Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Arts is a two-year postgraduate degree. It lets candidates specialise in specific areas of Humanities. Some of the specializations included here are Philosophy, Political Science, Art, Economics, and Native or Foreign Languages such as English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Odia, Arabic, etc. These higher studies foster overall development with seminars, discussions, academic research, and writings going into the course respectively. Using a robust structure, the MA syllabus, and the subjects, an MA graduate can pursue several career options such as Social Work, Teaching, Journalism, Project Leadership, Art, Politics, Content Writing, Administrative Officer, Research Associate, Lawyer, Manager, Digital Marketer, Data Scientist, and Insurance Executive.

According to the MA syllabus, candidates are taught core Master of Arts subjects in the first year and elective courses in the second year.  However, the syllabus for MA courses will differ significantly depending on the specialisation and course chosen. Candidates who wish to apply for an MA should know the process of MA admissions. The candidate is considered eligible if they have a BA degree with a minimum of 50% in any field. 

MA course admissions depend on entrance exams or merit. While some universities consider entrance exam results, others accept students based solely on their class 12 results. The course fees an MA candidate has to bear every semester range between INR 10,000 and INR 80,000 per semester. The course fees depend on the institution and subjects candidates choose.

After receiving the Master of Arts degree, candidates are free to pursue jobs in their respective subjects and fields of study. They can earn an MA salary in the range of INR 3 to 15 LPA. However, if they choose to pursue higher education, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the related field is the best choice.

Also Read: MBA after MA

MA exam admissions to 190 (Central, State, Private, Deemed, Others) participating institutions in the nation are based on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). For the latest updates about the entrance exam, candidates should check out the CUET PG 2025 exam.

Following are the major highlights of the Master of Arts (MA) degree programme: 

Also Read: Part Time Language Courses at DU

There are several reasons why it would be beneficial for aspirants to study MA courses in India across a range of disciplines and fields of study. From a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the respective fields to rising employment opportunities across different disciplines, industries and sectors. Here are some reasons why you should study Master of Arts courses:

• Greater Expertise: MA courses open up opportunities for those looking to specialise in a specific subject area. Specialists in every discipline and subject area are considered with high regard since they possess the ability to reduce costs and improve results.
• Brighter Career Prospects: Candidates with enhanced knowledge, skills, and understanding of different fields will generally see better career prospects. Not only that, but the MA degrees also let one opt for a teaching career in all types of educational institutions.
• Pathway to PhD: Students seeking the PhD must apply for either the Master of Arts or other postgraduate degree programmes in order to be eligible for the PhD pathway. With a doctorate, students will be able to apply for better-paying jobs and seek out better career opportunities as well.
• Increasing Job Opportunities: Over the years, a variety of different companies and organisations across different sectors and industries have displayed an increased demand for postgraduate degree holders, including MA degree holders.
• Variety in Courses: As mentioned several times previously, aspirants will be able to choose from a range of different disciplines and fields of study like Psychology, Economics, Commerce, Language and Linguistics, Social Studies, and much more.

As stated above, many universities may employ entrance-based admissions to enrol the best students for their MA courses. To enrol in some of the more prestigious institutions, students will have to clear a standardised entrance exam for the two-year postgraduate courses and clear all the remaining steps in the admission process. Listed here are some of the popular MA entrance exams in India. Candidates should kickstart their preparations with the MA entrance exam syllabus. 

MA Entrance Exams Preparation 

The MA courses require students to be competent in the subject they have selected. To make learning easier, the syllabus can be divided into separate modules. For the purpose of preparing for entrance exams, literary theory and criticism on the relevant subjects are equally important. It is necessary for students to practise answering factual questions. For a better understanding, they may look over past exams and sample papers for the important entrance exams.

Also Read:  DU PG Admission 2024 

How to Prepare for CUET 2024 for Admissions to MA?

The conducting body of the CUET PG, the National Testing Agency, usually releases a syllabus for the Common University Entrance Test Post Graduate Programs. Candidates will, therefore, understand important topics of each section and subject with a view of the CUET syllabus. The CUET 2024 Syllabus consists of three parts: languages, domain subjects, and a general test.

In the first section, the CUET will check the candidate's language proficiency in reading comprehension, literary ability, and vocabulary. The domain subject section evaluates the candidate for subject expertise pertaining to the course he or she seeks admission to. The third component is the General Test, which evaluates a candidate's general knowledge, awareness of current events, and capacity with respect to logical and analytical thinking.

