Literature Course: Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Shruti TiwariContent writer
A Literature course is an academic programme or class that focuses on the study of literature, which includes written works such as novels, poetry, plays, and other forms of literary expression. These courses are typically offered at various educational levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, PG diploma and doctorate levels. The specific content and emphasis of literature courses can vary based on the academic institution, the level of study, and the instructor's focus.
The three-year BA English Literature programme is a popular undergraduate degree programme that is renowned for providing students with a well-thought-out course curriculum that covers creative writing and the English language. Candidates for admission to the BA in English/Hindi Literature programme must have earned at least 50% marks in class 12. You can pursue an MA in Literature after completing your BA in literature.
Popular colleges for Literature courses are Calcutta University, Delhi University (DU), CSJM - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, University of Mumbai [MU], IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University, Mount Carmel College, Kristu Jayanti College, B.K. Birla College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras etc. These courses can be completed at different levels at fees ranging between INR 10000 to INR 3 lakh.
A literature candidate can pursue careers in various fields including publishing, education, journalism, content creation, and research, utilizing their strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills to roles like editor, teacher, journalist, copywriter, literary critic, or researcher etc, and the top recruiters are India Today Group, NDTV, DDB Mudra Group, Dentsu Aegis Network, Major News Publications, Content Creation Agencies, Educational Institutions, and some Multinational Corporations.
Graduates can work as copywriters, editors, and content writers, helping to create and improve written content for a variety of platforms after completing Literature courses. They might also go into technical writing, creating understandable documentation on difficult technical topics. Students can keep reading to learn more details about the English Literature course.
- Literature Course Highlights
- Why Pursue Literature Courses?
- Literature Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Literature Course Admission Process
- Literature Entrance Exams 2025
- Types of Literature Courses
- Literature Course Syllabus
- Top Colleges for Literature Courses
- 8.1 Popular Private Colleges Offering Literature Courses
- 8.2 Popular Government Colleges Offering Literature Courses
- Literature Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- 9.1 Job Profiles and Salaries After Literature Course
- Literature FAQs: 2024
Literature Course Highlights
As English/Hindi literature is an interdisciplinary field and develops a variety of talents, studying it can be attractive and advantageous to a wide range of people. Candidates can check the below table to learn the key highlights of the English Literature course. Click to learn English Courses.
| Particulars |
Statistics |
|---|---|
| Course Name |
English/Hindi Literature |
| Literature Courses Level |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Doctorate |
| Literature Courses Duration |
3 years (UG) and 2 years (PG) |
| Literature Courses Examination Type |
Semester-wise or yearly |
| Literature Courses Eligibility |
50% marks in 10+2 for UG and 50 % marks in graduation for PG |
| Literature Courses Admission Process |
Entrance based |
| Literature Courses Entrance Exams |
|
| Literature Courses Popular Colleges |
Banaras Hindu University, Gargi College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Amity University, Delhi University, etc. |
| Literature Courses Job Profiles |
Teacher, Content Writer, Reader, Journalist, Blogger, and so on. |
| Literature Courses Top Recruiters |
Tata Communications Ltd, India Today Group, Genpact, UnitedHealth Group, Cognizant, American Express Co, etc. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Quick Links Related to the Literature Course:
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Why Pursue Literature Courses?
Here are a few important reasons why a person should opt for Literature courses.
- Learning literature can typically enhance your critical thinking, analytical skills, communication abilities, and understanding of human experiences.
- Literature makes you learn a lot about your culture and beliefs.
- Literature course teaches you a lot about diverse stories and allows you to better interpret the world around you.
- It helps you develop empathy, and gain valuable skills applicable across many career fields.
- Students can pursue further studies like MA or PhD.
- By studying literary works, you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and writing abilities, enabling you to express yourself effectively in both written and oral communication.
- Literature course helps candidates to facilitate ideas of the cultural values, attitudes and ideas of culture and society.
- This course can be a good optimal subject for your government jobs(like UPSC).
- It explores our history and our present; it imagines our future and gives you an idea of new ways of thinking and living.
