Updated on Jan 22, 2025 05:43 IST

History career scope is rapidly increasing with the increased focus on the preservation of arts and culture. Students who choose to pursue a career in History can look forward to a fascinating, fulfilling, and stable career with ample opportunities and scope for growth.

A student can pursue a career as a  Professor, Archivist, Journalist, Historian, Museum Curator, Government Officer, etc after completing a degree in History courses. They can expect a salary ranging from INR 5–10 LPA in a History career. 

Students can pursue further studies like B.Ed, MBA, Masters, and PhD after History courses. They can also start working in the Academia, Media, and Government Service fields. Some of the top recruiters in the History industry are the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), UNESCO, Heritage Walk, etc.

Many History graduates choose to work for government organizations. They can get recruited into government positions through competitive exams such as UPSC CSE, SBI PO, SSC CGL, etc. Popular colleges that offer History courses include Hindu College, Hansraj College, Lady Shri Ram College, Loyola College, and Madras Christian College, among others.

Table of Contents
  1. History Courses Career: Quick Facts
  2. Top Career Profiles in History Courses
    • 2.1 Government & Private Sector Career Options After History Honours Courses
  3. History Courses: Emerging Trends in Careers
  4. History Courses Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education
    • 4.1 Core Industries for History Career
    • 4.2 History Course Careers Top Recruiters
    • 4.3 Courses after History Courses
  5. Competitive Exams after History
  6. History Courses: Top Colleges for Placements In India
  7. History Career FAQs
  8. History Career FAQs: 2024

History Courses Career: Quick Facts

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for historians are projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033. 
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, almost 18% of history course graduates were employed in educational instruction and library occupations, 18% in management occupations, and 11% in legal occupations, while 10% of the history graduates in the US pursued business and financial operations occupations.
  • According to AmbitionBox, an entry-level salary of a history teacher who has less than three years of experience earns an average salary of INR 4.1 LPA. A history graduate and teacher with 4–9 years of experience earns an average salary of INR 8.2 LPA, while an experienced history faculty with 10–20 years of experience earns an average salary of INR 7.5 LPA.

Top Career Profiles in History Courses

History is the study of past events, individuals, and society and its impact on the modern world. Students can pursue a plethora of job opportunities after completing a History degree.

Government & Private Sector Career Options After History Honours Courses

Students can get a job in both the government and the private sectors after completing a History course. Some of the most commonly chosen job profiles are listed below:

History Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Annual Salary

Historian

Historians are responsible for conducting thorough research and analysis of historical data and presenting their interpretations of past events.

INR 5 LPA

Archivist

Archivists are in charge of collecting, preserving, and organizing historical material and other important data. They frequently have a background in History or a similar discipline and act as information professionals.

INR 5 LPA

Field Archaeologist

This job profile includes archaeological surveying and excavation at various important sites to locate any cultural remains and artifacts and maintain accurate records.

INR 6 LPA

Journalist

Journalists with a History course background can write about historical events of importance for newspapers, periodicals, or websites. They can also act as producers or writers for historical documentaries or TV shows.

INR 4 LPA

Civil Servant

Civil servants work for public welfare and are responsible for the protection and assistance of the citizens of the country.

INR 9.5 LPA

History Professor

History professors work at the college/university level, where they teach and share their vast knowledge with the undergraduate and postgraduate students of History or a related discipline.

INR 7 LPA

Researcher

History researchers can work in a range of institutions, including universities and government organizations, serving as think tanks. They frequently engage in an in-depth historical study and publish their findings in academic journals.

INR 7 LPA

Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the organizations offering the jobs.

History Courses: Emerging Trends in Careers

  • History of the Marginalised Communities: In the modern era, a shift has been observed in the study of History, where the history of subaltern groups like the LGBTQ+ community, women, slaves, and the working class is becoming increasingly important, whereas the focus has previously been on people in positions of power and influence.  
  • Digitalization: We live in a digital world, and the study of History is no exception. There are now vast resources of digital archives and online facilities, which are accessible at the tip of the finger across the world. 
  • Augmented Reality: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are growing more popular as they allow users to learn about History through interactive and entertaining means. The integration of Augmented Reality into History is slowly revolutionizing the education sector and the experience of a modern museum.
  • Cliometrics: Cliometrics is the use of statistical and quantitative methods to study history through an economic lens. This allows us to recognize patterns of economics through the ages. It can help us predict and better manage the global economy.

