MA English – Top Universities, Admission, Entrance and More

MA English – Top Universities, Admission, Entrance and More

MA English full course name is Masters in English Literature. 

We covered all detailed info here about the course from top colleges, admission to much more. 

In India, MA English course is one of the top popular programmes.

That’s why, each year lakhs of students in India opt for the course in various universities. 

At this point, if you’re planning to take up the course then, we recommend you must read this article till the end. 

We have compiled all important details regarding the MA English course. 

The information available here will be very helpful for you to effectively decide whether to pursue the course or not. 

Nevertheless, if you are still not able to get the right answer or looking for further info or have a doubt, then feel free to share it with us in the comment section. 

We would love to help and resolve it. 

Let’s get started. 

 

1. Top MA English Universities and Colleges  – Eligibility, and Fees

Below, we have listed India’s top central universities that offer the MA English course. We have also included the eligibility criteria for the MA English programme in these universities in the table below. 

University and Department Eligibility Criteria Entrance Exam Name Intake
Delhi University

(Arts Faculty)

Direct admission: 60% BA English Honors from DU college

Entrance mode: any graduate with minimum 50% marks

DUET – Delhi University Entrance Test 400 seats = 200 (direct mode) + 200 (entrance mode)
Jawaharlal Nehru University

(Centre of English Studies)

Any graduate with minimum 50% marks JNUEE – Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exams 39 seats
Jamia Millia Islamia University

(Department of English)

Any bachelors with 50% marks JMI Entrance 40 seats
Ambedkar University

(School of Letters)

Minimum 45% in graduation AUD Entrance +40 seats
EFLU – English and Foreign Languages University

(School of English Language Education)

Any graduate with minimum 55% marks EFLU Entrance Test 160 seats (all campuses)
Hyderabad Central University

(School of Humanities)

50% minimum marks in graduation with English (minimum 50%) as optional subject or English (minimum 55%) as compulsory subject HCU Entrance Test 56 seats
Loyola College

(School of Languages)

BA English from a UGC recognized university in India  Loyola College Entrance Exam 40 seats
Banaras Hindu University

(Faculty of Arts)

BA English Honors or B.A prog. with English subject – minimum 50 % marks required BHU PET – Banaras Hindu University – Postgraduate Entrance Test Department of English – 77

Vasanta College for Women – 30

Vasant Kanya Maha Vidyalaya- 30

DAV PG College – 30

Arya Mahilla PG College – 30

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

(School of Humanities and Social Sciences)

Any graduate with minimum 50% marks  IPU CET – Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test 60 seats
Jadavpur University

(Department of English)

Any graduate with 50% marks   Jadavpur University PG Entrance Exam 65 seats
Calcutta University

(Department of English Language and Literature)

BA English Honors Calcutta University Entrance Exam 250 seats
Central University of Rajasthan

(School of Humanities and Languages) – Ajmer

50% marks in any graduate programme CUCET (Central Universities Common Entrance Test) 35 seats 
Presidency University

(Department of English)

Minimum 50% marks in graduation PUMDET – Presidency University Master Degree Entrance Test 32 seats

 

2. Admission Process for MA English Course

In India, almost all universities have an online admission process through a dedicated admission portal. 

Though most universities offer admission through entrance test mode. 

But there are other universities that have separate direct modes in which they allow their universities students to seek admission. 

However, for the direct admission there’s a minimum marks requirement and eligibility criteria to make it to the merit list. 

Following is the step by step method to apply online for MA English course in most universities: 

Step 1. Visit the official admission portal of the university 
Step 2. Register with your personal details
Step 3. Fill in the application form online with accurate details
Step 4. Upload documents and scanned copies of signature and photos in given formats
Step 5. Review and submit the application form 
Step 6. Pay application fee online 
Step 7. Download and keep application fee receipt and application copy for future use

 

3. MA English Syllabus

In most universities in India, the MA English course is divided into semesters, in which each semester’s exams are conducted.

Furthermore, there could be modules in semesters further dividing the curriculum into specific parts covering particular age in the English literature history. 

Delhi University MA English syllabus is the most ideal syllabus of all. 

You will notice that most central universities in India follow a similar syllabus for MA English programmes. 

