BA History: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Bhavya JainContent Author
A BA History or Bachelor of Arts is a 3 year long UG degree course focused on the past events, cultures, and human civilizations. The course curriculum covers topics related to ancient & modern history, cultural transformations, world history, and more.
With decent Class 12 scores from a recognized board, any student can get admission to a BA in History course in India. Some colleges also require National level (like CUET) or University level (like Symbiosis SET) exams.
There are more than 3,300 Humanities colleges in India providing a BA degree in History. The average BA History fees ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 43 Lakh. DU colleges like Hindu College, Miranda House, Hansraj College are some of the most popular choices for this course.
After a BA History course, you can explore career options like Journalist, Historian, Content Writer, Archaeologist, Teacher, etc. The average salary of a Field Archaeologist is around 6 LPA.
It offers a great educational experience with many benefits. You can study past events, cultures, and societies, and learn how historical topics build current global issues.
Know more about -
- BA History Course Details
- How to Apply to BA History Course
- Top BA History Entrance Exams
- BA History Admission Process
- BA History Syllabus
- Best BA History Colleges in India
- Popular Private BA History Colleges in India
- BA History Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
- BA History Course FAQs
- Popular BA History Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
- Most Popular Courses
BA History Course Details
BA History is good for students who are interested in human history and might also want to go into academia to teach this subject themselves.
A BA in History course can also build a strong base for students who are interested in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, NDA, etc.
The following table shows key BA History course details:
|
Particulars |
Course Details |
|---|---|
|
BA History Course Level |
Undergraduate |
|
BA History Course Duration |
3 Years |
|
BA History Eligibility Criteria |
Class 12 with at least 60% marks from a recognized board. |
|
BA History Admission Criteria |
Merit and Entrance exam-based |
|
BA History Entrance Exams |
CUET, LPU NEST, etc. |
|
Top BA History Colleges |
Delhi University, St. Xavier's College, Loyola College, Madras Christian College, Kristu Jayanti University, Stella Maris College, etc. |
|
BA History Course Fees |
INR 1,000 - INR 43 Lakh |
|
BA History Jobs |
Journalist, Historian, Content Writer, Archaeologist, Teacher, etc. |
|
Top BA History Recruiters |
ICHR, UNESCO, Archaeological Survey of India, International Embassy, etc. |
|
Average BA History Salary |
INR 3 - 4 LPA |
When applying for a BA History, you should check the basic eligibility criteria, choose your college carefully after thorough consideration. You should also be ready with and keep copies of basic documents like Aadhar Card, marksheets, etc.
Yes, you can still apply for a BA History even if your class 12th result is awaited. You will be under provisional admission. This means you will have to submit a passing certificate once the result is out.
How to Apply to BA History Course
BA History course application procedure may vary from one college/ university to another. Make sure you are eligible for the course before you apply to this program.
You may be required to pass the entrance exams for BA History course.
- Some National level entrance exams that are very common include CUET and SAT India as they provide you one ticket to multiple government and private universities.
- There are many private universities offering their own University level entrance exams such as LPU NEST, GAT, Symbiosis SET, etc.
BA History Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for a BA in History course is mostly same for all universities and colleges but you should check the website of the university/college for any other information.
Following is the table showing basic eligibility for BA History:
|
Eligibility Criteria
|
Details
|
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualifications
|
Class 12 or equivalent from any stream (Arts/ Humanities/ Science/ Commerce) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 or equivalent exam.
|
| Entrance Exams | CUET, LPU NEST, AMU Entrance, etc., scores. |
|
Age Limit
|
No official age limit
|
It is a 3-year-long course divided into 6 equal semesters. The first year is all about theory. From the second year, field visits and internships start.
The best stream for BA History is Humanities. It gives you a strong base of the subject and prepares your basic knowledge to delve deeper into the subject. Foundational History is taught in India starting from class 6th up till Class 10th. This is mandatory for all students.
Top BA History Entrance Exams
Admission to BA History course colleges can be based on either class 12th scores or on entrance exam scores. As discussed above, there are two types of entrance exams available for this course. The tables below explain the type of exams and some popular entrance exams for the BA History course.
The data for all tables has been taken from official sources and can change.
National Level Exams: BA History
National level exams are tough to crack. They are highly competitive, but they get you admission in the best colleges India has to offer.
The following table shows a list of National level exams available for BA History course:
|
Exam |
Description |
Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
The Common University Entrance Test is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted by NTA for UG and PG courses at participating central, state, deemed and private universities in India |
||
|
This exam is widely used for undergraduate admissions in the US, global universities, and many prominent Indian institutions |
University Level Exams: BA History
There are so many private colleges in India offering BA History course. Some colleges accept students on the basis of class 12th scores or national level exam scores, but some colleges conduct their own entrance exams. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Chandigarh University are some examples.
