What is MA English: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission [Year], Colleges, Salary & Scope
The MA English Literature course explores and studies literature written and translated into English. MA English Literature course is a 2-year PG academic degree which can be pursued through regular as well as online/distance modes.
Most candidates choose to pursue an MA English Literature after completing their BA English Literature course. Candidates, who have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized institute with a minimum aggregate of 45-50% are considered eligible to apply for admission to MA English Literature course.
Admission to MA English Literature is based on both merit and entrance procedures. Some popular MA English Literature entrance exams include CUET PG, JMI Entrance Exam, AP PGECET, CPGET, etc.
The average MA English Literature salary in India lies in the range of INR 3-8 LPA.
MA English Course Details: Highlights
Some highlights of MA English course are mentioned in the table below:
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Course Name |
MA English |
|
MA English Course Level |
PG |
|
MA English Course Duration |
2 Years |
|
MA English Eligibility Criteria |
Should have graduated from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 45-50% |
|
MA English Entrance Exams |
CUET PG, JMI Entrance Exam, AP PGECET, CPGET, etc. |
|
MA English Colleges in India |
Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Loyola College, Mithibai College of Arts, Amity University |
|
MA English Course Fees |
INR 10,000 to 1.5 Lakh |
|
MA English Distance Learning Institutes |
IGNOU, Tamil Nadu Open University, Karnataka State Open University |
|
MA English Job Profiles |
Writer, Journalist, Editor, Content Manager, etc. |
|
MA English Top Recruiters |
Flipkart, Amazon, India Today, NDTV, etc. |
|
MA English Salary in India |
INR 3 LPA – INR 8 LPA |
Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.
Students Also Read:
The MA English course is a postgraduate degree. It is a 2-year course in English Literature where students study the influential works that have been written or translated into English. They study the social, economic, and philosophical aspects of these works and engage in deep discussions about the influence of the external world on the social conditioning and psyche of the writers as projected in their works.
Literature means the writings which are based on a specific field. These writings are considered to be of very high-quality, eloquent and artistic. The literary works can be poems, novels, short stories, plays, essays and other forms of writing. It is often perceived as a creative form of expression by humans. The field of Literature can also be extended to oral lore such as chants, riddles, myths, proverbs and songs. Literature can be classified based on genre, geographical location as well as writing style.
- MA English Eligibility Criteria
- MA English Entrance Exams 2025
- Types of MA English Courses
- MA English Syllabus 2025
- Best MA English Colleges in India
- Popular Private MA English Colleges in India
- MA English Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- MA English FAQs: 2025
- Popular MA English Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
MA English Eligibility Criteria
Check these eligibility criteria below:
|
MA English Course Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualifications for the MA English Course |
The candidates should have completed a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, or preferably, in a related course, though many colleges allow students from all disciplines to pursue an MA in Philosophy. |
|
Marks Criteria for MA English Course |
The candidates should have secured at least 45-50% marks in graduation. |
|
Appearing or Passed Criteria for the MA English Course |
|
|
Age Limit for MA Philosophy |
There is no prescribed age limit. |
MA English Admission 2025
Admission to MA English courses will differ from college to college, but listed below is the general steps that a student should follow to get admitted to MA English courses:
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Complete class 12 from a recognized board, with at least a 50% aggregate. Check other eligibility and make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. |
| Entrance Exams |
Appear for national/state-level entrance exams for MA English courses. |
| Application |
Submit applications to MA English colleges/universities with the required documents. |
| Counselling | Participate in counseling based on entrance exam scores or merit. |
| Admission | Complete the admission process by paying fees and verifying documents. |
Yes, if you wish to pursue an MA English Literature then you can apply for the course after completing a bachelor’s programme in any discipline. It is not mandatory for you to have completed BA in English Literature to pursue MA English. Make sure that you have secured at least 50% aggregate in your graduation and completed the course from a recognised institution.
Hello! Yes, you are eligible for an MA English course if you have completed a 3-year BA Program course in any specialization. You should have graduated from a recognised university, with at least a 45% aggregate score. It is essential that students should have studied English in their class 12th as it is very important to have foundational reading, and writing skills in English to pursue the MA English course.