Admission procedures to the MA course vary from college to college. Some institutes take entrance examinations for admission, while other institutes admit students on a merit basis. But to get admission to the MA course, the candidate must meet the eligibility criteria.

MA Course Eligibility Criteria

MA eligibility criteria will be determined by the type of MA course selected by the student as well as the institution offering the course, among other factors. However, much like various other postgraduate courses, there are general requirements that each MA aspirant should satisfy, some of which have been outlined below:

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, preferably in the Arts, with a minimum duration of three or four years, or its equivalent (10+2+3 or 10+2+4). The degree must come from an institution approved by India's University Grants Commission, or UGC
• A minimum of 55% overall in order to graduate
• For those pursuing a four-year degree programme, passing marks in every topic from the first to the sixth semester are required, while candidates pursuing a three-year programme must pass all papers covering topics from the first to the fourth semester

Apart from these MA eligibility criteria, universities and colleges offering the two-year postgraduate courses of choice may define additional requirements or specify the minimum requirements to qualify for enrolment. Therefore, all applicants are advised to thoroughly read through the admission guidelines before applying to any university.

MA Admission 2024

The following steps are being taken for the MA admission process.

Steps to Apply for MA Course Admission 2024

The admission process for MA courses is based on either merit or entrance examination. Accordingly, the MA application process also differs. Nevertheless, students can apply online to their selected MA colleges. Applicants have to log on to the official website of their respective universities to fill up an online application form for applying to MA courses.

For Entrance-Based MA Admission

The procedures to apply for MA courses are detailed below:

Step 1: Just find the MA entrance form requirements along with deadlines provided by different colleges and universities.

Step 2: Register for the assessment exams for entrance to the MA colleges and universities of choice.

Step 3: Once approved, save the application process for future reference. Also, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website for admission and other important notifications.

Step 4: Upon successfully passing the MA admission test, applicants fill out an application form for their intended university where their previous educational information, examination result details, and entrance test results are mentioned.

Step 5: Applicants who satisfy all the criteria determined by the university are eligible to participate in the counselling, if any, conducted for finalizing the admissions.

Step 6: Last but not least, after the counselling session, the candidates must pay the entrance, comprising course fee to this university, for enrollment to MA.

For Merit-Based MA Admission

The candidates aspiring to get admitted to MA of this university can apply through the following process:

Step 1: Online MA Admission Application Form.

Step 2: Deposit the registration fee and any other fees, as mentioned therein, only if you are selected on purely merit-based criteria.

Step 3: Only shortlisted applicants shall be called for the subsequent rounds of the selection process, including individual interviews or counselling.

Step 4: On selection, the candidate will be required to deposit the requisite documents and the fees to be notified for confirming admission to the MA course.

Desired Skills For MA Course

Students at the undergrad level must have a few skills that would place them amongst the best in the field, similar to other professional and postgraduate courses offered all over the country. These skills not only improve a graduate's employability but also help candidates understand the respective fields much better. The following are some required skill sets for MA courses that students should have.

• Excellent communication skills
• Time management skills
• Critical and analytical thinking skills
• Good people management skills
• Technical skills in the respective fields
• Problem-solving skills
• Presentation skills

While students can learn these skills while studying for their desired MA courses in India, it is preferable to learn them before enrolling in the programme. These abilities are required for a lucrative career path and advancement up the career ladder.

Many universities, including some of the most prestigious and reputable in the country, only accept student applications based on merit.

• Candidates must provide proof of academic merit by submitting all of their academic records, including degree completion certificates, final examination results, and other documents.
• One must also submit proof of academic distinctions awarded during their undergraduate study or before. This will enhance your chances of selection.
• Candidates will be asked for Statements of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation based on the documents needed, as listed by the institution.

Steps and processes can also be added or eliminated whenever considered necessary by the universities in their admission process. Hence, the admission policy and guidelines are to be read thoroughly and understood clearly before the candidate submits his or her application form this year.

MA course fees for various colleges range from INR 10,000 - INR 80,000 annually. The Master of Arts course fee will vary depending on a variety of factors, the most important of which is the specialisation chosen for the MA degree. Each university will have its own fee structure for various courses, and many of them will differ depending on the popularity of the course at the institution. 

However, there is a minor difference in MA course fees between government and private institutions in India, as shown in the table below.

In addition to the courses and specialisations offered with the MA degrees, applicants will have several types of Master of Arts course options to select from in terms of the instructional strategies used. Here are a few of the most well-liked MA course options chosen by students throughout India:

Full-time MA Courses

The most popular course option among applicants, MA full-time courses need students to physically attend lectures in the classroom as well as other academic events hosted by the university awarding the degree.

