Updated on Dec 16, 2025 11:15 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

The MA full form is Master of Arts, a postgraduate degree course of 2 years, focused on the in-depth knowledge of a specialized Humanities & Social Sciences area of study. If you are keen to gain knowledge in research fields like Geography, Political Science, Anthropology, Psychology, and so on, you can opt for an MA course in India.

A Master of Arts course expands your understanding of subjects like Literature, Social Sciences, History, and the Humanities. You'll find hundreds of specializations in MA, including History, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Sociology, etc. It'll help you acquire critical thinking, research skills, and communication abilities. 

After an MA, you can either start your career journey or continue your learning with a PhD or Professional Certifications. The average course of an MA course in India ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 14.7 Lakh, depending on the college and specialization.

MA postgrads can pursue their careers in Education, Research, Media, Public Relations, NGOs, etc. If interested, you can continue reading the article for more MA course details.

Latest on MA Courses -

  • The CUET PG 2026 registration window is open, and the deadline is January 14, 2026. Further, the exam dates will be scheduled in March 2026.

MA Course Details: Highlights

MA (Master of Arts) is one of the most popular postgraduate-level courses undertaken by students after their bachelor's degree. You can choose any subject specialization of your choice, which can give you an edge over others and eventually help you decide your career paths accordingly. You can refer to the table given below for some key highlights of the MA course.

MA Course Particulars MA Course Details
MA Full Form Master of Arts
MA Course Level PG
MA Course Duration 2 Years
MA Eligibility Secure a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized university.
MA Admission 2025 Criteria Merit/Entrance Based
MA Entrance Exams CUET PG, CPGET, AP PGCET, URATPG, IPU CET, JMI Entrance, and others.
MA Colleges in India

Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Amity University, St. Xavier’s College, Loyola College, Madras Christian College, etc.

MA Fees

INR 1,000 to INR 31.08 Lakh

MA Jobs Journalist, Photographer, Writer, Professor, Social Worker, Research Assistant, Public Relations Specialist, Civil Servant, Translator, Interpreter, Lawyer, Historian, and more.
MA Salary (Average) INR 3.9 LPA
MA Top Recruiters Govt. Schools & Colleges, Publishers, UnAcademy, Coaching Centers, NGOs, Media Houses, National and International Organizations, Museums, and Art Galleries

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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Q:   What is Master of Arts (MA) Course?
A:

MA or Master of Arts is a postgraduate level Arts degree. You can find numerous specialisations in MA in humanities, languages and many more. The MA programme is one of the most popular and sought-after courses among candidates after completing their bachelor's degree in any Arts field. The MA programme provides theoretical understanding in disciplines such as psychology, social studies, management and politics among others. Students in the MA programme are taught both theoretical and practical subjects. If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Arts degree then you must be dedicated and focused on the subject choice. A master's degree takes more willpower and fortitude than a bachelor's degree because you need to conduct research. You can pursue PhD in the same field or any other related field after completing MA course. You can also for government or private organisations after the course.

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MA Courses

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Q:   What is the MA course duration?
A:

The Master of Arts course is a two-year degree course divided into 4 semesters and you can apply for this course after completing your graduation in any fields like History, Political Science, or Economics.

You can appear in different entrance exams such as CUET PG, IPU CET, PUCET PG, etc. to enroll in various MA courses. You need to think about your interest areas and then decide wisely.

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Q:   What is the MA full form?
A:

MA full form is Master of Arts and is 2-year postgraduate degree course. Students who have completed their undergraduation in BA courses, generally pursue MA courses. Students from all undergraduation disciplines can pursue MA courses. Students can choose their specializations in MA degrees. It is preferable that students pursue their Masters in the same field, or in a relevant field accoring to their Bachelors (BA) degree. 

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Table of contents
  • MA Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process
  • MA Entrance Exams 2026
  • Types of MA Courses
  • MA Course Syllabus
  • Best MA Colleges in India
  • Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
  • MA Salary: Job Profiles, Career Scope, and Top Recruiters
  • MA Study Abroad for Indian Students
  • Master of Arts Course FAQs
  • Top Ranked Colleges by Location
  • Course Cutoffs
View More

MA Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process

Master of Arts (MA) course eligibility conditions is decided by different colleges as per the UGC norms, as well as the university-specific guidelines. Some MA degree specializations may require you to have secured a Bachelor’s degree in the same specialization. On the other hand, MA admission is open to all graduates.

Being in the final year of graduation, you can apply for the MA courses, provided your final semester results are declared before the commencement of the academic year. The basic eligibility requirements for MA admission that should be fulfilled by a students to get admission to Master of Arts courses are as follows.

Eligibility Criteria

Details

MA Academic Qualifications

Any bachelor's degree (BA or BA Hons preferred).

MA Required Aggregate

They should have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in their graduation.

MA Passed or Appearing Criteria

Those who have completed their graduation as well as those who are in their final year of graduation are eligible.

MA Course Age Limit

There is no age limit.

Note: The MA admission, MA eligibility criteria mentioned above may vary depending on the college offering the course.

