BA English Literature: Course Details, Admission, Fees, Eligibility, Duration
BA English literature is a 3-year undergraduate degree that focuses on understanding of English language, literature, culture, and literary forms such as poetry, drama, and prose. The BA English Literature syllabus includes topics such as British and American Prose, Foundation of English Fiction, Environmental Studies, Shakespeare Drama, Poetry, Literary Form, 20th-century English Literature, etc.
BA English Literature eligibility criteria require the candidates to pass their 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for the unreserved category and 45% for the SC/ST/PwD. Moreover, the students must clear the entrance examinations such as CUET, DUET, etc.
The BA English Literature fees per year range from INR 2,000 - 1,00,000 depending on requirements such as location, job opportunities, infrastructure, recognition, and so on. The annual BA English Literature fees in government colleges range from INR 2,000- 40,000 whereas the BA English Literature fees in private colleges range from INR 15,000 - 1,00,000 per year in India.
Table of Contents
- What is BA English Literature Course?
- BA English Literature Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose a BA English Literature Course?
- BA English Literature Admission 2024
- BA in English Literature Entrance Exams
- Top BA English Literature Colleges in India with Fees
- Types of BA English Literature Courses
- BA English Literature Syllabus and Subjects
- BA English Literature vs BA English Honours
- Courses After BA English Literature
- Career Options After BA in English Literature Course
- BA English Literature Salary in India
- BA English Literature Scholarships
- Top 3 Cities to Pursue BA English Literature Course
- Skills to Excel as a BA in English Literature Graduate
BA English Literature Course Details
| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Arts in English Literature |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | There is no minimum age limit to enroll in the course. |
| Subjects Required | English |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% marks for unreserved category and 45% for reserved category in 10+2. |
| Average Fees | ₹2,000- 1,00,000 per annum |
| Similar Options of Study | BA (Journalism), BA (English), BA (English) [Hons], BA (Psychology) etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 2-6 LPA (Source: Ambition Box) |
| Employment Roles | Content Writer, Copywriter, Marketing Executive, Editor, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | EY, Netcracker Technology Corp, India Today Group, etc. |
What is BA English Literature Course?
BA English literature full form is Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, an undergraduate program that focuses on the analysis and interpretation of literary works from diverse genres and chronological eras along with developing writing and communication skills. The BA English Literature course duration is three years.
BA English Literature course falls under the umbrella of the BA course.The top colleges that offer BA English Literature include Presidency College Chennai, Delhi University, University of Calcutta, CMR University and many more.
After completion of a BA in English Literature, graduates can pursue careers in journalism, marketing, content writing, education, etc. The average salary of a BA English Literature graduate is in the range of INR 2-6 LPA. (Source: Ambition Box)
BA English Literature Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for BA in English Literature varies from one college to another and requires the candidate to fulfill a set of requirements such as merit score, age limit, subject requirements, entrance exam, etc. Below is the eligibility criteria for the BA English Literature course:
- Admission for the BA English Literature courses in India requires the aspirants to pass their 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for the general category and 45% for the reserved category. Students must also clear the entrance examinations such as CUET, DUET, etc.
- There is no minimum age requirement for enrollment in the course.
Why Choose a BA English Literature Course?
BA English Literature offers graduates various opportunities in terms of job roles and higher study options. Below are a few points that give us in-depth insight into why to choose the BA English Literature course:
- With the increase in globalization, the demand for interpreters and translators is projected to grow at a rate of 4% between 2022-2032 as per the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
- As per the latest projections of the grand view research report, the fiction market globally is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% in 2024 as compared to 2023, leading to more demand for literature graduates.
- The course offers a diverse range of employment roles to graduates in areas such as journalism, media, advertising, publishing, content writing, teaching, and more.
- According to the EY-CII survey, the demand for English specialization graduates has increased by 20% over the past decade due to the emergence of globalization and MNCs coming to India.
- With the growth of digital media, there is a surge in demand for professionals well-versed in writing, analysis, and communication skills.
