Did You Know? An MA in History can lead to high-paying roles! One such role is a Political Risk Analyst. In India, Political Risk Analysts can earn 4.8L annually, with top professionals in major firms or think tanks earning even more.
An MA in History is crucial for job roles that require connecting past events to today’s world. For example, understanding colonial history can shed light on modern global inequalities and international conflicts.
In 2025, as debates on race, borders, and identity grow, historical insight is crucial. It’s a strong foundation for careers in market research, journalism, public policy, or cultural work, fields that value deep analysis and a well-informed perspective on current events.
In this blog, you’ll learn the scope of MA in History in 2025, the real-world skills it builds, and how it can lead to meaningful careers beyond the classroom.
What is the Scope of MA in History? A Simple Guide and expertise required for leadership roles
In India, the scope of an MA in History is expanding, with opportunities in fields like education, research, museums, government, and media. The ability to analyze historical trends and their impact on the present is highly valued in today’s world.
Here are some key reasons underscoring the scope of MA in History:
Develop strong research and analytical skills.
Gain expertise in historical events and their implications.
Open career opportunities in teaching, research, and public history.
Contribute to preserving cultural heritage and influencing policy.
Access diverse jobs for MA History graduates in media, museums, and government.
In 2025, professionals with leadership and management skills will be in high demand. If you're looking to develop these skills and explore of scope of MA in History, here are some top-rated courses to help you get there:
What are the Top 10 Career Opportunities after an MA History?
History graduates possess valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication, which are essential in many fields.
History graduates can find fulfilling work in sectors like academia, research, cultural institutions (such as museums and archives), media, and government. With the ability to interpret historical events and trends, they can contribute to education, cultural preservation, media storytelling, and policy-making.
To make a successful career in History, you will need to sharpen your business communication skills. This is where upGrad’s free Mastering the Art of Effective Communication course can help you. You will earn to overcome modern communication barriers, build impactful verbal and non-verbal skills, and express ideas confidently in any setting.
Here are the top MA History jobs in India, along with their average annual salaries:
Career
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Content Writer
INR 3.7L
Historian
INR 4.6L
Research Analyst
INR 5L
History Professor
INR 7L
Cultural Heritage Manager
INR 8.6L
Policy Analyst
INR 9L
Archivist
INR 10L
Museum Curator
INR 12L
Source: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the location, experience, and employer.
Here’s a more in-depth version of the 10 career paths that highlight the scope of MA in History:
1. Content Writer
Content writers with a history background bring accuracy, context, and narrative depth to articles, educational materials, and branded content. They may write for publishing houses, edtech companies, heritage brands, or digital platforms that require fact-based, story-driven content.
Responsibilities:
Conduct thorough historical research tailored to the target audience.
Write clear, engaging copy for blogs, educational portals, or video scripts.
Adapt historical narratives for SEO-driven digital platforms or pedagogical objectives.
Example: A content writer at a EdTech firm writes K-12 history modules using storytelling techniques, while another at Live History India develops feature articles on regional heritage and forgotten figures.
2. Historian
Historians specialize in analyzing and interpreting the past using archival research, fieldwork, and historiographical methods. They contribute to public understanding of the past, write academic books, or provide historical insight to institutions and media.
Responsibilities:
Conduct primary research using sources like manuscripts, oral history, and archival material.
Write papers, monographs, or public history articles.
Contribute to historical preservation projects or policy research.
Example: Dr. Ruchika Sharma, a PhD in medieval Indian history, frequently appears on media platforms like Netflix documentaries or Instagram to bring academic history into public discourse.
3. Research Analyst
History graduates in research roles use their ability to analyze patterns and events over time to offer insights into policy, economics, or society. Their critical approach helps interpret long-term impacts of historical decisions in present-day contexts.
Responsibilities:
Analyze historical data to inform modern trends or strategic decisions.
Write policy briefs or think tank reports with contextual grounding.
Assist with designing qualitative research projects.
Example: A research analyst at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) examines how colonial land tenure systems affect modern rural governance structures in India.