Following is the Delhi University MA English syllabus: 

Semesters Papers
Semester 1 Paper 101 – English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton

Paper 102 – 18th Century English Literature

Paper 103 – Literary Criticism 1

Paper 104 – Optional paper (one of the following)

Paper 4(i) – 17th and 18th Century Drama

Paper 4(ii) – European Comedy 

Semester 2 Paper 201 – Shakespeare

Paper 202 – Language and Linguistics

Paper 203 – Optional Paper (one of the following)

Paper 203(i) – Literature and Gender

Paper 203(ii) – New Literature in English

Paper 203 (iii) – Romantic Poetry

Paper 204 – A course in another discipline

Semester 3 Paper 301 – 19th Century Novel

Paper 302 – 20th Century Poetry and Drama

Paper 303 – Indian Literature 1

Paper 304 – Optional Paper (one of the following)

Paper 304(i) – American Literature

Paper 304(ii) – Literature and the Visual Arts in Europe

Semester 4 Paper 401 – 20th Century Novel

Paper 402 – Literary Criticism 2 

Paper 403 – Optional Paper (one of the following) 

Paper 403(i) – Ancient Greek and Latin Literature

Paper 403(ii) – Indian Literature 2

Paper 403(iii) – The Novel in India

Paper 404 – A course in another discipline

 

4. MA English Entrance Exams for Top Universities 

In India, almost all universities offer admission through entrance mode apart from direct admission based on merit. 

Each year the entrance exams for MA English courses are usually conducted between April to August months. 

However, there are few universities such as EFLU that conduct MA English entrance exams early (around February month). 

Therefore, any aspirant preparing for MA English entrance should start their preparations a year before. 

Moreover, ensure that they complete their preparation at least by March or April in order to appear for maximum of MA English entrance exams. 

In the second point above, already the list of top universities offering the MA English programme is provided. 

These universities have their entrance exams for most of their PG programmes. 

These entrance exams usually have names, which is again mentioned in a separate column such as JNUEE, DUET etc. 

 

5. MA English Entrance Syllabus 

The most tricky part is the syllabus for MA English Entrance for top universities in India. 

For most universities the syllabus for MA English entrance exam covers – History of English, Literary Criticism and Theory. 

Nevertheless, there could be more topics from English Grammar, English Comprehension, Writing Skills, Verbal and Analytical Ability. 

However, the History of English, Literary Criticism and Theory, which is the major syllabus, is more vast and difficult than easily said. 

Despite that with a targeted approach to preparation, MA English entrance syllabus can be covered in time and quality. 

That allows you to easily crack most MA English entrance exams of India’s top universities.

Learning Skills Institute provides targeted guidance with its online MA English entrance preparation course

Anyone with no or relatively low knowledge in literature can effectively prepare with the course, and excel. 

 

6. MA English Entrance Previous Year Question Papers

Though MA English entrance previous year question papers are not easily available. 

Nevertheless, we have tried to compile everything at one place here.

University/College Previous Year MA English Entrance Question Papers (PDF Download)
Delhi University 2017 Delhi University MA English Entrance DUET Question Paper

2018 Delhi University MA English Entrance DUET Question Paper

2019 Delhi University MA English Entrance DUET Question Paper

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) 2014 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

2015 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

2016 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

2017 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

2018 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

2019 JNU MA English Entrance JNUEE Question Paper

JMI (Jamia Millia Islamia) University 2014 JMI University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2016 JMI University MA English Entrance Question Paper

English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) 2015 EFLU MA English Entrance Question Paper

2016 EFLU MA English Entrance Question Paper

2017 EFLU MA English Entrance Question Paper

2018 EFLU MA English Entrance Question Paper

University of Hyderabad (UoH) 2010 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2011 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2012 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2013 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2014 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2015 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2016 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2017 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2018 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2019 Hyderabad University MA English Entrance Question Paper

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) 2014 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2015 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2016 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2017 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2018 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2019 BHU PET MA English Entrance Question Paper

Jadavpur University (JU) 2010 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2011 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2012 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2013 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2015 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

2017 Jadavpur University MA English Entrance Question Paper

Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) 2014 CUCET CURAJ MA English Entrance Question Paper

2017 CUCET CURAJ MA English Entrance Question Paper

2018 CUCET CURAJ MA English Entrance Question Paper

2019 CUCET CURAJ MA English Entrance Question Paper

Presidency University (PU) 2017 Presidency University PUMDET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2018 Presidency University PUMDET MA English Entrance Question Paper

2019 Presidency University PUMDET MA English Entrance Question Paper

 

7. Career Options after MA English Course

There are several career options that you can choose right after MA English course completion. 

In addition, there are many options in career to pursue outside India as well. 

Largely, the career options are readily available for any MA English graduate in teaching, marketing-communication, media and advertising, and writing. 

