BA English Literature: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Bhavya JainContent Author
BA in English Literature is a 3 years UG course which deals with the study of literature in English. This course is all about explaining the various kinds of literary works such as poems, novels, plays, and more. This BA in English Literature course provides you the literature, language, and interdisciplinary knowledge.
The eligibility criteria to pursue this course is students from any stream with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognized board. Many colleges provide this course. Some of the well-known colleges providing this course are Hansraj College, Hindu College, Miranda House, and others. The average fee structure of these colleges ranges between INR 540 to INR 1,50,000.
The students can choose their careers after doing this course in many fields such as education, journalism, media, advertising, and others. The various job roles for the same are Content Writer, English Teacher, Journalist, SEO Manager, Customer Care Executive, and more. The average salary of content writer is 4.1 LPA.
Writings based on a specific field are literature. They are considered to be of very high quality and artistic. It is often perceived as a creative form of expression.
The field of Literature can also be extended to oral legends such as chants, riddles, myths, proverbs and songs. It can be classified based on genre, geographical location and writing style.
Know more about -
- BA English Literature Course Details
- How to apply for BA English Literature
- Top BA English Literature Entrance Exams 2026
- BA English Literature: Admission Process
- Best BA English Literature Colleges in India
- Popular Private BA English Literature Colleges in India
- BA English Literature Course Syllabus
- BA English Literature Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
- BA English Literature Course FAQs
- Popular BA English Literature Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
- Course Cutoffs
BA English Literature Course Details
A BA English Literature course is a good option for people interested in exploring the cultural significance of storytelling from across the world and history. People who like reading, writing, and analyzing stories, and who want flexible career paths in communication, media, or education are best.
The following table shows some BA English Literature course details:
|
Particulars |
Course Details |
|---|---|
|
BA English Literature Course Level |
Undergraduate |
|
BA English Literature Course Duration |
3 Years |
|
BA English Literature Eligibility Criteria |
Class 12 with at least 60% aggregate score. |
|
BA English Literature Entrance Exams |
CUET, JMIEE, IPU CET, etc. |
|
Top BA English Literature Colleges in India |
Delhi University, St. Xavier's College, Loyola College, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Kristu Jayanti University, Stella Maris College, etc. |
|
BA English Literature Course Fees |
INR 1,000 - INR 43 Lakh |
|
BA English Literature Jobs |
Content Writer, English Teacher, Journalist, SEO Manager, Customer Care Executive, etc. |
|
Top BA English Literature Recruiters |
Flipkart, Amazon, India Today, NDTV, etc. |
|
Average BA English Literature Salary in India |
INR 3 LPA – INR 8 LPA |
Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
How to apply for BA English Literature
BA English Literature is designed according to UGC and norms set by the university. Candidates need to pass class 12 to apply for BA English Literature. Some colleges grant admission on the basis of class 12th scores while some consider entrance exams.
There are 2 types of entrance exams available for BA English Literature:
- National Level Exams like CUET, SAT entrance exams are for admission to national government colleges like DU
- University level Exams like LPU NEST and IPU CET offer admission to specific colleges like Lovely Professional University and GGSIPU respectively
BA English Literature Eligibility
The eligibility criteria is usually the same for all colleges. But students should check the official college website for more details.
Eligibility requirements for BA in English Literature course in India are mandatory to fulfill. Here are the basic details that every candidate has to fulfill.
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Eligibility Criteria
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Details
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|---|---|
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Academic Qualifications
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Entrance Exams
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Age Limit
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Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Yes, a candidate who has completed Class 12 from Science stream (or any other stream) from a recognised board is eligible to apply for BA English Literature.
The candidates who have completed Class 12 from Science and Commerce stream must know that the study of English Literature is different from the study of technical or numerical subjects. Therefore, you may have to develop your literary and analytical skills.
Some colleges may allow only those candidates who have studied English as a main subject in Class 12.
You can pursue MA English if you have completed a 3 year general BA. As long as you pass from a recognised university with at least a 45% score. Students must study English in their 12th grade as it is very important to have foundational reading and writing skills in English to pursue the MA English course.
Hope it helps!
Top BA English Literature Entrance Exams 2026
Admission to BA English Literature colleges can be based on either class 12th scores or on entrance exam scores. As discussed above, there are two types of entrance exams available for this course. The tables below explain the type of exams and some popular entrance exams for BA English Literature.
