MA English: Course Fees, Admission 2026, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
The MA English Literature course explores literature written and translated into English. The MA English Literature is a 2-year PG academic course which can be pursued regular as well as online/distance modes. The syllabus includes core subjects (British Literature, Literary Theory, Indian Writing in English, etc) along with electives (American Literature, European Literature, Media & Communication, etc.)
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 the MA English. Most candidates choose to pursue an MA in English Literature after completing their BA in English Literature.
Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Loyola College, Mithibai College of Arts, and Amity University are some popular colleges offering this course in India. Admission to this course 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.
Some common job profiles you can look forward to working in are Writer, Journalist, Editor, Content Manager, etc. The average MA English Literature salary in India lies in the range of INR 3-8 LPA.
Read the article for more MA English course details.
MA English Latest Updates:
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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.
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Hi
MA English is a 2 year PG course. Students study influential works written or translated into English. They study the social, economic & philosophical aspects of these works. They 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.
Hope it helps!
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 -
- MA English Eligibility Criteria & Admission 2026
- MA English Entrance Exams 2026
- Types of MA English Courses
- MA English Syllabus 2026
- 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: 2026
- Popular MA English Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
MA English Eligibility Criteria & Admission 2026
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 the 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. |
Source - External sites on the web, info. may vary.
MA English Admission Process 2026
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. |
Source - External sites on the web, info. may vary.
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What is the right time to begin CUET 2026 preparation?
Yes, you can pursue an MA in English after a bachelor’s in any discipline. You don't need to have completed BA in English Literature for that. Make sure to secure at least 50% aggregate in your graduation from a recognised institution.
Merit may vary in different colleges.
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!
MA English Entrance Exams 2026
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 Schedule |
|---|---|
|
CUET PG 2026 |
|
|
AP PGECET 2026 |
|
|
CPGET 2026 |
|
|
JMI Entrance Exam 2026 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Also read:
Top Entrance Exams After Humanities for UG & PG Courses
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 20 Feb ' 26 - 25 Mar ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application ONGOING |
| 20 Feb ' 26 - 25 Mar ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application ONGOING |
| Mar ' 26 | PUBDET 2026 Applications TENTATIVE |
| Apr ' 26 | PU-CET (P.G.) application process 2026 TENTATIVE |
| 26 Apr ' 26 - 05 Jun ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam Dates 2026 |
| 26 Apr ' 26 - 05 Jun ' 26 | JMI Entrance Exam Dates 2026 |
| 11 May ' 26 - 31 May ' 26 | CUET 2026 Exam |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Mar ' 26 | AUAT 2026 Applications for UG Courses |
| Mar ' 26 | AUAT 2026 Applications for PG Courses |
| 23 Feb ' 26 - 26 Feb ' 26 | CUET 2026 Application Process (Re-opened) |
The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test mode. You can use a mouse and a keyboard to select answers on the computer screen.
Know more about -
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 the CUET PG exam.
- General- 180-190
- OBC- 170-180
- SC/ST- 155-170
The CUET PG exam is conducted once a year. The exam is conducted mainly in March. The exact dates of the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency a month before the exam.
Know more about -
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 are available when it comes to MA English.
Each has its pros and cons:
- 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 in the course beyond geographical barriers.
- It can help them come up with unique and original interpretations of poems and other forms of Literature.
Hope this helps!
The options available after M.A. In English are: 1. You can clear NET-LS/NET-JRF and move towards research I. e Ph.D. Later you can become a lecturer or assistant professor in some college. 2. You can pursue B.Ed and apply for teaching jobs in government and private schools. 3. May pursue Masters in any other subject like M.A. mass communication etc.
MA English Syllabus 2026
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. 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 |
Hope it helps!
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!
Best MA English Colleges in India
There are around 2000 MA English colleges in India. Both the government and private colleges offer this course. 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 |
|---|---|
| Hansraj College, University of Delhi |
INR 432
|
| Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi | INR 2,450 |
| Miranda House, University of Delhi | INR 15,210 |
| Ramjas College, University of Delhi | INR 30,710 |
| Gargi College, University of Delhi | INR 32,030 |
| Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi | INR 33,810 |
| Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi | INR 34,860 |
| Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi | INR 40,770 |
| Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi | INR 55,000 |
| Hindu College, University of Delhi | INR 55,950 |
Source - External sites, may vary.
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 1,250 |
|
| Vimala College |
INR 3,780 |
| MCM DAV College for Women |
INR 31,400 |
|
INR 58,800
|
|
| Hindusthan College of Arts and Science [HICAS] |
INR 60,000 |
|
INR 92,000
|
|
|
INR 1.37 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.5 Lakh
|
|
|
INR 1.52 L
|
|
| Women's Christian College |
INR 1.73 Lakh |
|
INR 3 Lakh
|
Source - External sites, may vary.
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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 |
Many colleges offer MA English courses through Distance Education. Some among many of the most popular colleges 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 |
Source - Multiple external/ official sites, data may vary.
Hope this helps you!
