Updated on Jun 20, 2024 03:56 IST

Bachelor of Arts or BA courses are interdisciplinary and are available in multiple specialisations. Candidates can pursue BA courses right after class 12th or even after graduation. It is an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course awarded to aspirants in the field of Arts related to Humanities or Social Science. Candidates study different subjects like Psychology, Philosophy, Political Science, History and many others. BA syllabus is designed such that it helps candidates to understand different concepts and topics related to the field of arts. 

Table of Contents
  1. BA Course: Highlights
  2. Types of BA Courses
    • 2.1 Popular BA Courses 
  3. BA Subjects and Syllabus 
    • 3.1 BA Core Courses
    • 3.2 BA Elective Courses 
  4. FAQs on BA Courses and Subjects

BA Course: Highlights

Exam Particulars Exam Statistics
BA Level of Course Undergraduate
BA Course Duration 3 Years
BA Course Eligibility Criteria Class 12th pass with minimum 50 % marks
BA CourseAdmission Process Entrance based
BA Course Examination Types Semester wise

Latest Updates About BA Course

CUET UG Application in the first week of February 2024: Exams from 15-May-2024

PUBDET 2024 Application Form Filling in January 2024

Types of BA Courses

BA is a three-year Arts course which consists of around six semesters of six months duration. In the first and second semesters of the BA programme, candidates are taught Core Courses, General Elective Courses and Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses. In the third and fourth semesters, Core Courses, General Electives and Skill Enhancement Courses are taught while in the fifth and sixth semesters, Core courses and Discipline Specific Elective Courses are taught. In this article, we will discuss in detail the BA subjects, syllabus, and specialisations in or to develop an understanding of BA courses. 

Popular BA Courses 

BA courses are taught in different modes. Some of the courses are full-time or regular courses, while some are taught in part-time mode. Some BA programmes are taught as degrees while many courses are taught as diploma or certificate courses. Here we will shed light on different types and modes of BA courses:  

BA Degree Courses 

BA is a full-time regular course of usually three years duration. The course is divided into six semesters. The courses and syllabus in all six semesters of BA comprises subjects of different courses like Core Courses, General Elective Courses, Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses, Skill Enhancement Courses and Discipline Specific Elective Courses. There are more than 14000 BA Colleges in India.  

Distance BA Courses 

Distance Bachelor of Arts course is a three to six years duration degree course. The course aims to provide detailed knowledge about the subjects for students who are unable to study the regular degree course due to any reasons such as financial or time management issues. Some of the popular colleges for the Distance BA programme are IGNOU, Karnataka State Open University and many more. The syllabus of Distance BA is almost similar to the regular BA course. There are around 140 Distance BA colleges in India.

Part-Time BA Courses 

Part-time BA degree courses are also available. Candidates can also pursue part-time BA courses. There are many colleges and institutes which allow students to work and study at the same time. Part-time BA courses are best suited for such candidates. 

Online BA Courses 

There are a number of websites that offer online BA courses to candidates. These courses are flexible and can be pursued as per the time, need and availability of candidates. There is no age limit for the entrance exam of this course. These courses can be pursued from any distance and any part of the country.  

BA Subjects and Syllabus 

Courses in BA may vary in different colleges and universities but the basic subjects are similar. Here is a list of BA core and elective subjects that are part of the BA syllabus. 

BA Core Courses

The list of core courses in the Bachelor of Arts are listed below in the table: 

BA Syllabus: Core Subjects 

Agricultural Development in India 

Foundation Course in Hindi 

Government & Politics in India 

Religions of the World 

Economic Development 

Understanding Prose and Poetry 

Political Ideas and Ideologies 

Foundation Course in Humanities and Social Sciences 

Administrative Theory 

Indian Economic Development: Issues and Perspectives 

Foundation Course in English 

History of Urdu Literature and Language 

Social Problems in India 

Indian Philosophy 

BA Elective Courses 

The elective courses in the Bachelor of Arts degree programme are listed below: 

BA Syllabus: Core Subjects 

Ability Enhancement Course 

Ethics In Public Domain 

Philosophy of mind 

Urban Geography 

Global Politics 

Contemporary Literature 

Public Policy and Administration in India 

Public Policy and Administration in India 

Communication and Development 

Introductory Econometrics 

FAQs on BA Courses and Subjects

Q. How many BA courses are there in India?

A. There are more than 100 Bachelor of Arts courses in India that candidates can pursue after class 12th. 

Q. What are the subjects of BA?

A. The main subjects of BA or Bachelor of Arts are History, Geography, Philosophy, Literature, Anthropology, Political Science, Library Science, Sociology, Psychology, Archaeology, Economics, Education and many more.  

Q. What are the job options after BA?

A. After pursuing BA, candidates can go for higher studies, work as a manager, business analytics, opt for Law courses, data scientists and so on.

Q. Can I pursue BA in online mode?

A. Yes, online BA courses are also available in India. There are many wesites that provide online BA courses to students. 

