Delhi University MA English Syllabus: Semester-Wise Electives

At least 1,911 colleges offer M.A. English across India, with government institutes featuring a median total course fee of ₹19,850. Below is the full semester-wise subject breakdown, elective specialisations, prescribed reference books, college fee ranges, and step-by-step admission guidelines for 2026.

M.A. English Electives and Specialisations

Elective papers allow postgraduate students to specialize in areas such as European Literature in Translation, American Literature, and Visual Arts. Key readings encompass works by authors like Brecht, Dostoyevsky, Anita Desai, and Girish Karnad.

Books for M.A. English

Standard prescribed texts and reference readings form the core foundation for theoretical evaluation and literary analysis throughout the postgraduate program. Master’s candidates study both original literary texts and seminal critical surveys.

Academic literature encompasses canonical drama, poetry, linguistic guidebooks, and detailed histories of Indian and global English writing.

M.A. English Colleges, Fees, and Salary Scope

For government colleges, the median total course fee is ₹19,850, with the middle half ranging between ₹9,720 and ₹36,595. Private colleges feature a median total course fee of ₹40,000, with the middle half falling between ₹22,000 and ₹75,000. Across 53 reporting colleges, the median average placement package stands at 2.67 LPA, with career starting salaries typically ranging from INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA across content writing, copywriting, teaching, editing, translation, media, and administrative roles.

How to Apply for M.A. English Admission in 2026: Step by Step

1. Check Eligibility Criteria: Hold a BA in English or an equivalent degree with a minimum aggregate score of 50% from a recognized university.
2. Select Admission Process: Identify whether the target institution offers admission through entrance exams or direct merit-based evaluation.
3. Apply for Entrance Exams: Register for target entrance tests such as NPAT, BHU UET, TISS BAT, IPU CET, JNUEE, CUET, or EFLU Entrance Exam.
4. Finalize Admission: Complete qualification requirements through entrance test scores or qualifying degree merit.

Admission processes rely on postgraduate entrance exam performance or direct merit-based selection.

FAQs

What are the core subjects in the MA English syllabus?

Core subjects include British Poetry, Drama, and Novels from Chaucer to the Modern Era, Classical and Modern Literary Criticism, Language and Linguistics, and Indian Writing in English.

What electives can students choose during MA English?

Electives include American Literature, European Literature in Translation, Visual Arts and Literature in Europe, Ancient Greek and Latin Literature, and 17th-18th Century Drama.

What is the eligibility for joining MA English Literature?

Candidates need a BA degree in English or an equivalent bachelor’s qualification with a minimum aggregate score of 50% from a recognized university.

Which entrance exams are required for MA English admissions?

Major entrance exams include CUET PG, EFLU Entrance Exam, JNUEE, NPAT, BHU UET, TISS BAT, and IPU CET.

What are the recommended reference books for MA English?

Key texts include Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, Donne’s A Valediction, Gimson’s An Introduction to the Pronunciation of English, and M.K. Naik’s History of Indian English Literature.

What starting salary can an MA English graduate expect?

Graduates generally secure starting salary offers ranging between INR 2 LPA and INR 8 LPA depending on role and sector.