MA Ancient History: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

MA Ancient History or the Master of Arts in Ancient History is a 2-year PG program designed for aspiring historians and archaeologists. It is a comprehensive and advanced field of study in Ancient History that allows students to explore and analyze various components of the same, including the traditions, societies, civilizations, monuments and culture that existed at the time, utilizing key archaeological research studies and evidence.

The 2-year Ancient History degree is offered by only a few Indian colleges, like Jawaharlal Nehru University, Digvijai Nath Post Graduate College, and K.P. Uccha Shiksha Sansthan Jhalwa Prayagraj, being the most prominent ones. The average course fee ranges between INR 864 to INR 11,898.

The eligibility criteria for the course is primarily determined on merit basis, requiring candidates to have a minimum of 50% in a bachelor's degree completed in archaeology, history, or related fields, however, certain colleges also consider entrance exam scores to assess and determine the same, with CUET PG being the only state-level entrance exam accepted for the program.

MA Ancient History graduates can pursue a variety of job opportunities, including Research Assistant, Archaeological Assistant, Historian, Archivist, Journalist, History Professor, Heritage Consultant, and more, with entry-level salaries ranging from INR 2-4.5 LPA and experienced professional salaries ranging from INR 10-20 LPA.

MA Ancient History Highlights Table

Listed below are the major highlights of the 2-year MA Ancient History course:

What is MA Ancient History?

MA Ancient History is a 2-year postgraduate program belonging to the liberal arts field of study. The course curriculum can be described as theory-intensive and holistic, covering topics such as Ancient History of India, Epigraphy, Historiography, the economic and cultural significance of historical events, social systems, techniques of art, sculptures, etc.

During the 2-year course study, learners are taught to explore, analyze, and differentiate between diverse structures, methodologies, ideologies and techniques of the past from the present, by utilising various archaeological evidence and research studies.

The primary goal of this specialized program is to provide students with a solid understanding of ancient history from a comprehensive social, political, and economic perspective. This is done to equip them with competent critical analysis and research skills, as well as an advanced level of historiographical awareness.

Know More: MA Archaeology

Why Study MA Ancient History?

Undoubtedly, a Master's in Ancient History is not one of the most popular degrees in India, owing to its extremely theoretical and monotonous curriculum. Nonetheless, the following are some incredible reasons for pursuing this advanced and specialized course of ancient history, making it a superb option for study, with numerous opportunities:

• Creative and unique career options: MA Ancient History graduates can explore multiple innovative, creative and intriguing careers across a variety of job roles, such as journalist, tour guide, historian, archaeologist, cultural consultant, and more.
• Cultural preservation opportunities: MA Ancient History graduates are highly employable in a variety of job roles in archaeological industries. Working in such industries allows them to effectively contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Government job opportunities: Over the years, the Indian government has been deeply committed to preserving the national and ancient culture and heritage of India. As a result, a large number of government jobs are readily available for MA Ancient History graduates with reputable organizations such as the Archaeological Survey of India, the National Archives, etc.

Who should study an MA in Ancient History?

Despite being regarded as an ideal degree for aspiring historians and archaeologists, the 2-year MA Ancient History can also be considered as an appropriate degree for individuals with the following characteristics:

• The ones who hold a bachelor's degree in Archaeology, History or related fields.
• Professionals in this field are seeking to move ahead in their careers through advanced education.
• Individuals looking to transition to the history, archaeology or related industry.
• Research enthusiast who wishes to pursue a PhD in Ancient History or related subjects.

MA Ancient History Eligibility Criteria

As a postgraduate degree course in the liberal arts discipline, the majority of Indian colleges admit students to the MA Ancient History program based on their bachelor's degree scores, with only a few using entrance exams to determine candidates’ eligibility for the same. Here's a thorough breakdown of the conditions of these eligibility criteria:

• Merit-Based: The candidate must have a minimum of 50% score in a bachelor’s degree completed in Archaeology, History or a related field from a recognised board.
• Entrance Based: The candidate must qualify the relevant entrance exam (CUET PG) and must also satisfy the basic merit criteria (a minimum of 50% in a bachelor’s degree completed in Archaeology, History or a related field from a recognised board).

MA Ancient History Entrance Exams 2025

While the majority of Indian colleges only prefer merit-based admissions for the MA Ancient History course, a few offer entrance-based admissions as well, with the CUET PG serving as the primary and only state-level entrance exam used to assess a candidate's eligibility. The major details of this exam are as follows:

MA Ancient History Colleges in India

In India, only a few colleges offer the exclusive MA Ancient History program with the majority preferring to offer it with other specializations such as Archaeology, Medieval History, or Indian Culture. The table below lists the details of the only prominent colleges that offer this course:

MA Ancient History Admission Process 2025

In India, the MA Admission Process for the Ancient History course is quite basic and direct, requiring the completion of an application form with relevant personal and academic information, submission of the necessary documents and the payment of a non-refundable registration fee. The step-by-step instruction to this process at Digvijai Nath Post Graduate College is provided below:

Step 1: The candidate is required to register at the official admission portal of the college by visiting “onlinednpgcollege.org”. The candidate can begin his/her registration by clicking on the “New Registration” option on the website.

Step 2: The candidate is required to provide his/her relevant personal and academic history information and must also upload the scanned copies of all the documents asked in the format prescribed on the admission portal.

Step 3: Once the registration is complete, the candidate will receive a registration number that he/she can use to pay the non-refundable registration fee.

Step 4: To pay the registration fee, the candidate must click on the “registration fee payment” option and must enter the registration number and date of birth to proceed. He/She can pay the fee using a Debit Card/ Credit Card/ Net Banking.

Step 5: Once the fee is paid, the registration will be considered complete, and the registration form will be submitted to the college. The college will then review the applications and will shortlist individuals based on their bachelor's degree scores.

Step 6: The candidate must wait for the university to release merit lists, and once that is released, the candidates can look for his/her name in the list. If they are selected for the course, they will be required to visit the college campus for physical verification of their academic documents.

Step 7: Once the physical verification is successful, the candidate is asked to pay the first semester course fee to confirm his/her admission to the course and receive a final admission letter.

Documents Required:

• 10th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
• 12th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
• School Leaving Certificate
• Bachelor’s Marksheet
• Bachelor’s Passing Certificate
• Provisional Certificate
• Coloured Passport Size Photographs
• Caste Certificate (If applicable)
• Identity Proof issued by the government (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Passport etc.)

MA Ancient History Syllabus

As a theory-intensive course of study, the MA Ancient History syllabus offers a wide range of multidisciplinary topics designed to provide in-depth insights into the various aspects and components of ancient history. The course syllabus at Jawaharlal Nehru University is presented below for your reference.

MA Ancient History Job Opportunities in India

MA Ancient History, being a specialised and advanced degree in the subject of history, allows graduates to explore job opportunities in sectors concerned with the exploration, analysis, and preservation of Indian history and culture. Some of the top career opportunities in this industry include:

MA Ancient History FAQs