Q. Can BA be pursued in distance mode?

A. Yes, BA courses can be pursued in distance mode. There are many colleges and institutes in India that provide BA in distance mode.

Q. Are BA part-time course available in India?

A. Yes, part-time BA courses are also available for students in India. Students can pursue this course as per their time. 

Q. What are the advantages of online BA courses?

A. Online BA courses are flexible and can be pursued by candidates as per their need, availibility. It provides flexibility to candidates.

Q. Which are the core subjects in BA? 

A. The core subjects in BA includes Government & Politics in India, Agricultural Development in India, Religions of the World, Foundation Course in Hindi, Understanding Prose and Poetry, Administrative Theory, Political Ideas and Ideologies etc.

Q. What are the elective subjects in BA? 

A. Elective subjects in BA includes Communication and Development, Ability Enhancement Course, Urban Geography, Ethics In Public Domain, Public Policy and Administration in India etc.

Q. What is the total duration of BA courses? 

A. Regular Bachelor of Arts courses are usually of three-year duration. 

Q. What is the duration of distance BA courses? 

A. The duration of distance BA courses is three to six years. 

Popular B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Specializations

Following are the most popular B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Colleges in India. Learn more about these B.A (Bachelor of Arts) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
12 Courses
80.61 K
9.5 LPA
23 Courses
5.87 K - 11.89 K
8 LPA
1.62 L - 13.2 L
3.3
18 Courses
60.81 K - 76.47 K
9.2 LPA
12 Courses
540
7 LPA
4 Courses
23.36 K
6.89 LPA

Popular Private B.A (Bachelor of Arts) Colleges in India

2.16 L - 5.12 L
3.4

B.A. Applications open. Apply Now

13.13 L
3.3
30.68 L - 40.91 L
9.25 - 10 LPA
Course is also offered in 3 year course duration
2.01 L - 3.59 L
6.21 L
4.5 LPA

B.A. Applications open till Jan 21, 2025. Apply Now

1 Course
11.35 L

B.A. Applications open. Apply Now

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 9 hours ago

The entrance test for B.A. at Aligarh Muslim University evaluates candidates on English Proficiency (grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension), Current Affairs/General Knowledge, and Reasoning and Aptitude. The exam has 100 questions: 40 from English, 40 from General Knowledge, and 20 from Reasoning.

...more

K

Kritika Sharma

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 days ago

Hello, I hope you are doing fine.

I guess you are preparing for semester exam. 

First just ask your seniors. They will definitely help you and also ask your professors. Also you can google it. But the easiest way is to ask your seniors and professors.

I hope my answer will help you 

Best of luck 

M

Muskan Yadav

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Hi Rahin,

To enroll in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) distance education programme at Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), you need to have completed your 10+2 education from a recognised board.

For most undergraduate distance education courses at MKU, including the B.A. program, there are no entrance exam

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

Yes it's very good decision because I studied economics and I am doing the best in my career

F

Fathima S

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 days ago

MGKVP BA is a UG-level course. To achieve excellence in their subject area and move one step ahead in career growth, BA graudates can choose to pursue one of the following postgraduate courses:

PG Courses after BACourse Details 
Master of Arts (MA)Master of Arts (MA) is a PG-level course focusing on providing comprehensive knowledge to candidates in their chosen specialisation
MBAMBA courses are designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge regarding business administration and management preparing them for leadership roles in the future
MCAThe Master of Computer Applications programme aims to provide the knowledge and necessary skills needed to develop different computer applications
MScMSc courses are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge to students about the Science stream and its different subjects and branches

H

Himanshi Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

After pursuing a BA from MGKVP Varanasi, graduates can explore ample opportunities in the private sector. These opportunities depend on the BA specialisation chosen by the candidates. The below table mentions some of the private jobs one can pursue after completing BA at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapi

...more

H

Himanshi Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Students who receive admission offers from DR MGR Educational and Research Institute for BA programme are required to present original copies of various personal and academic documents. Below is a list of general documents that may be required for the applied courses at DR MGR Educational and Resear

...more

B

Bhumika Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute conducts the BA application process online. The BA application fee is INR 1,000 or by demand draft or online for INR 1,100 DD in favour of "Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute" payable at Chennai with full address of the applicant. For online applicati

...more

A

Aashi Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

The application fee for BA at MGR Educational and Research Institute is INR 1,000. Candidates can pay the application fee online or by demand draft or online for INR 1,100 DD in favour of 'Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, ' payable at Chennai with the full address of the applicant. It mus

...more

S

Shiksha Divya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

The selection of the candidates at DR MGR Educational and Research Institute for BA is based on their performance in the last qualifying exam. Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or an equivalent exam from a recognised board to be eligible to apply for the programme. The shortlisted candidate

...more

N

Nishtha Dhawan

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, candidates can cancel their application after paying the BA LLB application fee at Kalasalingam University. However,  only the application can be cancelled but the application fee is non-refundable. So, after completing the application process,  and attaching all the relevant details candidates