Part-time MA Courses    

These courses are popular among those who want to pursue higher education in addition to their jobs or other responsibilities. Basically, these courses want the students to attend certain classes at certain times of the day or night.        

MA in Distance Learning

Distance learning is a popular option for aspirants to study their desired MA courses, more so than part-time courses. Since this mode requires students to attempt online classes outside of working hours, they are typically taken up by students who wish to study and work at the same time.

Integrated MA Course 

Following the completion of their 10+2 (high school diploma), students can pursue integrated MA courses. The duration of the integrated MA programme is five years. In India, a number of universities, including TISS and University of Madras, provide integrated MA courses. The combined MA degree combinations are as follows:

• BA+MA
• MA+ B Ed

There are several types of Master of Arts courses available in a number of different universities in India, including courses via distance learning. Hence, the candidates are requested to do proper research on the best institutes and courses available before sending in their application forms.

As mentioned above, there are several types of MA specialisations and courses available in India for interested candidates. To begin their Master of Arts programme, a candidate must first select and validate the course or specialisation they want to take. Only then can they begin their master's degree.

Top MA specialisations available to students are listed below:

MA Economics

MA in Economics is designed to provide extensive knowledge of different economic topics like macro and microeconomics, finance and accounting, and much more.

MA English

Covering a range of English language topics, including its history, development, literary pieces of work and much more, an MA in English is one of the more popular options among students.

MA Literature

MA in Literature is often paired with a language such as Hindi, French, Spanish, etc., wherein different literary works of art are evaluated, deconstructed and studied in detail.

MA History

As the name suggests, an MA in History covers a range of topics, events and recorded moments in History that students must study in detail. The topics are not restricted to Indian history or popular moments but cover a range of different timelines, cultures, etc.

MA Political Science

The two-year course imparts specialised knowledge of Indian and international politics. Interested students will be able to pursue a career in politics, governance and international policy using the degree.

MA Psychology

Among the popular course options, MA in Psychology trains and qualifies students in the science of evaluating and treating different mental illnesses and challenges that people face.

MA in Philosophy

Covering a range of topics between classical and modern philosophy, an MA in Philosophy deals with the study of the nature of knowledge and reality, among many other complex theories.

MA in Languages

Similar to English, MA courses in different languages are often a common option taken by those who wish to either teach the language or work in an environment where language proficiency is key.

Note: It should be noted that the courses mentioned above are just a few of the many courses that students can choose from to earn an MA degree. Therefore, candidates are advised to first confirm the field of study in which they wish to build a career, before selecting a specialisation.

Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India 

Among the popular degree options available in India, the differences and similarities between MA courses and MSc courses are often discussed, for the question “Which is better: MA vs. MSc?”. To answer this question, we have detailed some of the major differences in the table below to help you determine which of the two is a better option for you.

MA Syllabus and MA subject list vary depending on specialisation and course. Most MA course syllabuses, on the other hand, include classroom instruction, lectures, group discussions, field trips, and a required dissertation submission. Humanities, Languages, and many other specialisations are available in MA courses. This MA course is one of the popular courses opted after completion of the bachelor's degree. It imparts theoretical courses related to the fields of psychology, sociology, management, and politics.

You could go through the syllabus of the desired courses, which comes in handy in selecting the right course. You would however need to check the syllabus of the individual MA course in India since it is a degree. Following are a few of the subjects and topics covered under the various courses of the Master of Arts in India.

The subjects and topics covered above are just for reference purposes only and candidates should thoroughly read through the individual syllabus and curriculum of each course at each university to understand what you will be studying for your MA courses in India.

The top NIRF-ranked MA colleges in India are listed below. 

Candidates can also look at Top Colleges in Delhi University (DU) Based on NIRF Ranking 2024 here!

Popular private colleges that offer MA courses include:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change. 

A number of government colleges also offer MA courses. Students who are interested in learning about the top government colleges and their fees structures should continue reading. Students can shortlist their preferred institutes based on their qualifications and then prepare for the entrance exams to gain admission.

