Bachelor of Arts Honors, or BA Hons, is a three-year undergraduate degree that focuses on providing in-depth knowledge about subjects such as English, Psychology, Sociology, History, or Political Science.
A BA Hons degree is useful as it often paves the way for further studies such as an MA or a PhD in a specialized field. It is ideal for students who are curious and want to understand the social world better.
The admission process to the BA Hons programme is simple. Students are required to have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board, with a minimum of 45% marks obtained. No mandatory subject combination is required for BA Hons. A few Universities in India conduct their own entrance examinations for admission to this programme, while others are merit-based.
After having completed a BA Hons in a specific subject, students have a pool of career choices to choose from. Moreover, students can also pursue higher education or appear for government examinations. Students can pursue degrees such as MA Political Science, MA Psychology, MA Sociology, etc. They can pursue job roles in both private and public sector. Depending upon the subject chosen by the candidate, students can work as writers, teachers, professors, researchers, etc.
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BA Hons Eligibility Criteria
To gain admission to a BA Hons course, students must meet the eligibility criteria. Below, the eligibility criteria for admission to the BA Hons course are outlined:
- Passed class 10th and 12th with 50% marks from recognised boards.
- Candidates need to qualify for entrance examinations such as CUET-UG, AMI EE, JMI EE, MRNAT, and Christ University ET.
- Candidates must be above 17 years of age.
- Students belonging to the reserved category will be eligible for certain relaxations.
- Although a subject combination is not mandatory, prior knowledge of the subject the candidate is interested in is preferred.
BA Hons Entrance Exams 2025
Admission to the BA Hons programme is either based on entrance examination or merit. Students need to obtain a valid percentage to gain admission to the course. These entrance examinations may either be national level, state level or university-specific. Below is a comprehensive list:
National Exams
Several Indian Universities accept scores of national-level entrance examinations.
State Exams
There are state-level entrance examinations that are accepted for a BA Hons degree. A few of these state examinations are:
University Exams
Certain Universities conduct their entrance examinations. These have been listed below
BA Hons Admission Process 2025
The Admission process for BA Hons 2024 varies by university. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria before applying for admission. The step-by-step admission process for admission to Amity University, Noida, has been provided below:
- Step 1: Candidates need to visit the official website of Amity University Noida and click on the ‘Apply Now’ option.
- Step 2: The candidates need to fill out the application form with the required personal details and submit the form. Candidates need to provide their name, contact details, and address. Along with this, they need to submit their qualification details and scores of the entrance test.
- Step 3: The application fee can be paid using either online mode of payment, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Step 4: The university’s admission committee will select the students as per their past academic performance and total seats available for intake.
- Step 5: The selected candidates will receive confirmation from the university selection committee through email or call.
- Step 6: Selected candidates will then have to pay the admission fee to enroll in the course. This way, they secure their seat for the programme.
- Step 7: After that, candidates will join the new academic session for BA Hons Political Science.
Documents Required
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Transfer and migration certificates
- Passport-size photographs
- Photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
- Caste or category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile and medical certificates (if required)
Top Colleges for BA Hons
The reputed Indian colleges providing BA Hons degree are reflected in the table below:
BA Hons Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects are taught in a BA Hons degree?
Depending on the specific subject chosen by the student in BA Hons, the subjects are taught. For example, in a BA Honors Political Science degree, subjects like International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory are taught. On the other hand in BA Honors Geography, subjects such as climate change, sustainable development, and environmental geography are taught.
Can a BA Honours course be pursued in a distance learning online format?
Yes. A candidate can pursue a BA (H) degree in a distance learning format. The course is primarily focused on descriptive knowledge, which can be taught in an online environment. Many universities provide the BA Honours degree in an online learning mode.
What are the job opportunities available after graduation from a BA Hons course?
After completing a BA Hons course, students have a wide range of employment opportunities available. This also depends on the subject they have chosen. In general, students can work as teachers, research assistants, journalists, content writers, or even start their own business.
What are the government examinations that a student can appear for after completing the course?
Students can appear for several government examinations. Two of the most popular government examinations are the UPSC examination and the NET JRF. They can also sit for state-level public service examinations.
What is the syllabus for the entrance examinations for BA Hons?
The syllabus for the entrance examination tests the students' aptitude and knowledge for the course. Depending on their preferred subject, students can prepare the syllabus. For example, for the entrance examination for BA (H) Psychology, subjects such as introductory psychology, research methodologies, and various branches of psychology, like social, developmental, and cognitive psychology, are covered.
What is the difference between a BA and a BA Hons degree?
A BA and a BA Hons degree are different, although they sound the same. A BA Hons degree offers specialization, and provides in-depth knowledge about the subject matter. On the other hand, a BA degree provides knowledge on many subjects but is not in-depth. It is wiser to pursue a BA Hons degree as it increases the chances of employability.
