What is History?
The study of facts, events, individuals and society in the past is known as History. Right from the time man realized what it is like to walk on land to creating aeroplanes, history is capturing incidents, inventions, discoveries which developed the society we live in. There are many sub-branches to history. A person who studies pre-history through things that have been left behind by ancient cultures is Archaeology. The study of using sources and methods to study the past is known as Histography. History covers all the events, right from how the Big Bang happened, to the extinction of Dinosaurs, from Alexander the Great’s vast empire to World War II.
History is divided into three branches:
- Ancient History: The branch covers to the past events dating back to the beginning of writing and recording of events, incidents, discoveries and innovations. The study of Ancient History extends as far as post-classical history. This branch covers all continents inhabited by humans in the period of 3000 BC to AD 500. This involves the study of Greek History, Western History and much more.
- Medieval History: This branch covers historic events which happened between the Ancient Period and Modern Period, which expands from the 6th to the 14th centuries. People learn about the Mughal Empire, to British colonized India, the history of China to the Gupta Empires.
- Modern History: This branch deals with history which has been coming down from the 15th century onwards. This covers the empires, rules to the world wars to democracy to the industrial revolution. There are World History and Indian History under this branch.Â
Similar Subjects to History
Subjects similar to History are given below:
History Courses Offered
Various programmes or courses under History stream are given below:
| Course |
Duration |
|---|---|
| BA in Ancient History |
3 Years |
| BA in Ancient Indian Culture |
3 Years |
| BA in Ancient Indian History and Archeology |
3 Years |
| BA History |
3 Years |
| BA (Hons) History |
3 Years |
| BEd History |
2 Years |
| MA in Ancient Indian History |
2 Years |
| MA Ancient History |
2 Years |
| MA Ancient Indian History and Archeology |
2 Years |
| MA History of Art |
2 Years |
| MA History |
2 Years |
| MPhil History |
2 Years |
| PhD Ancient History |
2 Years |
| PhD History (Medieval and Modern) |
2 Years |
| PhD History |
2 Years |
| Planning to study Humanities in India? Find useful insights on student preferences for colleges, locations and more. |
History: Eligibility Criteria
Students who are interested in pursuing a course in any programme in History, need to meet the eligibility criteria set by universities. The common eligibility criteria are as follows:
- BA History: Students need to have done their Class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate. Students from a Humanities background, are generally given more preference. However, some universities allow students from any stream to apply for admission.
- MA History: The candidate should have done their graduation from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate. The student should have done their BA (Hons), BA Programme with History as a major/minor or any similar related subject.
- MPhil: Students who want to pursue their MPhil in History, should hold a master's degree in History. The candidate should have also secured a minimum of 55% aggregate in their Master’s from a recognised college.
- PhD: If a student wants to pursue a doctoral degree in History, the candidate should hold a master’s degree from a recognized university and should clear UGC-NET.
History Admission Process
- Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities that offer a programme in History of your interest. Check the fees, the seats offered and eligibility criteria which is set for the course.
- Apply for Course: You will first have to apply online on the official website of the university which is offering the programme/course. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee, it can be through any of the available modes. The application forms are generally available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.
- Mode of Admission: Universities and colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate, MPhil and PhD programmes, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam in most cases.
- Results: Qualified candidates who make it to the merit list will be offered admission. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage to be eligible for admission if it is an entrance exam.
- Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.
Employment Areas after History Programme
Given below are the various fields one can opt for after completion of the programme:
| Academic Researcher |
Archivist |
| Heritage Manager |
Historic Building Inspector |
| Museum Education Officer |
Archaeologist |
| Anthropologist |
Historian |
| Librarian |
School Teacher |
| Lecturer |
College Professor |
| Adviser |
Supervisor |
| Consultant |
Information Officer |
| Journalist |
Civil Service Administrator |
| Policy Officer |
Solicitor |
| Writer/Editor |
Business Consultant |
Top Entrance Exams for History
Tabulated below are the top entrance examinations through which one can take admissions to the History programmes:
History Related FAQs
Q. What are the specialisations offered in MA History?
A. The specialisations offered in MA History are as follows:
- Ancient History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
Q. Can I get a job after BA History?
A. Yes. There are various opportunities, however, it is advisable to pursue your higher studies in order to learn more and get a clearer perspective about the subject.
Q. How do I get admission to MA History at JNU?
A. Students will have to first apply online on the official website of JNU-NTA. Candidates will have to appear for the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE). Candidates who clear the written exam will have to appear for a Personal Interview (PI). Candidates who clear the two rounds are offered admission to the course.