History Courses Scope in India: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education

There is vast scope for students who wish to pursue a career in History. Students can choose to work in the government sector, in education, as well as in the journalism industry. There are many options for History graduates to choose from. Read on to find out more about History career scope and opportunities.

Core Industries for History Career

A History graduate can find themselves working in various industries. The job opportunities are diverse. Students can take a look at some of the commonly chosen job industries for a career in the History sector.

Core Industry

Description

Average Salary

Government and Public Sector

Students can use their knowledge of history, culture, and sociology to work in the public service sector.

INR 12 LPA

Academia 

Many students choose to teach History and pursue independent research projects in the field. They may also supervise and mentor students in preparing their dissertations.

INR 9 LPA

Publishing and Media

Students can also assist in the content curation and production of movies, plays, documentaries, books, and newspaper/magazine editorials.

INR 2.5 Lakhs

Journalism

Journalists collect information, carry out research, analyze the data, and present it in the form of captivating narratives. 

INR 5.5 LPA

Community Service Organisations

Community service organizations, NGOs, and non-profits offer a wide range of job opportunities for History graduates. They can also seek overseas job opportunities by becoming an International social worker.

INR 3 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, it may vary. 

History Course Careers Top Recruiters

The top recruiting companies for students who have completed History courses include companies like:

Top Recruiters for History Graduates

National Museum Institute, New Delhi

The Indian Express

National Heritage Agencies

UNESCO

Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)

Hindustan Times

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

Courses after History Courses

Many students choose to further their education after completing an undergraduate degree in History. Higher education opens up a wide horizon of possible career opportunities and helps students develop deeper knowledge and gain practical skills that can help them in the real world.

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 that permits candidates to independently conduct and publish their research.

Competitive Exams after History

Given below are some competitive exams through which History graduates can secure government jobs:

Competitive Exams After History Courses Description
UPSC CSE It is conducted to select candidates for Group A services under the Government of India. The UPSC career options are vast and extensive.
SBI PO It is conducted for recruitment to Banking Services in the State Bank of India.
IBPS PO It is conducted for recruitment to Banking Services in many government banks in India.
UPPSC PCS It is a state-level exam conducted in Uttar Pradesh for recruitment to Group A and Group B services.
IBPS Clerk It is conducted for recruitment to clerical-level posts in many government banks in India.
SBI Clerk It is conducted for recruitment to clerical-level posts in the State Bank of India.
SSC CGL It is a national-level exam that is conducted for recruitment to Group B and Group C services in various government organisations.
UPSC CAPF It is a national-level exam that is conducted for recruitment to various posts as Gazetted Officers in the Central Armed Police Forces

History Courses: Top Colleges for Placements In India

Many colleges in India offer History courses. Some of the top colleges with the highest average placement packages have been mentioned in the table below:

Top History Colleges

Average Placement Salary

University of Mumbai

INR  18 LPA

Rajdhani College

INR  4.25-16 LPA

Kirori Mal College

INR 7.2-16 LPA

Zakir Husain Delhi College

INR 5.5-16 LPA

DU SOL

INR 15.5 LPA

Institute of Distance and Open Learning, MU

INR 4.5-15 LPA

Ashoka University

INR 9.25-10 LPA

Dibrugarh University

INR 11-14.55 LPA

Shiv Nadar University

INR 12.08 LPA

Manipal Centre for Humanities

INR 11.75 LPA

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR 9.5 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

History Career FAQs

History Career FAQs: 2024

Q. Who is a Historian?

A. A Historian is a History expert. His/her field of study could be restricted to a particular period, social phenomenon or geographical location.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for History. Students interested in pursuing a career on History, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

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

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Admit Card Release

TENTATIVE

Popular History Colleges in India

Following are the most popular History Colleges in India. Learn more about these History colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 Courses
51.6 K - 80.61 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#1 India Today