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MA Admission Process 2026

Students who wish to pursue an MA degree must fulfill the basic eligibility for their desired courses based on the admission policy of their preferred college. Admission to the Master's in Arts differs from one college to another. Students are advised to visit the official website of colleges and familiarise themselves with the MA admission process of the colleges they wish to apply to. 

Here is a general guide that you can follow to get admitted to the MA courses.

Particulars Details
Eligibility Criteria Primarily, you will check the eligibility criteria for your desired college and ensure its fulfillment to proceed with the admission process.
Registration & Application Next, you can register on the college's or exam's official website (whichever is applicable). With the login credentials, fill out the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
Entrance Exams & Verification The entrance exam candidates will prepare and appear for the exam. And, merit-based candidates will need to wait for the college/university to verify their application/documents.
Await Results & Confirmation Email Entrance exam candidates will check their results, and merit candidates will wait for their applications to be verified.
Counselling Session Lastly, you will attend the counselling session to complete the admission formalities. Some colleges can conduct interviews or GD rounds.

Note: The admission process can vary depending on the college; hence, the steps shown above are an overview for reference.

M.A Admission 2025 Suggested links -

IGNOU Master of Arts (MA) Admission Process

 

Q:   What is the general admission criteria for MA courses?
A:

Hi, if you want to pursue MA or Master of Arts courses, you should have completed graduation. Make sure that you have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in graduation. Also, make sure that you have studied from a recognized institute. As you may already know that Master of Arts is a postgraduate degree course, which you can pursue in any of the available specializations. For most MA specializations, all graduates can apply. You should once check the eligibility for the specific specialization that you want to pursue.

Rest, you need to appear for entrance exams like CUET PG, IPU CET, PUCET, etc. and get good marks to be able to match the cut-off criteria for admission set by different colleges and universities. Some of them may also have their own requirements such as personal interview round or group discussion round for which I would suggest to check the official site of the respective college or university. 

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Q:   Can I apply for MA after completing UG Diploma?
A:

No, you cannot apply for MA after completing UG Diploma. This is because MA is usually considered equivalent to Class 12 and for MA which is a postgraduate level course you should have completed a graduation. If you have completed a course that is equivalent to a bachelor's degree then you can apply for Master of Arts courses otherwise you will not be eligible to apply.
Suggestion: You can pursue a BA course in your preferred specialisation and then pursue an MA.

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Q:   Is there any sort of marks relaxation given to SC and ST candidates for MA admission at Delhi University?
A:

Hello candidate, there is a 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement given to the students belonging to the SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribes) categories as of now. In both the entrance based and merit based cut-off lists as well, the relaxation is offered to the same extent. Further, the seats reserved for SC and ST students can only be occupied by them. In case, some seats are not filled, they will remain vacant only. 

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MA Entrance Exams 2026

MA Admission 2026 will be based on both merit and entrance processes. The notification of important entrance exams for admission to the Master of Arts (MA) course is released in advance, which is not mandatory for all colleges in India. The candidates are advised to fill in the online application forms for the MA courses on time to avoid any unwanted delays.

Given below are some top Humanities entrance exams through which you can get admission to the Master of Arts (MA) courses.

 Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

CUET PG 2026

March - April' 2026 (Tentative)

CUET PG Exam Date 2026

CPGET 2026 August 2026 (Tentative) CPGET Exam Date 2026
URATPG 2026 June 2026 (Tentative) URATPG Exam Date 2026
MAH CET 2026 March - April' 2026 (Tentative) MAH CET Exam Date 20256

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the exam.

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Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
01 Nov ' 25 - 29 Dec ' 25

CGCUET 2026 Registration

ONGOING
01 Dec ' 25 - 04 Jan ' 26

FEAT Registration Deadline for Online Cycle I

ONGOING
01 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26

IGNOU TEE Dec 2025 exam

ONGOING
13 Oct ' 25 - 21 Jan ' 26

AAT 2026 Application Deadline (Round 2)

ONGOING
13 Oct ' 25 - 22 Apr ' 26

AAT 2026 Application Deadline (Round 3)

ONGOING
13 Oct ' 25 - 31 May ' 26

AAT 2026 Application Deadline (Round 4)

ONGOING
02 Jan ' 26 - 06 Jan ' 26

FEAT Exam Date for Online Cycle I

DatesPast Exam Dates
14 Dec ' 25

CUET PG Exam Notification

07 Dec ' 25

AAT 2026 Assessment (Round 1)

28 Nov ' 25 - 02 Dec ' 25

FEAT Exam Date for Early Decision Cycle

Q:   Is the CUET PG entrance exam syllabus the same for every MA specialization?
A:

Of course not! The CUET-PG exam pattern is the same for every course, but not the syllabus. The CUET PG is a computer-based, MCQ-type exam where you'll get 75 questions from your domain-specific section. You'll get 4 marks for each right answer, and -1 for each wrong answer. 

Q:   Which are the most popular MA entrance exams 2025 in India?
A:

The most popular entrance exam for MA courses is the CUET PG, since it's a national-level common entrance test, and its scores are accepted by thousands of colleges in India and even abroad. Other than this, JMI Entrance, CPGET, IPU CET, etc., are also very popular university-level entrance tests. 

