What is MA English: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission [Year], Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Jun 4, 2025 03:15 IST

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:

Bachelor of Arts Course

Master of Arts (MA) Course

 

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 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.

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Q:   What is the MA English course duration?
A:

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. 

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Q:   What is Literature all about?
A:

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.

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Table of contents
  • 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
View More

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

  • 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.

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.

 

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

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.

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

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. 

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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

CUET PG Exam Date 2025

AP PGECET 2025

6 - 8 June ‘25

AP PGECET Exam Date 2025

CPGET 2025

July ‘25 (Tentative)

CPGET Exam Date 2025

JMI Entrance Exam 2025

Started on Apr 26 ‘25 

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Entrance Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

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Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming 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
DatesPast 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

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 2025 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 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.

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

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.
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 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.

Related Articles:

IGNOU MA English Syllabus

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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 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

Q:   What is Indian Writing in English?
A:

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

Banaras Hindu University

INR 5,160

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR 432

Jamia Millia Islamia

INR 14,400

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 13,200

Lady Brabourne College

INR 27,170

S.S. Jain Subodh PG College

INR 21,900

Delhi University

INR 480

Guru Nanak College

INR 19,450

University of Lucknow

INR 16,480

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, Kashmere Gate

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

Amity University, Noida

INR 3 Lakh

Loyola College

INR 29,260

Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science

INR 1.25 Lakh

Mount Carmel College

INR 1.52 Lakh

Kristu Jayanti College

INR 1.65 Lakh

K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce

INR 11,000

Christ University

INR 2.22 Lakh

Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Pune

INR 97,450

Galgotias University

INR 92,000

Lovely Professional University

INR 2 Lakh

Note: The fees have been taken from the official website and may change.

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15.21 K
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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:

There are many colleges that offer MA English courses through Distance Education. Some of the most popular ones have been listed below:

Hope this helps you!

Popular Private MA English Colleges in India

1.6 L - 3.91 L
1 L
3.3
60 K
5.0
1.16 L
2 L
7.55 LPA

English Applications open. Apply Now

60 K

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:

Scholarships for BA Students in India

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:

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

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

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: 

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

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.

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

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

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

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

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

 

 

98252958
Dinesh upadhyay

Scholar-Level 16

Answered 2 months ago

Yes you can you have a great opportunity in this field 

S

Sayyad

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

Damini Aggarwal

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

Akash Gaur

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

PRIYANKA

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

...Read more

P

PRINCE MISHRA

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

Nidhi Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 7