3 Courses
432 - 540
7 LPA

#5 The Week

29.06 K - 44.67 K
6.6 - 6.89 LPA

#2 Outlook

5 Courses
61.47 K
9.2 LPA

#1 Outlook

7 Courses
46.55 K
7.2 - 16 LPA

#5 India Today

2 Courses
72.5 K
6.23 LPA

#8 The Week

Popular Private History Colleges in India

2.22 L - 2.86 L
6.21 L

History Applications open. Apply Now

2.34 L
3.6 LPA

#119 India Today

History Applications open. Apply Now

1.2 L - 1.5 L
2.76 L - 5.52 L
3.7

#44 The Week

History Applications open. Apply Now

13.6 L

History Applications open. Apply Now

Popular History Specializations

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

Popular Specializations

Popular History UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular History PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Answered 2 days ago

There are various job opportunities that students can pursue after a degree or specialisation in Ancient Roman history from Indian universities. Some career options and job industries that graduates can pursue are: Academia and Teaching, jobs as a Museum Curator or Archivist, Tour Guide or Historian

...Read more

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Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, you can definitely study Ancient Rome as a part of a broader programme in history, literature, archaeology, art, etc. classes. The influence of the 1000-year civilization is immense and essential to the modern understanding of these subjects. Students usually prefer to study about Ancient Rome

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Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

You can get 10th History question paper, Previous Questions and their solutions, Mock Paper and Important Questions  in Marathi medium in websites like shaalla.com, target publications, MaharashtraStudy.com, Shiksha.com etc.  

A

Akash Pratap Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

For reference to the History and Political Science paper from the SSC Boards 2023, there are several resources online where students can find a variety of previous question papers with solutions.

Shiksha has ample resources for students to connect with experts and various academic resources. The offi

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Satya sai thammineni

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, there are numerous online platforms that offer courses in Art History and Aesthetics. Online courses are ideal for working professionals or those unable to attend in-person classes. Popular options for Art History & Aesthetics online Courses are:

  1. Coursera: Partnered with institutions like Yale a

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Piyush Chatterjee

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Definitely, While an art background can be benificial for you but most programs welcome students from diverse academic fields. Beginners can start with foundation courses that introduce basic concepts in art and aesthetics. Passion, curiosity and a willingness to learn are the most important criteri

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Kritika Tyagi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Art History is the study of visual art forms, their development, and the cultural, historical, and social contexts that influence them. It studies the artworks such as paintings, sculptures, architecture and even digital media to understand their significance in different time periods and cultures.

S

...Read more

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Abhishek Arora

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

CBSE Class 12 history exam 2025 will be held on March 29, 2025. You can check the detailed CBSE Class 12 date sheet 2025 by clicking on the link provided. CBSE 12th exams 2025 will be conducted in pen and paper format between Feb 15 and April 4, 2025.

L

Liyansha Taneja

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 weeks ago

The CUET History syllabus covers topics like Harappan civilization, Inscriptions and the decipherment of the script, Social Histories using the Mahabharata, Buddhism, Medieval Society through Travellers' Accounts, the nationalist movement 1918-48, history of the 1940s, and many more.

A

Atul Singh

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, CUET History preparation significantly overlaps with other competitive exams like:

  • Civil Services (UPSC): Topics such as the Mauryan to Gupta period, Bhakti-Sufi traditions, and colonial history are common.
  • UGC NET (History): Advanced concepts build upon the CUET syllabus, making it a foundationa

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Yatendra Choudhury

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, History can be combined with other subjects in CUET. Typically, candidates can choose History alongside subjects like Political Science, Geography, Sociology, Economics, or other related fields depending on the university's requirements. This combination allows students to create a broader acad

...Read more

S

Sumridhi Bisht

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 4 weeks ago

Hello, I hope you are doing fine 

Graduates of Ashoka university are recruited across diverse profile: business analyst, credit risk analyst, executive assistant, communication and strategy, Project manager, Research analyst, data science, digital marketing, HR, product manager, software developer, a

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M

Muskan Yadav

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Some recommended colleges in Patliputra University for Post graduation in History hons are :- A.N. college, T.P.S. college, College of commerce, arts and science.

