BA History Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Apr 01, 2024 16:25PM IST

BA History Syllabus and Subject Overview

BA History syllabus and subjects include History of South India, History of Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development, and British Rule in India. Aside from the context of India, students learn about the history of Europe, America, Africa, China, and various other civilizations. The BA History syllabus also covers the birth and growth of various civilizations from a variety of perspectives such as Geographical, Economic, Social, and Cultural. Through the BA History syllabus, students will also gain the knowledge required to comprehend and evaluate the major contributions made to the world by various civilizations. The BA History syllabus also includes core subjects such as Ancient Indian History, Mediaeval India, Ancient World History, USA and USSER History, and so on.

Some of the BA History syllabus and subjects are listed below.

  • Religious Development
  • Aspects of Society
  • Age of the Guptas
  • Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era
  • Vedic Corpus and Transition to Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
  • Harappan Civilization
  • Pre – Historic Hunter-Gatherers
  • Reconstructing Ancient Indian History

Furthermore, the BA history syllabus has the following subjects in the first year including BAHS 1911: Concepts and Approaches BAHS 1912: An introduction to archaeology. Introduction to Tourism Studies. BAHS 1913, Introduction to Ancient Civilizations. BAHS 1914, First Year BAHS 1915: History of India to 650 CE. The second year of the BA History subjects includes BAHS 1921: Indian Art and Architecture; India's Environmental History, BAHS 1922: Introduction to Numismatics. BAHS 1923 History of India, 650–1526 C.E. European History, 1453-1789 (BAHS 1925). 

The Bachelor of Arts in History (BA History) is one of the most sought-after undergraduate degrees and is taught in many colleges. To be eligible for a bachelor's degree in History, students must pass their Class 12 board examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. History as a subject covers every aspect of human experience, including social life, the economy, culture, thought, and politics. The BA History syllabus covers the study of people, groups, communities, and nations from every angle possible, employing all methods from the humanities and social sciences to understand why things happen, how people react to things, and how things change the society in which we live. 

Read on to know more about BA History syllabus and subjects.

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BA History Syllabus & Subjects Highlights

Here are the highlights of the BA History syllabus and subjects:

Particulars Details 
Course NameBA History
Course Duration3 years 
Total Semesters6

BA History Core Subjects
 

  • Reconstructing Ancient Indian History
  • Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World 
  • History of Early India (1500 BC. to 2nd Century AD.)
  • English 
  • Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
  • Introducing Prehistory and Proto-history
  • Europe Transformed – from 1350 onwards to the 17th century
  • History of India III (750 – 1206)
  • History Of Southeast Asia – The 19th Century
  • Rise of Modern West-II  
  • The Indus Valley Civilization 
  • Socio-cultural and political developments in 19th and 20th century Bengal
  • Medieval Bengal from the 13th to the 18th Centuries: Politics, Economy, Society and Culture
  • History of the Marathas: (1630- 1707)

BA History Elective Subjects

  • Environmental Science
  • MIL
  • Foreign Language 
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BA History Year Wise Syllabus

BA History Syllabus covers the key historical events that have occurred in Asia, India, and other regions of the world.

BA History First Year Syllabus

The first year BA History syllabus is provided in the following table. Various BA History core subjects are covered under the curriculum of first year.

Semester -ISemester -II
The Idea of BharatHistory of India: Earliest time to 550 CE
History of World CivilizationHistory of Europe: 13th Century to 1789
Delhi: Ancient or  Environmental Issues in IndiaDelhi: Medieval or Research methodology in History
EnglishEnvironmental Science

BA History Second Year Syllabus

Candidates can check the second year BA History syllabus in the table provided below along with the some of the important BA History Second Year subjects.

Semester- IIISemester- IV
History of India: 550 CE- 1200 CEHistory of Modern World: 1919-1945
History of Europe: 1789-1919History of India: 1707- 1857
History of India: 1200- 1707Indian National Movement 1857-1947
Understanding Heritage or Archives and MuseumArt Appreciation: An introduction to Indian Art Or Understanding popular culture
Delhi: Modern or Making contemporary IndiaIssues in Contemporary World

BA History Third Year Syllabus

The last two semesters of BA History syllabus deal with some of the very important topics of the subject. Aspirants can check the third year BA History Syllabus, which is provided below.