The data for all tables has been taken from official sources and can change.
BA English Literature: National Level Exams
National level exams are tough to crack. They are highly competitive, but they get you admission in the best colleges India has to offer.
The following table shows a list of National level exams available for BA English Literature:
|
Exam |
Description |
Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
The Common University Entrance Test is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted by NTA for UG and PG courses at participating central, state, deemed and private universities in India |
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This exam is widely used for undergraduate admissions in the US, global universities, and many prominent Indian institutions |
BA English Literature: University Level Exams
There are so many private colleges in India offering BA English Literature. Some colleges accept students on the basis of class 12th scores or national level exam scores, but some colleges conduct their own entrance exams. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Chandigarh University are some examples.
The following table shows a list of University Level exams for BA English Literature:
|
Exam |
Description |
Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University organizes IPUCET for admission in all courses except medicine. The exam is for both UG and PG courses. |
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GITAM Admission Test is a CBT exam for entry into various UG and PG courses at GITAM Deemed to be University |
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Sharda University Admission Test is annual entrance exam offered in both offline and online modes |
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LPU National Entrance and Scholarship Test, conducted by Lovely Professional University is for UG courses |
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JMI University conducts the JMI entrance examination to shortlist and finalise students who can get admission into Media and communication courses. |
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GLA University Entrance Test conducted by Ganeshi Lal Agarwal University is for admission in both UG and PG courses |
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 15 Sep ' 26 - 30 Nov ' 26 | IIAD 2027 - Application Round 1 ONGOING |
| 30 Oct ' 26 | CGCUET 2026 Registration Last Date |
| Nov ' 26 | GITAM GAT 2027 registration for phase 1 TENTATIVE |
| 07 Nov ' 26 | SAT India Exam (November) Attempt |
| Dec ' 26 | GITAM GAT 2027 exam date phase 1 TENTATIVE |
| 02 Dec ' 26 - 31 Dec ' 26 | IIAD 2027 - Application Round 2 |
| 05 Dec ' 26 | SAT India Exam (December) Attempt |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 07 Jun ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 4) |
| 03 May ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 3) |
| 01 Feb ' 26 | AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 2) |
Common University Entrance Test/ CUET UG is an entrance exam. It is conducted for admission to UG programs offered by various central, state, private and deemed universities. Candidates willing to take admission to undergraduation programme in streams like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law and Management must appear for CUET UG exam when conducted.
This entrance examination assesses candidates at various levels: Language, domain knowledge and general aptitude. CUET UG is conducted annually in computer based mode. CUET UG scores are accepted by more than 300 universities across India.
The CUET UG English syllabus includes topics given below
- Reading Comprehension
- Factual
- Narrative
- Literary
- Verbal Ability
- Rearranging the parts
- Choosing the correct word
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Vocabulary
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BA English Literature: Admission Process
Admission has a very easy step wise process. It is similar for almost all colleges. You are advised to check the official website of college before applying.
Candidates can see a detailed, step-wise BA English Literature admission process below:
BA English Literature Admission Process: Government Colleges
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Ensure clearance of class 12th in any stream with passing marks at the least
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Check application process for national level exams like CUET and other state level exams.
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Clear entrance exams
-
Get documents verified during counseling process
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Confirm your seat after paying tuition fees
BA English Literature Admission Process: Private Colleges
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Ensure clearance of class 12th in any stream with at least passing marks
-
Check application process for the colleges you want to apply to
-
Clear entrance exams, if any
-
Participate in counseling or interview rounds conducted by the university
-
If selected, Submit documents and pay the tuition fees to get a seat
Best BA English Literature Colleges in India
There are over 1100 colleges which have BA English Literature. Choosing the best colleges for Design education can be tough, especially when there are a lot of options in front of candidates. At this point it becomes very important to filter them out according to your liking, budget and career plan. The following tables will give you an idea of colleges and their fees. The data is taken from official sources and can change.
Best Private Colleges for BA English Literature
Many private colleges have established themselves as a popular choice amongst students for BA English Literature. The BA English Literature fees for private colleges are more expensive than government colleges.
The table lists the best private colleges for BA English Literature in India with their fees.
|
Best Private Colleges |
BA English Literature Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
|
22,200 - 3,06,000 |
|
|
87,180 |
|
|
1,09,000 |
|
|
2,10,000 - 2,40,000 |
|
|
76,020 - 1,24,000 |
Check out the list of best private colleges for BA English Literature.
