred programme, and fill in necessary personal and qualification details.
- Step 3: Make the online application payment either through debit, credit card or netbanking.
- Step 4: Candidates are requested to download their application form for future assistance.
- Step 5: The college prepares a merit list based on the scores of 10+2.
- Step 6: Candidates are required to pay the first installment fees to secure their seat.
Documents Required for admission:
- Mark sheets
- Identity proof
- Signature
- Passport-sized photographs
BA Syllabus
The BA course syllabus comprises various subjects, and is divided into six-semesters. The syllabus of St Xavier’s College Kolkata is provided below:
BA Job Opportunities in India
BA course graduates can work in the public and private sector both. The table below discusses their various job profiles:
BA FAQs
What is the difference between a BA general course and a BA hons degree?
The difference is the knowledge gained. A BA Hons degree provides in-depth knowledge about one subject, while a BA course may provide more information, but it may not be in-depth. Moreover, a BA Hons is preferred by employers and academic institutes too.
Can I pursue a BA course from online distance mode?
Yes, All over India, IGNOU and many other open universities provide BA courses via distance education. This provides flexibility to students.
What are the government job opportunities after a BA Political Science degree?
Students can work with the Indian national or state government after this course. They must appear for the different government exams. They can write UPSC, SSC, Railways, and other such exams.
Do you have to do practicals or take part in projects as part of the BA curriculum?
Although there are no laboratory sessions, students are expected to perform research projects, give presentations, carry out fieldwork and write their dissertations according to the program.