History- A Pursuit in Excellence, Education in History, Careers in History, Jobs in History, Graduate History Courses

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History- A Pursuit in Excellence

History is the subject which allows you to have an insight into the events which have taken place and see them in right perspective. The subject though important for many reasons in losing its sheen in recent times of commercialization. Though there are many colleges and universities where cut off for major in the subject is as high as 90%, the perception is that the subject is taken by students when other departments have rejected them.

Why History
History is the first choice of students who want to crack the civil services examination for entry to the highest echelons of the bureaucracy. The subject is very popular so much so that even students without a degree in the subject take it as an optional subject. However history should not be viewed only from the perspective of cracking civil services. The subject is extremely vital for a country like India with such a glorious past and composite culture. Understanding reasons for the events in the past and critical analysis thereof will prepare people to face up to the challenges of future in a much better ways. For example in USA, irrespective of the stream taken, everybody is taught a compulsory course in American history.

New Developments
History is not only limited to studying about civilizations and kingdoms in the past. The subject has evolved over a period of time to include various exciting streams. For example the Masters program in various universities include paper on history of labour in India, intellectual history of the west, history of maritime trade of India, institutional history and so on. A good degree in the subject also allows one to take admission in various prestigious courses such as international affairs.

Careers
With new developments taking place in the subject, one can get a job in diverse fields. Careers that directly relate to the subject include teaching, research, business and institutional history, archiving in business institutions and international affairs. One can also get into the field of Archaeology and Museology.
Other indirect areas which one can pursue are Media (journalism, film making and editing etc.), law and tourism. History also allows one to go into film making where historical contents are much required.

Eligibility
If one wants to go for teaching at degree level, one has to qualify the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET). An Mphil or A PHD degree is also required if one has to progress higher in the profession. To get into civil services, one has to crack the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC).

Investment and Returns
College studies in India are still subsidized hence the cost of majoring in the subject is still trivial. However if you qualify and become a lecturer, your take home will be around Rs. 12000 per month which can go upto Rs. 30000 for a professor. As a fresh journalist, you can earn as much as Rs. 12000 per month which will double in no time with experience. A young bureaucrat also earns on similar lines but the perks and benefits of the office are immense and power and prestigious unparallel.