BA Fees 2026 in India – Govt & Private Colleges

BA Fees 2026: Government and Private Colleges, Scholarships, Eligibility

ARTICLE

Nikki Kumari

2025-10-24T17:05:18.335+05:30

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) course is a 3-year undergraduate degree, and students are eligible to pursue it after completing 10+2 in any discipline. This is one of the most sought-after courses after 12th grade for its flexible nature and diverse career prospects.

Overview

Why BA 2026 Fees Matter?

With interest rates quickly increasing, students and their parents need to understand the composition and level of BA syllabus fees for the 2026 academic year. The fee structure may differ significantly based on the type of college (government vs. private), location, specialisation, as well as additional services such as hostels and exam fees.

BA Eligibility 2026: Admission Process

Overview of BA 2026 Course Structure and Fee Breakdown

BA Course Fees 2026 – Top Government & Private Colleges in India

BA Colleges in India 2026 with Highest RoI

BA Fees Comparison in India 2026 - City-Wise

BA Syllabus 2026: Semester-Wise Breakdown and Key Topics

BA Career Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters

An Overview of Studying BA Abroad for Indian Students

BA Eligibility 2026: Admission Process

The students are required to meet the following eligibility requirements to get admission into the BA programme:

Passed Class 12 from a recognised board regardless of any discipline.

A minimum aggregate of 40-50% (may vary by college)

Entrance-based admission in some top universities, such as DU and BHU, through CUET.

BA Admission Process

Step 1: Apply for the relevant entrance exams if required and start preparing for the same at the earliest.
Step 2: Apply to your desired colleges through CUET or directly.
Step 3: Attend a counselling meeting or merit-based admissions.

What are the factors affecting BA fees in 2026?

Types of colleges: Government colleges provide education at a highly subsidised rate, while private institutes may charge a fee much higher.
Specialisation: Classes such as Psychology or Journalism may come with increased lab or other project fees.
Location: Urban centres such as Delhi and Mumbai tend to be more expensive due to higher urban costs.
Facilities: Although lab usage, library, hostel, and extracurricular activities can impact the final expenditure, this depends on the college.

Affiliation: Affiliated colleges with premier universities may charge a little more, but they also offer better campus placements.

Overview of BA 2026 Course Structure and Fee Breakdown

The duration of the BA course is three years, divided into six semesters. Available across streams including Literature, History, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Journalism, and the like. According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a credit-based curriculum is offered in many institutions.

Here’s an overview of the general structure of BA program:

Year	Semester	Subjects
1st	1 and 2	Foundation Courses, Language, and Electives
2nd	3 and 4	Core Major Subjects and Discipline Electives
3rd	5 and 6	Specialisation, Research, and Project (if any)

BA Fee Breakdown by Component – Annual Average

Fee Component	Government Colleges (INR)	Private Colleges (INR)
Tuition Fees	500 – 7,000	25,000 – 70,000
Examination Fees	1,000 – 2,000	2,000 – 5,000
Library/Internet	500 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000
Lab/Project Fees	0 – 1,500	3,000 – 5,000
Misc. Activities	300 – 800	1,000 – 3,000
Hostel (Optional)	10,000 – 25,000	40,000 – 1,00,000
Total (Annual)	₹12,000 – ₹35,000	₹60,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh

Note: Fees could vary at the time of admission based on institute regulations, location, and facilities.

Effect of NEP 2020 on BA Courses & Fees

Now, under the new National Education Policy (NEP), students will have greater flexibility:
Several exit modes during 1-year (Certificate), 2-year (Diploma), 3-year (Degree), and 4-year (Honours with Research)
Additional fees may apply for skills modules or online certifications, depending on electives.

What are the ways to plan your BA fees smartly?

Research scholarships, especially those offered by private colleges or central universities.
Have a count of the 3-year total cost, including tuition, hostel, and additional certifications.
Explore UGC-funded universities for affordable learning.

