Ancient History: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Sep 23, 2024 11:25 IST

Ancient History courses are offered at many academic levels such as Diploma, UG, PG and PhD in India. Ancient History as a field has links with other fields such as Cultural Studies, Archaeology, Political Science, Anthropology and Philosophy

The admission to Ancient History undergraduate courses are offered on the basis of merit in most colleges. While MA Ancient History, MPhil in Ancient History and PhD in Ancient History admissions are usually offered through entrance exams such as CUET PG and UGC NET.

Students who wish to study Ancient History  can pursue Ancient History Courses in regular or distance mode of education.

The Ancient History Course Fee ranges from INR 432 to INR 1 Lakh. Some of the top colleges for pursuing Ancient History courses are Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and St. Xavier's College.

Latest Updates for Ancient History Course:

Table of Contents
  1. Ancient History Course Highlights
  2. Why Pursue Ancient History Courses?
  3. Ancient History Course Eligibility Criteria
  4. Types of Ancient History Courses
  5. Ancient History Course Entrance Exams
  6. Ancient History Syllabus
    • 6.1 Ancient History Syllabus- UG
    • 6.2 Ancient History Syllabus- PG
  7. Top Ancient History Course Colleges
    • 7.1 Top Ancient History Course Government Colleges
    • 7.2 Top Ancient History Course Private Colleges
  8. Ancient History Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 8.1 Ancient History Job Profiles
    • 8.2 Ancient History Courses Top Recruiters
  9. Ancient History FAQs: 2024

Ancient History Course Highlights

Candidates can refer to the table below to have a quick glance at the details of Ancient History Course:

Ancient History Course Highlights

Course Name

Ancient History Courses

Eligibility

  • Diploma and UG: 12th pass
  • PG: Graduation
  • PhD: Postgraduation

Duration

  • Diploma: 1 year
  • UG: 3 years (6 semesters)
  • PG: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • PhD: 3-6 years

Fee Range

INR 432 to INR 1 Lakh

Top Colleges

Salary Range

INR 4 LPA – INR 6 LPA (Historian)

Job Scope

Archivist, Curator, Teacher, Professor, Archaeologist

Distance Colleges

Entrance Exams

Top Recruiters

Archaeological Survey of India, Research Centers, educational institutions

 

Q:   What is Ancient History?

A:

Ancient History is a subfield of History. In this field you will learn about the people, culture, societal structure and economic composition of ancient societies. Ancient History time period is around 3000 BC to 500 AD. This time period may vary for a specific culture or geographical region depending on the availability of artefacts. Other fields of History include Medieval History and Modern History. Art and Culture is a significant part in the study of Ancient History. Hope this helps

Why Pursue Ancient History Courses?

There are several reasons due to which many candidates prefer to study Ancient History Course:

  • The ancient history syllabus includes theoretical subjects, without any mathematical part. Hence, it is preferred by candidates who wish to pursue a course that does not have mathematics as a subject.
  • The history graduates get the opportunity to work in national museums and the Archaeological Survey of India.
  • History graduates can work in educational institutions as Social Science teachers, history teachers or history professors
    Suggestion: It requires a PhD degree in History to become a history professor.

Q:   What is the future scope of history?

A:
The main aims or purposes of the teaching of history are as follows: (1) To create interest for history among the students or learners of history. (2) To explain and understand the present. (3) The study of history developed the scientific outlook. It enables a person to apply and improve their reasoning faculty. Different career aspects for History graduates are as follows: - In education field - Professor, teacher, lecturer - Researcher - Archaeologist, you can work with ASI - Historian - Politician's Assistant - Museum/Gallery conservator - Civil Service administrator - Heritage manager -Trade union research officer - Archivist - Academic librarian

Ancient History Course Eligibility Criteria

The candidates must note that the eligibility criteria for ancient history courses may vary depending on the academic level, college and other factors. Below mentioned are the course level-wise minimum requirements for candidates to get enrolled in Ancient History courses:

Course Level

Eligibility Criteria

Diploma in Ancient History

Passed class 12th with at least 50% marks

BA in Ancient History

Completed Class 12th with at least 50% marks

MA Ancient History

Graduate with at least 50% marks

PhD in Ancient History

Completed Master’s degree with at least 50 % marks

Q:   Can I do M.A History after completing B.Ed in a different field and be eligible for PGT History?

A:

The minimum requirement to become PGT is to have a master’s degree in relevant field along with B.Ed degree.
If a candidate has pursued Bachelor’s degree in a different field or B.Ed in Science, the candidate is still eligible for PGT History.

However, candidates are requested to check the detailed eligibility criteria of the concerned institute.

Types of Ancient History Courses

There are several courses related to ancient history in India. The candidates must note that the Bachelor of Ancient History or Master of Ancient History courses are not available in India.