MA English Entrance Exams 2025
If you want admission to the MA English course, here are some entrance exams, their dates, and details, you might need -
|
Entrance Exams |
Entrance Exam Dates |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
CUET PG 2025 |
13 March - 1 Apr ‘25 |
|
|
AP PGECET 2025 |
6 - 8 June ‘25 |
|
|
CPGET 2025 |
July ‘25 (Tentative) |
|
|
JMI Entrance Exam 2025 |
Started on Apr 26 ‘25 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
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Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 01 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26 | IGNOU TEE Dec 2025 exam ONGOING |
| Dec ' 25 | CUET PG Exam Notification TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 26 | KALSEE 2026 Application Form Start Date TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 26 - Feb ' 26 | CUET PG 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
| Mar ' 26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
| Mar ' 26 - Apr ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application TENTATIVE |
| Mar ' 26 - Apr ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| To Be Notified | PUBDET 2026 2nd Round Seat Allotment |
| To Be Notified | PUBDET 2026 1st Round Seat Allotment |
| To Be Notified | PUBDET 2026 Counselling Seat Matrix |
There are many colleges that accept CUET PG scores for admission to MA English courses. Some of the most popular ones have been listed below along with their fees:
College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
INR 480 | |
INR 5,160 | |
INR 1.43 Lakh | |
INR 9,600 |
Students can click here to check other colleges that offer MA English through CUET PG scores.
CUET PG Good Score will also enable candidates to strategically allocate time and resources for different subjects based on their difficulty level and weightage. Many of the top NIRF Ranking institutes like JNU, University of Delhi, BHU, TISS, and Central University of Hyderabad will require a score higher than the average score in CUET PG, due to the high competition level for these universities. On average 180-195 will be considered to be a good score in CUET PG 2025 exam.
- General- 180-190
- OBC- 170-180
- SC/ST- 155-170
Types of MA English Courses
MA English courses are available in various modes of education. Here are some types of MA English courses:
|
Types of MA English Courses |
MA English Course Details |
|---|---|
|
Full-Time MA English Courses |
Regular or full-time MA English courses are among the most popular options opted by students. Students attend the lectures and seminars in the college premises. It aids students in their holistic development. There is a lot of scope for extracurricular activities at the college or inter-college level. |
|
Distance MA English Courses |
The students do not attend regular college in the Distance mode of MA English courses. They receive study materials and get access to the student portal. They would only have to appear in person for seminars and final examinations. |
|
Online MA English Courses |
An Online MA English Programme can be pursued by candidates who wish to pursue MA English courses without attending regular college or appearing for offline exams. The admission process, lecture delivery, submission of assignments, and semester exams are conducted online. |
Popular Courses
- M.A. in EnglishHansraj College, University of Delhi
- M.A. in EnglishAtma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi
- M.A. in EnglishGargi College, University of Delhi
- M.A. in EnglishSt. Berchmans College
- M.A. in EnglishThe American College
- M.A. in English LiteratureChrist College, Irinjalakuda
- M.A. in EnglishNational College,Tiruchirapalli
- M.A. in EnglishSDNB Vaishnav College for Women
- M.A. in EnglishDAV College, Chandigarh
- M.A. in EnglishMCM DAV College for Women
Both modes of education are good in an MA in English Literature course. Regular mode of education as well as Distance mode of education have their own benefits.
The benefits of the regular learning mode of MA English Literature are as follows:
- There is scope for group discussion and peer-to-peer interactions.
- Drama can be taught effectively by enacting the characters.
- It can improve the spoken English of students.
The benefits of the distance learning mode of MA English Literature are as follows:
- Students can enrol themselves in the course beyond geographical barriers.
- It can help them come up with unique and original interpretations of poems and other forms of Literature.
MA English Syllabus 2025
The curriculum of an MA English degree is vast and well-structured to include texts from different eras. The general MA English course syllabus has been mentioned below:
|
MA English Syllabus Semester 1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Medieval Literature |
Early Modern World |
|
Post-Independence Indian Literature |
Fiction |
|
MA English Syllabus Semester 2 |
|
|
16th and 17th Century Drama |
Criticism and Theory I |
|
Postcolonial Literature and Theory |
Disability Studies and Literary Representations |
|
MA English Syllabus Semester 3 |
|
|
The Long Eighteenth Century |
The Long Nineteenth Century |
|
Classical to Pre-modern Literature |
Poetry |
|
MA English Syllabus Semester 4 |
|
|
The Long Twentieth Century |
Dalit Studies |
|
Aesthetics and Literature |
Religion and Literature |
Note: The syllabus has been taken from sources across the web, and may vary for different institutions.
