what is the full form of ba bachelor of art
Home Detailed Guide BA Full Form: Courses List, Subjects, Colleges [2024]

BA Full Form: Courses List, Subjects, Colleges [2024]

College Vidya Team Dec 9, 2023 29.6K Reads

UGC Notice

What Is The Full Form of BA?

The full form of BA is Bachelor of Arts, which is a 3-year undergraduate course in the stream of humanities. Anyone can pursue BA after the completion of 10 + 2 in any steam. Generally, admission in BA is merit-based but some universities prefer to take entrance exams.

The Bachelor of Arts program can be pursued in either regular or distance format. Students who are unable to pursue education after 12th due to any reason can do this in the distance format.

BA is one of the specialized courses that opens up plenty of career opportunities. A Bachelor of Arts imparts a deep knowledge of concepts like History, Politics, Sociology, Economics, and more.

There are a plethora of UGC-recognized universities that are offering both regular and distance BA along with different specializations. There are certain important facts to know about BA:

  • Bachelor of Arts is a 3-year program in the stream of Arts.
  • BA can be pursued either as a full-time course or as a part-time course and even in the distance mode.
  • Students of BA can pursue any specialization of MA.
  • BA course offers various specializations in different subjects like English, Political Science, Hindi, Mathematics, Sociology, and more.

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BA Program Quick Overview

Here is a quick overview of the course Bachelor of Arts:-

Full-Form Bachelor Of Arts 
Degree Level  Undergraduate 
Duration                                       3 Years 
Fee Structure  INR 45,000-INR 60,0000                                
Eligibility Criteria  10+2 from a recognized board 
Mode Of Learning Online, Regular, and Distance
Admission Procedure  Merit-based 
Starting Salary  INR 3-6LPA

Should I even pursue a BA?

Bachelor of Arts or BA is a course for those who are willing to take a deep knowledge in subjects like Political Science, Public Administration, History, Literature, Psychology, and so forth.

If you have completed your 12th from a recognized board then you are eligible to take admission in this course. However, the admissions are based on merit.

What are the types of BA courses?

You can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in different modes and there are 3 types of BA programs in order to fit your needs.

  • Regular BA – This is a full-time program where you will get classroom lectures on a daily basis. This is the traditional form of learning and admission to this program is merit-based only.
  • Online BA – Online BA is a new form of learning and also an advanced form of learning. Online BA is designed for students who are willing to do the job and graduation together.
  • Distance BA: Distance BA is also for working students but it does not offer any online exams and online lectures are offered by a few universities only like NMIMS. Distance BA is for those students who are more inclined towards getting a degree and can study on their own.

BA Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criterion is set by the university to assess the qualification and calibre of students to pursue higher education. The eligibility criteria for distance BA are:

  • Candidates for a BA course must have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board, according to the eligibility requirements.
  • Aside from that, some colleges stipulate that in order to be qualified to follow a BA course offered by them, aspirants must have received a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their Class 12 year.
  • For SC/ ST candidates, some colleges give a 5% mark reduction in this criterion.
  • The candidates need to make sure that they are issued their 12th certificate from a recognized board.

Do I require work experience for admission to BA?

There is no need of having any prior experience to get admission in the BA course at any university. Admission to this course is based on the marks obtained in your 12th class.

Do I need to give any entrance exams for BA?

No, you do not need to give any entrance exam to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in any discipline. Students can take admission in these courses based on the score obtained in 10 + 2.

What is Distance BA?

Distance Bachelor of Arts or distance BA is a program that has been offered by plenty of universities. Students pursuing this course need not come to the campus to attend classes as they can have the privilege of virtual lectures, and self-study material which is available both as a hard copy and a soft copy.

Students can check out universities like Chandigarh University, DU-SOL, and IGNOU to pursue a distance BA. The program has been recognized by the University Grants Commission-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB). Hence, the degree of distance BA is valid and has worth equal to the regular BA.

The curriculum of distance BA is also the same as regular BA. This degree is suitable for those who are working and cannot take out enough time to pursue higher studies. Hence, students can get a valid degree in bachelors along with their jobs.

BA Course Specializations

Since BA is an extremely popular course and is the study of individuals and culture, you can choose from a variety of fields to specialize in. The specialization of both distance BA is almost the same as BA in the regular mode.

Here is a list of some of the most common BA specializations in India. Before applying to a university, make certain that the particular distance university offers your chosen specialization.

BA in Economics BA in Psychology
BA in English or Literature BA in Philosophy
BA in Languages BA in Journalism
BA in History BA in Religious studies
BA in Political Science BA in Public Relations
BA in Archaeology BA in Anthropology

BA Structure and Curriculum

Distance BA or distance Bachelor of Arts is a course of 3 years and universities either offer it in the semester mode or in the yearly mode.

