BA Subjects List For Academic Session 2025

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is one of the most popular undergraduate programs, attracting thousands of students each year. This degree offers a wide range of disciplines to specialize in, and pursuing a master’s degree afterward can further enhance career prospects. With subjects ranging from Linguistics and Economics to Social Sciences and Finance, students explore multiple fields, gaining insights that reveal the broad scope of this stream.

Before enrolling in a BA program, it’s essential to understand the key BA subjects available across different courses. This blog highlights the major subjects covered in BA programs, helping students grasp the core concepts and topics that make Arts such a diverse and rewarding field.

About BA Course

The full form of BA is Bachelor of Arts (BA) and is an undergraduate degree awarded in Liberal Arts or specializations related to Humanities or Social Science. It is generally a three-year program in which students mainly study different subjects such as History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy, amongst others.

The program generally lasts for 3 years, but in many countries, it can extend up to four years as well. Upon graduation, one can find innumerable jobs and courses after BA to advance their knowledge.

Core BA Subjects List

While the specific BA subjects vary by institution, several core subjects are common across most BA programs. Here’s a look at the primary subjects you may encounter:

Core BA Subject	Description
English Literature	Covers various literary genres, analysis, and critical theories. Ideal for those interested in writing, teaching, and media.
History	A study of past events, civilizations, and historical movements. Encourages critical thinking about past and present societal trends.
Political Science	Focuses on government systems, political ideologies, and global relations. Suitable for students interested in public administration, politics, and law.
Psychology	The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Popular among students aiming for careers in counseling, social work, and human resources.
Economics	Involves the study of the economy, financial systems, and market behavior. A core subject for aspiring professionals in finance, business, or policy-making.
Sociology	Examines society, social interactions, and cultural dynamics. Ideal for understanding human relationships and social structures.
Philosophy	A critical study of knowledge, reality, and existence. Great for students who enjoy deep questioning and logical analysis.
Geography	Studies physical landscapes, human-environment interactions, and spatial relationships. Offers career options in urban planning, environmental science, and research.

BA Courses List

Since Arts stream subjects are interdisciplinary, one can pursue a BA degree in a multitude of specializations. Before we move on to the in-depth description of some of the BA Course subjects, here are some of the subject areas of Bachelor of Arts courses in India:

• BA English
• BA English Literature
• BA Fine Arts
• BA Psychology
• BA Archaeology
• BA Social Work
• BA Rural Studies
• BA Music
• BA History
• BA Communication Studies
• BA Economics
• BA Sociology
• BA Philosophy
• BA Political Science
• BA Journalism and Mass Communication
• BA Geography 
• BA Theology
• BA Anthropology
• BA Biomedical Sciences
• BA Public Administration
• BA LLB
• BA Home Science
• BA Physical Education
• BA Functional English
• Other Language, Literature, and Linguistics degree courses like that in Hindi, Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, etc.

Note: In Indian institutes, a BA can be pursued either as a generic course that covers subjects of Arts and Humanities or it can be opted for as a BA Hons subjests, which focuses on a certain specialization such as BA Hons. in English, Economics, Political Science, etc.

Also Read: List of Professional Courses after Graduation

List of BA Subjects for Honours

The BA Honours subjects and program allows students to specialize in a specific subject while building a solid foundation in Literature, History, Sociology, and Economics. With a focus on critical thinking and analytical skills, it prepares students for diverse career paths.

Here is a concise list of essential BA honours subjects, helping you explore your options and choose the right specialization to match your academic and career goals.

• English
• Sociology
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• History
• Political Science
• Education/Physical Education
• Journalism
• Social Work
• Environmental Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Archaeology
• Anthropology
• Language Course
• Media Studies
• Religious Studies
• Public Administration
• Law
• Statistics
• Functional English

Which Subjects is Best for BA?

Choosing the right BA subject for your degree can be a tough decision. The most popular BA subjects include English Literature, Economics, Psychology, Sociology and Language studies. It is essential to assess where your interests lie to select the right subject which will be the best for your BA course!

Best BA Subject for UPSC Exams

The major BA subjects for UPSC Exams are History, Geography, Public Administration, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Environment, Ecology, Polity and Science and Technology.
While picking the right subject for BA for UPSC, you must consider those that you have a rough knowledge of and are interested in, as you will be able to cover their syllabus this way.

