What is MA: Full Form, Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

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 extensive 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.

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.

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:

See, MA is a base-level course and offers a bunch of specialised fields as its disciplines. It is impossible to get a fixed MA course salary range because the job profiles, industries, type of work, expertise, etc., depend on the specific specialised area you choose. There can be a world of difference between two MA specializations, for example, an MA in Psychology and an MA in Political Science.
While the one specialisation will teach you the skills and knowledge about reading human mind and behavior, the other will provide an in-depth understanding of government, public policy, international relations, etc.
Hence, you can compare two different fields and their salaries.

It depends on the specialisation you chose because there are a lot, and the curriculum for each specialisation is designed accordingly. For example, suppose you have opted for an MA in Political Science. In that case, you'll study subjects like Debates in Political Theory, Theories of International Relations, Politics in India, and Themes in Indian Political Thought.

Meanwhile, if you are an MA in Psychology student, then you'll probably be studying subjects like Human Cognition, Conceptual History of Psychology, Social Psychology, and Research Method & Statistics.

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.

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 vary depending on the individual college.

MA, or Master of Arts, is a postgraduate arts programme. It is a two-year programme that can be started after graduation. The degree is available in a variety of specialisations at colleges and institutions in India and overseas. Students who finish an integrated programme of study in social sciences and humanities are eligible for this degree.

The degree can be obtained in a full-time, part-time, correspondence, or distance format. Admission to MA programmes is based on either merit or entrance tests. Candidates seeking a Master of Arts degree must be dedicated and focused on their chosen field.

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 criteria 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 website of the respective college or university. Thanks.

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

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.

To secure admission in MA, you must meet basic merit eligibility which bachelor’s degree with 45%-50% marks. Some colleges accept minimum percentage of marks, while other colleges also conduct interviews. These may have specific requirements, which students must check on official website of that respective college. But keep in mind that MA admissions are easier than other PG degrees.

Here's a list of documents you must carry during the MA application process:

• A relevant bachelor's degree
• Passport-sized photographs (at least two)
• Photo ID proof (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, etc.)
• Migration certificate

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.

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.

Hello, the CPGET 2025 exam syllabus for the MA in English course will be divided into 2 sections: A and B. In the 1st section, you'll find questions related to spelling & punctuation, vocabulary, grammar, etc., and in the 2nd section, the questions will be from History of English Literature, Literary Movements, Literary Terms, etc., subjects.

Here's the detailed syllabus - MA_English  

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.

Aspirants can always check the college website for more complete information about the programme. Students must prepare thoroughly for the entrance tests in order to gain admission to a reputable college. Here are a few simple preparation recommendations for candidates to assist them remember the few points in the MA admission process.

• Identify Requirements: Candidates need to fill in the application form with their contact information, exam results, and personal information.
• Entrance examinations: Students must check the college website for every detail regarding entrance examinations, including dates and cut-offs.
• Choose specialisation: Students need to choose from amongst the various specialisations in MA according to their area of interest.

The main subjects of MA entrance exam syllabus varies as several tests are conducted at the institute or university-levels. Hence, students can refer to old sample papers and college websites to get an idea of the examination.  Given below is a brief description of a few popular MA entrance exam syllabus:

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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.

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.

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.

There are many options available to students who have completed MA degrees. Students can choose to start working, or they can further their education. Some popularly chosen courses after MA degrees are:

Hope this helps you!

Apart from the above-mentioned courses, many colleges also offer MA degree under various streams like Design, Mass Communication, Hospitality, etc.

In an MA programme with specialization, there would be core and elective subjects related to the specialization. The MA degree course syllabus is designed by experts to enhance the knowledge and valuable skills of the candidates. The important subjects included in the syllabus and subject lists of different MA courses are tabulated below:

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above table is taken from external sources and may vary.

MA courses are available in various modes of education, such as regular mode, distance mode, and online mode. Candidates can opt for any mode of education as per their convenience. The table below consists of the different types of  MA courses in various education modes in India, along with their average fees:

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

Hello!

Masters of Business Administration courses can be pursued by students who have completed their undergraduation in any discipline. MBA degrees offer many specializations in various fields like Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations, International Business, etc. are among the most popular specializations. MBA is among the most popular degrees chosen by students.

Hope this answered your doubt!

Master of Arts (MA) courses duration is two years and it is available in different specializations including Political Science, English, Hindi, Economics, History etc. Students usually take up the teaching line after attaining this postgraduate degree. Students can also pursue a doctoral degree after completing their MA course from a certified university of India. 

The following table shows the list of some of the main MA Subjects which can be pursued after graduation degree.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above table is taken from external sources and may vary.

The MA courses are offered in numerous specializations, so 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.

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.

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.

State universities or colleges are those institutes that are affiliated to government colleges under the State government. If you take admission in such colleges then the course curriculum and exam pattern are decided by the state university your college is affiliated with. Deemed universities are institutions that recognized by the Union Grants Commission. They are not affiliated with any other university and they operate with a higher degree of autonomy.

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:

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

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:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

No, to become a lecturer or professor you should have completeted PhD. However, after completing MA you can become an Associate Professor in colleges and universities.

You can become a teacher by opting either of the modes:

1. B.Com + M.Com + B.Ed from a recognized institutes in India. Apart from this, you need to qualify TET conducted by state or CBSE.
2.  B.Com + M.Com + NET/ SET + if required, PhD.in any specialized subjects in finance.
3. Along with that, you can read national newspapers for GS and employment news.