Semester- VSemester- VI
History of Modern India: 1947-2000Asian Resurgence
Cultural Heritage of IndiaHistory of Communication
History of United States of America -I (C. 1776 -1945) or History of Africa (c. 1500 - 1960s) or History of the USSR-I (c. 1917- 1964)History of Southeast Asia-The 20TH Century or History of Modern East Asia-II (c. 1868-1945)
History of Southeast Asia-The 19TH Century or History of Modern East Asia-I (c.1840-1919)History of United States of America -II (C. 1776 - 1945) or History of the USSR-II (c. 1917- 1964) or History of Latin America (c. 1500 - 1960s)

Note: The syllabus may differ from University to University.

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BA History Subjects & Course Subjects

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 SubjectsTopics Covered
History of India (from Ancient up to 600 AD)

·         Religious Development

·         Aspects of Society

·         Age of the Guptas

·         Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era

·         Vedic Corpus and Transition to Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

·         Harappan Civilization

·         Pre – Historic Hunter-Gatherers

·         Reconstructing Ancient Indian History

History of India (from 600 AD to 1500 AD)

·         Institutional Structure (Varna System)

·         Cave Architecture Polity

·         Sanskrit Literature Temple

·         Indian & Oceanic Trade

·         Urban Centres

·         Agricultural Expansion

·         Ghaznavi & Ghori’s Invasion of India

·         The Emergence of Major Political Centres – Peninsular India Arab, Bengal and Kannauj

History of India (1500 AD to 1800 AD)

·         Society, Religion and Culture in Mughal India

·         The Mughal Empire

·         Economy In Mughal India

·         Crisis of the Mughal EmpireIdeology and State in Mughal India

History of India (1800 AD to Modern times)

·         Partition of India

·         Communal Politics

·         Post War Upsurges

·         Pre-War Political Developments

·         New Trends in National Movements

·         The Gandhian Era

·         Indian Nationalism

·         Colonial Intervention and Growth of Modern Education

·         Revolt of 1857

·         Early Resistance to Colonial Rule

·         Rural Economy & Society

·         Socio-Religious Movements in India

·         East India Company – Theory of Rent

Ancient World History

·         Political, Sociological and Cultural History of Rome

·         Macedonia Expansion

·         Political History of Greece

·         Major Centres of Ancient Mediterranean World – Persia Egypt and Mesopotamia

·         Polis in Ancient Greece

·         Slave Society in Ancient Greece

·         Nomadic groups in Ancient and Central Asia

·         Bronze Age Civilization

·         Paleolithic & Mesolithic Cultures

Transformation of Europe

·         English Civil war of the 17th Century

·         Europe Scientific Revolution

·         Renaissance Humanism Economy of 17th Century

·         Proto Industrialization Renaissance

·         Economic Expansion of Europe in the 16th Century

·         The economy in the 15th Century

·         Development of the National Monarchy

·         Fall of Constantinople

·         Economic Crisis of the 14th Century

·         Crisis of Feudalism

·         Nature of Feudal Society

European History

·         Anglo – German Antagonism

·         Age of Imperialism

·         The Third Republic, German Reich and Paris Commune

·         Rise of Working Class Movement and Socialist through Arts and Culture, Religion and Science of 18th Century Europe

·         Industrialization of Europe

·         France Under the IInd Empire

·         Russian Modernization

·         Unification of Italy and Germany

·         The Emergence of Non-Nation States in Central Europe

·         The Vienna Congress

·         French Revolution of Napoleon Bonaparte

·         Understanding the 18th Century Europe, Social Economic and Political Background to French Revolution

World Politics 

·         Truman Doctrine

·         Cold War

·         United Nations Organization

·         US Foreign Policy

·         The Great Depression

·         Reunification of Germany

·         Indo-Pakistan Relations

·         The League of Nations

History of East Asia

·         The emergence of Japan as an Imperial Power

·         Economic Modernization

·         Popular and Democratic Movements

·         Meiji Restoration

·         Japan – Pre-Restoration Period

·         Nationalism and Communism in China

·         Colonial Penetration in China

·         China and Pre Colonial China

History of the United States of America

·         Making of the Republic

·         Religious, Cultural and Intellectual Trends

·         Women’s Movement

·         Afro-American Movements

·         US Imperialism

·         Civil War and Industrial America

·         Early Capitalism

·         Evolution of American Democracy

History of Latin America 

·         Economic Transformations

·         Assertion of the US Hegemony Bolivar’s Vision

·         Conquest of America and its Repercussions

BA History Subjects

BA History deals with various core subjects. The core subjects of BA History will differ from institution to institution as they are based on the BA History syllabus. Here is a list of the major BA History subjects that are taught.