Literature Courses Eligibility Criteria
The content and structure of English literature courses differ according to the programme given by the university or institution and the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.). Here is a more thorough explanation of English literature courses and their eligibility at various levels:
| Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate |
Students who have passed 10+2 with 50 % marks from a recognised board. |
| Postgraduate |
Graduation in a related field from a recognised university with a minimum of 45% marks in bachelor’s degree. |
| Post Graduate Diploma |
Students who have completed graduation can pursue this one-year post-graduate diploma course. |
| Certificate Courses |
The graduate students can also go for one-year certificate courses. |
| Doctorate |
Candidates are usually required to have a master's degree in English Literature or a closely related field. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Q: Is there any age limit to pursue Literature courses?
No, there is no age limit to pursue Literature course. You can apply for these courses at any age. Some colleges can have a minimum age limit which most people would satisfy if they have completed schoolings at the right age. Neither colleges nor entrance exam conducting bodies have any age limit criteria. Some colleges, especially some private colleges may have maximum age limit. So, please check the eligibility criteria for before proceeding with the application process for the course.
Literature Course Admission Process
The admission process for literature courses varies depending on the course, level and institution, but here are the general steps to follow:
BA English Literature/Hindi:
Admission can be based on merit, but some colleges may also consider entrance exams. Popular entrance exams for BA English Literature include CUET, IPU CET, and PUBDET.
MA in English/Hindi:
To be eligible for an MA in English, you typically need to have a bachelor's degree in Arts with English as a major or optional subject. You should also have a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate, Admission can be based on merit on entrance, some entrance exams for MA English are CUET PG, AP PGCET etc.
Post-graduate diploma:
Students who have completed graduation can pursue a one-year post-graduate diploma course in literature.
Research and Apply:
Check and find the correct information about the curriculum and the fees of the institutions that you are targeting and when you find it right, fill out the application forms and wait the the admit card for exams.
Entrance Exams and Merit List:
Prepare well and take the entrance exam, and once you clear the cutoff, you can proceed to the next step.
Admission Process:
Candidates must attend a counselling session at the university to book their seats, submit documents, and pay fees.
Literature Entrance Exams 2025
Each institution has its own admissions process for degree courses. Some colleges base their cut-off list only on the percentage of students who passed the 10+2 board exam. However, certain universities administer national admission exams.
The following is a list of entrance exams for Literature courses:
| Literature Entrance Exams |
Literature Entrance Exam Dates |
Literature Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Common University Entrance Test (CUET) |
May/June 2025 |
|
| Common University Entrance Exam- Postgraduate(CUET PG) |
Mar '25 (Tentative) |
|
| University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test(UGC NET) |
Dec '24 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Relevant Links Related to History Courses:
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
21 Feb ' 25 | SAT Registration Deadline for March Test |
25 Feb ' 25 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
Feb '25 - Apr '25 | CUET 2025 Application Process TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction TENTATIVE |
21 Sep ' 24 | Second Phase of Counselling Begins |
20 Sep ' 24 | Reporting to Respective Colleges |
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Application Process (Phase 1) |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Exam Dates |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Course-Wise Answer Keys |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Phase II Application |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Document Submission for Admission |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 First Merit List |
Q: What is CUET UG exam?
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is an entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduation programs offered by various central, state, private and deemed universities. Candidates willing to take admission to undergraduation programme in streams like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law and Management must appear for the CUET UG exam when conducted.
The entrance examination assesses candidates at various levels: Language, domain knowledge and general aptitude. CUET UG is conducted annually in computer based mode. CUET UG scores are accepted by more than 300 universities across India.
Q: How to prepare for CUET exam?
Identify all the topics that you need to focus on. Make a strategic plan to cover those topics. Revise the topics that you find more difficult. Go through the mock tests. Go through the previous year's question, and find out the important topics. Try to understand the pattern of the paper.
Q: What is the CUET exam duration for each subject?