Q:   Can I pursue an MA without entrance exams?
A:

Yes, you can. But mostly top MA colleges in India will require you to provide entrance exam scores. For example, if you want to get admission to a DU college for an MA course, you'll need to clear the CUET-PG exam. There are some private colleges that offer admission on the merit system though. 

Types of MA Courses

The Master of Arts course is offered in various specializations at hundreds of colleges in India. The course curriculum, syllabus, fee structure, career prospects, etc., differ for every course specialization. Hence, for your reference, here are some top MA specializations, with their top colleges and fee details.

MA Specializations Top MA Colleges Tuition Fee
MA in English Hansraj College DU INR 432
Banaras Hindu University INR 13,000
Amity University Noida INR 3 Lakh
K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce INR 45,820
Mithibai College INR 1.25 Lakh
MA in Political Science Hindu College DU INR 55,952
St Joseph's University, Bangalore INR 1.65 Lakh
S.S. Jain Subodh PG College INR 18,900
Amity University Noida INR 2.76 Lakh
Lady Brabourne College INR 27,174
MA in Economics Miranda House DU INR 15,214
Loyola College INR 53,040
Mithibai College INR 1.25 Lakh
St Joseph's University INR 1.76 Lakh
Mount Carmel College INR 1.57 Lakh
MA in History Hindu College DU INR 55,952
Loyola College INR 90,440
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai INR 72,500
Stella Maris College INR 75,080
S.S. Jain Subodh PG College INR 18,900
MA in Psychology Indraprastha College for Women INR 432
Mithibai College INR 1.45 Lakh
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai INR 1.84 Lakh
K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce INR 94,420
Amity University Noida INR 3.8 Lakh - 7.7 Lakh

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.

M.A Full Form-Relevant Links -

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Q:   Can I pursue MA through distance?
A:

Yes you can pursue MA or Master of Arts course through distance or correspondence mode of education. If you are a working candidate or you have other commitments then pursuing an MA course in distance mode can be a good option for you. This way you would be able to expand your knowledge and enhance your job prospects. You will find around 160+ colleges in India that offer MA courses in distance mode. Some of these are IGNOU, School of Open Learning (DU), VMOU etc. 

Q:   What is the difference between distance and online MA?
A:

Hello candidate, distance MA and online MA or Master of Arts courses are the ones that you can pursue in irregular modes of education. In correspondence or distance MA course, you do not have to attend regular college and you can directly appear for semester exams. You may have to appear for seminar classes, and practical exams depending on the specialization and college. In online MA course, you will get to attend lectures in online mode. Depending on the course provider you can attend live classes or recordings. Your semester exams are also conducted in online mode.

Please up vote if it answered your query. 

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for IGNOU MA admission?
A:

For admission to IGNOU college for MA (Master of Arts) courses, students must at least secure 50% marks in graduation in any discipline from a recognised university in India. You'll get various specializations of MA at IGNOU, from English, Hindi, Political Science, to Mass Communication, Drawing & Painting, Economics, and Arabic. 

MA Course Syllabus

Master of Arts is a PG-degree course offered in various specializations such as English, History, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology. Hence, the subjects and curriculum for these courses also differ. MA courses are also offered under various specializations like Design, Mass Communication, Hospitality, etc. For candidates' reference, here are some top MA courses' syllabi.

MA in History Syllabus

For your reference, here's the MA in History syllabus generally followed in Indian colleges. 

MA History Subjects Semester I

The Archive and History

Ancient Mesopotamia

South-East Asian History and Anthropology

Gender and Women in Ancient Societies

MA History Subjects Semester II

Philosophy and Methods of History

Central Asia: A History of the Mongols

Nazism and Fascism in Europe and Asia

Approaches to Global History

MA History Subjects Semester III

Theories and Methods of Archaeology

Political Processes and Socio-Cultural Formations in India

Rise of British Power in India (1757 – 1857)

The World of Artisans in Indian History:18th to 20th Centuries

MA History Subjects Semester IV

Art and Architecture in Early Medieval India

Political Culture: War, Society and Governance

Sultanate and Mughal Delhi

Dalit Histories: Popular Culture and Protest

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

MA in English Syllabus

You can refer to the table below for an overview of the MA English syllabus generally followed in India.

MA English Subjects Semester I

Medieval Literature

Early Modern World

Post-Independence Indian Literature

Fiction

MA English Subjects Semester II

16th and 17th Century Drama

Criticism and Theory I

Postcolonial Literature and Theory 

Disability Studies and Literary Representations

MA English Subjects Semester III

The Long Eighteenth Century

The Long Nineteenth Century 

Classical to Pre-modern Literature

Poetry 

MA English Subjects Semester IV

The Long Twentieth Century 

Dalit Studies 

Aesthetics and Literature

Religion and Literature

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

More links on the MA Syllabus -

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MA in Economics Syllabus

See the following table for the 2-year-long MA Economics syllabus divided into 4 semesters.