·         History of India (from Ancient up to 600 AD)

·         History of India (from 600 AD to 1500 AD)

·         History of India (1500 AD to 1800 AD)

·         History of Latin America 

·         History of the United States of America

·         Ancient Indian History

·         History of East Asia

·         Ancient World History

·         Medieval Indian History

·         Transformation from Modern to Present India

·         Ancient World History

·         Political Theory

·         Pre and Post Colonisation

·         USA and USSR History

·         European Integration and Transformation

·         History of Latin America

·         African History

·         World Politics

 BA History Discipline Specific Elective Subjects

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

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

·         History of 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 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 offers also 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

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BA History Syllabus for Distance Course

The following table contains the BA History Distance Education Course Syllabus.

Semester-ISemester-II
LanguageLanguage
EnglishEnglish
History of India upto A.D.1206History of Early Medieval India (A.D.1206-1526)
History of Tamilnadu upto A.D.1565History of Tamilnadu (A.D.1565-1806)
Geography of IndiaTourism: Principles and Practices
Semester-IIISemester-IV
LanguageLanguage
EnglishEnglish
History of Later Medieval India (A.D.1526-1707)History of Modern India (A.D.1707-1858)
History of MadrasHistory of Modern Tamilnadu (A.D.1806-2016)
Basic Principles of Indian ConstitutionPerforming Arts in Tamilnadu
Semester-VSemester-VI
History of Modern India(A.D.1858-1947)History of Contemporary India (A.D.1947- 2014)
History of World Civilizations (Excluding India)History of China and Japan (A.D.1900-1990)
History of Europe(A.D.1815-1945)History of South-East Asia (A.D.1900-2000)
Archives KeepingStudies in Human Rights
Environmental StudiesValue Education
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BA History Entrance Exam Syllabus

Candidates who would like to pursue BA History programme, must have knowledge about various entrance exams and their syllabus in order to secure the admission. Listed below are the some of the popular BA History entrance examination along with their syllabus.

BA History Entrance ExamAbout BA History Entrance ExamBA History Entrance Exam Syllabus
CUETThe Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an all-India examination administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for students seeking admission to various programmes at participating Central Universities.CUET Syllabus for BA History Entrance Exam
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BA History Important Books

Candidates can examine a few BA History books that prestigious universities use to teach BA History courses. Students are advised to refer their BA History books frequently to acquire and understand the course effectively.

·         Prehistory and Protohistory of India – An Appraisal by VK Jain

·         Ancient India by RC Majumdar

·         Ancient History of India by Charles J. Naegele

·         A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations by Noboru Karashima

·         A Textbook of Medieval Indian History by Sailendra Nath Sen

·         A History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

·         Jainism - History, Society, Philosophy and Practice by Agustin Paniker

·         Post-Mauryan India 200BC - AD300: A Political and Economic History by Irfan Habib

·         South India Under the Cholas by Y. Subbarayalu

·         A History of Assam by Edward Albert Gait

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BA History Course Structure

The BA History syllabus is divided into six semesters. Each year is divided into two semesters. The BA History programme will use both theory classes (lectures) and tutorial classes for teaching and learning. The BA History programme consists of six and four credit courses. A BA History degree requires the completion of 14 Core Courses. Candidates must complete four core courses in their first year, two in each semester I and II. Students must take six core courses in semesters III and IV of their second year. Candidates must take four core courses in their final year, two in each of the fifth and sixth semesters. All students must also complete four multidisciplinary general elective courses. 

Students may choose any four courses given in related fields by different departments in their college. Students must study two discipline-specific Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) along with other papers. The department of History offers SEC courses in semester III and IV. Additionally, they have to study two Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC), one for each of the first and second semesters. These courses are not related to History.

·         VI Semesters

·         Core Subjects

·         Electives

·         Discipline Specific Electives

·         Project  Submission

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BA History Syllabus & Subjects : University-wise

BA History Syllabus in Delhi University

The Delhi University (DU) BA History Syllabus is mentioned below

Semester 1Semester 2
History of India-I History of India-II
Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
Concurrent – Qualifying LanguageConcurrent – Credit Language
Semester 3Semester 4
History of India-III (c. 750-1206History of India-IV (c. 1206-1550)
Rise of Modern WestRise of Modern West-II 
History Of United States of America (C. 1776 – 1945)History Of the United States of America (C. 1776 – 1945)
History Of the USSR (c. 1917- 1964)History Of the USSR (c. 1917 – 1964s)
History Of Africa (c. 1500 – 1960s)History Of Latin America (c. 1500 – 1960s)
History Of Southeast Asia – The 19th CenturyHistory Of Southeast Asia - The 20th Century 
Semester 5Semester 6
History of India-V (c. 1550-1605)History of India-VII (c. 1605-1750)
History of India-VI (c. 1750-1857)History of India-VIII (c. 1857-1950)
History of China & Japan – I (c. 1840-1949)History of China & Japan – II (c. 1840-1949)
History of Modern Europe I (c. 1780-1939)History of Modern Europe –II (1780-1939) 

BA History Syllabus UGC

The UGC BA History Syllabus is listed below.