...more

P

Piyush Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

Admissions for the Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute's BA programme for 2025 should start shortly. For the academic year 2025, the Institute may accept applications for direct admission. The Institute has not disclosed the application deadline. Interested applicants can apply online by visit

...more

A

Anya Vimal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

After completing the application process and attaching the relevant documents. Candidates are required to pay the Kalasalingam University BA LLB application fee. Candidates can pay this fee through online mode-  through Netbanking/ Credit/ Debit card/ UPI. Application cost (INR 600) – for General ca

...more

A

Abhishek Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BA admission is merit-based. To get into Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute for its BA course, aspirants are shortlisted based on their merit in the Class 12 or equivalent exam. However, they are not required to take any entrance exam to secure admiss

...more

J

Jaya Madavi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute offers a Bachelor of Arts, or BA, in various specialisations at the UG level. It is a full-time programme extended over three years. Interested candidates can refer to the following table for more information:

Particular

Highlights

Duration

Three years

Course Level

UG Degree

Mode of Course

Full Time

Tuition Fee

INR 1.1 Lacs to INR 1.5 lakh

NOTE: The above information is as per the officia

...more

N

Nishtha Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute's BA fee structure comprises various components, such as tuition fees, secuity charges, one-time fees, etc. However, the total tuition fee for a BA varies across offered specialisations at the Institute. The tuition fee for the BA programme changes from INR

...more

N

Nishtha Pruthi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute has specified the eligibility criteria that the applicants must fulfill in order to secure BA admission at the institute. To be eligible to pursue a BA at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute,  applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent exami

...more

N

Nikita Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Hello Kanishka,

Panjab University offers a 4-year integrated B.A. B.Ed. program designed to prepare students for a career in teaching.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.

Admission P

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

To take admission for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme at Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU)  you can follow these steps 

Go to the VMOU website and navigate to the Admission section

Click Apply Now to access the online application form

Read and consent to the admission guidelines and declaratio

...more

A

Aparna Vinod T

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, you have to  pursue  B.A. degree from Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune through distance learning.

If you are okay with the distance learning you have to choose it

 

 

A

Aparna Vinod T

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

To join Biyani Girls  College, aspirants need to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the admission process.

The Biyani Girls College offers BA, B. Sc., BBA, B. Com, BCA at the Undergraduate level and MA, M. Sc. at the Postgraduate level. 

A

Aparna Vinod T

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 days ago

There are many options available to students who have completed BA degrees. Students can choose to start working, or they can further their education. Some popularly chosen courses after BA degrees are:

Course

Description

B.Ed

A B.Ed degree equips a student with the necessary skills to enter elementary, and secondary teaching positions.

Law

An academic degree that educates students about citizen rights, governance, legal knowledge, etc.

MBA

A 2-year professional, management degree that instructs students on business management, administration, and operation.

PhD

A doctorate degree, that permits candidates to independently conduct and publish their research.

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Vinoba Bhave University does offers four-years BSc course. The BSc course is offered as an integrated course with BE.d course. Candidates must atleast have 50% aggregate in the Class 12 exam. Selection for the inetgreated course will be based on the merit lists prepared on the basis of rules and reg

...more

J

Jiya Khanna

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 days ago

Studnets are required to provide certain identity and academic qualification documents when filling out the application forms for BA course admissions. These documents are verified by the Universities after the merit list has been declared.

Some commonly demanded documents for BA undergraduate course

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Vinoba Bhave University offers BA course an integrated course that lasts for four years. Admission to the course is subject to a valid score in the CUET 2025 exam. Find a detailed BA admission process:

Application Process: Candidates willing to be admitted at Vinoba Bhave University must fill out the

...more

A

Abhishek Rastogi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 days ago

Vinoba Bhave University BA course is offered via its affiliated colleges. To secure admission candidates can follow the below steps:

  1. Candidates must have at least twelve years of school education with a 33% aggregate.
  2. Candidates must fill out the online application form available on the official websi

...more

S

Satyendra Tyagi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some basic steps followed in the BA programme in India:

First, you should check the eligibility criteria to make sure you fulfill them. If you do, fill out the application form and attach the necessary documents. 

Students should prepare and sit for any entrance exams like CUET, IPU CET, etc.

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

BA full form is Bachelor of Arts and is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree course. Students who have opted for the Humanities stream in Class 12, irrespective of the core subjects, generally opt for BA courses. Students from all streams and academic backgrounds can pursue BA courses. Students can ch

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Hello!

BA courses can be pursued by all students who have completed their class 12th. Some skills which could be helpul for students who wish to pursue distance/correspondence BA degrees are:

  • Communication Skills: Students who wish to pursue BA degrees must develop adequate communication skills to exp

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Candidates don't need to have a CUET score for admission to all the VBU BA course. Since the BA admissioln candidates only required Class 12 exam scores. However, for the BA integrated course candidates must have a valid CUET score. Therefore, candidates must participate in the CUET 2025 exam and se

...more

R

Ranjeeta Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 63k Colleges
  • 966 Exams
  • 616k Reviews
  • 1450k Answers