About the Course

Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a 3-year undergraduate degree offered in India, the minimum eligibility for admission to which is passing in Intermediate or 10+2 level from a recognized board or university. The course is generally offered in Liberal Arts Humanities.

The admission process for Bachelor of Arts (BA), ideally, starts after the results of 10+2 examinations are declared. After the results are declared, universities offering BA course invite application from eligible candidates. Soon after the application process, universities release cut off lists of selected candidates for admission.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) course requires a student to learn minimum 5 different subjects and select a combination of subjects suitable to their needs and interests. With options ranging from Psychology to French, a student can easily model his/her Bachelor of Arts course as per their future aspirations. Apart from two distinct languages, students opting for a Bachelor of Arts degree learn basics of Anthropology, History, Literature, Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy etc. These subjects combined together give students a clear understanding of how civilizations work and help in developing sought-after skills like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.

The undergraduate degree is offered at a range of public and private colleges in India where some colleges also offer the option of selecting a subject to major in. The average fee charged for Bachelor of Arts in India varies from INR 10,000 to 25,000. Some of the public sector areas where a BA degree holder can work are Banks, Indian Administrative Services, Secretariat, Indian Postal Department, Indian Railways, Army and Navy and others such. The average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 1.5 lacs to 2.5 lacs.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Course Highlights

Mentioned below are the major highlights of BA course.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): What is it About?

Bachelor of Arts (BA) is an undergraduate course of 3 years duration which can be pursued as both full-time and part-time. It is composed of many expressive disciplines and offers various subject combinations to candidates to choose from apart from 1-2 compulsory subjects. These subjects include Liberal Arts, Science or both and their combinations may vary from institute to institute.

Candidates pursuing BA course have the option of choosing major and minor in English, French or any other linguistic course, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, History, Religious Studies and more subject areas. Most of the institutes offer a change in elective subjects in the 2nd year depending upon one’s performance of choice.

This bachelor degree is a flexible one allowing candidates to adapt to the changing demands of the employment market and meet their career demands. It enhances the candidates’ communication, research, and analytical skills. Ability to analyze tasks, set priorities and communicate goals to others are some such skills which can be honed for those pursuing the course.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Eligibility

Interested aspirants for the undergraduate degree must fulfill the below-mentioned eligibility criteria.

• Completion of 10+2 or High School Senior Secondary exam by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or any equivalent exam conducted by any State Board or equivalent
• A minimum score of 50% aggregate at 10+2 level
• English as a subject at HSC
• All SC/ST candidates have a relaxation of 5% in the minimum aggregate

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Admission Process

Admission to BA course is completely merit-based. The admission process for the same commences after results for 10+2 are declared. Soon after the declaration of results, universities offering the course release a cut off list for the candidates seeking admission into the course. Certain colleges and universities also intake students with exceptional performance in extra-curricular activities under the ECA and Sports Quota. Usually 5% seats are reserved under the ECA and Sports quota.

Students applying under the Sports and ECA quota have to go through a 2-step selection process. First, you have to fill an application form wherein you need to mark clearly that you are applying under the ECA and Sports quota. After the application forms are evaluated, such students are called for field and ECA trials. Students are offered admission based on their performance in the field and ECA trials and their prior performance in state and national level competitions. Weightage given to field trials and early performance is given below:

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Career Prospects

Candidates pursuing Bachelor of Arts course can further opt for higher studies or seek employment in any of public or private sector. For students who wish to pursue higher studies, after the completion of Bachelor of Arts, multiple options are available in India. They can opt for an MA course in any of the subjects they studied as a part of the BA degree. Students who wish to study a professional degree can get into an MBA program at any of the prestigious Management institutes in India. There are still more options available for those vying for a professional degree like CA, CS or ICWA.

Since graduates with a Bachelor of Arts possess skills in a variety of subjects, career opportunities are available in multiple fields for them. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree holder can work in both public and private sector.

After completion of Bachelor of Arts, students can apply for various public sector jobs as well. Some of the public sector areas where a BA degree holder can work are:

• Banks
• Indian Administrative Services
• Secretariat
• Indian Postal Department
• Indian Railways
• Army and Navy