4. History Professor
Professors teach at colleges or universities, mentor students, and contribute to scholarly research. They play a key role in shaping how the next generation understands and questions the past.
Responsibilities:
Teach undergraduate or postgraduate courses in thematic or regional history.
Supervise student dissertations and research papers.
Conduct original research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Example: A professor at Ambedkar University Delhi teaches gender in South Asian history while also collaborating with NGOs on curriculum design for marginalized communities.
5. Cultural Heritage Manager
These professionals oversee the documentation, preservation, and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage. They often coordinate between government bodies, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations.
Responsibilities:
Lead heritage conservation projects and audits.
Develop educational programs and exhibitions.
Advocate for community-led conservation practices.
Example: Working with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) to restore an 18th-century temple while documenting oral traditions associated with it.
6. Policy Analyst
History graduates bring deep analytical and contextual insight into social, cultural, and international policy. Their ability to trace roots of contemporary issues helps inform equitable and historically sensitive policies.
Responsibilities:
Conduct contextual research to advise public policy proposals.
Analyze historical policy decisions and their long-term outcomes.
Present findings in concise, accessible policy briefs.
Example: A policy analyst at the UNESCO India Office helps design educational reforms by reviewing historical disparities in curriculum development.
7. Archivist
Archivists manage and preserve collections of rare documents, photographs, manuscripts, and digital records. They ensure accessibility while safeguarding authenticity and cultural value.
Responsibilities:
Restore, catalogue, and digitize historical documents.
Implement archival standards and digital database systems.
Facilitate access for researchers and the public.
Example: A graduate at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library oversees digitization of letters from the Independence movement for public access.
8. Museum Curator
Curators develop and manage exhibitions, interpret historical objects, and enhance visitor engagement. They collaborate with academics, artists, and cultural institutions to tell compelling stories through displays.
Responsibilities:
Select and organize artifacts for thematic exhibits.
Research and write exhibition catalogues and panels.
Develop educational outreach and interactive tours.
Example: A museum curator at the Partition Museum in Amritsar curates immersive exhibits based on oral histories and artifacts donated by families who lived through the event.
9. Genealogist
Genealogists specialize in tracing family histories through historical documents, oral traditions, and regional archives. They may work with private clients, law firms, or media companies.
Responsibilities:
Collect and analyze records such as land deeds, marriage certificates, and immigration logs.
Build genealogical charts or family trees.
Present research in the form of reports or narrative histories.
Example: A genealogist helps an NRI client trace ancestral land ownership in Gujarat back to British revenue records from the 1800s.
10. Historical Consultant (Film & Media)
These consultants work on period films, web series, and documentaries to ensure historical accuracy in sets, dialogue, costumes, and story arcs. They bridge academic rigor and creative storytelling.
Responsibilities:
Verify historical details in scripts and storyboards.
Advise costume designers and set decorators on time-appropriate aesthetics.
Consult on plot plausibility and cultural context.
Example: A consultant advises on the web series “Rocket Boys,” ensuring accuracy in portraying the socio-political climate of post-independence India.
With a good understanding of the scope of MA in history, let’s look at some of the leading employers for MA in History graduates.
What are the Leading Employers for MA History Graduates in India?
There is a good scope of MA in History across various sectors, including education, government, media, cultural institutions, and research organizations. These employers value the research, analytical, and communication skills that History graduates bring, which are vital for roles in preserving history, educating the public, and shaping public policy.
Here are the Top 10 Employers offering job opportunities for MA in History graduates in India:
Employer
Industry
Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
Research, Academia
National Museum, New Delhi
Museum, Cultural Heritage
Archaeological Survey of India
Archaeology, Heritage Conservation
Delhi University
Education, Academia
Government of India
Public Policy, Government
Times of India
Media, Journalism
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
Next, let’s look at some of the employer requirements for graduates in MA in History.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for MA in History?
To pursue an MA in History in India, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements set by most universities and institutions. These requirements generally focus on academic qualifications and may vary slightly between universities.
