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

Updated on Feb 3, 2026 03:20 IST
Akansha Bisht

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:

CUET-PG MA 2026: Exam Dates, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus

IGNOU MA English Syllabus

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:

MA vs MBA: Which Is Better for Humanities Students?

CUET-PG MA Application Form 2026, Registration: Know How to Apply

 

Q:   What is M.A English Literature course all about?
A:

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.

 

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What is the MA English course duration?
A:

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!

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Q:   What is Literature all about?
A:

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

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Table of contents
  • 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
View More

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

  • Candidates who have already completed graduation can apply for the course.
  • Those in the final year of graduation can also apply for the 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.

More articles on MA English Admission:

BA (Hons) vs BA General: Difference, Scope, Salary, and Career Options

What is the right time to begin CUET 2026 preparation?

 

Q:   Can I apply for M.A English course without pursuing B.A English?
A:

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.

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Q:   Am I eligible for MA English Course after BA Program?
A:

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! 

 

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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

CUET PG Exam Date 2026

AP PGECET 2026

AP PGECET Exam Date 2026

CPGET 2026

CPGET Exam Date 2026

JMI Entrance Exam 2026

JMI Entrance Exam Date 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

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
15 May ' 26 - 14 Jun ' 26

CPGET 2026 Registration

ONGOING
To Be Notified

URAT PG 2026 Exam Dates

TENTATIVE
To Be Notified

URAT PG 2026 Course-Wise Answer Keys

TENTATIVE
To Be Notified

URAT PG 2026 Exam Dates

TENTATIVE
To Be Notified

URAT PG 2026 Course-Wise Answer Keys

TENTATIVE
10 Jun ' 26 - 17 Jun ' 26

IPU CET 2026 Counselling Registration

ONGOING
12 Jun ' 26

GITAM GAT 2026 registration last date for current phase

DatesPast Exam Dates
09 Jun ' 26

CUET UG 2026 Provisional Answer Key

06 Jun ' 26 - 07 Jun ' 26

CUET UG 2026 Recheduled Exam

15 May ' 26

CPGET 2026 Notification

Q:   What is the mode of the CUET PG exam?
A:

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 -

CUET PG Exam Pattern

Q:   Which colleges can I get for MA English through CUET PG exam?
A:

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:

Students can click here to check other colleges that offer MA English through CUET PG scores. 

Q:   What is a good score in CUET PG exam?
A:

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
Q:   What is the frequency of CUET PG exam?
A:

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 -

CUET PG Exam

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.

Q:   Which mode of education is better to pursue an M.A in English Literature course among regular and distance education?
A:

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!

Q:   Which course should I study after MA English?
A:

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.

Related Articles:

IGNOU MA English Syllabus

20 Best Courses after 12th for Arts & Humanities Students

 

Q:   What are the main books followed in M.A English Literature course?
A:

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!

Q:   What is Indian Writing in English?
A:

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

The American College

INR 1,250

Vimala College

INR 3,780

MCM DAV College for Women

INR 31,400

Loyola College

INR 58,800
Hindusthan College of Arts and Science [HICAS]

INR 60,000

Galgotias University

INR 92,000

Stella Maris College

INR 1.37 Lakh

Kristu Jayanti College

INR 1.5 Lakh

Mount Carmel College

INR 1.52 L
Women's Christian College

INR 1.73 Lakh

Amity University, Noida

INR 3 Lakh

Source - External sites, may vary.

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1 Course
432
8.4 LPA

#5 The Week

1 Course
55.95 K
9.24 LPA

#3 The Week

1 Course
15.21 K
7 LPA

#4 The Week

1 Course
33.81 K
5.4 LPA

#12 The Week

4.3
6.22 LPA

#9 The Week

1 Course
432
7.9 LPA
Q:   What are the various colleges that offer M.A English Literature with low fee?
A:

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)

SCS Autonomous College

288

Samastipur College

300

Darshan Sah College, Purnea University

312

Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi

360

Multanimal Modi College

360

Q:   Which colleges offer MA English Distance Education?
A:

Many colleges offer MA English courses through Distance Education. Some among many of the most popular colleges have been listed below:

Source - Multiple external/ official sites, data may vary.

Hope this helps you!

Popular Private MA English Colleges in India

1 Course
2.33 L
7.5 LPA
47 K
1 Course
1 L
6.25 LPA
1 Course
94 K
2 LPA

English Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
2.4 L

English Applications open. Apply Now

1.6 L
4.5

English Applications open. Apply Now

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

Government Teacher Salary in India - Primary, Secondary Teachers, Perks, Benefits, Allowances, and more

What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?

 

Q:   What are the advantages of completing MA in English?
A:

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. 

Q:   Is an M.A in English Literature equivalent to an M.A in Linguistics?
A:

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:

Q:   Why is the study of Literature important?
A:

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

Q:   Can students with poor English skills join an M.A English Literature course?
A:

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: 

Hope it helps!

Popular MA English Specializations

Following are the most popular MA English Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular MA English colleges is given below:
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, BA in English course has been discontinued by Swami Vivekananda University Barrackpore for academic year 2026. Candidates can now only apply for either BA in Education or BA in Journalism and Mass Communication this year.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IGNOU BA (Hons) English course fee is INR 15,900. It is the total fees for three-year UG course. The given fee is as per the official website or sanctioning body. It is still subject to revision and hence, is indicative.

R

Ranjeeta Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

For CMAT English preparation, candidates can refer to High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. These two will help in building grammar and vocabulary.

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

For CMAT English preparation, candidates can refer to High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. These two will help in building grammar and vocabulary.

P

Pallavi Gupta

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

MIT School of Humanities has not mentioned the requirement of BA in English specifically to be eligible for MA admissions. Generally, MA admissions accept admissions for all candidates who have completed their UG level education. Thus, candidates can assume that they are eligible for MA at MIT Schoo

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

With 59 marks out of 300 in CUET PG 2026 as a General Category student, securing a seat for MA English in top-tier Central Universities like DU, JNU, or BHU is highly unlikely.

 

For a General category student, 180+ is considered a "Good Score" for MA English, while below 100 typically limits options

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes it is a well-reputable government college. It has experienced faculty members. Total 32 seats are available in this course. Total fee is INR 7,332. It has decent placements given the affordable fee structure.

V

Vijay kumar

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 months ago

For taking admission into BA English at Cheran College for Women, candidates should have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% marks. Candidates should be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission and upper age limit is 25 years.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

After completing the 12th, the students can appear for an online entrance exam which is the CUCET exam. On the basis of the score of the student, scholarships are awarded to students during the course of their education. This can be up to 100% if the student scores 90+ in the exam. The exam is set f

...Read more

R

Ridhima Sharma

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 months ago

You can complete the test up to 3 times within any rolling 30 day period. This limit applies to completed attempts.

DET system will block your payment, if you try to purchase a fourth test within this window.

78560032
Raj Vimal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

No EUR University doesn't accept DET it only accepts TOEFL iBT, Cambridge CI Advanced, Cambridge C2 or Academic IELTSOpens external Test Score Reports. Students can refer to official university website for course specific English requirements.

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, you can take admission in BA English at Christ Academy Institute for Advanced Studies with 65% marks in Class 12. The college offers merit-based admission in this programme. Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks are eligibile to apply for this programme.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, there is a provision of a conditional offer at Trinity College Dublin for Indian students

These students could be awaiting their final 12th-grade results (CBSE, ICSE or the State Boards) or the English language proficiency tests. 

Indian students can easily apply with their predicted scores to

...Read more

P

Piyush Rastogi

Contributor-Level 10