Affordable Private Colleges for BA English Literature
There are many colleges that offer BA English Literature on a budget in India. Good education does not have to be expensive.
The following table shows some of the best affordable private college options for BA English Literature:
|
Best Private Colleges |
BA English Literature Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
|
900 - 2,640 |
|
|
1,310 |
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
1,980 |
Check out the best affordable private colleges for BA English Literature.
Best Government Colleges for BA English Literature
More than 320 government colleges in India provide BA English Literature in various specializations. Government colleges offer the best of both worlds. They are budget friendly as well as offer good academics.
The following table shows Best Government Designing course Colleges in India:
|
Best Government Colleges |
BA English Literature Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
|
360 |
|
|
387 |
|
|
432 |
|
|
464 |
|
|
540 |
Check the full list of BA English Literature Government Colleges
There are around 3000 BA English Literature colleges in India. The fee structure for the course is usually affordable. Some of the top BA English Literature colleges in India that offer the course with low fees is given here
BA English Literature Colleges | BA English Literature Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| St. Xavier's College Kolkata | INR 22,200 - 23,000 |
| Sacred Heart College - SHC | INR 29,520 |
| Pachhunga University College | INR 9,000 |
| St. Berchmans College | INR 7,900 |
| The American College | INR 2,140 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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BA English Literature course can be pursued in distance learning mode as well. Given below are some of the top BA English Literature Distance colleges along with their fees:
BA English Literature Distance Colleges | BA English Literature Distance College Fees |
INR 2,000 | |
INR 16,710 | |
INR 14,400 - 15,900 | |
INR 9,900 | |
Institute of Distance and Open Learning, University of Mumbai | INR 17,460 |
INR 3,900 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
Popular Private BA English Literature Colleges in India
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BA English Literature Course Syllabus
BA English Literature is a 3 year long course, divided into 6 semesters. The syllabus pattern followed by colleges is mostly similar. The following table shoes a general BA English Literature Syllabus:
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester I |
|
|---|---|
| Communicative English | Language Paper I |
| History of English Literature: The Pre-Chaucerian to the Augustan | English Poetry: The Elizabethan to the Augustan |
| English Prose: The Elizabethan to the Victorian | Introduction to Computing |
| Cultural Education I | - |
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester II |
|
| Professional Communication | Language Paper II |
| History of English Literature | English Poetry |
| English Prose: The Late-Victorian to the Modern | Indian Writing in English: Fiction |
| Cultural Education II | - |
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester III |
|
| Communicative English (Advanced) | History of English Literature: Victorian to the Present |
| American Literature | Biography |
| English Fiction: Victorian | Life Skills I |
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester IV |
|
| History of English Language and Phonetics | Indian Writing in English: Poetry |
| Shakespeare: Comedies | Environmental Studies |
| Open Elective I | Life Skills II |
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester V |
|
| Elements of Literary Criticism | English Poetry: Modern |
| English Drama: Elizabethan to Victorian | Spiritual Literature |
| Open Elective II | Life Skills III |
|
BA English Literature Subjects Semester VI |
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| Literary Criticism: Introduction | European Fiction |
| English Fiction: Modern | English Drama: Modern |
| Shakespeare: Tragedies | Autobiography |
Indian Writing in English are notable works by authors of Indian origin. It began during the colonial period of India. It has a unique style of writing. These writings though written in English have Indian influence, especially influence of regional and colloquial lqnguages.
Mulk Raj Anand is known as the father of Indian English Literature. 'The Serpent and The Rope ' by Raja Rao, 'Gitanjali' by Rabindranath Tagore and 'The Guide' by R.K Narayan are some famous literary works of Indian Writing in English Genre.
Hope it helps!
Though the main focus is on the literature part, the BA in English syllabus does include Grammar in its curriculum. You'll find the grammar component in the BA English program at a relatively advanced level. It's also important to improve your writing and communication skills.
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BA English Literature Salary: Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
BA English Literature program can provide several career opportunities in the media, corporate and government spheres. It is also possible to become a freelancer or launch your own business venture. Please refer to the list below.
