BA History Syllabus & Subjects 2025

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

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

BA history syllabus has the following subjects in the first year including BAHS 1911: Concepts and Approaches BAHS 1912: An Introduction to Archaeology, and 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, and BAHS 1922: Introduction to Numismatics. BAHS 1923 History of India, 650–1526 C.E. European History, 1453-1789 (BAHS 1925). 

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

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

BA History First Year Syllabus (Semester 1 & 2)

BA History Second Year Syllabus (Semester 3 & 4)

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.

BA History Third Year Syllabus (Semester 5 & 6)

The last two semesters of the 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.

Note: The syllabus may differ from University to University.

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

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

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

 BA History Discipline Specific Elective Subjects

Candidates can have a glance at the discipline specific electives of 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

Also Read: Top BA History Colleges in India 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, students must complete:

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

BA History Syllabus in Delhi University

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

BHU BA History Syllabus

The BHU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

IGNOU BA History Syllabus

The IGNOU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus Kerala University

The Kerala University BA History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus in Calcutta University

The Calcutta University History Syllabus is listed below.