Popular Private MA English Colleges in India
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MA English Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
MA English graduates have a wide range of options. This is 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 5.8 LPA |
|
Journalist |
Researches, gathers, writes, and edits news stories for print, broadcast, or digital media. |
INR 5.6 LPA |
|
Editor |
Reviews, edits, and proofreads written content for accuracy, clarity, and style. |
INR 5.6 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 16.7 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 5.2 LPA |
Source - Ambitionbox.com
MA English Top Recruiters
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:
Salary of a Content Writer in India 2025: Per Annum Average Salary for Writers
What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?
MA English enriches language skills. It opens doors to academia, media, writing, etc. The degree cultivates critical thinking, creativity & analytics. One can use these across any industry.
M.A. in English programme blends theory and practice. Access to libraries, adept faculty, and industry ties enhances learning. Placement support solidifies career opportunities.
No, MA Linguistics and an MA English Literature are not the same. MA English Literature is about Literature written by noteworthy writers. Linguistics is considered to be the Science of language. In Linguistics, you study the Science of language, words, phrases & sentences. In terms of employment prospects, an MA in English Literature has a wider scope of opportunities.
Hope it's clear now.
MA English FAQs: 2026
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to MA English course:
Literature serves as a preserver of the Cultural Heritage. It aids emotional and intellectual development. Many enigmatic human emotions are conveyed well to the reader through literature. They help in the development of good value such as sympathy, empathy, honesty and compassion. It 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 borders 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.
Hope it helps
Yes, if you have elementary proficiency in English. To comprehend literature and perform well in college exams. You need 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
Hope it helps!
Popular MA English Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
2091 Colleges
- Hindi
7 Colleges
- Creative & Professional Writing
2 Colleges
- Public Administration
1 College
Course Cutoffs
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 3 days ago
No. Not equal at all. The US and Canada rely heavily on TOEFL scores. Australia and New Zealand accept it but often list IELTS first. UK universities take both but some lean toward IELTS for visas. Germany and other European countries accept TOEFL for English-taught courses.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, offers a total of 175 seats for the BA English programme, and the classes are held in two sessions. Because English is a foundational and traditional subject, these seats fill up very quickly during the first round of admission. It is one of the larger departments in th
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
All the programmes at the Mumbai campus of University of Aberdeen are taught in English. So candidates must have proficiency in the English language. But Indian students who complete their schooling in the English medium are usually able to meet English language requirements. So taking the IELTS or
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
For the missing documents or the required English test scores, Concordia University notifies the applicants through the application portal and email.
The university advises students to keep checking their Concordia Student Centre account and the registered email address for regular updates. This inc
V
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 weeks ago
Uttaranchal University offers BA English under UG level for the duration of 3 years. Students need to pass class 12 or equivalent examination in any stream from any recognised board. Minimum 50% marks in aggregate for general category and 45% marks in aggregate in case of SC/ST category. The admissi
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
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.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
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.
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
No, you can not. You must use a laptop or desktop computer. Make sure it's OS is Windows or macOS. iPads, tablets, and Chromebooks are not supported. Because they cannot run the secure test launcher software.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
SBI PO English section comprises Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Test, etc. Candidates can solve questions from these chapters by improving vocabularly and grammar. They should read the editorial of the newspaper.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The tuition fees for BA in English at NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences is INR 2.25 lakh. The aforementioned tuition fees is charged on per semester basis from every candidate at INR 37,500.
Other than the tuition fees, candidates are also required to pay INR 3 Lacs for hostel fees.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
You can choose Banaras Hindu University for MA english because the campus was nice and the fee was also less .you can go with BHU . Because BHU give you health facilities also with no extra cost .
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 months ago
The test is fast. The total Duolingo English Test duration is 1 hour. It is efficient.
- Introduction (5 mins): Setup, microphone check, and ID submission.
- Adaptive Test (45 mins): The main graded section assessing all four skills.
- Writing & Speaking (10 mins): Open-ended video and writing samples sent t
V
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates must complete graduation with at least 55% aggregate or GPA of 3.0 or equivalent to apply for MA at Ashoka University. Aspirants are offered admission based on assessment conducted by the university.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 months ago
When I was applying for studies abroad, I remember being confused by a similar question — IELTS vs TOEFL vs others — because everyone had a different opinion and most advice was very generic. Over time I realised the problem wasn't the test itself, but the lack of clarity on what actually fit my sit
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Tbilisi State Medical University TSMU fees for the courses offered in the English language are given as follows:
Courses | Annual fees |
|---|---|
Medical Doctor | USD 8,000 |
Dental Medicine | USD 7,000 |
American MD course | USD 13,500 |
Faculty of Pharmacy | USD 3,500 |
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | USD 3,000 |
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- B.A. in Liberal Arts
- B.Sc. in Humanities & Social Sciences
- M.Sc. in Humanities & Social Sciences
- BA English Literature
- BA English Hons
- BA Hindi
- BA Archaeology
- MA Archaeology
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MA English Literature is a 2-year postgraduate level course. In this course, students study Literature across time frames 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.