  • The program distance BA consists of 6 semesters in total which means students will have 2 semesters in one year and have to give exams twice a year.
  • Whereas, distance BA is also provided by some universities in the yearly mode which means there are no semesters and students have to give term-end exams once a year.
  • Generally, students get 6 years in total to complete a distance BA or to pass all the exams of the distance BA course.

The syllabus of the general BA Program and its major specializations are as follows: 

BA Subjects  BA Syllabus
General BA
  • Foundation Course in English-1 Or Foundation Course in Hindi-2
  • Foundation Course in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Foundation Course in Science and Technology
  • Foundation Course in Hindi
  • Foundation Course in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Foundation Course in English
  • From Language to Literature
  • The Structure of Modern English
  • Understanding Poetry
  • Reading the Novel
  • Communication Skills in English
  • English for Practical Purposes
  • Understanding Prose
  • Understanding Drama
  • Writing for Radio
  • Translation / Anuvaad
  • Feature Writing
  • Radio Lekhan (Hindi)
BA History
  • History of India-I
  • Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World
  • History of India-II
  • Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
  • History of India-III (c. 750-1206)
  • Rise of Modern West-I
  • History of India IV (c.1206-1550)
  • Rise of Modern West -11
  • History of India-V (c. 1550-1605)
  • History of India-VI (c. 1750-1857
  • History of Modern Europe- I (c. 1780-1939)
  • History of India-VII (c. 1605-1750)
  • History of India-VIII (c. 1857-1950)
  • History of Modern Europe- II (1780-1939)
  • 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-1I (c. 1868-1945)

Generic Elective (Interdisciplinary Any Four)

  • Environmental Issues In India
  • Research Methodology in History
  • Making of Contemporary India
  • Delhi: Ancient
  • Delhi: Medieval
  • Delhi: Modern
  • Issues in the Contemporary World

Any Two: Understanding Heritage/ Art Appreciation: An Introduction to Indian Art/ Archives and museums/ Understanding Popular Culture

Discipline-Specific Elective (Any Four)

  • History Of United States Of America -1(C. 1776 -1945)
  • History Of United States Of America -I1(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)
BA English
  • English Literature 4(i)
  • Twentieth-Century Indian Writing(i)
  • Concurrent – Qualifying Language
  • English Literature 4(ii)
  • Twentieth-Century Indian Writing(ii)
  • English Literature 1(i)
  • Concurrent – Credit Language
  • English Literature 1(ii)
  • English Literature 2(i)
  • Nineteenth-Century European Realism(i)/ Classical Literature (i)/ Forms of Popular Fiction (i)
  • Concurrent – Interdisciplinary
  • English Literature 2(ii)
  • English Literature 3(i)
  • Nineteenth-Century European Realism(ii)/ Classical Literature (ii)/ Forms of Popular Fiction (ii)
  • Concurrent – Discipline Centered I
  • English Literature 3(ii)
  • English Literature 5(i)
  • Contemporary Literature(i)
  • Anglo-American Writing from 1930(i)/ Literary Theory (i)/ Women’s Writing of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries (i)/ Modern European Drama (i)
  • English Literature 5(ii)
  • Contemporary Literature(ii)
  • Anglo-American Writing from 1930(ii)/ Literary Theory (ii)/ Women’s Writing of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries (ii)/ Modern European Drama (ii)
  • Concurrent – Discipline Centered II
BA Psychology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Statistical Methods for Psychological Research-I
  • Environmental Science
  • General Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Psychology of Individual Differences
  • English Communication
  • Youth, Gender and Identity
  • Development of Psychological
  • Psychological Research
  • Social Psychology
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Psychology for Health and Well-being
  • Understanding Psychological Disorders
  • Statistical Methods for Psychological Research-II
  • Applied Social Psychology
  • Stress Management
  • Psychology at Work
  • Dealing with Psychological Disorders
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Positive Psychology
  • Human Resource Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Counselling Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Community Psychology
BA Social Work
  • Beginnings of Social Work
  • Fundamentals of Social Work
  • Sociology for Social Work
  • Concurrent Field Work
  • Concurrent- Qualifying Language
  • Basic Concepts in Psychology
  • Contemporary Social Concerns
  • Social Psychology
  • Concurrent- credit Language
  • Working with Individuals
  • Working with Groups
  • Social Deviance and Social Problems
  • Community Organisation
  • Communication and Development
  • Physical, Mental and Community Health
  • Social Policy and Social Development
  • Social Legislation and Human Rights
  • Social Action and Movements
  • Social Welfare and Administration
  • Research in Social Work
  • Areas of Social Work Practice II
  • NGO Movement
BA Economics
  • Introductory Microeconomics
  • Mathematical Methods for Economics-I
  • Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course – I
  • Generic Elective – I
  • Introductory Macroeconomics
  • Mathematical Methods for Economics-II
  • Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course – II
  • Generic Elective – II
  • Intermediate Microeconomics-I
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics-I
  • Statistical Methods for Economics
  • Skill Enhancement Course – I
  • Generic Elective – III
  • Intermediate Microeconomics-II
  • Intermediate Macroeconomics-II
  • Introductory Econometrics
  • Skill Enhancement Course – II
  • Generic Elective – IV
  • Indian Economy – I
  • Development Economics – I
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – I
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – II
  • Indian Economy – II
  • Development Economics – II
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – III
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – IV
BA Political Science
  • Language – MIL/ English Environmental Science
  • Understanding Political Theory
  • Constitutional Government and Democracy in India
  • Generic Elective – I
  • Environmental Science Language – MIL/ English
  • Political Theory-Concepts and Debates
  • Political Process in India
  • Generic Elective – II
  • Introduction to Comparative Government & Politics
  • Perspectives on Public Administration
  • Perspectives on International Relations
  • Generic Elective – III
  • Ability Enhancement Course – I
  • Pol. Process & Inst. in Comparative Perspective
  • Public Policy and Administration in India
  • Global Politics
  • Generic Elective – IV
  • Ability Enhancement Course – II
  • Classical Political Philosophy
  • Modern Indian Political Thought – I
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – I
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – II
  • Modern Political Philosophy
  • Indian Political Thought – II
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – III
  • Discipline-Specific Elective – IV

