What is Ancient History: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope
Ancient History courses are offered at many academic levels such as Diploma, UG, PG and PhD in India. Ancient History as a field has links with other fields such as Cultural Studies, Archaeology, Political Science, Anthropology and Philosophy
The admission to Ancient History undergraduate courses are offered on the basis of merit in most colleges. While MA Ancient History, MPhil in Ancient History and PhD in Ancient History admissions are usually offered through entrance exams such as CUET PG and UGC NET.
Students who wish to study Ancient History can pursue Ancient History Courses in regular or distance mode of education.
The Ancient History Course Fee ranges from INR 432 to INR 1 Lakh. Some of the top colleges for pursuing Ancient History courses are Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and St. Xavier's College.
Latest Updates for Ancient History Course:
- CUET city intimation slip 2024: 30 April ’24 onwards
- UGC NET application form: April ’24 (Tentative)
Ancient History Course Highlights
Candidates can refer to the table below to have a quick glance at the details of Ancient History Course:
|
Ancient History Course Highlights |
|
|---|---|
|
Course Name |
Ancient History Courses |
|
Eligibility |
|
|
Duration |
|
|
Fee Range |
INR 432 to INR 1 Lakh |
|
Top Colleges |
|
|
Salary Range |
INR 4 LPA – INR 6 LPA (Historian) |
|
Job Scope |
Archivist, Curator, Teacher, Professor, Archaeologist |
|
Distance Colleges |
|
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
Top Recruiters |
Archaeological Survey of India, Research Centers, educational institutions |
- Why Pursue Ancient History Courses?
- Ancient History Course Eligibility Criteria
- Types of Ancient History Courses
- Ancient History Course Entrance Exams
- Ancient History Syllabus
- Top Ancient History Course Colleges
- Popular Private Ancient History Colleges in India
- Ancient History Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- Ancient History FAQs: 2024
- Popular Ancient History UG Courses
- Popular Ancient History PG Courses
Why Pursue Ancient History Courses?
There are several reasons due to which many candidates prefer to study Ancient History Course:
- The ancient history syllabus includes theoretical subjects, without any mathematical part. Hence, it is preferred by candidates who wish to pursue a course that does not have mathematics as a subject.
- The history graduates get the opportunity to work in national museums and the Archaeological Survey of India.
- History graduates can work in educational institutions as Social Science teachers, history teachers or history professors
Suggestion: It requires a PhD degree in History to become a history professor.
Ancient History Course Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility set by the university to get admission. Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility given in the table below:
|
Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Diploma in Ancient History |
Passed class 12th with at least 50% marks |
|
BA in Ancient History |
Completed Class 12th with at least 50% marks |
|
MA Ancient History |
Graduate with at least 50% marks |
|
PhD in Ancient History |
Completed Master’s degree with at least 50 % marks |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
The minimum requirement to become PGT is to have a master’s degree in relevant field along with B.Ed degree.
If a candidate has pursued Bachelor’s degree in a different field or B.Ed in Science, the candidate is still eligible for PGT History.
However, candidates are requested to check the detailed eligibility criteria of the concerned institute.
Types of Ancient History Courses
There are several courses related to ancient history in India. The candidates must note that the Bachelor of Ancient History or Master of Ancient History courses are not available in India.
Given below are some of the courses that have ancient history in its course curriculum:
|
Types of Ancient History Courses |
|
|---|---|
|
Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology |
M.A. in Ancient History |
|
B.A. in Ancient History |
PhD in Ancient History |
|
BA History |
Post Graduate Diploma in Museology |
|
B.A. (Hons.) in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology |
MA History and Archeology |
|
MPhil in Ancient History |
Certifications in Ancient History |
Popular Courses
- M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture and ArchaeologySt. Xavier's College, Mumbai
- B.A. in Ancient HistoryDeen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)Govt. J. Yoganandam Chhattisgarh College, Raipur
- B.A. in Ancient HistoryIswar Saran Degree College
- B.A. in Ancient HistoryJagat Taran Girls Degree College
- B.A. in Ancient HistoryChaudhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College, University of Allahabad
- M.A. in Ancient HistoryChaudhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College, University of Allahabad
The candidates who are interested in historical events and ancient civilizations can pursue various degrees. Some suggestions are as follows:
- B.A. in History
- B.A. in Ancient History
- M.A. in History
- M.A. in Ancient History
- MPhil in Ancient History
Ancient History Course Entrance Exams
For admission into Ancient History undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses and PhD, the candidates can write various national level entrance exams. A candidate can appear for more than one Ancient History course entrance exam.
