Master of Arts in History or MA History is a two-year postgraduate degree programme which is offered at different Indian Universities for those who had studied History at the undergraduate level and want to pursue a postgraduate degree in the same specialization. In this two-year postgraduate degree programme, students get to know about all those major historical events which took place not only in India but globally. The entire syllabus is taught over a duration of two years and divided across four semesters.
The MA History syllabus and subjects cover topics like ancient and medieval India, modern India, world history, Indian politics and government, literature, economic history, current international relations issues, etc. Candidates who are interested in taking this course should hold a bachelor's degree in history or any other related subject. Admission to MA History colleges is based on merit or through competitive entrance exams. The course fee for MA History varies college to college. For government colleges, the average MA History course fee ranges from INR 2,600 to INR 10,000 and for private colleges, it ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 40,000. MA History graduates can work for the government in places like museums, archaeological divisions, educational institutions, etc. They can also work as a historian, curator of a museum, archivist, archaeologist, librarian, etc.
The MA History salary for a graduate is around INR 3,75,000 annually. Also, graduates have the option to continue their education by pursuing a PhD in History or another field of specialization, such as political science, cultural studies, linguistics, museum studies, etc.
The table below summarizes the MA History course highlights:
Course Level | Postgraduate |
---|---|
Full Form | Master of Arts in History |
Duration | 2 years |
Examination Type | Semester-based |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in history with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university |
Admission Process | Merit-based Entrance-based |
Course Fees | INR 2600 – INR 10,000 (government colleges) INR 10,000 – INR 40,000 (private colleges) |
Job Profiles | Archaeologist, Archivists, Auctioneer, Research Assistant, Historian, Documentation Specialist, Teacher, Museum Curator, etc |
Employment Area | Museums, archaeology department, academic institutes, etc |
Average Salary | INR 3,75,000 per annum |
MA History course gave us a better understanding of how things were and how we might go about creating a better future. A deeper understanding can aid in managing and organizing our societies in a way that benefits everyone. Since it is an advanced course, students who have completed a BA in history may find it helpful for their careers. MA History course presents a wide range of opportunities. Mainly, government employment is quite high after pursuing this course. The graduates can find employment as high school teachers, museum curators, archivists, archaeologists, auctioneers, etc. In addition to this, as writers, editors, or analysts, the graduates will develop strong writing, analytical thinking, and research skills and can earn a decent salary.
In India, a number of universities and affiliated colleges provide an MA in History. Most colleges and universities have their own requirements for MA in History applicants. Therefore, the following are the standard criteria that are most often used:
Both Indian and global history are emphasized in MA History. The curriculum includes various facets of historical events, languages, cultures, and a thorough understanding of those significant events to help students analyze history more effectively.
Some of the detailed MA History subjects offered in almost all the colleges and universities have been listed below:
Semester | MA History Subjects |
---|---|
MA History Semester 1 Syllabus | Aspects of Ancient India |
State and Society in Medieval India | |
History of Tamil Nadu | |
MA History Semester 2 Syllabus | State and Society in Medieval India |
Modern India | |
Indian Government and politics | |
Interdisciplinary course- History through literature | |
MA History Semester 3 Syllabus | Modern India |
World history | |
Computer application in Historical studies | |
Contemporary Issues in International Relations | |
Special Course-Research Methodology | |
Cybersecurity | |
MA History Semester 4 Syllabus | Historiography |
History of Tamil Nadu | |
The economic history of India | |
History of the Cholas/ History of the Guptas |
Admission to MA History is granted in two ways: merit-based or through an entrance examination. The application process for MA History varies depending on the admission procedure. However, applicants can apply to their preferred MA History colleges online. Students must fill out the required information in an online application form on the official website of their respective universities to apply for MA History courses online.
Candidates can apply for MA History courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Check into the application form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want an admission to a MA History course.
Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for MA History admissions at the colleges and universities you want to attend
Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application process for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website
Step 4: After appearing and passing the MA History entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on
Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process
Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the MA History course
Candidates can apply for MA History courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Fill out the online MA History application form
Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit
Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling
Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to MA History course
There are two ways of getting admission into the MA History programme offered at various institutions/universities:
Based on Entrance Exam: For admission to the MA History course, many universities hold entrance exams. On the basis of the entrance test scores of the candidates, final admission is granted by these universities/institutions
Based on Merit: For admission, various universities and colleges give consideration to the applicants' qualifying exam scores when allocating seats in the MA History course. This process is also known as the direct admission process.
There is no specific exam for the MA in History. However, some institutes hold university-level entrance exams, such as:
CUET: The Central University Entrance Test (CUET) will give students a single window opportunity to apply to these participating universities / institute(s) across the nation for admission to various MA History programmes of the participating central universities. No weight will be given to class 12th results when determining admission to undergraduate programmes at central universities; admission will solely be based on CUET PG scores.
IPU CET: Admission to undergraduate and graduate programs at Indraprastha University is determined by a common entrance test. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode. Candidates must clear the entrance exam to get admission to MA History. Counseling sessions will be organized for the students for those who passed the test.
DSAT: Admission to undergraduate and graduate programs is granted through the Dayanand Sagar Admission Test. Both online and offline testing is available for the national examination. The test is held computer-based in 82 cities across India.