As per the CUET exam pattern, the subjects are divided into three sections as:
Section I- Languages
Section II- Domain Subject
Section III- General Test
Candidates will get 60 minutes for each subject. Students now have the flexibility to choose any CUET UG subject irrespective of subjects studied in class 12th
Q: What are the required documents to fill CUET application form?
To fill the CUET application form, candidates must ensure to keep the following documents/information ready in the prescribed size and format:
| Documents | Required Format | Required Size |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Photograph |
| Between 10 kb to 200 kb (clearly legible). |
| Scanned Signature | JPG/JPEG format | Between 4 kb to 30 kb (clearly legible) |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS etc.) | Between 50kb to 300 kb | |
| Scanned copy of the PwBD certificate | Between 50kb to 300 kb |
Types of Literature Courses
Various Literature Courses can be pursued by students in India. These courses can be classified into two major categories: Indian Literature courses and Foreign Literature Courses. Indian Literature courses are those courses that involve the learning of languages native to India whereas Foreign Literature courses involve the study of languages that have originated outside India. In India Literature courses are offered as a specialisation in Arts courses. Therefore, one can pursue Diploma, BA, MA, PG Diploma, PhD and Certificate courses with the language of their preference as a specialisation.
Given below are the various types of Literature Courses that can be pursued in India:
| Types of Literature Courses | |
|---|---|
| Assamese Literature | Persian Literature |
| Bengali Literature | Pushto Literature |
| Gujarati Literature | Arabic Literature |
| Kannada Literature | Japanese Literature |
| Malayalam Literature | Korean Literature |
| Marathi Literature | Chinese Literature |
| Manipuri Literature | French Literature |
| Odiya Literature | German Literature |
| Sindhi Literature | Russian Literature |
| Tamil Literature | Spanish Literature |
| Telugu Literature | Russian Literature |
| Turkish Literature Literature | Portuguese Literature |
| Italian Literature | Hebrew Literature |
Popular Courses
- Discontinued(May-2022)-B.A. (Journalism, Political Science and English Literature)Kristu Jayanti College
- B.A. in Journalism and English LiteratureKristu Jayanti College
- B.A. (Mass Communication, English Literature, Social Management)St. Francis College for Women
- Discontinued (Aug 2024)- M.A. in English Language and LiteratureCalcutta University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)CSJM - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)Shyam Lal College, University of Delhi
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)Institute of Distance and Open Learning, University of Mumbai
- B.A. in (Psychology, English Literature, Philosophy)Nizam College
- Discontinued (Oct 2023)- B.A. in (Economics, Hindi Literature, Political Science)University Maharani College, University of Rajasthan
- Discontinued (Oct 2023)- B.A. in (Hindi Literature, Home Science, Political Science)University Maharani College, University of Rajasthan
Q: What is it like to study English Literature?
English Literature is course in which students get the opportunity to read the writings of renowned writers in their course curriculum. Though the individual experience of each student of English Literature course may vary, given below are some facets of English Literature that many students have experienced while pursuing the course:
- The course is a time travelling machine: It takes a student to different eras, countries and cultures while offering a wider perspective.
- It covers a wide range of themes covering all walks of life.
- Students can relate with themselves and their life scenarios even with fictional writings.
- The world-class literary writings improve one’s creativity and story-telling skills.
- When the student reads about writings set up in different cultural contexts it increases one’s emotional capabilities such as tolerance and acceptance
- It challenges one’s cognitive biases by exposing to unfamiliar theories of Literature.
Q: What is Korean Literature?
Korean Literature is a collection of Literary works written in Korean language or in classical Chinese. The main themes covered in early Korean Literature were indivudual freedom and the difference of opinion between the younger and older generation. Sin Saimdang, Kim Bu-sik, Ko Un, Uhwudong and Na Hye-sok are some of the famous Korean writers. Yi Gwangsu is considered as the father of Korean Literature. Some of the major forms of Korean Literature are Hyangga, Goryeo songs, Sijo and Gasa.
Q: What are the different types of courses in Literature?
Students can study Literature courses at varied levels like undergraduate, postgraduate, Diploma and certification. You can also pursue online courses of Literature. They can see the below table to get more information about the courses.
