Bachelor of Arts (BA) is an undergraduate degree course usually of three years duration. It is one of the most popular course choices among Arts and Humanities students after Class 12. The full form of BA is Bachelor of Arts (Baccalaureus Artium in Latin). The course is considered as a foundation course for students who want to make their career in the field of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It is offered in a variety of subjects at a majority of universities in India. Some of the popular BA courses that students usually choose to pursue after Class 12 are BA English, BA History, BA Political Science, BA Psychology, BA Economics, and so on.
A BA (Bachelor of Arts) course can be pursued as both a full-time or part-time program. Students can choose to pursue a General BA or BA (Honours). The course is most suitable for students who have a strong interest and background in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. It is also beneficial for students who wish to pursue multi- and inter-disciplinary careers in the fields of arts and humanities in the future. After completing a BA degree, candidates can opt to pursue a Master of Arts (MA) or enroll in a professional, job-oriented course.
BA programmes usually last three years, while part-time or distance learning may take four to five years. The focus is mainly on theoretical learning, with some subjects involving projects, presentations, or fieldwork. To pass, students must clear theory exams and internal assessments. Some subjects like Psychology, Journalism, or Fine Arts may also include practical or project-based work.
A BA programme is offered in two types – BA Honours and BA General. BA Honours focuses on one main subject (like English, History, or Psychology) with in-depth study and includes elective subjects. It helps develop theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and sometimes research skills, making it ideal for students aiming for specialization or further studies in that subject.
On the other hand, the BA General programme provides a broad understanding of Arts and Humanities subjects. The curriculum is less intensive than BA Honours and focuses mainly on theoretical knowledge across multiple disciplines.
The BA eligibility criteria are as follows: