M.A English

Hello,
No, you can't. Candidates who have Masters degree or are in the qualifying year of the post-graduation can apply for the UGC NET exam. You will get the complete information related to NTA UGC NET from - https://examsroot.wordpress.com/2018/09/11/nta-ugc-net-2018-know-all-about-the-exam/ must check. You have to score minimum 55% aggregate (for general) marks in Masters. Reserved category students get the 5% relaxation in aggregate marks. There is age criteria to apply for Assistant Professor. As you say want to apply for the teaching entrance exam, so can apply for whenever you want or as many time as you want because there is also no limit on number of attempt.

Yes, Devi Priya, you can do it. MA in English is a 2-year post graduate course in English language and literature. It is divided into any of semesters or years. The course covers English literary studies, theories, criticism and pedagogy, all in the form of theory. Top Institutes providing this course are:
Lovely Professional University
LSR, New Delhi
Loyola College, Chennai
Christ University, Bangalore
Miranda House, New Delhi
Hindu College, New Delhi
The minimum eligibility criterion required for the candidates is to possess a Bachelor's degree in English or relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum aggregate score of 60%. Admission to M.A. English is done on the basis of entrance tests. However, some MA English colleges also provide direct admission based on merit. The course is offered in India at an average annual fee ranging between INR 20,000 and 3 lacs. The amount varies according to the different institute providing this course.