Given below are some of the courses that have ancient history in its course curriculum:

Types of Ancient History Courses

Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology

M.A. in Ancient History

B.A. in Ancient History

PhD in Ancient History

BA History

Post Graduate Diploma in Museology

B.A. (Hons.) in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology

MA History and Archeology

MPhil in Ancient History

Certifications in Ancient History

Q:   If one is interested in historical events and ancient civilizations which degree should he/she pursue?

A:

The candidates who are interested in historical events and ancient civilizations can pursue various degrees. Some suggestions are as follows:

  • B.A. in History
  • B.A. in Ancient History
  • M.A. in History
  • M.A. in Ancient History
  • MPhil in Ancient History

Ancient History Course Entrance Exams

For admission into Ancient History undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses and PhD, the candidates can write various national level entrance exams. A candidate can appear for more than one Ancient History course entrance exam.

Given below are some entrance exams for Ancient History course: 

Ancient History Exam Schedule

Ancient History Exam Schedule

Ancient History Exam Schedule

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET)

June 2024 (Tentative)

UGC NET Schedule

Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG)

Result: 13 Jul '24

CUET PG Schedule

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

15 May '24 - 31 May '24

CUET Schedule

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

7 Dec ' 24

SAT Test December Date

26 Nov ' 24

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

21 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

20 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Q:   What is CUET UG exam?

A:

CUET UG, or the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programs, is a nationally administered entrance examination facilitated by the NTA. Established in 2022, CUET UG holds prominence as a key entrance test for undergraduate admissions across various participating institutes.

This exam provides aspiring candidates with a unified platform to seek admission into undergraduate programs offered by leading colleges and universities across India. Conducted annually, the CUET exam spans over 500 cities in India and abroad, utilizing a computer-based mode.

The examination is organized in multiple phases, the number of which is contingent on the total registration of candidates for the entrance test.

Q:   What is the mode of the CUET PG exam?

A:

The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. This means that the exam is taken on a computer, and the questions and answers are displayed on the screen. Candidates use a mouse or keyboard to select their answers.

The CUET PG exam is held in multiple sessions throughout the day, and candidates are assigned to a specific session during registration. The exam is two hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Q:   Is there a negative marking in CUET?

A:

Yes. There is a negative marking in the CUET exam. For each wrong answer, one mark is deducted. Negative marking will not be applicable in case of unattempted questions. The marking scheme as per NTA is given below.

i. Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5)
ii. Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1).
iii. Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0).
iv. If more than one option is found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options.
v. If all options are found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.

vi. If none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or a question is dropped, then all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5) marks.

Q:   What is the exam pattern of UGC NET?

A:

According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.

Ancient History Syllabus

The candidates can refer to the Ancient History subjects mentioned below to get a general idea about what all is taught in  Ancient History Course. The syllabus of ancient history has theoretical subjects which are covered across different semesters.

Ancient History Syllabus- UG

Candidates can find below Ancient History undergraduate course syllabus:

Ancient History Syllabus- UG First Year

Early Cultures and Civilisations

Outline of Ancient World Civilisations

Political History of Ancient

India

History of Ancient India

Ancient History Syllabus- UG Second Year

Political History of Northern

India

Elements of Indian

Archaeology

Ancient History Syllabus- UG Third Year

Political History of South India

Ancient Indian Art &

Architecture

Ancient History Syllabus- PG

The syllabus of Ancient History in PG level is given below:

Ancient History Syllabus- PG First Year

Indian Palaeography

Ancient Indian Polity and Administration

Ancient Indian Numismatics

Elements of Indian Archaeology

Ancient History Syllabus- PG Second Year

Historiography- Indian and Western

World History

Religion and Philosophy

Art and Architecture

Q:   What are some good books on Ancient History?

A:

There are many good books on ancient history. Some of these are as follows:

Ancient History Books

Authors

The History of the Ancient World: From the earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome

Susan Wise Bauer

Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From

Tony Joseph

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic

Tom Holland

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Republic

Plato

Anabasis

Xenophon

Top Ancient History Course Colleges

Ancient History courses can be pursued in various government and private colleges across India. Most of the below mentioned colleges offer ancient history courses in regular mode of education wherein, a student is expected to attend college regularly.

Top Ancient History Course Government Colleges

Here are some of the government colleges that offer ancient history course in various levels along with the total tuition fee:

Ancient History Government College

Ancient History Government College Fees (in INR)

Banaras Hindu University

9,530

Jawaharlal Nehru University

432

Panjab University

23,530

Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University

3,650

University of Madras

3,000 – 68,000

Top Ancient History Course Private Colleges

Here are some of the private colleges that offer ancient history course in various levels along with the total tuition fee:

Ancient History Private College

Ancient History Private College Fees (in INR)

Bhabha University

31,500

Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College

3,960 – 16,000

K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies

15,000 – 80,000

Sadanlal Sanwaldas Khanna Girls’ Degree College

6,150 – 16,000

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

72,500

1 Course
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

3 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA
1 Course
432
9.5 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
22.59 K
2.8 LPA
3 K - 68 K

Q:   Which colleges offer Ancient History courses in distance learning mode?