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The books followed in MA English Literature course may vary depending on the colleges offering the course. Moreover, the syllabus and the university the college is affiliated with also determine the books followed for the course. Given below are some of the important books in an MA English Literature course:
MA English Literature Books | Authors |
|---|---|
The Second Shepherds’ Play | Wakefield Master |
Piers Plowman | William Langland |
The Art of Courtly Love | Andreas Capellanus |
The Arts of Disruption: Allegory and Piers Plowman | Nicolette Zeeman |
Feudal Society | Marc Bloch |
Chaucer and Medieval Estates Satire | Jill Mann |
The Law of Freedom | Gerrard Winstanley |
Sunlight on a Broken Column | Attia Hossain |
The Moor’s Last Sigh | Salman Rushdie |
Indian Writing in English are notable literary works in English language written by authors who are of Indian origin. It began during the colonial period of India when English as a language was introduced to 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 Ranindranath Tagore and 'The Guide' by R.K Narayan are some famous literary works of Indian Writing in English Genre.
Best MA English Colleges in India
You'll find more than 2000 MA English colleges in India. Both the government and private colleges are offering the course and they are also available in different modes. You can choose an MA English course in college according to your suitability and convenience.
Best Government MA English Colleges in India
Here are some of the top government colleges in India for MA English courses:
|
Best Government Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 5,160 |
|
|
INR 432 |
|
|
INR 14,400 |
|
|
INR 13,200 |
|
|
INR 27,170 |
|
|
INR 21,900 |
|
|
INR 480 |
|
|
INR 19,450 |
|
|
INR 16,480 |
|
|
INR 1.43 Lakh |
Note: The fees have been taken from the official website and may change.
Best Private MA English Colleges in India
Here are some of the top private colleges in India for MA English courses:
|
Best Private Colleges |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 3 Lakh |
|
|
INR 29,260 |
|
|
INR 1.25 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.52 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.65 Lakh |
|
|
INR 11,000 |
|
|
INR 2.22 Lakh |
|
|
INR 97,450 |
|
|
INR 92,000 |
|
|
INR 2 Lakh |
Note: The fees have been taken from the official website and may change.
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There are many colleges that provide an MA in English with an affordable fee structure. Many MA English Literature colleges have internal scholarships as well as government-funded scholarships to help needy students. Some of these colleges are mentioned below along with their total tuition fee:
MA English Literature Colleges | Average Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
288 | |
300 | |
312 | |
360 | |
360 |
There are many colleges that offer MA English courses through Distance Education. Some of the most popular ones have been listed below:
MA English Distance Education College Name | Average Fees |
|---|---|
INR 13,200 | |
INR 11,050 | |
INR 13,350 | |
Institute of Distance and Open Learning, University of Mumbai | INR 17,230 |
INR 8,800 |
Hope this helps you!
Popular Private MA English Colleges in India
English Applications open. Apply Now
MA English Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
MA English course graduates have an exceptionally wide range of professional options because of the flexible skill set that is cultivated through MA English courses. Some students choose a more conventional career in fields like research or academics, but students also find success in a variety of other sectors that value analytical ability, communication skills, and critical thinking.
Click here: Top 10 MA Subjects & Specialisations
MA English Courses: Job Profiles and Salary
MA English course graduates are welcomed by the government, private, and business sectors, which value their capacity for problem-solving and place them in positions that have been mentioned below:
|
Job Profiles |
Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Copywriter |
Writes persuasive and creative copy for advertising, marketing campaigns, or other promotional materials. |
INR 7.6 LPA |
|
Journalist |
Researches, gathers, writes, and edits news stories for print, broadcast, or digital media. |
INR 3.9 LPA |
|
Editor |
Reviews, edits, and proofreads written content for accuracy, clarity, and style. |
INR 5.1 LPA |
|
Professor |
A professor is involved in teaching, and research activities. A Philosophy professor devises lesson plans and delivers lectures to students. They may also be responsible for mentoring and supervising the students. They help the students analyze theories from a philosophical perspective. |
INR 9 LPA |
|
Writer |
Writers focus on written content for platforms like newspapers, journals, social media, and blogs. They may also work as screenwriters, novelists, poets, lyricists, and playwrights. |
INR 6 LPA |
Note: The above mentioned salaries have been taken from ambitionbox.com and may vary depending on the companies offering the jobs.