BA English Literature Admission 2024
The admission procedure for the BA in English Literature course is done on both merit and entrance basis. Listed below is the procedure to get admission for the BA English Literature course:
- Step 1: Students must meet basic BA English Literature eligibility criteria with a minimum of 50% in their 10+2 (high school degree)
- Step 2: A candidate must fill out the college application form available through both online and offline mode.
- Step 3: Students need to clear the entrance exam as per the college requirements.
- Step 4: Candidates are then invited to participate in a group discussion or an interview, depending on the college admission process which includes colleges like Christ University, Presidency University Chennai, etc.
- Step 5: After that, students must submit proper documents for verification as well as the course fees.
Read More: BA Admission
BA in English Literature Entrance Exams
BA English Literature entrance exams are conducted at the national and institute levels. The following are the most popular B A English Literature admission exams, along with application form details:
| Entrance Exam | Examination Date | Accepting Colleges |
| DUET | May 15 - May 31, 2024 | University of Delhi |
| JNUEE | April 4 - April 15, 2024 (Closed) | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| CUET | May 15 - May 31, 2024 | Christ University, St. Xavier's College Ranchi |
| TSRDC | April 21, 2024 (Closed) | Telangana Residential Educational Institution Society |
Top BA English Literature Colleges in India with Fees
BA English Literature is offered by private colleges and universities such as Sharda University, rul University, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, etc., and government colleges such as Periyar University, Kannur University, etc.
The annual BA English Literature fees range from INR 2,000 to 1,00,000. The fee structure in government colleges ranges from INR 2,000 to INR 40,000 whereas the annual fee structure in private colleges ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 1,00,000.
Below listed are the best colleges for BA English Literature in India along with fee details:
| NIRF Ranking 2023 | Name of the College | Tuition Fees Per Year (INR) |
| 03 | Presidency College Chennai | 3,885 |
| 11 | Delhi University | 17,000 |
| 12 | University of Calcutta | 2,170 |
| 13 | Christ University | 95,000 |
| 33 | Sri Krishna Arts And Science College, Coimbatore | - |
| 51 | Bennett University, Greater Noida | - |
| 55 | St. Xavier's College, Ranchi | 46, 450 |
| 55 | St.Xavier's College, Kolkata | 41,000 |
| - | Parks College Tirupur | 35,000 |
| - | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University | 40,000 |
| - | Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women | 2,074 |
| - | CMR University | 90,000 |
Types of BA English Literature Courses
The course has full-time, part-time, and distance learning options available to students. The following BA English Literature course details are provided below:
| Type | Eligibility | Duration |
| Full Time | Should have passed 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% + Entrance Examinations | 3 Years |
| Part-Time | Should have passed 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% | 3 Years |
| Distance | Should have passed 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% | 3-6 Years |
Distance BA in English Literature Course
The distance B A English Literature course enables students to fully understand the principles of the subject in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Below mentioned is the distance BA English Literature course details:
- BA English Literature through distance education can be pursued from renowned colleges like Chandigarh University, Madras University, etc.
- The course fee per year is in the range of INR 16,000-25,000.
- The duration of the course can be extended to six years, as per the coursework completed by the student.
BA English Literature Syllabus and Subjects
The BA English Literature first-year syllabus focuses on subjects such as European Classical Literature, Indian Writing in English, Environment Study, History Of Literature And Philology, etc.
The second-year BA English Literature syllabus deals with subjects such as American Literature, British Literature (18th Century), Popular Literature, British Romantic Literature, etc.
The BA English Literature third-year syllabus includes subjects like Early 20th-Century British Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Modern Indian Writing In English Translation, Literary Criticism, etc. Below is the BA English Literature syllabus:
| Semester I | Semester II |
| European Classical Literature | Indian Writing in English - Fiction |
| Environment Study | British Poetry And Drama (14th – 17th Century) |
| History Of Literature And Philology | Communicative English |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| American Literature | British Literature (18th Century) |
| Popular Literature | British Romantic Literature |
| British Poetry And Drama (17th – 18th Century) | 19th-Century British Literature |
| Comparative Literature Fundamentals | World Mythology and Literature |
| Indian Theatre Study | Linguistic Introduction |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Women's Writing | Modern European Drama |
| Early 20th-Century British Literature | Postcolonial Literature |
| Modern Indian Writing In English Translation | Literary Criticism |
| Literary Theory | Contemporary India: Women And Empowerment |
| Partition Literature | Autobiography |
Read More: BA English Literature Syllabus and Subjects
BA English Literature vs BA English Honours
The Bachelor of Arts in English Literature course aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as an appreciation for literary art, whereas the BA English Honours course deals with the study of literature, language, and critical analysis which cover a wide range of topics including poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction.