MA Economics Subjects Semester I

Microeconomic Theory

Mathematics for Economics

Public Economics

Macroeconomic Theory

MA Economics Subjects Semester II

Monetary Economics

International Economics

Statistics

Indian Economy

MA Economics Subjects Semester III

Environmental Economics

Population Economics

Financial Economics

Basic Issues of the Indian Economy

MA Economics Subjects Semester IV

Economy of North East India

Agricultural Economics

Econometrics

Regional Economics

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

MA in Hindi Syllabus

Here's a general guide on what the MA Hindi course syllabus looks like, which you can refer to.

MA Philosophy Subjects Semester I

Classical Indian Philosophy I

Greek Philosophy

Formal Logic

Ethics

MA Philosophy Subjects Semester II

Classical Indian Philosophy II

Modern Western Philosophy

Meta-Ethics

Critical Philosophical Traditions of India

MA Philosophy Subjects Semester III

Analytic Philosophy

Continental Philosophy

Western Social & Political Philosophy

Philosophy of the Western Mind 

MA Philosophy Subjects Semester IV

Philosophy of Language

Continental Philosophy

Philosophy of Religion

Philosophy of Science

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

MA in Philosophy Syllabus

For your reference, here's the MA in Philosophy syllabus generally followed in Indian colleges. 

MA Hindi Subjects Semester I
History of Hindi Literature Hindi Poetry
Hindi Prose Grammar of the Hindi Language
MA Hindi Subjects Semester II
Modern Hindi Literature Hindi Short Stories
Hindi Novels Ancient Tradition of the Hindi Language
MA Hindi Subjects Semester III
Hindi Journalism Translation Principles
Dalit Literature in Hindi Folk Literature in Hindi
MA Hindi Subjects Semester IV
Functional Hindi and Applied Hindi Hindi Cinema and Literature
Devotional Literature in Hindi Hindi Literary Criticism

Note - The info is taken from external sites and may vary.

 

Popular Specializations

Q:   Which are the most popular books, an MA student should read?
A:

The MA courses are offered in numerous specializations. It depends on the specialization. But here are some of my favorite books, you can consider reading.

  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
  • 1984 by George Orwell.
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
  • Beginning Theory: An Introduction To Literary and Cultural Theory by Peter Barry.
  • Marriage of a Difficult Daughter by Anuradha Roy.
  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
  • Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
  • The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann. 
Q:   What kind of subjects are offered in an MA in Political Science course?
A:

The MA course duration in Political Science curriculum is organised into four semesters. MA subject list of Political Science covers topics like political theory, critical analysis, philosophy, and ethics, as well as a wide range of electives such as Themes in Citizenship, The Modern State in Comparative Perspective, Critical Traditions in Political Theory, and so on.

MA Political Science Syllabus and Subjects

Modern Indian Political Thought

Politics of Developing Countries

International Relations-Theory and Practice

Western Political Thought

Indian Politics-Major Issues and Debates

Contemporary Political Theory

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Q:   What is the syllabus of M.A. History?
A:

MA History is a two year course and there are two semesters in each year. The course has a wide scope. In MA History you would be studying about ancient, medieval and modern societies.

You can have a look at the table below to find the main subjects you would learn in MA History course

MA History First Year Syllabus

Ancient and Medieval Societies

Modern World

Political Structures in India

History of Indian Economy

MA History Second Year Syllabus

Historiography

Evolution of Social Structures in India

Indian National Movement

Western Political Thought (From Plato to Marx)

Best MA Colleges in India

MA is a very popular and sought-after course for students after graduation. MA admissions are quickly becoming more competitive and international, which has led to an increase in the scope of Humanities subjects. Career prospects for teachers, lecturers, journalists, social workers, and counselors have increased significantly in recent years.

Every year, students compete for seats in the best colleges of India offering various specializations in Master of Arts (MA) courses. Some of these top colleges, including government and private colleges of India, are mentioned below. 

Best MA Government Colleges in India

There are more than 1,500 government MA colleges in India providing MA degrees through various specializations at affordable fees. The students can shortlist their favourite institutes as per their suitability and start preparing for the entrance exams (if required) to get admission to MA courses.

The following table shows the best MA government colleges in India along with their course fees.

Best Government Colleges MA Fees in Government Colleges
Jawaharlal Nehru University INR 432
Banaras Hindu University INR 5,160 - INR 1.26 Lakh
Jamia Millia Islamia INR 13,400 - 24,000
University of Lucknow INR 16,480 - 96,320
S.S. Jain Subodh PG College INR 18,900 - 37,900
Guru Nanak College INR 19,450
PSG College of Arts and Science INR 24,000 - INR 2 Lakh
Lady Brabourne College INR 27,170
Kishinchand Chellaram College INR 33,500 - INR 2.2 Lakh

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.

Top DU Colleges for MA

Delhi University colleges are considered among the topmost government colleges in India for every course. For your reference, here are some top DU colleges offering MA courses in various specializations.

Top DU Colleges  MA Fees
Hansraj College INR 432
Indraprastha College for Women INR 432
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College INR 432
Sri Venkateswara College INR 932
Miranda House INR 29,060 - 38,060
Ramjas College INR 29,510
Gargi College INR 32,430
Kirori Mal College INR 33,810
Daulat Ram College INR 34,860 - 40,460
Hindu College INR 51,600

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.

