Master of Arts (MA) – Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus & Career
A Master of Arts (MA) is a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree that opens doors for specialization in humanities and social sciences subjects. Ideal for those looking to dive deeper into a particular field of study, the MA degree is highly respected across academic, content, and research domains.
Whether you have a passion for languages, social studies, or education, the MA offers a comprehensive learning experience. Candidates who have completed their Bachelor of Arts (BA) or an equivalent undergraduate degree can pursue this postgraduate course.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognizes the MA program and offers it across numerous specializations, such as English, Hindi, History, Sociology, Economics, Geography, and more.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the MA course.
Table of Contents
MA Course Highlights
Eligibility Criteria
Entrance Exams for MA
Admission Process
Top MA Colleges in India
Fee Structure
MA Syllabus (Subject-wise Overview)
Career Opportunities After MA
Average Salary
Top Recruiters
Conclusion
FAQs
MA Course Highlights
Full Form: Master of Arts
Duration: 2 Years
Course Type: Postgraduate Degree
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% (varies by college)
Admission Basis: Merit-based and Entrance-based
Popular Entrance Exam: CUET PG
Top Colleges: DU, BHU, JNU, JMI, St. Xavier’s, TISS, Presidency University, etc.
Fee Range: INR 10,000 to INR 3,00,000
Popular Specializations: English, Hindi, Political Science, History, Education, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology
Job Roles: Lecturer, Content Writer, Researcher, Social Worker, Counsellor, Translator
Average Salary: INR 2.5 – 3 LPA
Highest Salary: INR 7 – 8 LPA
Eligibility Criteria for MA
Eligibility may vary across universities and specializations, but the general criteria include:
A Bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university.
A minimum of 50% marks in the undergraduate program (relaxation for reserved categories).
For subjects like Psychology or Geography, a background in the same field may be preferred.
Entrance Exams for MA
To get admission into prestigious universities, candidates often need to appear for entrance exams. The most popular one is:
CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test – PG): Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET PG is the key to MA admissions in central and several state universities. It includes 100 objective questions based on subject knowledge and aptitude.
Application Month: January
Exam Month: March
Other institution-specific exams:
JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University)
DUET (Delhi University)
TISS-NET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)
Admission Process
There are two major ways to gain admission:
1. Merit-Based Admission
Apply directly through the university’s website.
Upload necessary documents and academic transcripts.
Attend interviews or counselling rounds (if required).
Pay the semester fee and confirm your seat.
2. Entrance-Based Admission
Register for the entrance exam (e.g., CUET PG).
Appear and score well in the test.
Participate in centralized counselling or interviews.
Secure admission and submit all academic documents.
Top MA Colleges in India
Here are some of the most reputed institutions in India that offer MA programs across various specializations:
University of Delhi, located in New Delhi, is one of the top public universities known for its strong faculty and a wide range of MA specializations.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a prestigious central university offering MA courses in languages, social sciences, and humanities.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), based in New Delhi, is highly regarded for its MA programs in Political Science, International Relations, and Area Studies.
St. Xavier’s College, with campuses in both Mumbai and Kolkata, offers quality postgraduate education in arts subjects with a strong academic environment.
Loyola College, located in Chennai, is known for its vibrant arts department and holistic academic approach to MA programs.
Presidency College, also in Chennai, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in humanities and social sciences.
Jamia Millia Islamia, situated in New Delhi, is a central university offering MA programs across a diverse range of disciplines.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, is renowned for its specialized MA programs in Social Work, Development Studies, and Human Resources.
Madras Christian College, based in Chennai, provides a strong liberal arts education and offers MA courses with a focus on both academics and extracurricular development.
St. Stephen’s College, part of Delhi University, is one of India’s most selective and respected colleges for humanities and liberal arts.
Read More: Visit our detailed guide on the MA Course
Fee Structure
The fee for an MA program varies depending on the type of institution. Government colleges usually offer the course at a much more affordable rate, with the total fee ranging between ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 for the entire two-year program. On the other hand, private colleges may charge anywhere between ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs.
It’s also important to note that the cost of the course can vary by subject. MA programs in theoretical subjects such as English or Hindi are generally less expensive, whereas practical or field-based subjects like Geography or Psychology may involve higher fees due to lab work, field visits, or technical requirements.
MA Syllabus Overview
The syllabus depends on the chosen specialization. Here’s a subject-wise glimpse:
MA in English
Literary Theory and Criticism
British & American Literature
Indian English Literature
Poetry, Drama, and Fiction Studies
Research Methodology
MA in Hindi
History of Hindi Literature
Medieval & Modern Poetry
Hindi Prose & Drama
Language & Translation Studies
Media and Hindi Literature
MA in History
Indian History (Ancient to Modern)
World Civilizations
Cultural and Social Histories
Indian National Movement
Historiography
MA in Geography
Geomorphology, Climatology
Economic & Social Geography
Cartography, GIS, Remote Sensing
Population & Urban Planning
Regional Development
Each semester includes electives, project work, and dissertations for deeper research.
Career Opportunities After MA
An MA degree can open up rewarding careers in multiple domains:
Academia: Assistant Professor, Tutor, Researcher
Writing & Media: Content Writer, Author, Journalist, Copy Editor
Social Sector: Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor
Language Services: Translator, Interpreter, Language Trainer
Civil Services: UPSC aspirants often pursue MA to gain subject expertise
Average Salary of MA Graduates
After completing an MA degree, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths across education, writing, psychology, and social development. Here is a breakdown of average salary ranges for some common job roles:
Teacher: The average salary for an MA graduate working as a teacher ranges from ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakhs per annum.
Content Writer: Those opting for content creation and writing roles can expect an average salary between ₹5 to ₹6 lakhs per annum.
Psychologist: This role generally offers one of the highest salaries for MA graduates, ranging from ₹7 to ₹8 lakhs per annum.
Social Worker: MA graduates working in the social sector can earn between ₹6 to ₹6.5 lakhs per annum.
Language Expert: Professionals in this domain typically earn between ₹4 to ₹5 lakhs per annum, depending on their expertise and employer.
Top Recruiters of MA Graduates
Government & Private Colleges
NGOs and Social Welfare Organizations
Media Houses & Publishing Firms
Language Schools
EdTech Companies
Government Departments
E-commerce Platforms
Research Institutions
Conclusion
If you are passionate about a subject and want to gain in-depth knowledge, the MA degree is the right choice for you. It not only builds strong theoretical foundations but also develops analytical and communication skills needed in various professional fields. Whether you aim to enter teaching, research, media, or public service, an MA can be a solid stepping stone to success.
You can also pursue further studies like MPhil or Ph.D. to specialize further and enter the academic or research field.
FAQs about MA
Q1: What is the full form of MA? Ans: MA stands for Master of Arts.
Q2: What is the eligibility for MA? Ans: A Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized university.
Q3: Is there an entrance exam for MA? Ans: Yes, most reputed colleges require CUET PG or their own entrance exams.
Q4: Can I pursue a Ph.D. after MA? Ans: Yes. After MA, you can appear for UGC NET and pursue Ph.D. in your chosen subject.
Q5: Is an MA degree useful for a teaching career? Ans: Absolutely. An MA is a minimum qualification required for teaching in colleges, along with clearing NET or doing B.Ed for school teaching.