Below is a comparison of the BA English Literature course with BA English Honours:
| Course | BA English Literature | BA English Honours |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Arts in English Literature | Bachelor of Arts in English with Honours |
| Course Overview | This course deals with a variety of literary genres, and types of writing, which include novels, non-fiction, poetry, and plays. | This course covers the english literary genre, grammar, linguistics, and phonetic analysis through novels, theater, epics, and poetic works by famous English writers. |
| Stream | Arts | Arts |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | Students should clear 10+2 exams with a minimum of 50% marks | Candidates must clear 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 50% |
| Entrance Exams | CUCET, IUCET, DUET | DUET, IPU CET, BHU-UET |
| Top Colleges | Calcutta University, Presidency College Chennai, Christ University | GD Goenka University, Amity University, Quantum University, etc. |
| Course Fee Per Year | INR 2,000 - 1,00,000 | INR 8,000 - 3,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2-6 LPA | INR 2-5 LPA |
| Job Roles | Academic Librarian, Advertising Account Executive, Advertising Copywriter | Historian, Author, Marketing Manager, Content Writer |
Read More: BA English Honours
Courses After BA English Literature
BA Literature graduates have various career enhancement opportunities in terms of job roles and higher study options. Listed below are some of the higher education options that students can pursue after completion of the BA in English Literature course:
- MA
- M.Phil
- MBA
- LLB
- PhD in English
- PhD in Linguistics
Career Options After BA in English Literature Course
After completion of the BA English Literature course, the graduates can work as teachers in different schools and colleges, consulting companies also recruit students to assist with research ventures. Here are some job positions available after graduating in literature:
| Job Designations | Job Description | Hiring Company |
| Content Writer | Creates and edits written content for various platforms, ensuring clarity and engagement. | Bloomsbury India, Notion Press, HTC Global Services |
| Academic Librarian | Works in universities and further education colleges making academic information and knowledge resources accessible to students and staff. | Teapod, Cambridge International School, Punawale, South Asian University |
| Advertising Account Executive | Responsible for the coordination of advertising campaigns and therefore communicating clearly to all those involved. | Alchemist Marketing & Talent Solutions, ideaForge, Zigsaw |
| Advertising Copywriter | Develops creative and compelling copy for marketing materials, advertisements, etc. | Sorted 360, Ola Cabs, IBM |
| Journalists | Writes news stories or articles for a newspaper or magazine or broadcasts them on radio or television. | BBC, Times of India, The Hindu, NDTV |
Top Recruiters for BA English Literature Graduates
BA English Literature graduates are recruited by private companies such as Times of India, Bloomsbury India, NDTV, Hachette India etc., and government companies such as MyGov, National Skill Development Corporation,Jamia Hamdard, etc
. Listed below are the top recruiters for BA English Literature graduates.
