Are you passionate about understanding the past and its influence on the present? A Master of Arts in History (MA History) offers deep insights into historical events, cultures, civilizations, and political movements across the world. Whether you’re preparing for a career in education, research, or civil services, this postgraduate course lays the foundation for analytical and intellectual growth.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about MA History, including eligibility, admission process, top colleges, syllabus, fees, career scope, and salary prospects in India.
Table of Contents
What is MA History?
MA History is a two-year postgraduate degree program that delves into the evolution of human civilizations from ancient to modern times. It equips students with analytical, critical thinking, and research skills. The program includes subjects like Indian History, World History, Historiography, and more.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full Form | Master of Arts in History |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Mode | Regular / Online / Distance |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree (Any Stream) |
| Average Fees | ₹10,000 – ₹60,000 per year |
| Top Recruiters | Schools, Colleges, UPSC, Museums |
| Job Roles | Historians, museum curators, archivists, archaeologists, high school teachers, etc. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2-4 LPA |
Why Choose Master of Arts in History?
- Deep understanding of civilizations, politics, and ideologies.
- Preparation for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, NET.
- Career opportunities in academia, journalism, archaeology, research, and more.
- Eligibility for PhD, M.Phil, or B.Ed programs.
MA History Eligibility Criteria
To apply for MA History, you must meet the following conditions:
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- Minimum Marks: At least 45–50% marks in graduation (may vary by college).
- Stream Flexibility: Students from BA, B.Sc, B.Com, or even professional degrees can apply.
MA History Admission Process
Admission to MA History can be merit-based or through entrance exams depending on the university.
Common Entrance Exams for Master of Arts in History:
| Exam Name | Conducted By | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | NTA | Graduation in any stream |
| DUET (Discontinued post-2022) | Delhi University | Graduation (50%+) |
| JNUEE | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Minimum 55% in UG |
| BHU PET | Banaras Hindu University | UG in relevant subject |
Top MA History Colleges in India
Here’s a list of some of the top universities offering Master of Arts in History programs:
| College/University | Location | Mode | NIRF Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi | New Delhi | Regular | Top 15 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | Regular | Top 10 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | Regular | Top 20 |
| IGNOU | Pan India | Distance | NA |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | Regular | Top 30 |
| Mangalayatan University Online | Online | Online | NA |
| VGU Online | Jaipur (Online) | Online | NA |
MA History Syllabus: Semester-wise Subjects
The MA History syllabus is designed to cover all major historical periods and approaches to historical analysis.
| Semester | Subjects (May Vary by University) |
|---|---|
| I | Ancient Indian History, World History, Historiography |
| II | Medieval India, European History, Research Methodology |
| III | Modern India, Indian National Movement, Thematic Studies |
| IV | Dissertation, Post-Colonial Studies, Specialized Electives |
Online & Distance Master of Arts in History Programs
Due to the rising demand for flexible learning, many universities now offer online and distance Master of Arts in History programs. These programs are UGC-DEB approved and ideal for working professionals or remote learners.
| University | Mode | Fees (Approx.) | UGC Approved |
| IGNOU | Distance | ₹7,200/year | Yes |
| VGU Online | Online | ₹28,000/year | Yes |
| AMU Online | Online | ₹13,000/year | Yes |
| Mangalayatan Online | Online | ₹25,000/year | Yes |
| Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | Distance | ₹20,000/Year | Yes |
MA History Fees in India
The fees for MA in History programs vary widely depending on the university and mode of study.
| Type of College | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Private Colleges | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Online/Distance | ₹7,000 – ₹30,000 |
Career Scope After MA in History
MA in History graduates can find career opportunities in diverse fields. This degree is especially beneficial for aspiring teachers, researchers, civil service candidates, and professionals in the humanities.
| Career Role | Average Salary (INR) | Job Areas |
|---|---|---|
| History Lecturer | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA | Colleges/Universities |
| Civil Services Officer | ₹8 – ₹15 LPA | Government |
| Archivist | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA | Museums, Archives, Cultural Orgs |
| Research Analyst | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA | Think Tanks, NGOs, Media |
| Author/Content Creator | ₹2.5 – ₹6 LPA | Publishing, EdTech, Freelancing |
MA History Salary in India
The salary after MA History depends on the role, experience, and industry.
Role-wise Salary Estimates
| Job Role | Entry-Level Salary | Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | ₹25,000/month | ₹50,000+/month |
| Research Assistant | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹40,000+ |
| UPSC Officer | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹1 Lakh+ |
| Historian/Archivist | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA | ₹6 – ₹8 LPA |
Skills Required for MA in History
- Strong reading and comprehension abilities.
- Research and academic writing skills.
- Analytical and critical thinking.
- Interest in politics, culture, and civilizations.
- Presentation and communication skills.
MA History vs MA Political Science
| Feature | MA History | MA Political Science |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Past events, cultures, civilizations | Political theories, governance |
| Career Path | Research, Teaching, UPSC | Civil Services, Policy Analyst |
| Skill Emphasis | Analytical, Interpretative | Analytical, Persuasive |
MA in History: Recommended Books
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| The Historian’s Craft | Marc Bloch |
| Guns, Germs, and Steel | Jared Diamond |
| A People’s History of the United States | Howard Zinn |
| The Age of Extremes | Eric Hobsbawm |
MA in History: FAQs with answers
What career opportunities can an MA in History lead to?
An MA in History can open doors to various career paths such as academia, research positions, museum curation, archival work, and even roles in government or the private sector.
Is an MA in History only for those planning to become historians?
Not at all. The skills gained during an MA in History, such as critical thinking, research, and analytical abilities, are highly transferable to a wide range of professions.
How long does it typically take to complete an MA in History program?
Most MA in History programs are designed to be completed in 1-2 years if studying full-time. Part-time options are also available for those with other commitments.
Are there opportunities for specialization within an MA in History program?
Absolutely. Many programs offer specializations in areas such as cultural history, military history, or political history, allowing students to focus on their specific interests and career goals.
Is MA in History good for UPSC?
Yes, it helps build a strong base for General Studies and optional papers.
Can I do Master of Arts in History after B.Sc or B.Com?
Yes, graduates from any stream can pursue Master of Arts in History.
Is MA History available online?
Yes, several UGC-approved universities offer MA History in online and distance mode.
What is the scope after MA History?
Scope includes teaching, research, civil services, publishing, museum studies, etc.