The major career and job options available after MA English are listed below:

Careers Job Positions
Teaching Career Jobs English Language Teacher

Primary English Teacher

Senior Secondary Teacher

High School Teacher

English Writing Teacher

English Literature School Teacher

English Literature Assistant Professor

English Writing Lecturer

Marketing and Communication Marketing and Communications Job

Corporate Communications Job

Content and Communication Associate/Manager Job

Coordinator and Communication Assistant

Internal Communications Job

Marketing and Communication Manager

Business Development Manager

Business Communications Manager

Media and Advertising Media Analyst Position

Public Relations Officer

Ad Sales Manager

Print Media Sales

Digital Media Sales

Media and PR Officer

Media Buying Executive

Ad Campaign Executive or Manager

Media Planner

Print Media Journalist or Reporter

Digital Media Journalist or Reporter

Writing Content Writing Job

Copywriter 

Technical Writer

Instructional Designer

Academic Writer

Ghost Writer

Proofreader

Editor

Other Career Counselor

General Counselor

General Communication Jobs

Customer Executive Job

Call Center Executive

Government Jobs

 

8. Further Education – NET, M.Phil, Ph.D., Post Doc., Fellowship etc.

Instead of pursuing a career or job after MA English, you could pursue further education. 

Further education after MA English will enable you to make a career in academics, research or pursue a lucrative job after. 

Following table gives details about the options that you can pursue:

Further Education Details
UGC NTA JRF NET in English Literature
  • University Grants Commission (UGC) in collaboration with NTA (National Testing Agency) conducts National Eligibility Test (NET) cum Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
  • Eligibility: you require a minimum 55% aggregate in MA English to appear for NET in English exam.
  • After qualifying only NET you could apply for Assistant Professor Jobs in Universities in India.
  • If you qualify for both NET and JRF then you could pursue research and get a lucrative monthly stipend from UGC.
  • NTA conducts NET JRF exam in English twice a year. First in the month of June and then in December. 
  • If you’re qualified in NET or NET JRF both then in most universities you are exempted from Ph.D entrance exam and directly appear for the interview.
M.Phil in English Literature
  • Master in Philosophy English Literature is compulsory in most universities to directly apply for Ph.D in English.
  • Eligibility: 55% marks in MA English 
  • Duration is 2 years for MPhil in English as per UGC rules.
  • You will have to appear for MPhil Entrance to secure a seat in most universities.
Ph.D in English Literature
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in English Literature is offered by most universities in India. 
  • Eligibility: MPhil in English or NET qualified are exempted from Ph.D entrance exams in most universities in India. 
  • Many universities in India offer monthly stipend to their Ph.D. students. 
  • There are a wide variety of opportunities open up after Ph.D. in academics, research and teaching both in India and abroad. 
Post Doctoral in English Literature
  • Though there are less opportunities in Postdoc in English Literature in India but in western countries like the UK, US, Europe, Australia etc. there are many lucrative opportunities. 
  • Eligibility criteria varies country to country and university to university or institute. However, the basic minimum is Ph.D. in English Literature.
Grants
  • In India, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in English Literature is very popular. Each year hundreds of students qualify for it as well by appearing for UGC NTA NET JRF English Literature exam. 
  • Apart from that again, there are very less opportunities for scholarship and fellowships in India. 
  • But there are a whole lot of opportunities outside India in western countries, where they offer grants in the shape of not just scholarships, fellowships but also bursaries, studentships and other grants and lucrative financial aid. 

 

9. Earning Opportunities for Students Pursuing MA English

Many students, while pursuing MA English, want to earn simultaneously to support themselves and their studies. 

There are many earning opportunities available for MA English students primarily in writing and teaching. 

In the writing area, there is a huge demand for freelance content writers, blog writers, copywriters, proofreaders and ghost writers online. 

With one search on Google or Facebook, you will find hundreds of freelancing opportunities. 

MA English students can easily take up these opportunities to earn, while they pursue. 

Moreover, earnings are more than decent that can fetch you minimum 10K rupees to upto 50K rupees a month depending upon the work and the amount of time you put in. 

In case of teaching, you can easily find teaching opportunities in local coaching institutes and English language training institutes in your locality. 

Moreover, there are freelancing jobs online for English language trainers. 

Also, you could start offering English language and grammar tuitions in your local area. 

Again, the earning opportunities are more than decent depending upon the locality you live, and the amount of time you dedicate to it. 

 

10. Final Words

That’s it. 

I hope you find this article useful. 

If yes, then please share it with your friends and spread the word. 

Lastly, if you’ve any questions to ask, then please feel free to use the comment section. 

Our teachers and counselors would love to answer your queries and questions in detail and resolve your doubts. 

Sharing is caring! Your one share will encourage us 10 times to write more helpful articles. 

Thank you.

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