MA English Top Recruiters
MA English course graduates can explore career options in various sectors such as the government sector, media and publishing houses, corporations, and community service organizations.
Here are some of the top companies after MA English courses that recruit graduates in various job profiles:
|
MA English Courses Top Recruiters |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon |
Flipkart |
The Hindu |
|
Accenture |
Bain & Co. |
Deloitte |
|
India today |
NDTV |
HT Media |
Learn More About:
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What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?
MA English FAQs: 2025
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to MA English course:
Literature courses are popular among students. However, there is a misconception that removing the study of Literature would make no difference in the world. Given below are some points that explain the importance of Literature:
- Literature serves as a preserver of the Cultural Heritage: It involves the mention of value system and cultural beliefs of various cultures across the globe.
- Literature aids emotional and intellectual development: Many enigmatic human emotions are conveyed well to the reader through Literatures. They help in the development of good value such as sympathy, empathy, honesty and compassion.
- Literature provides the wisdom and knowledge that cannot be provided through technical subjects: It serves as a storehouse of generational wisdom that can be passed across border and across time.
- Literature improves communication and the feeling of connectedness among people: It can help individuals connect at a deeper level with the life of other people.
- Literature extends the limit of creativity: It has no creative restrictions. The fiction genre of Literature plays an important role in entertaining the readers as well as improving their creativity.
Yes, if you have elementary proficiency in English language then you can join MA in English Literature course. However, to comprehend literature and perform well in college–level exams, it is important for you to work on your language skills. Here are some useful links that would help you in improving their English language skills:
- How to improve 7 Skills?
- Master English: Improve your speaking, listening, & writing
- 7 Ways to Speak in English Effectively and Fluently
No, an MA in Linguistics and an MA in English Literature are two different courses. In MA English Literature students study Literature written by noteworthy writers whereas Linguistics is considered to be the Science of language. In Linguistics students study the Science of language, words, phrases and sentences. In terms of employment prospects, an MA in English Literature has a wider scope of opportunities.
An M.A. in English offers profound benefits. It enriches language skills, opening doors in academia, media, writing, and more. The degree cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and analytics, prized across industries. Chandigarh University's M.A. in English programme blends theory and practice. Access to libraries, adept faculty, and industry ties enhances learning. Placement support solidifies career opportunities.
Popular MA English Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
2087 Colleges
- Hindi
7 Colleges
- Public Administration
1 College
- Creative & Professional Writing
1 College
Course Cutoffs
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 2 months ago
Yes you can.For most of the courses youare elligible as 50/55/60 in the minimum requirement.
Most of the courses admission is direct and some may required score like CUET, CMAT, University entrance.
Also you can explore about -
- CUET
- CLAT
- Teaching as a career
- B.ed after graduation
Answered 2 months ago
Yes you can you have a great opportunity in this field
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 months ago
The questions in the english section of RULET exam are asked from Tenses, Phrasal Verbs and idioms, etc. Aspirants can check the Shiksha portal for more details. The syllabus for this exam will be similar to other entrance exam.
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, almost every programme at the institute is taught in English. Besides, every programme has electives in addition to its core curriculum. To learn more, check the courses and fees panel of Eindhoven University of Technology at Shiksha.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Students need to submit an IELTS score as an English language score. Brunel Uni generally requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 and 7.0. This may vary for different programs. However if a student fails to meet requirement, university will offer him an English language course.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The Madhya Pradesh Board Class 10 English exam pattern for 2025 includes four main sections: Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Textbook. The exam is conducted for 3 hours with a total of 100 marks. The Reading section involves three unseen passages totaling 15 marks, while the Writing section covers es
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
In MET English section, students will be tested on their aptitude. In English section, students should prepare Grammar and Language Use, Vocabulary, Punctuation, and Reading Comprehension.
N
Contributor-Level 7
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- B.A. in Liberal Arts
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MA English Literature is a 2-year postgraduate level course. In this course, students study Literature across timeframes from ancient to modern times in English. It includes drama, prose and poetry. On completing a Bachelor’s degree one can apply for the course.