The salary after MA courses can depend on various factors like the specialisation that you have chosen, the college from which you completed your MA degree, job location, academic background, skills, and experience. Generally, as a fresher, you can expect a salary ranging from INR 3 LPA to INR 6 LPA after completing MA courses from a regular college. This can vary for different industries.

Hope this helped you.

An MA degree can be very useful for students. It certifies a student as a postgraduate, who has specialised in a particular subject. It can open up many professional opportunities and help students secure jobs with a higher salary. Students who have done an MA have an extra qualification that can set them apart in the job search.

MA courses are also required if a student wishes to become a professor. Students who wish to pursue a career in research or complete a PhD will also have to complete an MA degree. 

Of course, many MA colleges in India offer great placement options for postgraduates. Here are some of them:

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Both are the standardised tests required to test English proficiency of a candidate for applying abroad. IELTS is used for educational, immigration and occupational purposes, and is accepted by over 9,000 institutions across 130 countries worldwide majorly in UK, New Zealand and Australia. TOEFL also has worldwide acceptance now. TOEFL exam, questions are almost multiple choice, whereas, IELTS requires you to respond to a range of different question types such as short answer, gap-filling and short essay tasks. The IELTS is significantly shorter than the TOEFL exam, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes versus four hours to complete the test. You may visit the respective websites to take the mock tests and understand the difference and which exam you want to take.

There are various kinds of scholarships available for every kind of student, majorly categorised as:

Merit-based: Based on a student’s academic record or extracurricular activities such as achievements in sports and service to the community. Student specific: Students who qualify based on factors such as gender, race, religion, family and medical history can apply to such scholarships. 

Destination specific: Several public authorities, governments or universities grant bursaries and funds to students from a particular country. For instance, scholarships offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand or the Chevening fellowship granted by the UK Government for international students from Commonwealth countries.

Subject specific: Certain universities and institutions award grants to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study. Need-based: Targeted towards students facing financial constraint, these scholarships are offered on the basis of your parents financial background. Authorities may ask you for documents such as family income, tax statements, employment proofs, etc.

Athletic scholarships: Provided to top-notch sportsmen, these scholarships require you to contribute with rigorous training and representing your university at events whilst balancing your education. We know it can be a little confusing which scholarship to go for with so many options available, and that's why our counsellors work with you to discover and apply for the best scholarships for you. Different countries have different scholarships.

Candidates have the option to pursue MFA (Master of Fine Arts), or MA (Master of Arts) in the various specialisations offered in the field of Fine Arts. There are certain differences between these two courses which candidates must pay attention to:

Relevant Links related to MFA Course:

Fine Arts Courses After 10th

Art Coures After 12th.

Dear candidate, if you are a BA graduate, pursuing an MA course can prove to be quite beneficial for you. MA courses can improve your job prospects because there is a higher chance for a recruiter to prefer an MA graduate over a BA graduate. There are certain job positions in the academic field such as Assistant Professor at the university level, for which only those candidates can apply who have completed a master's degree. So, by pursuing an MA degree course you will be able to expand your knowledge, which can further help you pursue a career in research or academia as well.

Please refer below for the best MA colleges in India that offer the highest placement to their students:

Hi, you can refer below for the best low costing MA colleges in India:

No, it can be observed that studying MA in India can be quite affordable as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh, you can refer below for some of them:

Hope this helps!

If you want to pursue M.A. English literature, you have to study world literature, American Literature, literary criticism, etc. The syllabus also depends on university.

You can have a look at the core subjects in MA English course:

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.

The best course in MA courses will depend on your personal preferences. You should choose a field that interests you and aligns with your career goals. There are plenty of opportunities in all fields and you can find great scope after MA courses.

However, some of the most popular MA courses, that are commonly chosen by many students include MA in English, MA in Geography, MA in Political Science, MA in History, MA in Economics, etc. These specializations are available in many institutes across India. 

Master of Arts (MA) syllabus and subjects teach classroom learners through theory and practical lectures, internships, research projects, and assignments, among others. The MA programme is a diversified programme that includes core MA subjects required in each specialisation and several elective courses from which students can choose.

MA course duration English is a two-year postgraduate degree that focuses on the study of English Literature and Language throughout the world. The MA English programme provides students with the ability to pursue advanced literature research as well as promising employment options. Based on the curriculum's main disciplines, MA subject list for English programme provides a wide understanding of Literature.

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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.

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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.

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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. 

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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.

Note: The information is taken from external sources and may vary.

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.

No, integrated programs are designed for students who have passed their Class 12. Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you can directly apply for a master's degree. Integrated programs mean a combination of 2 degrees, for example, BA + MA, BBA + MBA, and BSc + MSc. So, the best option for you is to apply for an MA programme once you complete a BA degree.

The MA (Master of Arts) is the most common postgraduate degree course opted for by students in India, as it is easier to get admission to the course due to its availability in most of the best universities across the country. Some of them even offer admission on a merit basis, given the fact that candidates have completed their graduation from the same university or college. The MA course duration is two years in India is 2 years, and it is offered in various specializations such as Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in English, Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in Economics, etc.
An MA degree is available in different streams, such as MSW (Master of Social Work), MA in Psychology, MA in English, etc., which allows individuals to expand their topic expertise, besides providing them with an in-depth understanding of the discipline they have chosen.
After completing a Master's level course in languages, one can easily get jobs in roles that include Translator, Interpreter, Linguist, Foreign Services Officer, etc.

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.

Of course, after all, IGNOU is among the top-most distance universities in India offering flexible learning options through, which is perfect if you have other commitments like a job or family. You can literally study at your own pace and convenience, making it easier to balance with your daily life. IGNOU is affordable, highly reputable, and accepted by most employers. 

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.

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.