General Graduation 2026 — BA Course Overview.
General graduation programmes give students a broad educational foundation across arts, science and commerce — and the flagship choice is the BA (Bachelor of Arts): a 3-year UG degree (4 years with Research under NEP 2020) spanning English, Psychology, History, Economics, Political Science and more. Admission runs through CUET UG for central and state universities like DU, BHU and JNU, or on Class-12 merit almost everywhere else. After BA the doors open wide: MA, MBA, MSW, LLB, or competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, State PSC and NET.
General Graduation (BA) 2026 — Quick Facts
Top General Graduation (BA) Colleges in India 2026.
Hand-picked multi-disciplinary universities with strong BA & general graduation programmes and recognition — NAAC grades and establishment years are shown where published. Tap any college to open its full details page:
Before applying, always confirm the current fees, cutoffs, recognition and eligibility with the official college source. Our counselors verify these details for you — free of cost.
BA Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Two Ways to Get Admission — Merit vs Entrance.
Merit-Based
Class-12 marks & cut-off lists • Mumbai University, IGNOU and most private universities • no entrance stress — apply early.
Entrance-Based
CUET UG for central & state universities • JNUEE, IPU CET, SET, JMI, NPAT • required for DU, BHU, JNU, Jamia and top colleges.
Our Free Help
Share your marks & target subject — our counselors map your merit vs entrance route and the full 2026 application timeline, free.
BA Admission Process 2026 — Step by Step.
Check eligibilityClass 12 in any stream with 45–50%+ — confirm the exact cut-off for your target college
Choose university & courseBA General vs Honours vs 4-year Research — pick the subject you can commit to
Fill the application formCUET UG registration or college-specific forms with marksheet, ID and photograph
Appear for entrance (if applicable)CUET UG, IPU CET, PUBDET and university tests — otherwise wait for the merit list
Counselling & fee paymentlock your seat in the counselling round and complete document verification
BA Entrance Exams 2026.
Most private universities admit BA students on Class-12 marks, but India’s top central and deemed universities hold entrance tests. Key exams for 2026:
CUET UG scores are accepted by all central universities — Delhi University, BHU, JNU, Jamia and 250+ colleges. Registration typically opens in February–March 2026, so prepare early.
Popular BA Specialisations.
Pick a specialisation that matches your career goal — these are the most popular BA streams for 2026:
Skills You Gain During BA.
BA Career Options & Salaries 2026.
BA graduates are hired across government, media, law, education, NGOs and the corporate sector. Indicative salary ranges by sector:
Salary ranges are indicative and vary with role, sector, city and experience. Clearing government exams (UPSC, SSC) or adding an LLB / MBA after BA can push earnings far higher.
BA General vs BA Honours vs BA (Hons) with Research.
BA General
3 years • broad multi-subject study • lighter specialisation • flexible option for govt-exam aspirants.
BA Honours
3 years • deep, structured study of one subject (e.g. English Hons.) • strongest base for MA, NET and subject careers.
Hons with Research
4 years under NEP 2020 • final year = full-time research + dissertation • direct PhD eligibility • globally aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the full form of BA — and what types of BA courses exist?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts — a 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree covering English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology and more. It comes in three forms: BA General (broad, multi-subject), BA Honours (deep study of one subject) and BA Honours with Research — a 4-year NEP 2020 track whose final-year dissertation makes you eligible for direct PhD admission.
Who can apply for a BA course in 2026?
Any student who has passed Class 12 in any stream — Arts, Commerce or Science — from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, IB, IGCSE). Most colleges expect 45–60% minimum marks; some apply subject-specific or percentage-based cut-offs.
Is there any entrance exam for BA admission?
Most private universities admit on Class-12 merit, but central and state universities admit through CUET UG — accepted by Delhi University, BHU, JNU, Jamia and 250+ colleges. Other exams include JNUEE, IPU CET, JMI Entrance and NPAT for NMIMS.
How much does a BA course cost?
Fees range from just ₹4,000 to ₹65,000 per year depending on whether the college is government or private, plus course, city and facilities. Distance and online BA options (like IGNOU) are the most affordable.
What is the difference between BA General and BA Honours?
BA General spreads across fewer specialised subjects and is less intensive; BA Honours goes deep into one subject with structured study — stronger preparation for MA, NET, teaching and subject-specific careers. The 4-year Honours with Research adds a dissertation and direct PhD eligibility.
What can I do after BA?
Plenty: pursue MA, MBA, MSW or LLB; prepare for UPSC, SSC, State PSC or NET; or join media, corporate, NGO and teaching roles directly. Indicative salaries run from ₹2.5 LPA (fresher corporate/NGO) up to ₹15 LPA (civil services and law) with the right route and experience.