Some of the best colleges in India that offer this course, as well as their admission process are listed below.
College Names | Admission Process |
---|---|
Miranda House College, New Delhi | Merit-Based |
Hindu College, New Delhi | Entrance Based |
Presidency College, Chennai | Merit-Based |
St. Stephens College, New Delhi | Merit-Based and Interview |
Loyola College, Chennai | Merit-Based |
Madras Christian College, Chennai | Merit-Based |
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore | Merit-Based |
Government Arts College, Coimbatore | Merit-Based |
Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai | Merit-Based |
The MA History fee structure varies from college to college. However, the average MA History course fee ranges from INR 10,000 - INR 40,000. Though compared to private institutions, government colleges charge much lower course fees.
Here is a list of top colleges that offer MA History courses, along with their fees:
Colleges | Average Fee |
---|---|
Jesus and Mary College | INR 13,500 |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | INR 18,000 |
AMU - Aligarh Muslim University | INR 25,000 |
BHU - Banaras Hindu University | INR 3,000 |
The Hindu College | INR 18,000 |
Ramjas College | INR 15,000 |
Presidency University, Bangalore | INR 2,500 |
St Xaviers College | INR 18,000 |
University of Hyderabad - UOH | INR 7,000 |
Miranda House | INR 15,000 |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
The table below explains the differences between MA Political Science and MA History.
Parameters | MA History | MA Political science |
---|---|---|
Overview | It is the examination of the impacts of past occurrences on the present. | It is the study of politics and administration. |
Syllabus | It is a broad subject that covers issues such as global history, Indian history, and historical occasions that also involve politics. | It is a comprehensive subject that is solely concerned with the structure of the government, its laws, democracy, policies, political ideas, ideologies, and so on. |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidate must be having a bachelor’s degree in history or related subject from a recognized institution. | Candidate must be having a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized institution. |
Average Annual Fees | INR 10,000 | INR 10,000 |
Job Profile | Graduates can work in museums, archaeology departments, academic institutes, and etc as historians, museum curators, archivists, archaeologists, high school teachers, and so on. | They can work in politics, law, business, media, or public services as a manager, administrator, lecturer, political content writer/journalist, consultant, and so on. |
Average Salary | INR 3,70,000 – INR 6,00,000 | INR 3,00,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
Candidates must have the knowledge and abilities necessary for a deeper understanding of the subjects in order to pursue an MA in History. It requires exceptional skills, and the courses will equip them with knowledge and abilities like analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and effective communication. The following are some of the important skills needed for the MA in History:
Good communication skills | Analytical skills |
---|---|
Management skills | Learning ability |
Team working ability | Comprehension skills |
Aware of the chronology, terms and concepts | Interpretation skills |
Research skills | Decision-Making |
Candidates with a master's degree in history can pursue a variety of positions in both the public and private sectors. Students can also find work in companies as archaeologists, historians, history experts, archivists, and many other positions. The average annual salary for professionals with a history degree is around INR 6 lakhs. Other career options for history graduates include excavating new sites, learning about history, cultures, traditions, and languages, and teaching history. With a Masters degree in History, the candidates can target one of the following job titles as career options.
MA History graduates have a plethora of job opportunities. And most of these jobs are in the private sector. Graduates can work in areas such as:
Some of the most sought job opportunities with descriptions are listed below:
Job Options | Job Description | Average salary |
---|---|---|
Historian | Their job is to study and research historical documents in order to draw conclusions and communicate them through writing and publishing. | INR 5,00,000 – INR 7,00,000 |
Museum Curator | They are experts in the history of natural elements such as metals, terracotta, textiles, paintings, and so on. Their job is to keep records of each item, such as the item's age, where it was acquired, conservation methods, and so on. | INR 2,00,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
High school teacher | Their responsibility is to impart their knowledge. They prepare and offer classes to high school students on the topic of history. | INR 3,45,000 – INR 6,00,000 |
Archivist | They specialise in preserving ancient documents & records, mending parchments & paper manuscripts, and microfilming the papers. They can acquire positions in museums, libraries, national and state archives, etc. | INR 4,45,000 – INR 6,00,000 |
Archaeologist | It is a research-based employment that frequently needs fieldwork. They might dig, examine coins, read inscriptions, and other things as part of their work. For the preservation of 3,600 sites, heritage organisations, museums, and other research facilities, the archaeological survey of India employs archaeologists. | INR 3,50,000 – INR 6,50,000 |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
Each job profile's salary expectations are determined by experience, skills, capabilities, and other factors. The average annual salary offered to history graduates with less than one year of experience is around INR 3,75,000. However, candidates can expect a raise in their salary after gaining experience.
Level of Experience | Average Salary |
---|---|
0 - 1 year | INR 3,75,000 - INR 5,00,000 |
1 - 3 years | INR 5,70,000 - INR 6,00,000 |
Above 5 years | INR 6,25,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
After completing the course, students will be able to pursue opportunities in a variety of fields, including archaeology, historical research, academics, historical fiction, monument restoration, and museums. Students can also pursue doctoral or postdoctoral degrees in history, such as an MPhil or PhD. Students can also conduct their own research and write papers and books about historical events. They can also prepare for the civil services exam, which is becoming increasingly easy for history graduates to qualify for.