BA History Syllabus & Subjects 2025

BA History syllabus and subjects 2025 encompass a wide range of historical events, civilisations, and sociopolitical processes from ancient to present. Bachelor of Arts in History (BA History) is a three-year undergraduate degree that explores historical events, civilisations, cultures, and societies from ancient to modern times. It develops analytical, research, and critical thinking skills while deepening an understanding of historical processes and their impact on the present. Students must have completed their Class 12 board examination from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate of 50% to be eligible for a Bachelor's degree in History.

BA History syllabus 2025 covers a broad range of historical events, civilisations, and socio-political developments from ancient to modern times. It includes core subjects like Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, World History, and European History (1450-1945). Students explore topics like economic history, political movements, and cultural transformations. Electives may include archaeology, gender history, military history, and environmental history. The course emphasises research, critical analysis, and historical interpretation. By studying various historical sources, students develop a deep understanding of past societies and their influence on contemporary issues, preparing them for careers in education, research, administration, and heritage management.

Have a look at the BA History syllabus and subjects overview given below: 

The syllabus for the first year of BA History is outlined in the table below. It includes various core subjects that form the foundation of the curriculum.

BA History First Year Syllabus Semester-Wise 2025

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus semester-wise that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus Semester-Wise 2025

Below is a brief of the BA syllabus semester-wise that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus Semester-Wise 2025

Tabulated below is a quick breakdown of the syllabus you will study in the third year when pursuing a BA:

Note: The syllabus may differ from University to University.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History typically covers a wide range of subjects that explore historical events, civilisations, and cultural transformations across time. While the core subjects may vary slightly depending on the university, the following are the BA History core subjects.:

1. Ancient History – Study of early civilisations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, Greece, and Rome.
2. Medieval History – Covers the medieval period, including feudalism, the rise of Islam, the European Renaissance, and Indian medieval empires (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire).
3. Modern History – Examines global transformations, industrial revolutions, colonialism, and world wars.
4. Indian History – A chronological study from ancient, medieval, to modern India, including British rule and the freedom struggle.
5. World History – Major events such as the French Revolution, American Revolution, World Wars, Cold War, and globalisation.
6. Historiography – The study of historical methods, sources, and perspectives in writing history.
7. Economic and Social History – Focuses on economic structures, trade, agriculture, and social reforms across different periods.
8. Political History – Evolution of political systems, governance, and leadership in different countries.
9. Cultural and Religious History – Study of art, architecture, literature, and religious movements.
10. History of Science & Technology – The impact of scientific and technological advancements on civilisations.

The following table consists of the BA History syllabus and subjects that are taught during the duration of course. The table also indicates the particular topics that are taught under the specific BA History course subjects.

 BA History Discipline Specific Elective Subjects

Candidates can have a glance at the discipline-specific electives of the BA History course, which are provided here.

·         History of the United States of America -I (C. 1776 -1945)

·         History of the United States of America -II (C. 1776 - 1945)

·         History of the USSR-I (c. 1917- 1964)

·         History of the USSR-II (c. 1917- 1964)

·         History of Africa (c. 1500 - 1960s)

·         History of Latin America (c. 1500 - 1960s)

·         History of Southeast Asia-The 19TH Century

·         History of Southeast Asia-The 20TH Century

·         History of Modern East Asia-I (c.1840-1919)

·         History of Modern East Asia-II (c. 1868-1945)

BA History General Elective Subjects

The general elective papers of BA History are provided here.

·         Environmental Issues in India

·         Research methodology in History

·         Making contemporary India

·         Delhi: Ancient

·         Delhi: Medieval

·         Delhi: Modern

·         Issues in the Contemporary World

Ability Enhancement Papers offered in BA History

As per the UGC, the following are the two Ability Enhancement Papers offered in BA History.

·         English

·         Environmental Science

Skill Enhancement Courses

BA History also offers some of the courses under Skill Enhancement. Listed below are the Skill Enhancement Courses of BA History.

·         Understanding Heritage

·         Art Appreciation: An introduction to Indian Art

·          Archives and Museum

·         Understanding popular culture

Also Read: Top BA History Colleges in India 2025

The BA History syllabus for distance courses offers a flexible learning path, covering ancient to modern history, global events, and research skills, ideal for working professionals and remote learners.