What is the average fee for pursuing a BA?

The cost of a BA varies as per the university and type of BA. Students are likely to incur less cost if they pursue BA in the distance mode. The average cost of BA is RS. 40000 – Rs. 65,00 per annum.

Can I get a scholarship for BA?

Some universities offer scholarships to students who meet certain requirements. The following are some of the scholarships that students are likely to receive from universities:

  • Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit.
  • Scholarships are available for people who fall into the reserved categories of SC, ST, and OBC.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on a family’s income.

What are the top BA destinations?

Here is the list of all the major BA colleges for students:

  • IGNOU
  • University of Delhi
  • Chandigarh University
  • Jaipur National University
  • SMU
  • Tamil Nadu Open University

What should I pursue after BA?

In hindsight, most people consider MA or MBA after BA, however, there are plenty of different courses that you can and must consider as the demand for these courses has also increased with the ever-changing industry.

  • Master Of Arts (in any specialization)
  • Master Of Business Administration
  • PG Diploma in Journalism
  • Master of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • PG Diploma in Digital Marketing
  • Master of Fine Arts

Career Aspects of BA

BA is an immensely famous program and students opt for this either to pursue MA in a particular subject or to opt for jobs. The jobs you get after BA are totally dependent on the specialization you opted for. Also Read: Career Options After Graduation In Arts.

Students can even pursue MBA or give exams for public administration jobs. Some of the examples of major jobs available after distance BA are:

Content Writing Community Services
Sales Public Relations
Journalism Sales Executive
Broadcasting and Media Project Management

What is the average salary of a BA graduate?

BA or Bachelor of Arts is a course that opens up plenty of career options for you. You can even prepare for a government job along with this degree. The average salary you can get after completing the BA course is INR 2,40,000 – INR 5,00,00 per annum.

Can I pursue BA after 30?

Yes, you can pursue BA even after the age of 30 because distance universities hardly put any age limit as distance learning covers a large chunk of the population.

You can pursue BA even in a regular mode as well until and unless there is an age barrier. You can check the website and prospectus of universities to ensure that there is no age barrier for the program BA.

Full form of BA, remember?

The full form of BA is Bachelor of Arts as stated at the beginning of this blog. As the name suggests Bachelor of Arts explores the different fields of Arts and imparts the knowledge of concepts like humanities and social science, journalism, literature, history, public administration, and more. It prepares you for various private and government jobs in related fields.

Conclusion

BA is an outstanding career option for students who are interested in any of the related fields. However, although the course is primarily in the field of the arts, students from all streams will be able to integrate into the course and excel based on their abilities and interests.

So far, BA provides the most career opportunities for students, as well as a bright future. I hope this blog helped you in gaining enough insights about your BA or Bachelor of Arts.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

As per the norms of UGC, a Distance BA is equal to a regular BA if the university is AICTE,

UGC-DEB approved. The only difference is that students need to attend classes on campuses, whereas, students can study from their homes and sometimes on their own in the distance BA course.

You have to be a 10+2 pass out from a recognized board with a minimum percentage of 50%. The bar of minimum percentage may vary as per the university.

There is no entrance examination to get enrolled in Distance BA. You just need to score

A minimum percentage in 12th to get enrolled in BA distance learning.

One can complete the Distance MA within 3 to 6 years.

Yes, you can pursue BA after 12th in the science stream because BA allows students to take admission who have done 12th in any discipline or stream.
 

Yes, you can if you have an interest in management and entrepreneurship.

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