Best MA Private Colleges in India

There are around 2,490 private MA colleges in India that provide students with an MA degree with quality courses and comparatively good placement packages. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy. 

Best Private Colleges MA Fees in Private Colleges
K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce INR 11,000
Loyola College INR 26,520 - 60,260
Stella Maris College INR 58,080 - INR 1.37 Lakh
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai INR 72,500 - INR 1.84 Lakh
Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce, Pune INR 97,450 - INR 1.65 Lakh
Mithibai College of Arts INR 1.25 Lakh - 1.45 Lakh
Amity University, Noida INR 1.26 Lakh - 7.75 Lakh
Kristu Jayanti College INR 1.35 Lakh - 1.65 Lakh
Mount Carmel College INR 1.52 Lakh - 1.57 Lakh
St. Joseph’s University INR 1.65 Lakh - 2.2 Lakh

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.

Top MA University-related links:

Top Delhi University Colleges 2025: NIRF Ranks, Score

Top 5 Open Universities in India: Ranks, Courses & Fees

 

4 Courses
432
8.4 LPA

#5 The Week

6 Courses
55.95 K
9.24 LPA

#3 The Week

7 Courses
15.21 K
7 LPA

#4 The Week

5 Courses
33.81 K
5.4 LPA

#12 The Week

4.2
6.22 LPA

#9 The Week

1.4 L
Q:   Which are the top colleges for MA in mass communication?
A:

Hello, you can pursue the course from JIMS (Jagannath Institute of Management Science), LSR (Lady Shri Ram College for Women), IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication), DCAC (Delhi College of Arts and Commerce), AIMC (Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication) which are well-known for their Mass Communication programmes. 

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MA courses

Q:   How many MA colleges are there in India?
A:

India is home to best MA colleges 5,000+ best colleges for MA in India. Out of these2,000+ colleges are owned privately, 1,500+ are owned by the government and the rest 1,000+ are owned by semi government institutions. CUET-PG, CPGET, URATPG, Andhra Pradesh PGCET and MAH CET are the popular entrance exams for admission to best colleges for MA Economics in India. JNU, BHU, JMI, DU and Amity University Noida are the top MA Economics colleges in India. 

Q:   How is the placement like for top MA colleges in India?
A:

The campus placement options are great at some top MA colleges in India. You can have a look at some of them

College Name

Tuition Fee

Annual Median Package

Senthamil College Placement

-

INR 39.12 LPA

Bharathi College Placement

-

INR 30 LPA

Symbiosis School of International Studies

INR 6.06 lakh

INR 20.8 LPA

Kolhan University Placement

-

INR 19.2 LPA

Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics Placement

-

INR 19.2 LPA

Note - The information is taken from the official website of the college.

Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India

2 Courses
9 L
1.6 L - 5.5 L
60 K
1 L - 2.4 L
3.3
1 Course
3.1 L
5.5 LPA

M.A. Applications open. Apply Now

5.45 L
4.8

MA Salary: Job Profiles, Career Scope, and Top Recruiters

There are various job options for MA students such as in Railways, Banking, Insurance, Education, Hospitality, Research and Education, etc. MA degree graduates may work as social workers, teachers, journalists, project leaders, artists, politicians, content writers, etc.

MA Salary and Job Profiles

The table below shows some common job profiles options after completing their MA course are as mentioned below.
MA Job Profiles Job Description MA Salary

Teachers

A teacher must also mentor pupils daily for them to not only study their curriculum but also grow into responsible adults. INR 3 LPA

Administrative Officers

An administrative officer manages office stocks, prepares reports on expenses as well as the office budget, and also organizes the records of the company.

INR 5.5 LPA

Social Workers

In this particular job profile, one needs to identify and thereafter help people cope with the problems at hand.

INR 2.9 LPA

Journalists

A Journalist is expected to research, write, and present the events/ news in an honest, unbiased, and ethical manner.

INR 4.2 LPA

Counsellors

In this job profile, one needs to speak to individuals who are facing personal or professional difficulties and help them overcome their problems, and thereafter make appropriate changes in their lives.

INR 3.8 LPA

Content writers

A content writer creates well-crafted written material for offline and online platforms.

INR 3.8 LPA
Note - The salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Learn More About MA Jobs -

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MA Top Recruiters

Listed below are the top companies that majorly hire MA students based on their expertise or qualifications.

Top MA Recruiters

The Times of India

Amazon

Hindustan Times

Myntra

Wipro

BBC

Infosys

Accenture

Taj Group

HDFC Bank

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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Q:   Are there any MA colleges in India offering placement options?
A:

Of course, many Master of Arts colleges in India offer great placement options for postgraduates. Some of them are

Top MA CollegesAverage Package Offered
University of Calicut PlacementsINR 3 - 30 LPA
Bharathi College PlacementsINR 30 LPA
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi PlacementsINR 26.5 LPA
NMIMS, Mumbai PlacementsINR 21.35 LPA
Kolhan University PlacementsINR 19.8 LPA

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the institute.