P

Priya Kumari

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The M.A. in History program at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has specific cutoff marks for admission. Based on the latest available data, the cutoff marks for the General category are as follows:

  • General Category: 103
  • OBC Category: 65
  • SC Category: 32
  • ST Category: 17

These cutoff marks are determined by

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80211380
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

I recommend checking the following sources for the answer key to the Class 12th History Pre-Board 2024-25:

  1. Official School Website: Schools often post answer keys for pre-board exams on their official websites or student portals.
  2. Educational Platforms: Websites like Shiksha.com and more may have infor

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Universities with good history programs and resources are generally the best options for pursuing a postgraduate degree in History. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi and Delhi University (DU) are very good, as they have excellent history courses and faculty.

A

Annu navariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

History is one of the subjects in Bihar BET 2025 such as ancient, medieval, modern, and world history.

 Its syllabus on ancient history is course-wise like Harappan civilization, Vedic age, Mauryan and Gupta empires, and early South Indian kingdoms.

 It has extensive coverage of medieval history like

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R

Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Best book for history preparation for UPSC would differ in various phases of preparation.

One will recommend "India's ancient past" by R.S. Sharma regarding ancient Indian history. History of Medieval India casts a light on medieval history and for modern Indian history, "India's Struggle for Indepe

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Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It is not always necessary to write the CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates) exam to pursue a History course. Whether you need to take the exam depends on the specific university you are applying to.

  1. For Central Universities: Many central universities, such as Delhi University

...Read more

S

Shiv Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Open the official website of NTA, find the "UGC NET Cut Off" link, now select Geography and choose the session of that particular year. The UGC NET cut-off marks will be displayed to download.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

See it depends on the paper level every year as we see in 2024 particularly in CUET the cut off for most of top colleges in South campus ARSD and VENKY.it ranges from 720/800 to 730/800. So it depends on various factors how much student apply for course and how much the merit goes for best north cam

...Read more

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Shivansh yajurvedi

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 months ago

Look, this is something that is determined by your personal interests and situation. Both kinds of educational institutes have their positives and negatives, which you must consider carefully before making a decision:

Parameters

Government History Colleges

Private History Colleges

 

Fees

Lower Fees

Higher Fees

Infrastructure

Outdated Infrastructure

Modern Infrastructure

Other Benefits

Scholarships, Solid Alumni Network and Recognized Brand Tag

Job Industry Connections and Placement Opportunities

By carefully examining these important factors, you can make up your mind and come

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Well, this is a very subjective question. Some candidates would prefer Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology because the coursework perfectly aligns with their interests in literature, archaeological heritage and Indian culture. Also, it is conducted in an online mode for the du

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D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

The duration of certificate courses in History is usually 1 year or less. For example, the short term certificate course in History offered by the National Archives of India can be completed within 8 weeks depending upon the specialisation you choose. Also, the certificate course in History at KJ So

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Well, it is not compulsory to appear for the CUET-UG exam for admission in undergraduate History courses but all the top universities and colleges in India provide admission either through CUET or conduct their university-specific entrance exams such as IPU-CET, JMI entrance, etc. So it is better to

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, of course, you can opt for an undergraduate History course or a certificate course after securing 55% marks in your Class 12th board exams. For a BA degree in History, you will have to appear for any of the national/state-level entrance exams such as CUET-UG, IPU CET, or others and score good m

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Dear aspirant, you can definitely pursue a BA in History or History Honors at Delhi University despite being a Science student. The only thing that you need to do is to get a good CUET score as the cut-off marks are quite high for some of the top colleges. Further, apart from selecting your Class 12

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

You will have to appear for the CUET-UG entrance exam in the subjects you studied in Class 12, which takes place every year for admission to various courses at top Indian universities such as Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, etc. Also, Stephens College, DU conduct

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Well, there are many advantages to pursuing an online History course. If you have cleared class 12, many colleges will give you admission to online History courses. Even those who have any sort of educational qualification or experience, are eligible to pursue online courses in History.

To add furthe

...Read more

D

Divya

Contributor-Level 8

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