A:

Ancient History Courses can be pursued in distance mode in India. This is a great option for many students who want to study ancient history without attending regular college. The candidates are advised to check if the college is recognised by UGC before taking admission in ancient history course in distance mode. The below mentioned colleges either provide ancient history as a specialisation or as a subject in their ancient history syllabus.

Here are some of the colleges in India that offer Ancient History courses in distance learning mode:

Ancient History Distance College

Ancient History Distance College Fees

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU)

8,000 – 15,200

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

18,000

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

14,600

School of Open Learning, University of Delhi

2000

Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras

13,350

Q:   Which are the various colleges that offer ancient history courses at low fee structure?

A:

Given below are some colleges that offer ancient history courses at low fees:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee (in INR)

Visva Nehru University

432

Jagat Taran Girls Degree College

1,800

Visva Bharati University

2,400 – 2,520

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

2,400

PRSU - Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University

3,520

Popular Private Ancient History Colleges in India

1 Course
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

3 Courses
2.4 K - 5.16 K
8 - 9 LPA
1 Course
432
9.5 LPA
1 Course
1 Course
22.59 K
2.8 LPA
3 K - 68 K

Ancient History Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

The candidates who complete Ancient History courses can be employed in various sectors in some well-known job profiles.

Ancient History Job Profiles

Given below is a list of Ancient History Job profiles along with a brief description and average annual salary:

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Annual Salary (in INR)

Archive Assistant

Preserves historical articles and information

4.5 LPA to 5.8 LPA

Curator

Responsible for the displays in museums and art galleries

3 LPA

Archeologist

Recognises and studies historical sites and is also involved in excavation

6 LPA

History Teacher

Teaches History as a subject in school

4 LPA

History Faculty

Teaches History or related subjects in university or college

7 LPA

Ancient History Courses Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters of ancient history courses are given below in the table:

Ancient History Top Recruiters

National Museums

Archaeological Survey of India

Public and Private Universities

Research Centers

Indian Council of Historical Research

National Heritage Agencies

Q:   Can one become an Anthropologist after completing a course in History?

A:

Yes, one can become an anthropologist after completing a course in History.

Both Anthropology and history share some similarities in curriculum and areas of focus.

Many people become anthropologists after pursuing a degree in History.

The candidates must note that, it is important for them to pursue a course in anthropology to get better job prospects in the field.

Field work, research and internships often prove to be useful for candidates to get into the field of anthropology.

Q:   What is the difference between an Archaeologist and a Paleontologist?

A:

Archaeology and paleontology are inter-related fields. The professions of archaeologists and paleontologists are pursued by candidates who complete a degree in History or related fields.

Here are some of the differences between an archaeologist and paleontologist:

Archaeologist

Paleontologist

Is concerned with the study of ancient humans and their ways of life

Is concerned with the study of all ancient animals excluding human beings

Artefacts are the main source for studying

Fossils are the main source for studying

Ancient History FAQs: 2024

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Ancient History:

Q:   What is the difference between History and Archaeology?

A:

History and Archaeology are closely linked subjects. However, there are some major differences between the two.

Candidates can refer to the table below to understand the difference between History and Archaeology:

History

Archaeology

History as a field is based on authentic facts.

Whereas, Archaeology is not authentic.

History is not a cross discipline.

Archaeology is a cross discipline.

History can be supported by written records.

Archaeology is not concerned with written records.

Q:   What are the 4 types of ancient civilizations?

A:

There are four major ancient civilizations in the world which are known to have links with the present day modern civilizations. These are as follows:

Name of the Civilization

Location

Mesopotamia

West Asia

Egypt

West Asia

Indus valley

South Asia

China

East Asia

Popular Ancient History UG Courses

Following are the most popular Ancient History UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Ancient History PG Courses

Following are the most popular Ancient History PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

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

Answered 2 months ago

There are many good books on ancient history. Some of these are as follows:

Ancient History Books

Authors

The History of the Ancient World: From the earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome

Susan Wise Bauer

Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From

Tony Joseph

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic

Tom Holland

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Republic

Plato

Anabasis

Xenophon

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Ancient History is a subfield of History. In this field you will learn about the people, culture, societal structure and economic composition of ancient societies. Ancient History time period is around 3000 BC to 500 AD. This time period may vary for a specific culture or geographical region dependi

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are four major ancient civilizations in the world which are known to have links with the present day modern civilizations. These are as follows:

Name of the Civilization

Location

Mesopotamia

West Asia

Egypt

West Asia

Indus valley

South Asia

China

East Asia

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Given below are some colleges that offer ancient history courses at low fees:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee (in INR)

Visva Nehru University

432

Jagat Taran Girls Degree College

1,800

Visva Bharati University

2,400 – 2,520

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

2,400

PRSU - Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University

3,520

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Ancient History Courses can be pursued in distance mode in India. This is a great option for many students who want to study ancient history without attending regular college. The candidates are advised to check if the college is recognised by UGC before taking admission in ancient history course in

...more

K

Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

Contributor-Level 10