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MA Colleges in India

Q:   Will an MA degree enhance my earning potential?
A:

Of course, it will. See, if you pursue a UG degree course in a subject, it will give you the base knowledge of it. But opting for a master's course in that particular subject will give you the in-depth knowledge + practical exposure. You'll probably complete an internship during your MA and might also land a campus placement offer. 

Q:   What are the government job options for me after an MA?
A:

A lot, I would say. Be it teaching, civil services, railway, banking, you name it. If you already have a mindset on a specific field, prepare for it; otherwise, explore options that are suitable for you. 

You can become a teacher, prepare for competitive exams like IPS, IFS, IAS, or for IBPS (PO, Clerk, SO), SBI (PO, Clerk), RBI Grade B.

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MA Career

MA Study Abroad for Indian Students

The MA course can be completed abroad at a fee ranging from INR 4 lakh to 25 lakh. The most popular countries for an MA abroad are the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, etc. Check out the table below for some top college options in some popular countries.

Top MA Universities in the USA
Columbia University Harvard University University of Pennsylvania
Top MA Universities in Germany
Heidelberg University Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Technical University of Munich
Top MA Universities in the UK
University of Oxford King's College London The University of Edinburgh
Top MA Universities in Australia
The University of Melbourne The University of Sydney The University of Queensland
Top MA Universities in Canada
The University of British Columbia University of Toronto McGill University

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.

MA Degree Relevant Articles:

Exam Required to Study Abroad for Indian Students

 

Master of Arts Course FAQs

Here are some more Frequently Asked Questions related to Master of Arts courses:

Q:   What is the difference between MFA and MA?
A:

Students have the option to pursue MFA (Master of Fine Arts), or MA (Master of Arts) in the many different specialisations that are offered in the field of Fine Arts. There are some differences between these two courses which you need to pay attention to:

CriteriaMFAMA
Course NameMaster of Fine ArtsMaster of Arts
Academic OutcomesIt is offered specifically in the field of Fine Arts with special focus to practical aspects.It focuses more on the academic aspect of Fine Arts or other humanities subjects.
Professional OutcomesFine Art painters, SculptorsMuseum Curators, Art Historian

Relevant Links related to MFA Course -

Fine Arts Courses After 10th

Art Coures After 12th.

Q:   What are the low costing MA colleges in India?
A:

Many MA colleges in India offer an affordable fee structure for students. 

College Name

Tuition Fee

Eligibility / Exams

SCS Autonomous College

INR 288

Merit-Based

Samastipur College

INR 300

Merit-Based

Darshan Sah College Purnea University

INR 312

Merit-Based

Baharagora College

INR 336

Merit-Based

CCSU

INR 360 – INR 54,000

Merit-Based

Note - The information is taken from the official website of the college.

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Colleges in India Offering MA Courses

Q:   Is it considered expensive to pursue MA in India?
A:

No, it's not. Here are some affordable colleges with the tuition fee not more than INR 1 Lakh.

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
SCS Autonomous CollegeINR 288Merit-Based
Samastipur CollegeINR 300Merit-Based
Darshan Sah College, Purnea UniversityINR 312Merit-Based
Baharagora College, BaharagoraINR 336Merit-Based
CCSU - Chaudhary Charan Singh UniversityINR 360 - INR 54,000Merit-Based

Note - The information is taken from the official website of the college.

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MA Colleges in India

Q:   What is an MA in Economics and what will I study in this course?
A:

The MA Economics course duration and curriculum lasts two years and four semesters. The MA subject list for Economics consists of basic and elective subjects which explains surrounding concepts of Economics. The goal of MA subject list for Economics is to prepare students for careers in banking, financial management, financial consulting, trading, stockbroking, teaching, and other fields.

MA Economics Syllabus and Subjects

Microeconomics

Economics of Growth

Monetary Economics and Economics of Industry

Public Economics

International Trade

Issues in the Indian Economy

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Q:   What will I study in an MSc in History course?
A:

MA course duration in History is a two-year programme that covers world history, Indian history, aspects of Ancient India, Modern India, Indian government and politics, and Indian government and politics. The course presents a comprehensive grasp of human nature as seen via their activities across time.

Furthermore, MA subject list for History include History of World Civilisations, Colonialism and Nationalism in Modern India, Historiography, the History of World Civilizations, International Relations, and Current Indian History, among others. 

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MA Courses

Q:   What type of subjects are covered in an MA Social Work course?
A:

The MA course duration in Social Work subjects and curriculum last two years and are divided into four semesters. The MA subject list for Social Work covers a wide range of social work themes. Human Growth and Development, Ideology and Ethics of Social Work, Poverty Reduction, microfinancing and Micro Businesses, Labor, and many more themes are covered.

MA Social Work Syllabus and Subjects

History and Philosophy of Social Work

Social Welfare Administration

Psychosocial Dynamics of Human Behavior

Dynamics of Socio-Political Institutions and Organisations

Demography and Population Studies

Social Policy and Planning

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Q:   Can I do a PhD after an MA?
A:

Of course, you can. In fact, a master's degree is the first basic requirement for a PhD aspirant. No matter which subject you choose, a relevant master's degree from a UGC-approved university will be required to pursue a PhD
For instance, if you have completed your MA in Psychology, then you can pursue a PhD in the field of Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and so on. 