The following table shows a list of University Level exams for BA History course:
|
Exam |
Description |
Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Symbiosis Entrance Exam is for entrance in UG courses at all Symbiosis Institutes |
||
|
GITAM Admission Test is a CBT exam for entry into various UG and PG courses at GITAM Deemed to be University |
||
|
Sharda University Admission Test is annual entrance exam offered in both offline and online modes |
||
|
LPU National Entrance and Scholarship Test, conducted by Lovely Professional University is for UG courses |
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 15 Sep ' 26 - 30 Nov ' 26 | IIAD 2027 - Application Round 1 ONGOING |
| 30 Oct ' 26 | CGCUET 2026 Registration Last Date |
| Nov ' 26 | GITAM GAT 2027 registration for phase 1 TENTATIVE |
| 07 Nov ' 26 | SAT India Exam (November) Attempt |
| Dec ' 26 | GITAM GAT 2027 exam date phase 1 TENTATIVE |
| 02 Dec ' 26 - 31 Dec ' 26 | IIAD 2027 - Application Round 2 |
| 05 Dec ' 26 | SAT India Exam (December) Attempt |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 07 Jun ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 4) |
| 03 May ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 3) |
| 01 Feb ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 2) |
CUET UG is a nationally administered entrance by NTA. It is for undergraduate admissions in participating institutes.
It is a unified platform to seek admission into undergraduate programs offered by leading colleges in India.
Annually, CUET exam spans over 500 cities in India and abroad, utilizing a computer-based mode. Examination is organized in multiple phases.
The maximum marks for the CUET UG exam are 250. Actual total marks you can score depend on number of subjects you choose.
For instance, the subject combination for B.Com at Allahabad University is English or Hindi, Accountancy/Book Keeping, and General Test. So, total marks will be 750.
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BA History Admission Process
Admission has a very easy step wise process. It is similar for almost all colleges. You are advised to check official website of the college before applying.
Candidates can see a detailed, step-wise BA History admission process below:
BA History Admission Process: Government Colleges
-
Ensure clearance of class 12th in any stream with passing marks at the least
-
Check application process for national level exams like CUET and other university level exams.
-
Clear entrance exams
-
Get documents verified during counseling process
-
Confirm your seat after paying tuition fees
BA History Admission Process: Private Colleges
-
Ensure clearance of class 12th in any stream with at least passing marks
-
Check application process for the colleges you want to apply to
-
Clear entrance exams, if any
-
Participate in counseling or interview rounds conducted by the university
-
If selected, Submit documents and pay the tuition fees to get a seat
BA History Syllabus
The syllabus of a BA History degree is vast and well-structured to include texts from different eras. The general BA History course syllabus has been mentioned below.
| BA History Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| History of India – From Earliest Times to 300 CE | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World |
| Introduction to History & Historiography | Ability Enhancement: English/MIL Communication |
| BA History Subjects Semester II | |
| History of India – 300 to 1200 CE | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World |
| Environmental Awareness or Public Speaking (AECC) | Generic Elective (Interdisciplinary paper) |
| BA History Subjects Semester III | |
| History of India – 1200 to 1750 CE | Rise of Modern West – I |
| Skill Enhancement Course (e.g., Archival Studies, Museum Curation) | Generic Elective Paper |
| BA History Subjects Semester IV | |
| History of India – 1750 to 1950 CE | Rise of Modern West – II |
| Skill Enhancement Course | Generic Elective Paper |
| BA History Subjects Semester V | |
| Modern Europe – 1789 to 1919 | Indian National Movement |
| Discipline-Specific Electives (e.g., History of Southeast Asia, African History) | Research Methodology |
| BA History Subjects Semester VI | |
| History of Contemporary India | World Politics and International Relations |
| Project Work/Dissertation | Elective Papers |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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You'll cover core subjects designed to give you a broad understanding of different historical periods and methods.
- Ancient History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
- World History
- Regional Studies
- Historical Methods
Know more about -
No, there's none. But you'll find some subjects in the syllabus that'll eventually lead to higher studies in those specific fields, like
- Modern History
- Ancient History
- Mediaeval History
- Social and Cultural History
- Historiography
Best BA History Colleges in India
You'll find more than 3,300 BA History colleges in India. These colleges include both government and private bodies. You can refer to this section for some top college options offering a full-time BA in History course.