List of BA Subjects in Different BA Courses

The BA course subjects can vary from program to program, but certain major disciplines are typically included. Below is a list of key Bachelor of Arts courses, along with the BA course subjects you will study during the program.

BA English Subjects

• Nineteenth-Century European Realism
• Literary Criticism
• World Literature
• American Literature
• European Classic Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Literature and Cinema
• Indian Classic Literature
• Modern European Drama
• British Literature
• Post-World War II
• British Romantic Literature
• English Poetry: The Pre-Romantic to the Victorian
• Women’s Writing Literary Theory
• English Drama: Elizabethan to Victorian 

BA Economics Subjects

• Introductory Microeconomics
• Introductory Macroeconomics
• Introductory Econometrics
• Mathematical Methods for Economics
• Development Economics

BA Psychology Subjects

BA Psychology Subjects include a variety of topics that provide a well-rounded foundation in the discipline, such as:

• Development Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Industrial Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Guidance and Counselling
• Project work
• Field Work
• Forensic Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Sports Psychology

BA Geography

• Analytical Physical Geography
• Cartographic Techniques
• Oceanography
• Environmental Geography
• Spatial Dimensions of Development
• Evolution of Geographical Thought
• Social Geography
• Disaster Management
• Regional Planning: Case Studies
• Geographical Information System
• Rural Development
• Geomorphology

BA Sociology Subjects

• Introduction to Sociology
• Criminology
• Economy and Society
• Gender Sensitisation
• Methods of Sociological Enquiry
• Religion and Society
• Sociological Theories
• Gender and Sexuality
• Techniques of Social Research

Also Read: MA Sociology

BA Anthropology Subjects

• Human Genetics
• Introduction to Social Anthropology
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology
• Primate Biology / Cell Biology
• Anthropology of religion, politics & economy
• Biostatistics and Data Analysis
• Biological Diversity in Human Populations
• Human Ecology: Social and Cultural Dimensions
• Genetics & Genomics
• Statistics

Also Read: MA Anthropology

BA Kannada Subjects

• History of Kannada Literature
• Old and Medieval Kannada Literature
• Cultural History of Kannada
• Kannada Folk Literature
• Traditional Kannada Grammar
• Linguistics
• Modern Kannada Literature

BA in Literature, Language and Linguistics

Linguistics is the scientific study of language and is a significant discipline in the stream of Arts. Along with Linguistics, Literature and Language are also integral BA subjects that can vary as per the language you have chosen such as English, Spanish, French, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, etc. In any BA degree focusing on modern language, the main aim is to analyze the intricacies of languages.

For example, in BA English Literature, the subjects mainly encompass the study of the history of this language as well as the literary contributions of a diverse range of writers and poets. Furthermore, you can even pursue an MBA After BA English!

BA History

Encompassing the study of human history from the beginning of civilization to modern times, BA History is another prominent program that is a top choice amongst students wanting to get an Arts degree. It generally covers the most significant historical events worldwide, including American, African, European and Asian History. You can enrol in an MA History program to advance your knowledge in this field. Here is a list of major BA history subjects that are a pivotal part of the curriculum:

• World History
• Economic History
• Ancient History
• Art History
• History in Practice
• Defining Digital Humanities

BA/BA [Hons] in Fine Arts

Fine Arts is another prominent specialization in BA and encompasses studying the history of Arts. For BA subjects under this program in India, you will learn about the history of Indian Art from its varied stages. Its variation as a Bachelor of Fine Arts abroad also comprises the study of art history and various artistic pursuits, primarily in terms of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Writing, amongst others.

It is different from Applied Arts or Humanities because Fine Arts focuses on the creative side of the field of Arts and is chosen by those wanting to explore the lives of renowned artists and eras in the context of their culture and backgrounds. Below are the BA subjects under courses like BA/BA Hons Fine Arts:

BA Economics

Offered as an Honors program, BA Economics subjects deals with the study of optimal utilization of resources. It focuses on the major conceptual bifurcations of Economics, i.e., Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. It explores the varied forms of financial markets, the functioning of an economy, and the economic trends of contemporary times. The list of BA economics subjects are:

• Statistical Methods for Economics
• Introductory Econometrics
• Introductory Macroeconomics
• Banking Economics
• Labour Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• Managerial Economics
• Business Economics

BA in Journalism

For those aspiring to explore the news media and establish a journalism career, BA Journalism is the choicest option for you. Generally running for 3 years, the undergraduate program equips students with the knowledge of how print, broadcast as well as web journalism work. It also includes many electives like photojournalism, new media, multimedia journalism, etc., and students are allowed to hone their news reporting, writing and multimedia skills.