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MA Courses

Q:   Is an MA course worth pursuing?
A:

Of course, it is. It is mostly cost-effective, gives you higher education, increases job opportunities, and so on. It is not mandatory to pursue an MA right after a bachelor's course; you can gain some industry experience, and maybe then you'll realize if you really need to pursue an MA or not. 

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MA Courses

Q:   What are the different types of MA Courses in which students can take admissions?
A:

The majority of MA courses are full-time or regular courses. Some MA courses are offered on a part-time basis. MA also offers Diploma and certificate programmes. MA Degree Course-MA is a broad course that includes four to eight compulsory core studies in each specialty. Along with it, candidates must select from a variety of elective courses.  

MA Distance Course- MA programmes in distant mode can be completed in two years. MA Distance Education is provided by some of India's most prestigious colleges, including IGNOU, Karnataka State Open University, and others.  MA Online Course- MA programmes are available in both full-time and correspondence formats, including online. There are numerous advantages to obtaining an MA online because candidates can get the best of both worlds. They can complete the course from anywhere in the country without physically attending college or university. 

Q:   What is the MA subject list?
A:

The Master of Arts is a base course in which you choose a specialization. Under that specialization, you'll study various subjects. So, basically, it's an ocean of subjects in a Master of Arts course. For instance, you'll find multiple specializations in the MA program, like

LiteratureHistoryPhilosophy
SociologyPolitical ScienceEconomics
PsychologyGeographyLinguistics
ArchaeologyEducationJournalism and Mass Communication
Fine ArtsLaw/Legal StudiesReligious Studies

Note - The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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MA Courses

Q:   How much is the MA course fees in India?
A:

There are around 6,000 MA colleges in India, and every college offers different specializations in the MA. Also, every college has a different college rating, placement record, faculty rating, etc., based on that, the course fee structure of these colleges is decided. Hence, the fee structure is vast.

It can start from thousands and go up to lakhs. In the case of MA course fees in India, the average starts from INR 1,000 and goes up to INR 14.7 Lakh. 

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MA Courses

Q:   What are the exact MA course eligibility criteria in India?
A:

The exact MA course eligibility is to have a bachelor's degree in any relevant discipline. Though these disciplines also depend on the MA subject you choose. Apart from this, you will need to check the minimum marks required by your desired college. Because marks and entrance exam scores can differ depending on the individual college. 

Q:   Can you provide the M.A. courses list after 12th?
A:

An MA is a PG-level degree course that you cannot pursue after Class 12. You'll need to obtain a Bachelor level degree (BA, for instance) to be eligible for an MA program. Once you complete your graduation in a certain discipline, you'll get clarity on which MA specialisation you wish to choose, because there are a bunch of options. For example, History, Geography, Economics, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, German, French, Psychology, Political Science, and so on. 

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MA Courses

Q:   Which is the best distance MA college in India?
A:

Several colleges and universities in India offer MA courses in a distance mode. Usually, admission to MA courses in distance mode does not require the candidate to qualify for an entrance exam, and most colleges offer direct admission based on merit or a first-come, first-served basis

Given below are some colleges that offer MA courses in various specializations in distance mode

MA Courses Distance Colleges

Total Tuition Fees (annually)

IGNOU

INR 9,000 - INR 21,400

Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras

INR 13,350 - INR 21,750

VMOU - Vardhman Mahavir Open University

INR 11,050 - INR 16,800

School of Open Learning, University of Delhi

INR 2,000

IGNOU

INR 7,600

Note: The MA admission fee structure mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

Q:   Do IITs offer MA courses?
A:

Although IITs are renowned for BTech and M.Tech courses, the institutes have recently started offering quality education in MA courses too. MA from IIT has quickly become a popular choice among the students. The minimum eligibility criteria for IIT MA is a bachelor's degree in any discipline after a 10+2 from a recognised board, and a minimum aggregate of 55% or more.

As of now, out of 23, 5 IITs are offering Master of Arts (MA) courses as postgraduate or dual degree programs. The details of the colleges are mentioned below

IITs offering MA Courses

MA Courses in IIT

MA IIT Tuition Fee (INR)

IIT Madras

MA Program in Development Studies and English Studies 

20,000

IIT Bombay

MA-PhD in Philosophy

8 Lakh

IIT Guwahati

MA in Development Studies

1.1 Lakh

IIT Gandhinagar

MA in Society and Culture

98,000

IIT Mandi

MA in Development Studies

40,000

Note - The information is taken from the official body of the institute.

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for M.A. (Master of Arts) based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular M.A. (Master of Arts) colleges is given below:
Master of Law (LL.M.) : Shivaji University 2022 Last Round Closing Percentage (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
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College20212022
Shivaji University89.4– / –
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B.A. in Psychology and English : Mumbai University Admission 2025 Last Round Closing Percentage (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.) : CUET-PG 2025 Last Round Closing Score (General-All India)Accordion Icon V3
College202320242025
Banaras Hindu University– / –– / –410
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

For the MA in Anthropology admission, the most important exam you can prepare for is CUET-PG. It is a national-level exam accepted by hundreds of top colleges across India. 

