Bachelor of Arts (BA) Subjects, Course, Elective Courses, Syllabus, Books, 2025

Ans. The BA distance course syllabus consists of 3 academic years.

It includes:

• core subjects (your major)
• elective subjects
• language or skill-based papers

Some universities also add project work in the final year. Each year typically has a minimum of 4 papers to a maximum of 6 papers. The wording of the course is intended to build up from the initial stage to the final stage.

Ans. No, the syllabus is not the same, and different universities may approach the same subjects differently. For example, if the papers in History, Political Science, or English may look more or less similar, different paper titles may mean that the modules differ, and the weightage may differ. Furthermore, universities such as IGNOU and DU SOL may have totally different readings, and have different exam and marking patterns as well. A student should always refer to the university’s official syllabus document.

Ans. Most universities that offer distance learning will let you select from a list of subjects. Generally, students can choose one or two major/core subjects and one or two electives. Some universities offer combinations of subjects, while others may allow more flexibility. Students usually choose their subjects when they apply for the course. Always check the prospectus or admission form for subject choices.

Ans. The most frequent elective courses include English, Hindi, Political Science, History, Economics, and Sociology. These are readily available at open universities and are a great foundation for competitively focused exams at the UPSC and SSC level. In addition, students choose these courses because they primarily consist of theory and are usually well-documented in practice. These courses also come in multiple languages.

Ans. Open universities, such as IGNOU, NOU, and BRAOU, do have the study material as per the syllabus, which can be in printed format or online downloadable PDFs. The study material is created by specialists, and it will be entirely based on the syllabus of the curriculum. Students can get video lectures and/or assignment guidelines in some cases for certain subjects. Usually, the study materials duplicates come after the admission is confirmed.

Ans. The syllabus is updated every few years as a result of developments in policy, affiliation with academic partners, or professional organizations. Universities review their entire curriculum to accommodate new knowledge and new standards of learning, and their syllabus is part of it. As a student, one should always check for the version and year indicated on the syllabus PDF.

Ans. NCERT books (especially Class 11-12) are good reference books for subjects like Political Science, History, Economics, and Sociology. They cover basic concepts in simple terms. Many first-year students of BA use NCERT books to establish foundation-level content knowledge. However, do not consider them as a substitute for your university's official materials, and use them as supplementary learning resources to enhance your understanding.

Ans. Yes, the syllabus in subjects like History, Political Science, and Sociology, as BA, is directly associated with competitive exams like UPSC and other government exams. Several BA distance learners are preparing for the competitive exams simultaneously. The syllabus provides conceptual clarity in the subjects associated with Humanities. You shall also be eligible for SSC, PCS, and state-level services after graduation. A BA is a perfect choice for UPSC aspirants.

Ans. Yes, most open universities have the whole BA Subjects (and study materials) available in Hindi or in some regional language. Nalanda, UPRTOU, and BRAOU also support regional language mediums. At the time of admission, you are usually given the option to choose your medium of instruction. This makes it easier for students with no English background to study comfortably. Always check the language options before selecting your subjects.

Ans. In a typical BA distance learning program, students study approximately 4 to 6 subjects per year. All subjects will include major/core papers, optional subjects or electives, and language or skill-based introductory courses. The number of subjects that must be completed and the number of credits that can be viewed on the credit transfer and admissions process may vary slightly depending on the university.

Ans. Yes, there are many websites offering free online classes and video lectures that correspond with BA Syllabus topics, such as SWAYAM and NPTEL on government portals that offer structured courses, also YouTube has channels dedicated to the subject where professors or subject matter experts explain the topics in easy to understand formats. Some universities conduct virtual classes or recorded sessions, which can be useful for studying and self-learning at your own pace and as a revision resource.