Given below are some entrance exams for Ancient History course:
|
Ancient History Exam Schedule |
Ancient History Exam Schedule |
Ancient History Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) |
June 2024 (Tentative) |
|
|
Result: 13 Jul '24 |
||
|
15 May '24 - 31 May '24 |
Jun '26 | CPGET 2026 Notification TENTATIVE |
Jun '26 | CPGET 2026 Registration TENTATIVE |
Mar '26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
May '26 - Jun '26 | CUET 2026 Exam TENTATIVE |
Oct '25 | SAT Registration Deadline for November Test TENTATIVE |
13 Feb ' 24 - 14 Mar ' 24 | YCMOU March 2024 Exam |
9 Apr ' 23 - 13 Apr ' 23 | YCMOU June application form 2023 submission with ... |
CUET UG, or the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programs, is a nationally administered entrance examination facilitated by the NTA. Established in 2022, CUET UG holds prominence as a key entrance test for undergraduate admissions across various participating institutes.
This exam provides aspiring candidates with a unified platform to seek admission into undergraduate programs offered by leading colleges and universities across India. Conducted annually, the CUET exam spans over 500 cities in India and abroad, utilizing a computer-based mode.
The examination is organized in multiple phases, the number of which is contingent on the total registration of candidates for the entrance test.
Yes. There is a negative marking in the CUET exam. For each wrong answer, one mark is deducted. Negative marking will not be applicable in case of unattempted questions. The marking scheme as per NTA is given below.
i. Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5)
ii. Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1).
iii. Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0).
iv. If more than one option is found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options.
v. If all options are found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.
vi. If none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or a question is dropped, then all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5) marks.
According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.
Ancient History Syllabus
The candidates can refer to the Ancient History subjects mentioned below to get a general idea about what all is taught in Ancient History Course. The syllabus of ancient history has theoretical subjects which are covered across different semesters.
Ancient History Syllabus- UG
Candidates can find below Ancient History undergraduate course syllabus:
|
Ancient History Syllabus- UG First Year |
|
|---|---|
|
Early Cultures and Civilisations |
Outline of Ancient World Civilisations |
|
Political History of Ancient India |
History of Ancient India |
|
Ancient History Syllabus- UG Second Year |
|
|
Political History of Northern India |
Elements of Indian Archaeology |
|
Ancient History Syllabus- UG Third Year |
|
|
Political History of South India |
Ancient Indian Art & Architecture |
Ancient History Syllabus- PG
The syllabus of Ancient History in PG level is given below:
|
Ancient History Syllabus- PG First Year |
|
|---|---|
|
Indian Palaeography |
Ancient Indian Polity and Administration |
|
Ancient Indian Numismatics |
Elements of Indian Archaeology |
|
Ancient History Syllabus- PG Second Year |
|
|
Historiography- Indian and Western |
World History |
|
Religion and Philosophy |
Art and Architecture |
There are many good books on ancient history. Some of these are as follows:
Ancient History Books | Authors |
|---|---|
The History of the Ancient World: From the earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome | Susan Wise Bauer |
Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From | Tony Joseph |
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome | Mary Beard |
Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic | Tom Holland |
Meditations | Marcus Aurelius |
Republic | Plato |
Anabasis | Xenophon |
Top Ancient History Course Colleges
Ancient History courses can be pursued in various government and private colleges across India. Most of the below mentioned colleges offer ancient history courses in regular mode of education wherein, a student is expected to attend college regularly.