Below are the general eligibility criteria for enrolling in an MA in History program:
1. Bachelor’s Degree:
You must have a Bachelor's degree in History or a related field (such as Political Science, Sociology, or Anthropology) from a recognized university.
Some universities may accept graduates from any discipline if they have a strong academic background.
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you can improve your employability by pairing it with upGrad’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It offers an immersive learning experience through live sessions, industry-led projects, and practical assignments.
Most universities require a minimum percentage (usually around 50-55%) in your undergraduate degree.
However, this can vary depending on the institution.
3. Entrance Exam:
Some universities conduct an entrance exam for admission to their MA in History program.
It may include general knowledge, history-related questions, and sometimes an interview.
4. Age Limit:
There is generally no age limit for pursuing an MA in History.
However, some institutions may have specific age criteria for certain scholarship programs
To make a successful career in History, you will need to sharpen your business communication skills. This is where upGrad’s free Mastering the Art of Effective Communication course can help you. You will earn to overcome modern communication barriers, build impactful verbal and non-verbal skills, and express ideas confidently in any setting.
Next, let’s look at how upGrad can help you meet the requirements for a career in History.
How Can upGrad Help You Build a Career in History?
The scope of MA history in today’s job market is growing, and an MA in history provides valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and cultural analysis. This degree opens various career opportunities and allows graduates to contribute to preserving heritage, shaping public policy, and educating others.
upGrad makes pursuing an MA in History more accessible and flexible than ever. With expert-curated courses, personalized mentorship, and real-world case studies, upGrad helps you gain practical insights alongside academic knowledge.
Here are some additional free courses that can help you:
If you’re ready to explore the exciting scope of History and start your journey toward a fulfilling career, schedule a free career counseling session with us today!
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1. How does an MA in History prepare you for roles in digital humanities and archival tech?
With the digitization of archives, an MA in History now often includes training in metadata, digital curation, and GIS mapping. These skills prepare you for emerging roles in digital museums, cultural data analysis, and interactive historical storytelling. Institutions and companies are hiring historians who can work with tech to make history accessible online.
2. Can studying History lead to work with international organizations like UNESCO or UNDP?
Absolutely. MA in History grads are often hired as cultural researchers, heritage consultants, or policy writers in organizations like UNESCO, UNDP, and the British Council. These roles require deep historical understanding of communities, and the ability to advise on heritage conservation, education programs, or cultural diplomacy.
3. Can I pursue an MA in History without a History undergraduate degree?
Yes, many universities accept candidates from related fields like Political Science, Sociology, or Literature. Admission may depend on your academic performance or entrance exam scores. Some programs also value relevant work experience or demonstrated interest in history. This flexibility allows learners from diverse academic backgrounds to enter the field.
4. What are the top career options after an MA in History?
Career options include historian, researcher, educator, museum curator, policy consultant, and content writer. You can work in schools, universities, cultural organizations, publishing houses, or government departments. New-age roles in digital history, archival tech, and heritage tourism are also emerging. The degree opens doors in both traditional and modern sectors
5. Is an MA in History useful for government jobs?
Yes, history graduates are well-prepared for government roles like civil services, policy analysis, and cultural advisory posts. Their ability to interpret societal trends and historical contexts is valued in shaping laws, education, and international policy. Departments such as culture, education, and foreign affairs actively seek historians. It’s a respected background for public service careers
6. What is the average salary after an MA in History in India?
Salaries vary depending on the role, experience, and sector. Entry-level positions such as research assistants or educators may start around ₹3–5 LPA. With experience, roles like cultural heritage manager, curator, or policy analyst can earn ₹8–12 LPA or more. Specialized positions in international organizations can offer even higher pay.
7. Can an MA in History help me work in media or publishing?
Definitely. History graduates bring strong storytelling, research, and writing skills to media and publishing. They work as journalists, documentary researchers, scriptwriters, editors, or content strategists. Understanding historical context helps them create engaging, well-informed narratives. This makes them valuable in both traditional and digital media spaces.