BA English Literature Salary and Job Profiles in India
The following are the best job profiles that one can pursue after a BA English Literature course
|
Media, Journalism & Entertainment |
|
|---|---|
|
Jobs |
Salary (INR) |
|
Script Writer |
5 LPA |
|
Journalist |
4.6 LPA |
|
Features Writer |
4.4 LPA |
|
Corporate Communications & Public Relations |
|
|
Public Relations Executive |
4 LPA |
|
Corporate Communications Specialist |
12.6 LPA |
|
Media Coordinator |
3.6 LPA |
|
Digital Marketing & Advertising |
|
|
Copywriter |
6.7 LPA |
|
SEO Content Writer |
3.9 LPA |
|
Social Media Manager |
6 LPA |
|
Publishing Industry |
|
|
Managing Editor |
10.4 LPA |
|
Publishing Assistant |
4.6 LPA |
|
Education & Academia |
|
|
High School English Teacher |
4.4 LPA |
|
Instructional Designer |
8.6 LPA |
|
Tesol Instructor |
10 LPA |
Top BA English Literature Recruiters
There is a demand for graduates in English Literature in many organizations where there is a need for communication skills. Listed below are a few organizations that recruit individuals with a BA in English Literature.
|
Top BA English Literature Recruiters
|
|
|---|---|
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Amazon
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Flipkart
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Accenture
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Bain & Co.
|
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India today
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NDTV
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Deloitte
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Tata Consultancy Services
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The Hindu
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HT Media
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Here are few career paths you can take after doing BA Honours in English:- Professional Writing. With this degree in hand, you can take up writing, professionally. MBA. Mass Communication. Social Media Marketing. Civil Services. Public Relations. Law. Event management.
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I assume you're a fresher in the industry. Your degree does not decide how much money you'll earn. It's the skills and potential an employer seeks in a candidate.
Though graduates in India generally get a fresher's package of around INR 3 - 5 LPA in any industry, if you have extraordinary skills, talent, or industry-relevant experience, you can get your desired package as well.
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BA English Literature Course FAQs
You can refer to this section for some Frequently Asked Questions related to the BA English Literature course in India.
English Literature is course in which students get the opportunity to read the writings of renowned writers in their course curriculum. Though the individual experience of each student of English Literature course may vary, given below are some facets of English Literature that many students have experienced while pursuing the course:
- The course is a time travelling machine: It takes a student to different eras, countries and cultures while offering a wider perspective.
- It covers a wide range of themes covering all walks of life.
- Students can relate with themselves and their life scenarios even with fictional writings.
- The world-class literary writings improve one’s creativity and story-telling skills.
- When the student reads about writings set up in different cultural contexts it increases one’s emotional capabilities such as tolerance and acceptance
- It challenges one’s cognitive biases by exposing to unfamiliar theories of Literature.
Online courses offered by various universities across India have been listed below for the reference of students
BA English Literature Online Course Colleges | BA English Literature Online Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Amity5 style="height: 21px;" width="50%">INR 14,400 - 15,900 | |
| Amity5 of Distance Education, University of Madras | INR 16,710 |
| School of Open Learning, University of Delhi | INR 2,000 |
| Amity University Online | INR 99,000 |
| Amity5 Subhas Open University | INR 9,900 |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
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Popular BA English Literature Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
3478 Colleges
- Hindi
114 Colleges
- Public Administration
26 Colleges
- Sanskrit
11 Colleges
- Women Studies
5 Colleges
- French
4 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishHansraj College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishHindu College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Economics, English)Hindu College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishMiranda House, University of Delhi
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi
- B.A. Program (English Discipline and Political Science)Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishKirori Mal College, University of Delhi
- B.A. in EnglishSt. Xavier's College Kolkata
- B.A. (Hons.) in EnglishAtma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi
- B.A. in EnglishPSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS
Course Cutoffs
4
| College | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics | – / – | – / – | 94.67 |
| College | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi | – / – | 908.9 | 882.59 |
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TOEFL iBT | 84 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
ECPE | Passing Certificate |
MET | 52 - 58 |
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English Literature is the collection of Literary works in the English language that display phenomenal literary skills. These works are known for their creative use of words, depictions of plot in different cultural contexts and intelligent incorporation of literary devices. The poems, prose and plays are written in such a way that they resonate with many people spread across the globe. A piece of literary work is also open to different and contradictory interpretations.
It as a specialisation in BA is a course that teaches students about various renowned literary works. The textbooks of this course have various poems, dramas, etc. covered as lessons. In the BA English Literature semester examination candidates are expected to answer questions based on their understanding of the prescribed texts.