IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (History)

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (History) History is not just about dates and events – it is about understanding how societies, cultures, and civilizations evo

IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (History)

History is not just about dates and events – it is about understanding how societies, cultures, and civilizations evolved over centuries. For students who love exploring the past and connecting it with the present, a degree in history opens the doors to multiple career options in teaching, research, civil services, museums, and archaeology.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Bachelor of Arts (History) [BAHIH], a program designed to give students a deep understanding of Indian and world history. Through this course, students learn about political, economic, cultural, and social developments that shaped human civilization.

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About the Program

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (History)

• Program Code: BAHIH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Mode: Distance & Online Learning

• Minimum Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Duration: 6 Years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent

• Fee Structure: Around ₹4,200 – ₹5,000 per year (subject to revision)

• Admission Cycles: January & July every year

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Objectives of BA (History)

The program is designed to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Indian and world history.

• Develop skills in historical analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking.

• Introduce learners to archaeology, historiography, and cultural studies.

• Encourage appreciation of heritage, diversity, and civilization studies.

• Prepare students for higher studies, research, and competitive exams.

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📚 Course Structure – BA History (BAHIH)

The program follows the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). Students need to complete 132 credits in total.

Courses are divided into:

• Core Courses (CC)

• Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE)

• Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC)

• Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC)

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📌 Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2)

Core Courses:

1. BHIC-131: History of India from the Earliest Times up to 300 CE

   • Prehistoric cultures, Harappan civilization, Vedic age, Mauryan empire.

2. BHIC-132: History of India from 300 CE to 1206 CE

   • Gupta age, regional kingdoms, early medieval India.

3. BHIC-133: History of India from 1206 CE to 1707 CE

   • Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, cultural and political developments.

AECC (Ability Enhancement):

• BEVAE-181: Environmental Studies

👉 Credits: ~22–24

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📌 Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4)

Core Courses:
4. BHIC-134: History of India from 1707 CE to 1950 CE

• Decline of Mughal empire, rise of British rule, Indian independence movement.

5. BHIC-135: History of Modern Europe (1780–1939)

   • French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, rise of nationalism, world wars.

6. BHIC-136: Introduction to Archaeology and Historiography

   • Methods of history writing, archaeology as a source of history.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• BHIE-141: Economic History of India (1200–1750)

• BHIE-142: Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World

• BHIE-143: History of China (1840–1978)

• BHIE-144: History of the United States (1776–1945)

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Archival Studies

• Historical Tourism & Heritage Studies

👉 Credits: ~44–46

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📌 Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6)

Core Courses:
7. BHIC-137: History of Modern India (1857–1947)

• Revolt of 1857, rise of Indian nationalism, Gandhi & Nehru, independence.

8. BHIC-138: History of Indian Economy

   • Agrarian economy, industrialization, colonial economy.

9. BHIC-139: History of Modern World (1945–2000)

   • Cold War, United Nations, decolonization, globalization.

10. BHIC-140: Cultural History of India

    • Indian art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion.

Discipline-Specific Electives (Choose any 2):

• BHIE-145: Contemporary India (1947–2000)

• BHIE-146: Environmental Issues in World History

• BHIE-147: Women in Indian History

• BHIE-148: Modern South-East Asia (19th–20th Century)

Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC):

• Historical Research Methods

• Digital History & Online Archives

👉 Credits: ~60+

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🔑 Key Features of the Course

• Credits Required: 132

• Core Papers: 10 (covering Indian & world history)

• Electives (DSE): 4 (choice-based)

• Skill-Based Papers: 4 (career-oriented like research, heritage studies)

• Evaluation: Assignments (30%) + Exams (70%)

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Each course has assignments that must be submitted before exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Conducted in June & December.

• Students must pass both components to complete the course.

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Admission Process

1. Visit the IGNOU admission portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in

2. Register with email & mobile number.

3. Fill out the form with personal and academic details.

4. Upload documents:

   • Passport photo

   • Signature

   • Age proof

   • 10+2 certificate

5. Pay fees online (Debit/Credit, UPI, Net Banking).

6. Download confirmation for records.

👉 Admissions are open in January & July cycles.

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Career Opportunities After BA (History)

Graduates in history have a wide range of career options:

• Teaching & Academia – After higher studies (MA History, NET, PhD).

• Civil Services & Government Jobs – History is a popular optional subject for UPSC/State PSC.

• Museums & Archives – Work as curators, conservators, and archivists.

• Archaeology & Heritage Management – Field research, excavation projects.

• Research & Writing – Become historians, researchers, or authors.

• Tourism Industry – Work as cultural guides, heritage managers.

• Media & Journalism – Historical documentaries, publishing, and journalism.

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Why Choose IGNOU for BA History?

1. Flexibility – Complete in 3–6 years at your pace.

2. Affordability – Low fee structure compared to regular universities.

3. Recognition – UGC-approved and valid worldwide.

4. Accessibility – Study centres across India.

5. Digital Learning – Free resources via eGyankosh, SWAYAM, and IGNOU apps.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU BA (History) program is an excellent choice for students interested in exploring the past and understanding how it shapes the present and future. It equips learners with critical thinking, analytical, and research skills, making them employable in education, research, government services, media, and cultural institutions.

With its flexible learning mode, affordable fees, and national recognition, IGNOU ensures that even students from remote areas can pursue their passion for history.