Q. I have done BA Sociology, am I eligible for MA History?
A. Yes. The candidate is eligible as they should have done their BA in History or any similar discipline.
Q. Can I pursue Archaeology after BA History?
A. Yes. As Archeology is a part of History and deals with Ancient History and Medieval History, students can pursue MA in Archaeology, which is offered by various universities and colleges.
Q. Can I pursue a Diploma in History?
A. There are very few colleges which offer a Diploma in History. There are certificate courses which are offered on the field’s specialisation such as Ancient History and Medieval History.
Q. Are History courses available online?
A. Yes. There are colleges, institutes which are affiliated to the UGC which offer online certificate courses such as IGNOU and St. Xavier’s College.
Q. What are the requirements to become a History teacher?
A. The candidate should have done their bachelor’s in History and then have to pursue their BEd. In their BEd course, students are trained to become teachers.
Popular History Colleges in India
Jamia Millia Islamia [JMI]
Jamia Nagar, DelhiSt. Xavier's College, Mumbai
Mahapalika Marg, MumbaiSJC Bangalore - St. Joseph's College
Lalbagh Rd., BangalorePopular Private History Colleges in India
GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hyderabad
Patancheru, HyderabadSAM Global University
BhopalTop Rated Courses
Courses
- M.A. in Public PolicyJindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University
- B.A. (Hons.) in Global AffairsJindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University
- B.A. (Psychology, Journalism, Optional English)AIMS Institutes
- B.A. in HindiBFIT Group of Institutions
- M.A. in Applied PsychologyGITAM University, Visakhapatnam
- BBA (Hons.) with Global Qualification ACCA, UKAmrut Mody School of Management
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in GeographyAdamas University
- B.A. (Hons.) in Applied PsychologyAmity University, Mumbai
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishFaculty of Media Studies and Humanities, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
- B.Sc (Hons.) in Applied PsychologyThe Neotia University
Popular History UG Courses in India
UG Courses
- BA
14128 Colleges
- BA ( Hons )
1245 Colleges
- BSc
474 Colleges
- BLibISc
282 Colleges
- UG Diploma
273 Colleges
Popular History PG Courses in India
PG Courses
- MA
4996 Colleges
- MSW
529 Colleges
- MSc
275 Colleges
- PG Diploma
253 Colleges
- MLibISc
178 Colleges
Popular History Specializations in India
Popular Specializations
- Ancient History
71 Colleges
News & Updates
Comments
Well, you should go for journalism and mass communication. It has wide future along with your better communication skills. I can recommend you one college with excellent academic experience. PCTE group of institutes Ludhiana, Punjab.
It also depend on your future goal. What is your purpose of studying a particular stream along with interest. B.A. Geography is good for completion and career in teaching. You can also explore on B.A. LL.B. In which you will get opportunities to study these subject along law. Best wishes.
l
2021-03-23 09:56:26
Why is the 23rd of March history famous in India?
On March 23, the three freedom fighters- Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar (whose names are known by every Indian resident) were hanged to death by Britishers. Therefore, in order to homage to the three of these revolutionaries, India has commemorated March 23 as Shaheed Diwas.
S
2021-03-08 11:22:02
Can i apply for BA (Hons.) In history after doing diploma in electrical engineering?
The eligibility criteria of B.A. Hons. History of DU is given below.Eligibility : A candidate who seeks admission in B.A Hons. courses at Delhi University are required to have completed Class 12 or an equivalent exam with a minimum marks or more as specified for his/her category.1. An aggregate o...The eligibility criteria of B.A. Hons. History of DU is given below.
Eligibility : A candidate who seeks admission in B.A Hons. courses at Delhi University are required to have completed Class 12 or an equivalent exam with a minimum marks or more as specified for his/her category.
1. An aggregate of 55% marks or more in either English or any one of scheduled languages from List A1, and a combination of best three other subjects from elective subjects of Lists A and B.
2. Out of the best three, chosen above, one must be the concerned subject in which admission is sought, failing which a deduction of 1% will be imposed on the aggregate of the Best Four. However, this deduction will not be applicable for admission in Philosophy (Hons).
3. Inclusion of any subject other than those given in Lists A and B in the best three will lead to a deduction of 2.5% per subject on the aggregate of the Best Four.
So from above Diploma in Electrical Engineering students are not eligible for the asked course.
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 49k Colleges
- 745 Exams
- 221k Reviews
- 750k Answers
R
2021-03-25 10:37:38
I'm (arts)student going to appear board exam I am interested in psychology, history, geography and tourism, which degree should I go for?
Reply to Roma Sewa