B.A. vs B.A. Hons: Differences, Career & Which is Better?

Choose B.A. for broader learning or B.A. (Hons.) for deeper specialisation—your goals should guide your choice. 

B.A. Hons. vs B.A., which of these two is better? This is a very obvious question that students think of soon after they pass Class 12. They often find themselves in a dilemma of choosing between a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of arts with honours (BA Hons). Both of these degrees are highly sought-after among students who want to pursue higher education in the humanities after completing 12th grade. However, both degrees offer different learning opportunities and career paths. 

A common discussion that occurs at graduation time for those high school students who have plans for higher education is whether they should pursue their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Arts with Honors (B.A. Hons.). Both degrees could provide you with additional options in the areas of the Humanities. Although many students may view these two degrees as being of similar value, there are also some differences concerning the type of educational experience and job opportunities that could occur after you graduate. 

The main difference between a B.A. and a B.A. (Hons.) is that a B.A. programme provides knowledge across multiple humanities disciplines, whereas a B.A. (Hons.) programme offers specialised and in-depth knowledge in a particular subject.

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive difference between B.A. and B.A. Hons. degrees, enabling you to make an informed decision. 

Quick Glance at the Blog

Why Are B.A. and B.A. Hons. Degrees Becoming More Relevant?

Before understanding the differences between them, it is important to understand why they are becoming more relevant.

The growing relevance of B.A. and B.A. Hons. programmes is closely linked to changes in higher education and employer expectations. India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places significant emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, communication skills, research, and subject specialisation—all areas traditionally associated with arts and humanities education.

The policy also aims to increase India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035, encouraging greater participation in undergraduate programmes across disciplines, including humanities and social sciences.

At the same time, employability studies indicate that employers increasingly value skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, analytical thinking, and learning agility alongside technical expertise. According to the Mercer-Mettl India Graduate Skills Index 2025, employability is increasingly influenced by a combination of technical and non-technical skills, reflecting the growing demand for graduates who can think critically and communicate effectively.

A further cause of the expanding interest in B.A. (Hons.) programmes is the increasing need for employers to employ people who have an understanding of a particular subject area, can conduct research and be able to carry out detailed analysis throughout all sectors including; media, education, public sector, psychology, corporate communication and civil service. 

This is one reason why both B.A. and B.A. Hons. programmes continue to attract students.

What are B.A. and B.A. (Hons.)?

Below is the definition of both of these programmes:

B.A.

A bachelor of arts is an interdisciplinary undergraduate programme that encompasses a broad range of humanities subjects. The degree provides students with an all-inclusive understanding of different disciplines in the field of humanities. This is an ideal choice for students who want to develop essential skills during their course period. 

B.A. (Hons.)

A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a specialised degree that is designed to impart specialised knowledge in a specific discipline of the humanities. In this degree, students gain an in-depth understanding of their chosen domain and develop skill sets necessary for the future. B.A. (Hons) is one of the most preferred degrees over a general B.A. programme because of its focused curriculum and research-orientated approaches. It’s an ideal choice for students who want to enhance their knowledge in a specific domain for several opportunities. Students can choose any specialisation of their choice and concentrate on it.

What is the main difference between B.A. and B.A. (Hons.)? B.A. covers multiple subjects, whereas B.A. (Hons.) focuses more deeply on one chosen discipline.

Key Difference Between B.A. and B.A. Hons.

B.A. offers a wide range of subjects that are necessary in the humanities, but without any specialisation. A B.A. (Hons) is a specialised degree that offers a deeper understanding of the chosen domain, allowing students to explore more within a single discipline. To understand better, read below to know the key difference between B.A. and B.A. Hons:

Higher Education Options After Each

After completing a B.A. or B.A. (Hons.), students can explore various postgraduate and research-orientated pathways based on their chosen subject and career goals.

• After B.A.: Students can pursue M.A., MBA, MSW, M.Ed., and other specialised postgraduate programmes.
• After B.A. (Hons.): Students can pursue M.A. and other subject-specific postgraduate programmes, particularly in their chosen area of specialisation.
• Research: After completing a relevant postgraduate degree, students from either programme can consider pursuing a Ph.D. or entering research-orientated fields.
• Professional Courses: Graduates of both programmes can also pursue professional qualifications in areas such as law, management, journalism, education, and public administration, depending on eligibility.

Which Is Valued More by Employers and Universities?