Take a look at the following list of BA subjects with journalism as the main specialization:

• Introduction to Journalism
• Press Laws and Ethics
• History of Media
• News Media Management
• Magazine and Niche Journalism
• Production
• Editing

BA Psychology

Aimed at studying human behaviour, BA Psychology encompasses the analysis of mental processes and brain functions, as well as various other aspects of Psychology, from development psychology to industrial psychology. As an interdisciplinary bridge between Medical Science, Social Science and Education, covers several BA program subjects, such as

• The Psychological Processes
• Educational Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Study of Behaviour
• Social Psychology
• Industrial Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Sports Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Project work
• Field Work

BA Political Science 

BA in Political Science imparts students with the knowledge of the theory and practice of politics and types of political systems and their functioning. Concerned with global and comparative politics, the Political Science Syllabus aims to provide you with detailed knowledge of forms of governance. Mainly offered as a 3-year bachelor’s degree, the BA program subjects include:

• Understanding Political Theory
• Perspective of Public Administration
• Political Systems
• Introduction to Comparative Government & Politics
• Political Analysis
• History of Politics

BA LLB

Another integrated program offered to those wanting to make a career in Law, the Bachelor of Arts LLB is generally a 5-year course bringing a unique combination of Arts and Law subjects. The curriculum of this LLB course details varied aspects of Law and incorporates law case studies, seminars, moot courts, and interactions with prominent retired judges of High courts and Supreme courts in India. The commonly included BA subjects under this integrated degree, such as,

• Civil Law
• Corporate Law
• Labour Law
• Political Science
• Land Laws
• Women and Law
• Business Law

BA Subjects in DU

The following are the popular subjects at DU:

• BA History
• BA Bengali
• BA Economics
• BA Applied Psychology
• BA Political Science
• BA English subjects
• BA Philosophy
• BA Sociology
• BA Journalism

BA Subjects in IGNOU

Bachelor of Arts (BA) is one of the popular courses in IGNOU and is offered across various subjects. Here are the major BA subjects in IGNOU:

• Anthropology
• Public Administration
• Economics
• Psychology
• Mathematics
• Urdu
• History
• English
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Philosophy
• Hindi
• Sanskrit

Elective BA Subjects

BA programs often offer elective subjects, allowing students to tailor their studies to match their career goals. Some popular elective subjects include:

• Anthropology – Study of human societies, cultures, and evolution.
• Journalism and Mass Communication – Covers media studies, reporting, and public relations.
• Environmental Studies – Focuses on ecological issues, sustainability, and environmental science.
• Languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.) – Language studies can open doors to international careers.
• Fine Arts – For students interested in art history, visual arts, and creative expression.

BA Subject Selection

Selecting the right BA subject, whether before studying the course or after selecting from a certain specialization, can be a cumbersome task. It is important to introspect and study your interests and find the closest specialisation for BA. Here is a useful guide to BA subject selection:

• Consider where your interests lie; if you are inclined towards studying a language, be it English or a foreign language like Spanish or French, it’s best to opt for a BA language course or BA Linguistics if you want to pursue a career in studying languages and their roots.
• For BA students confused about selecting subjects from electives, it is better to take up disciplines you have always been interested in. These subjects can vary from one person to another. Think of taking an elective as an additional subject you can learn apart from the specialization and then pick accordingly.
• BA subject selection is also important for UPSC exam, and aspirants must choose a subject as on how much they know about it, whether they have studied it before or have an innate interest in it.

Which Is An Easy Subject for A BA?

Are you wondering which subjects are considered easy for a BA? Language subjects are often regarded as easier options, along with theoretical subjects such as History, Political Science, and Psychology.