Top Ancient History Course Government Colleges
Here are some of the government colleges that offer ancient history course in various levels along with the total tuition fee:
|
Ancient History Government College |
Ancient History Government College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
9,530 |
|
|
432 |
|
|
23,530 |
|
|
3,650 |
|
|
3,000 – 68,000 |
Top Ancient History Course Private Colleges
Here are some of the private colleges that offer ancient history course in various levels along with the total tuition fee:
|
Ancient History Private College |
Ancient History Private College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
31,500 |
|
|
3,960 – 16,000 |
|
|
15,000 – 80,000 |
|
|
6,150 – 16,000 |
|
|
72,500 |
Ancient History Courses can be pursued in distance mode in India. This is a great option for many students who want to study ancient history without attending regular college. The candidates are advised to check if the college is recognised by UGC before taking admission in ancient history course in distance mode. The below mentioned colleges either provide ancient history as a specialisation or as a subject in their ancient history syllabus.
Here are some of the colleges in India that offer Ancient History courses in distance learning mode:
Ancient History Distance College | Ancient History Distance College Fees |
|---|---|
8,000 – 15,200 | |
18,000 | |
14,600 | |
2000 | |
13,350 |
Given below are some colleges that offer ancient history courses at low fees:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
432 | |
1,800 | |
2,400 – 2,520 | |
2,400 | |
3,520 |
Popular Private Ancient History Colleges in India
Ancient History Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
The candidates who complete Ancient History courses can be employed in various sectors in some well-known job profiles.
Ancient History Job Profiles
Given below is a list of Ancient History Job profiles along with a brief description and average annual salary:
|
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Archive Assistant |
Preserves historical articles and information |
4.5 LPA to 5.8 LPA |
|
Curator |
Responsible for the displays in museums and art galleries |
3 LPA |
|
Archeologist |
Recognises and studies historical sites and is also involved in excavation |
6 LPA |
|
History Teacher |
Teaches History as a subject in school |
4 LPA |
|
History Faculty |
Teaches History or related subjects in university or college |
7 LPA |
Ancient History Courses Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters of ancient history courses are given below in the table:
|
Ancient History Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
National Museums |
Archaeological Survey of India |
|
Public and Private Universities |
Research Centers |
|
Indian Council of Historical Research |
National Heritage Agencies |
Yes, one can become an anthropologist after completing a course in History.
Both Anthropology and history share some similarities in curriculum and areas of focus.
Many people become anthropologists after pursuing a degree in History.
The candidates must note that, it is important for them to pursue a course in anthropology to get better job prospects in the field.
Field work, research and internships often prove to be useful for candidates to get into the field of anthropology.
Archaeology and paleontology are inter-related fields. The professions of archaeologists and paleontologists are pursued by candidates who complete a degree in History or related fields.
Here are some of the differences between an archaeologist and paleontologist:
Archaeologist | Paleontologist |
|---|---|
Is concerned with the study of ancient humans and their ways of life | Is concerned with the study of all ancient animals excluding human beings |
Artefacts are the main source for studying | Fossils are the main source for studying |
Ancient History FAQs: 2024
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Ancient History:
History and Archaeology are closely linked subjects. However, there are some major differences between the two.
Candidates can refer to the table below to understand the difference between History and Archaeology:
History | Archaeology |
|---|---|
History as a field is based on authentic facts. | Whereas, Archaeology is not authentic. |
History is not a cross discipline. | Archaeology is a cross discipline. |
History can be supported by written records. | Archaeology is not concerned with written records. |
There are four major ancient civilizations in the world which are known to have links with the present day modern civilizations. These are as follows:
Name of the Civilization | Location |
|---|---|
Mesopotamia | West Asia |
Egypt | West Asia |
Indus valley | South Asia |
China | East Asia |
Popular Ancient History UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.A.
57 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
8 Colleges
- UG Diploma
1 College
Popular Ancient History PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.A.
49 Colleges
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Ancient History is a subfield of History. In this field you will learn about the people, culture, societal structure and economic composition of ancient societies. Ancient History time period is around 3000 BC to 500 AD. This time period may vary for a specific culture or geographical region depending on the availability of artefacts. Other fields of History include Medieval History and Modern History. Art and Culture is a significant part in the study of Ancient History. Hope this helps