Best BA History Government Colleges
More than 1,000 government History colleges in India offer a BA in History degree in multiple modes. Here are some of them.
| Best Government Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Government Arts College, Salem | INR 1,890 |
| Chikkanna Government Arts College | INR 2,020 |
| Government Victoria College | INR 3,150 |
| Government Arts and Science College, Meenchanda | INR 3,150 |
| Rani Anna Government College For Women | INR 3,640 |
| Government Brennen College | INR 5,770 |
| Nizam College | INR 6,000 |
| Pachhunga University College | INR 9,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 39,500 |
| S.S. Jain Subodh PG College | INR 65,850 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
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Best DU Colleges for BA History
Many colleges under Delhi University offer a BA History course in a full-time mode. Here are some top University of Delhi college options.
| Best Government Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Hansraj College | INR 540 |
| Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College | INR 540 |
| Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College | INR 540 |
| Deshbandhu College | INR 2,340 |
| Miranda House | INR 19,010 - 19,090 |
| Kirori Mal College | INR 47,450 |
| Sri Venkateswara College | INR 65,560 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | INR 68,520 |
| Hindu College | INR 86,010 |
| Daulat Ram College | INR 95,250 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
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Best BA History Private Colleges
You'll find more than 700 private BA in History colleges in India for a full-time degree. Here are some of the top options among them.
| Best Private Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Vellalar College For Women | INR 2,100 |
| Ethiraj College for Women (Ethiraj) | INR 16,520 |
| St. Aloysius College Magaluru | INR 23,100 |
| Bon Secours College For Women | INR 26,000 |
| St. Xavier's College Kolkata | INR 74,600 |
| Stella Maris College | INR 75,000 |
| Loyola College | INR 79,320 |
| Women's Christian College | INR 1.35 Lakh |
| Mount Carmel College | INR 1.58 Lakh - 2.72 Lakh |
| Kristu Jayanti University | INR 2.1 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Some of the best college options for a BA History Hons are here. Take a look -
| Best BA History Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Nizam College | INR 6,000 |
| Pachhunga University College | INR 9,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 39,500 |
| S.S. Jain Subodh PG College | INR 65,850 |
| Hindu College | INR 86,010 |
| Daulat Ram College | INR 95,250 |
| Mount Carmel College | INR 1.58 Lakh - 2.72 Lakh |
| St. Xavier's College Kolkata | INR 74,600 |
| Kristu Jayanti University | INR 2.1 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
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Some best college options you can explore are here. They conduct entrance exams or accept their scores. So, there are chances you can get admission based on the entrance system.
| Best BA History Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Nizam College | INR 6,000 |
| Pachhunga University College | INR 9,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 39,500 |
| S.S. Jain Subodh PG College | INR 65,850 |
| Hindu College | INR 86,010 |
| Daulat Ram College | INR 95,250 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Know more about -
Popular Private BA History Colleges in India
History Applications open. Apply Now
BA History Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
BA History course graduates have so many job options because of the flexible skill set that comes from BA History courses. Some students choose a more conventional career in fields like research or academics, but students also find success in a variety of other sectors that value analytical ability, communication skills, and critical thinking.
BA History Salary and Jobs in India
BA History course graduates are welcomed by the government, private, and business sectors in positions that have been mentioned below.
|
Job Profiles
|
Job Description
|
Average Salary
|
|---|---|---|
| Historians |
Historians can work in a range of institutions, including universities and government organisations, serving as think tanks. They frequently engage in an in-depth historical study and publish their findings in academic journals.
|
INR 4 LPA
|
|
Archivists
|
Archivists are in charge of collecting, preserving, and organizing historical material and other important data. They frequently have a background in History or a similar discipline and act as information professionals.
|
INR 5 LPA
|
|
Field Archaeologists
|
This job profile includes archaeological surveying and excavation at various important sites in order to locate any cultural remains and artefacts, and maintain accurate records.
|
INR 6 LPA
|
|
Journalists
|
Journalists with a History course background can write about historical events of importance for newspapers, periodicals, or websites. They can also act as producers or writers for historical documentaries or TV shows.
|
INR 4.6 LPA
|
|
Assistant Professors (History)
|
They work at the college/university level, where they teach and share their vast knowledge with the undergraduate and postgraduate students of History or a related discipline.
|
INR 5.9 LPA
|
Note - The salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
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Top BA History Recruiters
Here are some of the top companies after BA History courses that recruit graduates in various job profiles.
|
BA History Top Recruiters
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
The Times of India
|
Indian Council of Historical Research
|
UNESCO
|
|
The Indian Express
|
Ministry of Culture
|
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
|
|
ABP News
|
National Museum Institute, New Delhi
|
Archaeological Survey of India
|
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
You have many career options with a BA History degree.
- Teaching
- Research
- Museums and Archives
- Public History
- Cultural Heritage
- Publishing and Media
- Government and Nonprofits
- Business and Consulting
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Students can apply for jobs, however, it is advisable to continue with your further studies as History is mostly based on theoretical aspect. Through higher studies, one can narrow down on what course they would like to specialise in and then make a career in. In terms of graduate employment options, the BA History scope is one of the most diversified. The following are the employment options for BA History graduates
Job Profile | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
Historian | 7 LPA |
Auctioneer | 8.47 LPA |
Teacher | 2.9 LPA |
Archivist | 5 LPA |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
BA History Course FAQs
You can refer to this section for some frequently asked questions related to the BA History course.