Semester 1Semester 2
The Idea of BharatHistory of India: Earliest time to 550 CE
History of World CivilizationHistory of Europe: 13th Century to 1789
Semester 3Semester 4
History of India: 550 CE- 1200 CEHistory of Modern World: 1919-1945
History of Europe: 1789-1919History of India: 1707-1857
History of India: 1200-1707Indian National Movement 1857-1947
Semester 5Semester 6
History of Modern India: 1947-2000Asian Resurgence
Cultural Heritage of IndiaHistory of Communication
Elective Courses
History of United States of America -I (C. 1776 -1945)History of Africa (c. 1500 - 1960s)
History of the USSR-I (c. 1917- 1964)History of Southeast Asia-The 19TH Century
History of Modern East Asia-I (c.1840-1919)History of Southeast Asia-The 20TH Century
History of Modern East Asia-II (c. 1868-1945)History of United States of America -II (C. 1776 - 1945) 
History of the USSR-II (c. 1917- 1964)History of Latin America (c. 1500 - 1960s)

BHU BA History Syllabus

The BHU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

Semester 1Semester 2
History of India from earliest times till the Mauryan periodHistory of India – From Shunga to Gupta Dynasty
History of Europe: 1453-1648 History of India – From Shunga to Gupta Dynasty
History of Ancient IndiaIndo-Islamic Culture in Medieval India
British Rule in India (up to Partition of Bengal)History of Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development
Semester 3Semester 4
History of North India (600A.D. to 1200 A.D.)History of South India (600 A.D. to 1200 A.D.)
History of India (1200 A.D. to 1320 A.D)History of India (1320 A.D. to 1526 A.D.)
Glimpses of Modern European History (1453-1945)Social-Religious Reform Movements of the 19th and mid-20th Centuries
Semester 5Semester 6
History of India (1526 A.D. to 1627 A.D.)History of India (1628 A.D. to 1740 A.D.)
History of India (1740 A.D. to 1805 A.D.)History of India (1805 A.D. to 1857 A.D.)
History of India (1857 A.D. to 1909 A.D.)History of India (1909 A.D. to 1947 A.D.)
History of Europe (Late 18th Century to 19th Century)History of Europe (Late 19th Century to Middle of the 20th Century)
History of West Asia from Mid-19th Century to 1945 A.DHistory of West Asia (Beginning of the Twentieth Century to 1967 A.D.)
History of Modern China (1839 A.D. to 1969 A.D.)History of Modern Japan (1850 A.D. to 1952 A.D.)
An Introduction to Historical Research MethodContemporary India

IGNOU BA History Syllabus

The IGNOU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

Semester 1Semester 2
History of IndiaHistory of India –II
Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient WorldSocial Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
Third SemesterFourth Semester
History of India –III (C. 750 – 1206)Rise of the Modern West – II
Rise of the Modern West – IHistory of India –V (C. 1550 – 1605)
History of India – IV (C. 1206 – 1550)History of India –VI (C. 1750 – 1857) 
Fifth SemesterSixth Semester
History of Modern Europe (C. 1780 - 1939)History of India –VIII (C. 1857 – 1950)
History of India –VII (C. 1605 – 1750)History of Modern Europe -II (C. 1780 – 1939)

BA History Syllabus Kerala University

The Kerala University BA History Syllabus is listed below.