Second, you can prepare for university-level tests if you have a specific college in mind and it conducts its own exam. Next, y

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

The records you'll be required to keep handy during the MA Anthropology admission process 

  • Your bachelor's degree
  • Photo ID proof
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Migration certificate
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Application 

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

Hi.

After completing a 4-year integrated B.Ed degree, the duration of an M.A. (Master of Arts) programme depends on the country and university you choose, but here are the typical scenarios:

1. In India

  • Standard M.A. duration: 2 years (divided into 4 semesters).

  • Eligibility: Completion of a B.Ed (4-year

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 18

Answered 3 days ago

A lot, I would say. Be it teaching, civil services, railway, banking, you name it. If you already have a mindset on a specific field, prepare for it; otherwise, explore options that are suitable for you. 

You can become a teacher, prepare for competitive exams like IPS, IFS, IAS, or for IBPS (PO, Cle

...Read more

L

Lalit Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 days ago

Of course, it will. See, if you pursue a UG degree course in a subject, it will give you the base knowledge of it. But opting for a master's course in that particular subject will give you the in-depth knowledge + practical exposure. You'll probably complete an internship during your MA and might al

...Read more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

ETH Zurich offers a range of programs at UG and PG levels for its students. ETH Zurich offers MA for the duration of 2 years. The university first year tuition fee for MA programs is around INR 5 L.

V

Vipra Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Tuition fee for 1 year MA in Animation at Nottingham Trent University is GBP 18,300 (INR 22.14 L). 

Students who plan to pursue higher studies from UK must also consider some other cost associated with staying in country such as rent, food, utilities, travel, etc. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Some important CPGET pattern-related information you must have -

  • CPGET is a 90-minute exam.
  • 100 MCQs in the paper, each worth 1 mark.
  • No negative marking.
  • Analogies, classification, matching, comprehension, and other similar types of questions are included.

Here's the sectional weightage for your referen

...Read more

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can. Some top Political Science college options in India, where you can get admission to the MA Political Science course without sitting for any exam are here

Top Political Science CollegesCourse Fees
St. Xavier's College KolkataM.A. in Political Science
MCC Chennai 

M.A. in Public Administration 

M.A. in Political Science

Kristu Jayanti UniversityM.A. in Public Administration
Lady Brabourne CollegeM.A. in Political Science
DAV ChandigarhM.A. in Public Administration

Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.

Know more about -

MA Political Science Colleges in India

R

Rashmi Thakur

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Hi...

1. BA / B.Sc in Cinema (Undergraduate – 3 Years)

AAFT offers a three‑year Bachelor’s degree in Cinema with various specializations such as Acting, Direction, Cinematography, Post‑Production (and related fields) depending on your focus.

General Structure

The BA/B.Sc Cinema curriculum is semester‑ba

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 18

Answered a week ago

The eligibility for the MA in International Relations course is to obtain a bachelor's degree in either BA International Relations or any other relevant field. Other conditions like marks, age limit, entrance exam scores, etc., can be different based on the colleges. 

Apart from this, the documents y

...Read more

S

Sreetama Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

The MA BEd integrated syllabus covers both specialised subject-specific content (like History, English, Economics, etc.) and educational subjects like Pedagogy, Educational Psychology, Contemporary India and Education, and Knowledge and Curriculum

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, it isn't possible to complete the entire course in distance mode. You can pursue BEd in regular mode, whereas MA in distant mode. There might be a few more universities other than IGNOU that provide correspondence courses.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The fee structure can vary depending on if you have taken admission in government college or private one. 

College TypeAverage Fee Range
Government College30k to 1,20,000
Private Universities1,50,000 to 4,00,000

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To get admission in MA BEd integrated course, start with finding the colleges that provides this course. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria, fill the application form, apply for exam (if needed), clear it, and appear for counselling to get admission. At some universities, you can get merit-b

...Read more

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, the students in Westminster University's full-time Masters Business course have to undertake a PG Internship. This is a 6-12 week internship. For admission MA in Management course, Indian students are required to have a minimum of 2:2 second class honors degree. An IELTS score of 6.5 is require

...Read more

C

Chandra Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

IILM prepares students well for higher education. Since assignments are research-heavy and presentation-focused, you naturally develop skills like critical thinking, referencing, academic writing, and public speaking.

Professors guide students on:

  • how to write SOPs

  • how to choose universities

  • how to buil

...Read more

M

Manya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

Regent's University of London MA Management and Finance course is 12-16 months. Students can apply for this course directly. There is no application fee. For admission to this course, Indian students are required to have a minimum second class UK Undergraduate degree or equivalent. A few of the docu

...Read more

H

Himanshi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The duration of Regent University London MA Luxury Brand Management course is 12-16 months. This course will teach the business behind luxury brands. The university's partnership with Walpole, the UK's official trade body for the luxury sector gives access to some of the best UK brands in a variety

...Read more

A

Anya Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The MA course is offered in the field of Economics at SRCC. Admissions to this course are entrance-based and candidates muts appear for the CUET-PG exam for admission. 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes you can you have a great opportunity in this field 

S

Sayyad

Beginner-Level 1

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