Popular government colleges that offer MA courses include:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Government schemes and private institutions/organizations offer a variety of scholarships to students interested in pursuing an MA course. The following is a list of a few scholarships available to MA students:

• NSP Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities 
• Sterling and Wilson Solar Scholarship
• Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students 
• Post-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities 
• NEC Merit Scholarship 
• Post-Matric UP Scholarship 
• Post-Matric Scholarships for the Students of Minority Communities
• Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
• Symbiosis International Scholarships in India
• Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities (Karnataka)

Master of Arts courses in India, which cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines, can lead to extremely lucrative job opportunities for candidates who have prepared for them. Specialists are in high demand across industries and sectors, particularly in finance, political science, psychology, and education. Students enrolled in an MA course in India have numerous job, career, and academic opportunities. The following jobs, career opportunities, and recruiters are known to hire MA degree holders in India. MA candidates have numerous opportunities in industries such as railways, banking, insurance, education, hospitality, research and education, and government. The best career options after MA for MA graduates include social work, journalism, artistry, teaching, politics, project management, content writing, administration, research, and more.

The average salary for an MA graduate in India ranges from INR 3 to 15 LPA. Since the education market is ever-filled and is on an increasing trend, the scope after MA Education is very much in demand. Because of this, the salary for MA Education roles goes up as well. Students who wish to increase their prospects of getting employed and seek professional growth may opt for further education.

MA Job Profiles 

Following the completion of an MA degree programme, candidates have two options: they can choose to work for a job or pursue an MPhil or PhD programme. Candidates should be aware, though, that depending on the field they studied, they may receive a job offer.

The following table gives candidates insights into MA job profiles salary and descriptions:

Also Read: Government Jobs after MA Course

Top MA Recruiters

One of the most significant benefits of the MA course is that it provides students with opportunities in a variety of fields. Graduates can find work in the media, publishing, universities, non-governmental organisations, banks, and even multinational corporations. Candidates' pay scales rise as they gain experience and time.

Companies that frequently hire MA graduates include:

MA Salary After Graduation

The expectations of the salary and package immediately after graduation will be heavily dependent on the discipline chosen and also on the kind of job role available. However, the current scenario is filled with innumerable opportunities for MA degree holders in India. Here is the breakup of the salary range that different MA course graduates can get in India based on their specialisation.

Note: The MA salary after graduation in India mentioned above should only be used as a guideline because actual salaries differ on the basis of many factors. These include the employer and the graduate's work experience. Furthermore, the above salaries provide insights into entry-level expectations and they can increase with experience in the future..

MA graduates can also check out the different job profiles that are available to them along with salary ranges:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

MA Scope After Graduation

Postgraduate Master of Arts courses in India have wide applications because it is through this degree that a student will be trained and qualified for various positions such as specialists, consultants, or even teachers/professors. However, the graduate can further his education. These include:

• PhD: The doctorate in Arts is the highest academic qualification that anyone can obtain in India, but it is also one of the most difficult to obtain. Regardless, the degree qualifies and places degree holders in a unique position to be highly regarded and demanded by academic institutions and others alike.
• Skill-oriented courses:  Those who want to broaden their knowledge and skill sets can pursue skill-oriented courses in areas like marketing or finance, where the candidates enhance career prospects along with knowledge. This would prepare them for a life replete with brilliant career opportunities that await them after graduation.

• Students can choose to pursue PhD studies in their relevant fields after completing their MA. While the requirements for admission to PhD programmes vary, there is no merit-based selection process, so candidates must pass an entrance exam to be considered for a PhD.
• Students can choose to start their professional careers by joining corporations and other organisations in addition to continuing their education. They could also get ready for different government exams and jobs.

PhD After MA 

PhD also known as Doctor of Philosophy degree is a 5-year course that deals with an in-depth and intrinsic study of research for any relevant subject. Aspirants are eligible to pursue a PhD course only if they have completed their master’s degree in a similar course/ field/ stream in which they want to pursue a PhD. Some colleges also specify that candidates need to have completed an MPhil to pursue a PhD course offered by them.

Also Read: PhD Admissions 2024

Apart from this, many colleges state that candidates meet the eligibility criteria for PhD programmes offered by them if they have cleared UGC NET. Candidates who want to pursue a PhD in Engineering need to possess a valid GATE score.

An online graduate degree is known as an online master's degree. Either an entirely online college with no in-person experience or a conventionally on-site university with particular online programmes can be used for this. An Online MA degree in India is becoming more and more common because of its comfort and flexibility. Video conferencing is used to deliver lessons for the online MA course. One can enrol in an online MA course while residing in a different city because there are no on-site classes. Furthermore, it allows prospective workers to grow professionally and gain more knowledge at their own pace while learning.

Students can look at the table below to learn about some demanding Online MA Courses