BA History First Year Syllabus For Distance Course 

Below is a brief of the BA History distance syllabus that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus For Distance Course 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus for distance course that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus For Distance Course 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus for distance course that you will study in the third year:

To get selected for the BA History course, you may have to appear in national-level, state-level, or university-specific entrance exams. These exams are designed to test your knowledge in relevant subjects such as General Awareness, History, Social Sciences, Current Affairs, and Language Proficiency. Below is the list of some of the BA History entrance exams admissions:

CUET (UG): CUET entrance exam syllabus for BA History includes sections on General Test, Language (English or regional), and Domain-specific subjects such as History, Political Science, and Sociology, focusing on comprehension, analytical reasoning, and historical concepts.

IPU CET: IPU CET entrance exam syllabus for BA History includes General Awareness, English Language & Comprehension, Logical and Analytical Ability, and topics from Social Sciences and History, testing students’ aptitude and subject knowledge.

JMI Entrance Test: JMI entrance exam syllabus covers English comprehension, General Awareness, Reasoning, and History-based questions from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India, as well as World History, along with current affairs.

BHU UET: BHU UET entrance exam syllabus for BA History includes General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, and subject-related questions in History (Ancient, Medieval, and Modern), along with reasoning and current events.

University-Specific Exams: Many universities also conduct their own entrance exams for BA History admissions. These include:

• JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University): JNUEE Entrance Exam Syllabus covers Social Sciences, Political Science, Economics, General Knowledge, and History topics with analytical reasoning.
• AMUEEE (Aligarh Muslim University): AMUEEE entrance exam syllabus includes English, General Awareness, Current Affairs, and History-based questions from Indian and World History.
• SUAT (Sharda University Admission Test): Syllabus includes English proficiency, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, and History-related subject questions.
• DSAT (Dayanand Sagar Admission Test): The syllabus includes English, General Knowledge, Reasoning Ability, and History-related sections focusing on Indian and global historical developments.

Candidates can explore BA History important books used by prestigious universities for teaching the course. Regularly referring to these books will help students effectively acquire knowledge and understand the subject in depth.

The BA History syllabus is structured across six semesters, with each academic year divided into two semesters. BA History course structure incorporates both theory-based lectures and tutorial classes for effective learning. It consists of six and four-credit courses, requiring students to complete 14 Core Courses to earn the degree.

• First Year (Semesters I & II): Four core courses (two per semester).
• Second Year (Semesters III & IV): Six core courses (three per semester).
• Final Year (Semesters V & VI): Four core courses (two per semester).

Additionally, students must complete:

• Four multidisciplinary general elective courses from related fields.
• Two Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) are offered by the History Department in semesters III and IV.

The University-wise BA History Syllabus & Subjects 2025 provides a detailed comparison of core papers, electives, and teaching methods, helping students understand curriculum variations across top Indian universities.

BA History Syllabus in Delhi University

The BA History syllabus in Delhi University emphasises ancient, medieval, and modern history with research, electives, and interdisciplinary learning.

BA History First Year Syllabus in Delhi University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Delhi University that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus in Delhi University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Delhi University that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus in Delhi University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Delhi University that you will study in the third year:

BHU BA History Syllabus

The BHU BA History syllabus blends core historical themes with electives, emphasising Indian history, world civilisations, and research-oriented learning.

BA History First Year Syllabus in BHU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in BHU that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus in BHU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in BHU that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus in BHU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in BHU that you will study in the third year:

IGNOU BA History Syllabus

The IGNOU BA History syllabus offers flexible distance learning, covering ancient to modern history, cultural heritage, and critical research skills.

BA History First Year Syllabus in IGNOU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in IGNOU that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus in IGNOU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in IGNOU that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus in IGNOU 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in IGNOU that you will study in the third year:

Kerala University BA History Syllabus 

The BA History syllabus at Kerala University focuses on Indian and world history, archaeology, heritage studies, and interdisciplinary research approaches.

BA History First Year Syllabus in Kerala University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus at Kerala University  that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus in Kerala University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Kerala University  that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus in Kerala University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Kerala University  that you will study in the third year:

BA History Syllabus in Calcutta University

The BA History syllabus in Calcutta University emphasises Indian history, global perspectives, historiography, and analytical research methods across diverse historical periods.

BA History First Year Syllabus in Calcutta University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Calcutta University  that you will study in the first year:

BA History Second Year Syllabus in Calcutta University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Calcutta University  that you will study in the second year:

BA History Third Year Syllabus in Calcutta University 

Below is a brief of the BA History syllabus in Calcutta University  that you will study in the third year:

BA History Elective Subjects in Calcutta University 

Here is a list of subjects that you can choose in Calcutta University.