| Times of India | Penguin Random House India | NDTV |
| Oracle | BBC | Accenture |
| IBM | Flipkart | Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited |
| Bloomsbury India | Amazon India | The Hindu |
BA English Literature Salary in India
BA in English Literature graduate salary in India is in the range of INR 2-6 LPA. The salary of a B.A English Literature graduate is determined by factors such as experience, skills, job responsibilities, industry, location, and demand for the position. Further, with an experience and knowledge of 3+ years, the salary can increase upto INR 8.0 LPA
| Job Role | Average Entry-Level Salary (INR) | Salary After 3 Years of Experience (INR) |
| Lexicographer | 2.7 LPA | 5.3 LPA |
| Academic Librarian | 2.6 LPA | 4.9 LPA |
| Advertising Account Executive | 3.6 LPA | 8.5 LPA |
| Advertising Copywriter | 3.0 LPA | 6.0 LPA |
| Translator | 2.7 LPA | 5.3 LPA |
Read More: BA English Literature Jobs and Salary
BA English Literature Scholarships
Students pursuing English Literature courses can apply for various scholarships provided by public and private institutions. The following scholarships are available to students pursuing BA degrees in various specializations:
| Scholarships | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
| Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme | The student's age should be between 10 to 14 years and the candidates should be from families who belong to the practice of arts. | INR 9,000. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | The candidates must have a first-class degree from a recognized university. | INR 1,00,000 |
| Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship | Students from Asia, Europe, and Africa are eligible to apply for this program. | INR 66,500 |
| Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields | The age of the candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old, and the candidates must be studying at a recognized university in India. | INR 5,000 |
Read More: BA Scholarships
Top 3 Cities to Pursue BA English Literature Course
Below listed are the top 3 cities to pursue a BA English Literature course based on top colleges, average living expenses, top recruiters and average starting salary:
| City | Top Colleges Offering B.A. English Literature Course | Average Living Expense Per Month (INR) | Average Starting Salary (INR) | Top Recruiters |
| Chennai | Presidency College, Parks College Tirupur, Sri Krishna Arts And Science College, Coimbatore | 13,000 - 25,000 | 3,00,000 - 4,50,000 | Mclaren Strategic Ventures India, Cognizant |
| Noida | Bennett University, Noida International University | 20,000-30,000 | 3,00,000- 4,50,000 | Accenture, Nokia, Tech Mahindra |
| Coimbatore | Sri Krishna Arts And Science College. Rathinam College Of Arts And Science, Kumaraguru College Of Liberal Arts And Science | 15,000-25,000 | 2,20,000 - 4,00,000 | Nehru Group of Institutions, Adore The Language Skool, Asian Paints |
Skills to Excel as a BA in English Literature Graduate
BA English Literature is designed for learners who wish to attain a comprehensive background in English language and literature at an advanced level. Below are the skills required by a B.A. English Literature graduate:
- Critical and Synthetic Thinking: Synthetic thinking makes the students generate new ideas, perspectives and solutions by combining or recombining existing knowledge or elements in novel ways.
- Creative writing: This is important for academic and expository writing and helps the graduate to have a logical flow of ideas.
- Listening Skills: These skills are very essential for vital communication. Listening skills improve relationships and collaboration, leading to better problem-solving and fewer misunderstandings.
- Analytical Skills: It is expected that graduates present their work in a clear and organized way to ensure it reaches the target audience.
- Communication Skills: It is essential for building relationships, developing trust, and creating understanding among colleagues.
Top BA English Literature Colleges
Top Arts Entrance Exams
BA English Literature Fee Structure
FAQs on BA English Literature
Q: What are the BA English Literature subjects?
A: The BA English Literature subjects include topics like Contemporary Fiction, Indian Writing, British & American Drama, Literary Theories, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of pursuing BA English Literature?
A: BA English Literature provides good career opportunities for students in areas like teaching, writing, publishing, journalism, etc., with development of analyzing and interpreting literary texts skills.
Q: What scholarships are available to BA English Literature students?
A: There are various scholarships available for BA English Literature students such as Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme, Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship and many more.
Q: Is internship a part of BA English literature course?
A: Yes, internships and placement opportunities are available for students pursuing a BA English Literature.
Q: Is BA English Literature tough?
A: No, BA English Literature isn't difficult if you are interested in the subject. If you enjoy writing and reading, you will find this to be an intriguing subject.
Q: What famous writers and literary works could I study in a BA English literature program?
A: Famous literary works of John Milton, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, amongst others form an integral part of the BA English Literature syllabus.
Q: What is the scope of BA in English Literature?
A: The scope of BA in English Literature is vast, graduates can work in media industry, marketing agencies, publishing houses, etc. Graduates also can go for higher study options such as MA, MBA, PhD, etc.
Q: What are the job opportunities after B.A English Literature?
A: B.A English Literature graduates have various opportunities in job roles like Content Writer, Copywriter, Marketing Executive, Editor, Graphic Designer, etc.