Semester 1Semester 2
Language Course I (English-1)Language Course III (English II)
Language Course II (Addl. Language)Language Course IV (English III)
Foundation Course ILanguage Course V (Addl. Language II)
Core I-Methodology and Perspectives of Social SciencesCore II-Cultural Formation of the Premodern World
Complementary I-History of Modern India (1857-1900), For Economics, Islamic History and SociologyComplementary III- History of Modern India
Complementary II- History of Modern World, (1789-1900), For English & Political Science(1901-1920), For Economics, Islamic History and Sociology
-Complementary 1V- History of Modern World (1901-1920)
Semester 3Semester 4
Language Course V1 (English)Language Course VIII (English V)
Language Course VII (Addl. Language III)Language Course 1X (Addl. Language 1V) Core 1V- Medieval India: Socio-Cultural Processes.
Foundation Course II- InformaticsCore V-History Modern World – Part 1
Core 111-Evolution of the early Indian society &CultureComplementary VII-History of Modern India (after1948), For Economics, Islamic History and Sociology
Complementary V-History of Modern IndiaComplementary VIII- History of Modern World, (after1946)
Complementary V1- History of Modern World, (1921-1945)-
Semester 5Semester 6
Core V1-Major trends in Historical thoughts and writingsCore XI - Making of Modern Kerala
Core V11-Colonialism and Resistance movements in IndiaCore XII - Major trends in Indian Historical thought & writings
CoreV111-History of Modern World – Part IICore XIII - Contemporary India
Core 1X-History of Pre- Modern KeralaCore X1V - Twentieth Century Revolutions
Core X-Making of Indian NationHistorical Tourism
Empowerment of Women with special reference to IndiaHeritage Studies
An Introduction to ArchaeologyContemporary World
History of Human Rights MovementEmpowerment of Women with special reference to India
-An Introduction to Archaeology
-History of Human Rights Movement
-Environmental History of Modern India

BA History Syllabus in Calcutta University

The Calcutta University History Syllabus is listed below.

Semester 1Semester 2
History of India (From the Earliest times to C 300 BCE)History of India (c 300 BCE to c.750 CE)
Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World other than IndiaSocial Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World other than India
Semester 3Semester 4
History of India (c.750 – 1206)Rise of the Modern West 
Rise of the Modern West –IHistory of India (c.1526-1605)
History of India (c.1206 – 1526)History of India (c.1605 – 1750s)
Semester 5Semester 6
History of Modern Europe (c.1780-1939)History of India (c. 1857 – 1964)
History of India (c.1750s– 1857)History of World Politics: (1945-1994)
Electives
History of Bengal (c.1757-1905)History of Bengal (c.1905-1947)
History of Southeast Asia – The 19th CenturyHistory of Southeast Asia – The 20th Century
History of Modern East Asia – I China (c.1840 – 1949)History of Modern East Asia – II Japan (c.1868 – 1945)
History of United States of America – I (c.1776 – 1945)History of United States of America – II (c.1776-1945)
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FAQs about B.A. History Syllabus

What are the best colleges for BA History?

The best colleges for BA History are Lady Shri Ram College for Women (Delhi), Hindu College (Delhi), Mount Carmel College (Bangalore), Christ University (Bangalore), Loyola College (Chennai), St Xavier’s College (Kolkata) and so on.

What is the average BA History Course fee?

The average course fee for BA History Course differs from organization to organization. However, most of the institutions collect between 4,000 to 50,000.

What is the average placement package after BA History?

The average placement package for BA History ranges from 2, 00,000 to 4, 00,000.

What is the entrance examinations conducted to provide admission into BA History?

BA History Admission is provided both on merit and entrance exam based. One of the most popular entrance exams is CUET (UG).

What are the subjects taught in BA History 1st Year?

The subjects in the first year of BA History include basics and introductory concepts of World History, Indian History and pre-history.

Is BA History course tough?

No, BA History is not a tough course provided one puts required effort and studies hard.

What are the total marks in BA History?

The total marks vary for honours courses and general courses. On an average, the total marks for all three year approximately 1600 for honours and 1400 for general courses.

What is the percentage that is considered good in BA History?

The percentage considered good in BA History is 60% or higher. Candidates who receive more than 60% in the aggregate are eligible for further courses in higher education.

What can be done if I fail in BA History?

If a student does not complete BA History by the end of the final year, he or she may take supplementary exams or a compartmental examination. However, the best option is to study for the exam and write well.

How many papers are there in BA History?

The total number of papers varies depending on the college. The semester system, which is used in the majority of institutions, requires a minimum of 5 subjects per semester. The maximum number of papers could be seven in BA History. As a result, the total number of papers for the entire BA History course would be in the range of 35 to 37.

Does BA History course have a good scope in future?

Yes, the growing number of professional choices, a BA in history offers very strong future prospects. After completing the BA History course, applicants have the option of pursuing master's and research programmes in addition to employment opportunities.

Can I apply for BA History without taking History in my 12th grade?

Yes, History is not a compulsory subject to study BA History.

Can I pursue an MA in History after finishing BA History course?

Candidates, who would like to pursue MA History, must have completed BA History with a minimum GPA of 50%.

What are the major subjects that make up the BA History syllabus?

The major subjects that make up the BA History syllabus are Ancient World History, Medieval Indian History, Transformation from Modern to Present India, Ancient World History, Political Theory, Pre and Post Colonisation, USA and USSR History, European Integration and Transformation
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