Popular BA Subject Combinations

Combining different BA subjects allows students to gain multidisciplinary insights. Here are some popular combinations:

• Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science – Ideal for students interested in social services, psychology, or public administration.
• History, Political Science, and Economics – A classic combination for aspiring civil servants and policy analysts.
• English Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology – Great for students aiming for careers in writing, counseling, or academia.
• Economics, Statistics, and Geography – Suitable for those interested in research, data analysis, and environmental studies.

Tips for Choosing BA Subjects

1. Identify Your Interests: Choose subjects that genuinely interest you. This will keep you motivated and engaged throughout your studies.
2. Consider Career Goals: Think about the skills you need for your desired career and pick subjects that align with those goals.
3. Explore Multidisciplinary Options: Many universities offer flexibility in BA programs, so consider combinations that broaden your knowledge base.
4. Research University Offerings: Different institutions have unique specializations, so explore their BA subjects list to find the best fit.

BA Colleges in India

Now that you are familiar with BA subjects and specialization options, here is a list of some of the top BA colleges/universities in India that you should consider:

• Presidency College, Kolkata
• St. Xavier’s College Mumbai
• Lady Shree Ram College for Women, Delhi
• Loyola College, Chennai
• St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta
• St. Stephen’s College, Delhi
• Fergusson College, Pune
• Presidency College, Chennai
• Hindu College, Delhi
• Hans Raj College, Delhi
• Christ College, Bangalore
• Symbiosis College, Pune
• Sophia College, Mumbai
• St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad
• Miranda House, Delhi
• Stella Maris College, Chennai
• St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore
• Jesus & Mary College, Delhi
• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
• Queen Mary’s College, Chennai
• Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi
• Madras Christian College, Chennai
• Vivekananda College, Chennai
• Ramjas College, Delhi
• Mithibai College, Mumbai
• St. Teresa’s College, Kochi
• Nizam College, Hyderabad
• Sacred Heart College, Kochi
• Maulana Azad College, Kolkata
• Elphinstone College, Mumbai
• Jyoti Nivas College, Bangalore
• Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata
• Maharani Arts College, Bangalore
• Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
• D.G. Vaishnav College, Chennai
• Scottish Church College, Kolkata
• St. Mira’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune
• NMKRV College for Women, Bangalore
• Women’s Christian College Chennai
• Jai Hind College Mumbai
• Loyola Academy Degree & PG College Hyderabad
• National College, Basavangudi Bangalore
• Isabella Thoburn College Lucknow
• Bethune College Kolkata
• MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai
• Gokhale Memorial Girls College, Kolkata
• Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore
• D.G. Ruparel College, Mumbai
• Wilson College, Mumbai
• M.S. Ramaiah Junior and Degree College, Bangalore
• Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
• Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar
• JSS Institute of Education, Bangalore
• D.A.V. (PG) College Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Doon University, Dehradun
• A.G. Teachers College, Ahmedabad
• Indira Gandhi B.Ed College, Karnataka
• College of Teacher Education, Agartala
• College Of Teacher Education, Kozhikode
• National Council of Teacher Education, New Delhi
• K. J. Somaiya College of Education, Mumbai

Bachelor of Arts Abroad

Renowned universities worldwide offer a variety of specializations in Bachelor of Arts, fostering critical thinking and creativity. International BA programs often emphasize interdisciplinary learning, global perspectives, and practical experience.
Here is a list of universities providing excellent BA programs.

University	Location
University of Oxford	UK
Harvard University	USA
University of Cambridge	UK
University of California, Berkeley	USA
Stanford University	USA
Yale University	USA
University of Edinburgh	UK
Humboldt University of Berlin	Germany
Australian National University	Australia
University of Toronto	Canada
National University of Singapore	Singapore
London School of Economics and Political Science	UK
The University of Tokyo	Japan

FAQs

Thus, the above-mentioned BA subjects are the important disciplines that constitute a bachelor’s degree program in Arts. Bachelor of Arts is a course that takes you deeper into the colossal field of Arts and helps you understand the theoretical and artistic disciplines it comprises. If you are planning to pursue a BA and don’t know where to start, Leverage Edu can help you find an ideal program and university that fits your interests and preferences to bring you closer to your dream career in Arts.