BA Course Fees 2026 – Top Government & Private Colleges in India

The cost of pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in India depends on the type of college— government vs private, location, type of infrastructure, and other facilities like internships or research opportunities. This section will cover the BA Course Fee in India’s renowned government and private colleges for the session 2026.

BA Fees - Government Colleges 2026

Tuition fees in government colleges are generally nominal, often supported by the state or central government, which attracts students nationwide.

Top BA Government Colleges in India 2026

College Name	Location	BA Annual Fees (INR)	Admission Via
Miranda House (DU)	Delhi	5,000 – 8,000	CUET (UG)
Hindu College (DU)	Delhi	7,500 – 9,000	CUET (UG)
Presidency University	Kolkata	1,200 – 1,800	PUBDET
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous)	Mumbai	7,000 – 11,000	Merit/Entrance
Jadavpur University	Kolkata	2,500 – 4,000	Merit-Based
Loyola College	Chennai	10,000 – 15,000	Merit-Based
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	Varanasi	3,500 – 6,000	CUET (UG)
Fergusson College (SPPU)	Pune	6,000 – 8,000	Merit-Based

BA Fees – Private Colleges 2026

Private colleges offer high-class infrastructure, placement assistance, and updated teaching aids. However, these colleges are usually more expensive than government universities.

Top BA Private Colleges in India 2026

College Name	Location	BA Annual Fees (INR)	Admission Via
Ashoka University	Haryana	8 – 9 Lakh	Ashoka Aptitude Test and PI
Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA)	Pune	3 – 4 Lakh	SET and PI
Christ University	Bangalore	1.3 – 1.8 Lakh	CUET (UG)
Amity University	Multiple cities	1 – 1.5 Lakh	Merit/Amity Entrance
FLAME University	Pune	6 – 7 Lakh	UGEE/SAT
O.P. Jindal Global University	Sonipat	9 Lakh	JSAT/SAT/ACT
Mount Carmel College (Autonomous)	Bangalore	90,000 – 1.2 Lakh	Merit-Based
Manav Rachna University	Faridabad	1 – 2 Lakh	MRNAT

Quick Notes:

Some of the top private colleges may provide financial aid and scholarships on the basis of academic performance or financial need.
A government college is ideal if you are a student seeking a budget-friendly education without compromising on academic substance.

Many colleges now provide liberal arts-based BA offerings, which are expanding the variety of courses and fees.

BA Colleges in India 2026 with Highest RoI

When choosing a BA programme, one must consider the Return on Investment (RoI). ROI

defines the value derived from the cost incurred with the education you pursued. A high ROI means the rewards (quality education, career opportunities) are significantly more than the costs.

Best BA Colleges In India 2026 – RoI Wise

Based on criteria such as fees, placement records, academic excellence, and alumni success, the following are some of the top BA colleges in India with good RoI:

College Name	BA Annual Approximate Fees (INR)	Highlights	ROI Factor
Miranda House, University of Delhi, New Delhi	5000-8000	Consistently ranked among the top arts colleges in India, Miranda House boasts a strong academic curriculum and an active placement cell.	Low fees combined with high academic standards and career opportunities.
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai	13,971	Known for its vibrant campus life and strong alumni network, St. Xavier's offers a diverse range of BA programs with excellent faculty.	Moderate fees with substantial brand value and career prospects.
Loyola College, Chennai	14,190	Offers a range of BA specialisations with experienced faculty and good infrastructure.	Affordable fees with quality education and decent placement support.
Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi	26,935	Offers a variety of BA programs with a focus on holistic development and career readiness.	Reasonable fees with a strong academic reputation and placement opportunities.
Christ University, Bangalore	81,000	Offers interdisciplinary BA programs with a focus on research and innovation.	Higher fees justified by excellent infrastructure, faculty, and placement records.

How to Maximize RoI in BA Programs?

Grants and scholarships: Some colleges offer financial aid in the form of need- or merit-based scholarships. You can also reduce your costs by applying for it.
Get involved in internships: Working while you are studying can improve your CV and help you get better jobs after graduation.
Tap into alumni groups: Networking with fellow alumni can give a different perspective on career paths and opportunities.