8. Is an MA in History worth it if I want to teach?
Yes, it’s a critical step for anyone looking to teach History at the higher secondary or college level. The degree provides the academic depth and research foundation needed for educational roles. It also qualifies you to appear for UGC-NET or pursue a PhD. Teaching opportunities exist in schools, colleges, and online education platforms.
9. How does studying History help in today’s world?
History provides the tools to understand how past events shape current realities—be it in politics, society, or global relations. It cultivates empathy, perspective, and analytical reasoning. These skills are crucial in navigating today’s polarized and complex world. Whether in public discourse or decision-making, historical knowledge is a powerful asset.
10. Which are the best institutions for MA in History in India?
Top institutions offering MA in History include Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Hyderabad, Presidency University, and Banaras Hindu University. For online learners, platforms like upGrad partner with accredited universities to provide flexible, career-aligned programs. These options offer high-quality education and strong academic networks.
11. How can I study MA in History online?
You can pursue an MA in History online through platforms like upGrad, which offer structured, accredited programs with expert faculty. These courses often include live sessions, recorded lectures, mentorship, and career support. Online study allows working professionals or remote learners to advance their education flexibly. It’s a convenient way to earn a recognized degree without pausing your career.
12. What is the real scope of an MA in History in India and abroad?
The scope of an MA in History is wide. In India, you can work in teaching, research, museums, archives, and government jobs. Abroad, opportunities exist in universities, cultural organizations, heritage conservation, and international agencies like UNESCO. History graduates are valued for research, analysis, and communication skills.
13. Is pursuing an MA History from IGNOU worth it?
Yes, pursuing an MA in History from IGNOU is worth it. It is recognized, affordable, and flexible for working professionals. The program covers diverse subjects, research skills, and cultural history. IGNOU’s distance learning also helps prepare for UGC NET, civil services, and jobs in teaching, heritage, and government.
14. What is the Highest Salary for a Historian?
Historians in India usually earn between ₹4 LPA to ₹10 LPA, depending on their experience and role. In universities, research institutes, and international organizations, senior historians can earn even higher salaries, crossing ₹15 LPA. Abroad, professional historians in museums and research centers can earn salaries above ₹25 LPA.
15. What is the highest paid job with a History Degree?
The highest paid jobs with a history degree are Policy Analyst, Museum Curator, Cultural Heritage Manager, and Professor. These roles can offer ₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA in India. Internationally, positions in UNESCO, archives, or academic research can pay even higher, making History a valuable degree globally.
16. What are the skills required to build a successful career after an MA in History?
Key skills after an MA in History include strong research, critical thinking, writing, and communication. Knowledge of archival methods, cultural analysis, and data interpretation also helps. Digital skills like online research, presentation, and content creation are in demand, making graduates ready for careers in education, policy, and media.
17. What are the eligibility criteria and entrance exams for pursuing an MA in History?
To pursue an MA in History, students need a bachelor’s degree in History or a related subject with 50–55% marks. Some universities allow graduates from any discipline. Entrance exams like DUET, JNUEE, and BHU PET are commonly required. Few universities also conduct personal interviews before admission.
18. What is the average salary for freshers and experienced professionals with an MA in History
The average salary for MA History freshers in India is around ₹3–5 LPA in roles like content writing, teaching, or research. Experienced professionals working as historians, curators, or policy consultants earn between ₹8–12 LPA. International organizations and universities may offer much higher packages based on expertise and experience.
19. How does an MA in History help in preparing for civil services or policy-making roles?
An MA in History helps in civil services by building analytical thinking, deep knowledge of Indian history, and essay writing skills. It is useful for UPSC preparation, especially in General Studies and optional subjects. For policy-making roles, it provides context of social, political, and cultural issues in governance.
20. How does an MA in History connect to careers in research, museums, and cultural institutions?
An MA in History directly connects to careers in research, museums, and archives. Graduates can work as researchers, museum curators, or archivists. They preserve cultural heritage, manage historical collections, and analyze past events. These roles are important in institutions like ASI, National Museum, INTACH, and international cultural organizations.
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