Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.}

The Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered across 24 specialisations spanning the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, International Studies, and Theology. The course follows a semester system (6 semesters) and is structured to provide in-depth knowledge in the chosen discipline. Total fees for the programme range from Rs. 33,300 to Rs. 37,800 for the entire duration (approximately Rs. 11,100 to Rs. 12,600 per year), making it one of the most affordable Honours programmes at a Central University. Admission is based on CUET (UG) scores and AMU's own Combined Admission Test, and the total seat intake across all BA {Hons.} specialisations is approximately 1,179 seats. The programme is popular for its diverse specialisation options, distinguished faculty, and AMU's rich academic heritage dating back to 1920.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently ongoing. The AMU application window for BA {Hons.} was open from February 1, 2026, with a late fee deadline of April 12, 2026 for select specialisations. The AMU Entrance Test for BA {Hons.} is scheduled from April 12 to May 1, 2026. CUET UG 2026 is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Counselling and final admissions are expected to be completed by August 31, 2026.

Key Points

• AMU offers BA {Hons.} in 24 specialisations including Economics, Political Science, Psychology, History, Sociology, Geography, English, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Linguistics, Philosophy, Islamic Studies, Women Studies, Education, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Sanskrit, Communicative English, and Quranic Studies.
• The programme follows a Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) with Major, Minor, Generic Elective, and Vocational subjects.
• Women students in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences receive instruction at the Women's College, AMU.
• AMU conducts its own Combined Admission Test for BA {Hons.} in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, in addition to accepting CUET scores.
• The university has a strong residential culture; hostel accommodation is available for regular full-time students subject to availability.
• AMU is ranked #43 among Indian universities by India Today 2025 and is a NAAC A+ accredited institution.

AMU BA {Hons.} Fees

Fee Structure

• Hostel accommodation is not mandatory and is subject to availability.
• Hostel fee is charged separately and is not included in the Total Academic Fee above.
• Caution money (security deposit) is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
• Fee refund on cancellation of admission follows UGC's five-tier refund policy: 100% refund if cancelled 15 or more days before the last date of admission; 90% if less than 15 days before; 80% if within 15 days after; 50% if within 30 days after; 0% if more than 30 days after the last date of admission.
• Processing charges up to Rs. 5,000 may be deducted in the 100% refund category.
• Test fee/processing charges paid at the time of application are non-refundable.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) pay only Rs. 100 as tuition fee at the time of admission.
• Self-Finance seats carry a higher fee of approximately Rs. 35,000 per year.
• Fee can be paid in installments as per the schedule notified by the university during counselling.

AMU BA {Hons.} Admission 2026

AMU BA {Hons.} Admission Dates 2026-27

CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates

• AMU conducts its own Combined Admission Test for BA {Hons.} in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences.
• CUET scores are also accepted.
• Candidates must appear in CUET UG with English and General Test as mandatory subjects for most BA {Hons.} specialisations.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (10+2) or an equivalent examination with not less than 50% marks in aggregate.
• Candidates who have passed a Degree/Sanad from an AMU-recognised Institution/Madarsa with at least 50% marks in aggregate are also eligible.
• Candidates who have passed the Bridge Course Senior Secondary School Certificate from AMU with 50% marks in aggregate are eligible.

Admission Process

• Register and appear in CUET (UG) 2026 with the required domain/language/general test subjects as specified for the chosen specialisation.
• Fill the AMU Online Application Form at www.amucontrollerexams.com, specifying the CUET Application Number.
• Appear in AMU's Combined Admission Test (for Arts and Social Sciences specialisations), if applicable.
• Candidates must secure at least 20% marks in the AMU Admission Test to be eligible for admission.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for counselling; results and counselling schedules are published on www.amucontrollerexams.com.
• Selected candidates complete admission formalities including fee payment and document submission during counselling.
• Original Migration Certificate and Character Certificate must be submitted at the time of physical reporting (by September 30, 2026).

AMU BA {Hons.} Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• Applications for government scholarships (CSSS, Post-Matric) are made through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) typically between July and October each year.
• The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) is applicable for PG/PhD students from minority communities; not applicable for UG students.
• AMU also has internal departmental scholarships and alumni-funded scholarships; students should check with their respective departments after admission.
• Scholarship amounts and deadlines are subject to change as per government notifications each year.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, AMU ranks 90 out of 255 colleges in India and 2nd in state Uttar Pradesh for its BA {Hons.} program.

• 43 out of 194 under India Today Arts Ranking 2025.
• 50 out of 114 under Outlook Arts Ranking 2024.

Read more on AMU Rankings here

AMU BA {Hons.} FAQs

Ques. Does AMU conduct its own entrance test for BA {Hons.} or is CUET the only route?

Ans. AMU conducts a Combined Admission Test (CAT) for BA {Hons.} admissions in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences. This is separate from CUET. Candidates need to appear in both CUET (UG) and AMU's own entrance test. The AMU test typically covers English, Indo-Islamic Knowledge, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs. Candidates must score at least 20% in the AMU test to be eligible for admission. CUET scores are also considered as part of the selection process.

Ques. Can a student from a non-Muslim background apply for BA {Hons.} at AMU?

Ans. Yes, AMU is a Central University and admissions are open to all Indian nationals regardless of religion, caste, or community. The university follows reservation norms as per Government of India guidelines (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD categories). There is no religious criterion for admission to BA {Hons.} programmes. AMU is known for its inclusive and diverse student community.

Ques. What is the hostel situation for BA {Hons.} students at AMU? Is accommodation guaranteed?

Ans. AMU has a strong residential culture with multiple Halls of Residence (hostels) for both male and female students. However, hostel accommodation is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Students are normally allocated a Hall of Residence at the time of admission. Women students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are housed in the Women's College hostels. Hostel fees are approximately Rs. 9,520 per year (2025-26 rates). Students who do not get hostel accommodation need to arrange private accommodation near the campus.

Ques. What are the most popular specialisations in BA {Hons.} at AMU and what are the career prospects?

Ans. The most popular specialisations are Psychology, Political Science, Economics, History, and English. Economics and Political Science graduates often pursue civil services (UPSC/State PSC), law, or postgraduate studies. Psychology graduates can pursue clinical psychology, counselling, or MBA. History and English graduates often go into teaching, research, journalism, or civil services. AMU's BA {Hons.} degree is well-regarded for competitive exam preparation, and many alumni have secured positions in IAS, IFS, and other central services.

Ques. Is there a self-finance quota in BA {Hons.} at AMU? What is the fee difference?

Ans. Yes, AMU has a Self-Finance (Paid) seats quota in some BA {Hons.} specialisations. The fee for self-finance seats is significantly higher, approximately Rs. 35,000 per year compared to the regular fee of Rs. 11,100-12,600 per year. The number of self-finance seats and the exact fee are notified separately by the university. Regular seats are heavily subsidised as AMU is a Central University funded by the Government of India.

Ques. How does the AMU BA {Hons.} counselling process work? What documents are needed?

Ans. AMU's counselling is conducted in multiple rounds (typically 3 rounds). After the entrance test results are declared, a select list and a chance memo list are published on www.amucontrollerexams.com. Shortlisted candidates must report for online counselling, indicate their subject preferences, and complete fee payment within the stipulated time (usually 3 days per round). Documents required include: original marksheets of Class 10 and 12, migration certificate, character certificate, category certificate (if applicable), passport-size photographs, and Aadhar card. Candidates who fail to report for counselling or complete fee payment forfeit their admission offer.