Get involved in extra-curricular activities: Participating in extra-curricular activities like clubs and societies can help you develop soft skills and leadership traits, which will make you more employable.

BA Fees Comparison in India 2026 - City-Wise

It is essential for students considering higher education to be aware of geographic variations in course fees. Below is a detailed breakup of BA fees of major Indian cities in 2026:

Top BA Colleges in Delhi

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
Ramjas College	15,498
Miranda House	5,000-8,000
Hindu College	5,000-10,000

Insights:

Some of the affordable Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in India can be pursued at the University of Delhi (DU), particularly in its affiliated colleges. The rates are subsidised, making it affordable for students from diverse backgrounds.

Top BA Colleges in Mumbai

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
St. Xavier's College	13,971
University of Mumbai (MU)	17,456-14.6 Lakh

Insights:

The BA fees in Mumbai range from affordable public college fees to costlier fees in private colleges. Students need to evaluate the return on investment when considering private colleges.

Top BA Colleges in Bangalore

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
Bangalore University	4,500
Christ University	81,000

Insights:

Bangalore offers both affordable and premium Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs. Public (Government) colleges, such as Bangalore University, are affordable yet provide good education and placement opportunities. Meanwhile, expensive private institutions, such as Christ University, offer world-class infrastructure and facilities.

Top BA Colleges in Chennai

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
Loyola College	14,190
Presidency College	1,290
Stella Maris College	75,300

Insights:

BA colleges in Chennai have different tuition fees. Moreover, government colleges charge very nominal fees. Meanwhile, private colleges charge fees that vary according to the quality of their infrastructure and facilities.

Top BA Colleges in Pune

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
Fergusson College	7,447-22,340
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)	12,800
Stella Maris College	19,350

Insights:

BA in Pune is offered by a range of colleges at different fees. Students can opt for either affordable public colleges or more expensive private universities, which may offer additional resources.

Top BA Colleges in Uttar Pradesh

Top Colleges	Fee in INR (Per Annum)
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)	18,000
Shobhit University, Meerut	1.38 Lakh
Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki	96,000

Insights:

Uttar Pradesh provides a variety of both affordable and non-affordable courses. Public universities, such as AMU, offer quality education at lower fees, while private ones may have higher fees and additional facilities.

Top factors to consider while choosing the right city for BA studies:

Cost of living: Assess accommodation, transportation, and lifestyle costs.
Assess employment opportunities: Upon completing your graduation, numerous job opportunities are available in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Verify if the scholarship is available: A few states and colleges offer scholarships to deserving students.
Consider language and culture: Be at ease with language and culture.

Have more questions or need personalized guidance? Drop your queries in the comments below or share this guide with peers planning their BA journey in 2026!

What is the average BA fee in India for 2026?

The average cost of a BA course in India ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 1 lakh per annum.

Which cities offer affordable BA degree programmes?

Cities such as Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata are known for reasonably priced BA programmes, particularly in government colleges. For instance: Delhi: Miranda House. It charges between INR 5,000 and 8,000 per year. Chennai: Presidency College. It charges around INR 1,290 a year.

Are there any scholarships available for BA students in India?

Yes, there are institutions and government colleges that offer scholarships on a merit-based basis, need-based scholarships, or specific categories. You should also inquire directly with each college to see what scholarships are available and what their eligibility criteria are.

Is there an online or part-time BA programme?

Yes, several colleges offer part-time or online B.A. programs, which can be more flexible and occasionally less expensive.

How does the RoI differ between BA colleges?

The return on investment is based on the tuition fee, the placement services, and the alumni success rate. Govt colleges may have a better RoI as it has lower fee and fair placement records.

How do I get admission to BA course in India?

The following is the BA admission process by various organisations: - Research colleges to find those that have your desired specialisation.- Ensure you meet the academic and other eligibility requirements.- Apply online or offline according to the college procedure.- Appear for the entrance exam and personal interviews, when available. - Pay the requisite fee and complete the admission formalities after selection.