There are a lot. You can choose a variety of career options after a BA History course. Education, museums, archives, heritage sites, and media are some of the common fields. You can become a historian, museum curator, archivist, or heritage manager. Your skills in research and writing can be valuable in public relations, journalism, and non-profit organizations.
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Of course you can. Some types of BA History courses that are available are here.
Types of BA History Courses | BA History Course Details |
Full-Time BA History Courses | These courses are among the most popular options opted by students. Students attend the lectures and seminars in the college premises. |
Distance BA History Courses | The students do not attend regular college in the Distance mode of BA History courses. They receive study materials and get access to the student portal. |
Online BA History Courses | An Online BA History Programme is for students who wish to pursue BA History courses without attending regular college or appearing for offline exams. |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
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It is very useful. History is a core subject in the UPSC Civil Services Exam. It will particularly give the General Studies knowledge.
A BA in History equips students with a deep understanding of historical events, patterns, and contexts, which is invaluable for the examination.
It helps with the build up of foundation competitive exam.
Yes, you can do BA in single subject in History. It itself offers various Specialization within the subject to pursue .
You can go for BA or You can go BA Honours in the same subject as to gain specialisation status in the same.
Popular BA History Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
224 Colleges
- Hindi
128 Colleges
- Ancient History
110 Colleges
- Public Administration
43 Colleges
- Mathematics
37 Colleges
- Sanskrit
30 Colleges
- Home Science
23 Colleges
- Urdu
19 Colleges
- Computer Science
11 Colleges
- Statistics
7 Colleges
Course Cutoffs
4
| College | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics | – / – | – / – | 94.67 |
| College | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi | – / – | 908.9 | 882.59 |
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.A. (History + Economics)Hansraj College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in HistoryHansraj College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (History, Political Science)Hindu College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in HistoryHindu College, University of Delhi
- B.A. in History and EconomicsMiranda House, University of Delhi
- B.A. in History and HindiMiranda House, University of Delhi
- B.A. in History and GeographyMiranda House, University of Delhi
- B.A. in History and EnglishMiranda House, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in HistoryMiranda House, University of Delhi
- B.A. in History and PhilosophyMiranda House, University of Delhi
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks ago
MA in History means Master of Arts in History. It is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the study of past events, societies, cultures, political developments and major changes across different periods. The course usually involves subjects such as ancient, medieval and modern history, historiograp
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
Yes, a BA History application can usually be submitted while the Class 12 result is still pending. The final eligibility is checked once the result is declared, so the required marks and subject conditions must be met. LPU also allows students to proceed with the application while awaiting their res
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a month ago
MA History courses have diverse fields with several specialisations. Each specialisation offers unique career opportunities in research and study. Listed below are some common specialisations offered in MA in History:
MA History Specializations | Description |
|---|---|
Ancient History | The period from 3000 BC to 500 AD is generally referred to as the Ancient period. This specialisation outlines the socio-cultural movements that transpired. |
Medieval History | The time from the fall of Rome around 5 AD to the rebirth of culture during the Renaissance in the 15th century AD is called the medieval period. |
Modern History | The study of the social, political, economic, scientific technical, and modern warfare after the 17th century is included in modern history. |
Theology | Theology is the study of religion. Studying the evolution of religious ideas and teachings as an implication of world events is covered in this specialization. |
Art History | Historians who specialize in Art History study the intentions of the artist as a mirror of the society around them. They also study the social and political influence of the artworks in different periods throughout history. |
B
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
When applying for a BA History, you should check the basic eligibility criteria, choose your college carefully after thorough consideration. You should also be ready with and keep copies of basic documents like Aadhar Card, marksheets, etc.
B
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
At DAV PG college, the admissions generally close around June/July. For the last date for admission, you must visit the application window of college.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, you can write the MA History exams in Hindi at Gautam Buddha University as the college permits the medium of writing in either English or Hindi.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. Project work carries 20 marks and is assessed in phases across the academic year, from topic selection and data collection to conclusion and a viva voce.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. Theme 11 in Part III covers Colonialism and Resistance Movements in the North East, with special focus on the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo resistance movements in Meghalaya.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The syllabus has three parts - Themes in Indian History Part I, II and III - covering 13 themes in total, plus map work, carrying 80 theory marks and 20 project marks.
S
Contributor-Level 10
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It is a UG degree focused on the study of past events and societies, and cultures. It covers topics related to ancient & modern history, cultural transformations, world history, and more. A lot of people study BA History at UG level to prep for Civil Services exams.