Both B.A. and B.A. (Hons.) degrees are recognised by employers and universities. A B.A. (Hons.) may be preferred for roles or higher studies requiring subject-specific knowledge and specialisation, while a B.A. can be suitable for students seeking broader academic exposure. Ultimately, the value of either degree depends on the subject, institution, skills, career goals, and requirements of the employer or university.

Can You Switch From BA to BA Hons?

Certain institutions may allow students to transfer from a B.A. to a B.A. (Hons.), however this relies on the academic policies, programme design, and seat availability of the institution. Students should determine whether they meet the necessary academic requirements and whether their university permits an internal programme change. While some universities may mandate that students stick with their current curriculum and pursue specialisation through further education, switching may frequently only be permitted during the first few years of study.

Which is the Right Degree For You?

Ask yourself, “Do I want to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific area?” or ask, “Do I want to learn all-inclusive knowledge in a wide range of subjects?” The choice depends on your personal preferences, like your career paths and higher education opportunities. It might be difficult for you to choose the right degree since there are several options available, but with the right guidance and research, you can do that. Here are key factors that you can consider while selecting the right degree:

• Find out which subject excites you the most and which you enjoy learning about.
• Explore what jobs you are thinking of after completing your graduation.
• Consider a programme that can offer you practical learning opportunities, like research-orientated, hands-on learning projects, and fieldwork. 
• If you’re aiming to pursue higher education after your graduation, then think about postgraduate opportunities. 
• Seek advice from elders, teachers, or alumni for better understanding.
• If you are planning to pursue research, a Master’s degree, or a PhD in the future, a B.A. (Hons.) or B.A. (Hons. with Research) may provide a stronger academic foundation. 

Why choose KRMU for a bachelor’s programme? KRMU offers diverse programmes with practical learning, skill development, research opportunities, internships, and career support.

Why can KRMU be a good choice for Purusing Bachlor’s Programmes?

K.R. Mangalam University offers well-structured Bachelor’s programmes designed to build strong academic foundations along with practical skills. Students learn through interactive classes, research projects, internships, field visits, and hands-on exposure. The curriculum focuses on communication, analytical thinking, creativity, and real-world application—making graduates industry-ready.

Array of Specialisation Courses

KRMU is a well-recognised private university known for academic excellence and modern teaching practices. Its programmes offer learning in diverse subjects like psychology, economics, English, political science, and sociology. 

Industry-Orientated Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical exposure and real-world relevance. Students learn from qualified, experienced, and research-orientated faculty members who mentor and guide effectively.

Skill-Based Learning

Emphasis on critical thinking, communication skills, analytical abilities, and interdisciplinary learning with the utilisation of smart classrooms, well-equipped libraries, digital resources, and a vibrant campus environment for holistic learning.

Research & Projects

Apart from a focus on co-curricular activities, clubs, seminars, workshops, and leadership programmes, the opportunities for research, internships, live projects, and fieldwork significantly aid students in gaining hands-on experience.

Student-Centric Approach

Continuous assessments, constant mentoring, and comprehensive feedback ensure personalised academic growth for every single student. Additionally, guest lectures, international collaborations, and exchange opportunities broaden their academic perspectives.

Placement Support

The KRMU’s dedicated career development cell strives to offer unparalleled internships, career counselling, and placement assistance to its students. Emphasis is laid on building soft skills and CVs for interview readiness.

Conclusion

Before enrolling in any programme, it is necessary for you to understand the difference between BA and BA Hons in order to make an informed decision. While choosing a degree, always consider factors like interests, career paths, higher learning opportunities, and long-term future opportunities. If you are someone who wants to acquire in-depth knowledge of a specific field, choosing a B.A. (Hons.) would be the right choice for you. In contrast, the B.A. programme is ideal for students who want to study broad knowledge across multiple subjects. By understanding the above factors, you will be able to choose the right degree for you. 

Choosing the right university is just as important as choosing the right course. With diverse bachelor’s programmes, experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and strong industry exposure, K.R. Mangalam University helps students build a powerful academic foundation and a successful career path. Whether your interest lies in psychology, political science, journalism, English, or other humanities fields, KRMU provides the right guidance, practical learning, and opportunities to grow.

If you’re aiming for a future full of knowledge, confidence, and career possibilities, KRMU is a smart place to begin your journey.

Start your journey with K.R. Mangalam University — apply today!

Also Read: A Comprehensive Bachelor of Arts Course List