Level of Course | Name of the Course | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | BA in English Literature BA (Hons) in English Literature | 3 Years
|
Postgraduate | MA in English Literature MPhil in English Literature | 1-2 Years |
Doctorate | PhD in English Literature | 3-5 Years |
Certificate/Diploma | Certificate in Literary Studies Diploma in Creative Writing | 6 months to 1 Year |
Online Short Courses | Introduction to World Literature Poetry Writing Workshop | Varies (from a few hours to several months) |
Literature Course Syllabus
A literature course can teach you much more than just how to read and analyse texts. Critical thinking, communication abilities, cultural awareness, and a broader comprehension of human experiences are all enhanced by literature study. Some important subjects taught in literature courses are:
| Semester-1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Literature | English Composition I | Survey of World Literature I |
| Semester-2 | ||
| Introduction to Poetry | Introduction to Prose | English Composition II |
| Semester-3 | ||
| Medieval and Renaissance Literature | Survey of World Literature II | Drama and Performance |
| Semester-4 | ||
| American Literature | Literary Theory and Criticism | Creative Writing |
| Semester-5 | ||
| Victorian and Romantic Literature | Modern and Contemporary Literature | Research Methods in Literature |
| Semester-6 | ||
| Comparative Literature | Postcolonial Literature | Elective Course |
| Semester-7 | ||
| Capstone Seminar in Literature | Literature and Society | Capstone Project |
| Semester-8 | ||
| Elective Course | Literature and Film | Senior Seminar in Literature |
Top Colleges for Literature Courses
English Literature courses can be pursued by both the government and private colleges. Students can choose from any college as per their suitability. Every year, students compete for seats in the top institutions offering various courses in English. Some of these top colleges include government and private institutions. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.
Popular Private Colleges Offering Literature Courses
Some of the top private colleges offering Literature courses are:
| Name of College |
Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| INR 2.4 lakh |
|
| INR 16700 |
|
| INR 3 lakh |
|
| INR 60000 |
|
| INR 1.6 lakh |
|
| INR 3.4 lakh |
|
| INR 1.9 lakh |
|
| INR 1.4 lakh |
|
| INR 1.9 lakh |
|
| INR 9.5 lakh |
Popular Government Colleges Offering Literature Courses
The names of government colleges offering Literature courses are:
| Name of College |
Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| INR 2400 |
|
| INR 11000 |
|
| INR 21000 |
|
| INR 1800 |
|
| INR 3000 |
|
| INR 6700 |
|
| INR 9600 |
|
| INR 10500 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: Which colleges offer Literature courses with low fees?
There are many colleges that offer Literature courses with an affordable fee structure. Some of them are as follows:
Literature Courses Colleges | Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
National Sanskrit University | 350 |
Ganesh Dutt College, Lalit Narayan Mithila University | 396 |
Shyam Lal College, University of Delhi | 540 |
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University | 1 K |
Vellalar College For Women | 1.63 K - 2.1 K |
Jadavpur University | 1.8 K |
Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University | 2 K |
The American College | 2.14 K |
Calcutta University | 2.4 K |
Visva Bharati University | 2.4 K |
Central University of Gujarat | 2.4 K |
Central University of Jammu | 2.5 K - 4.5 K |
Q: Which colleges offer good placements for Literature courses students?
There are some colleges that offer good plaement opportunities to the students of Literature courses. Some of these are as follows:
Literature Courses Colleges | Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
Delhi University (DU) | 15.5 LPA |
University of Mumbai [MU] | 15 LPA |
Manipal Center for European Studies, MAHE | 11.68 LPA |
Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru | 11.68 LPA |
Jadavpur University | 8 - 10 LPA |
NIT Trichy - National Institute of Technology | 9.24 LPA |
Calcutta University | 9.2 LPA |
Jamia Millia Islamia | 8.66 LPA |
Pocker Sahib Memorial Orphanage College | 7.8 LPA |
Amrita School of Arts, Humanities and Commerce Kochi | 4.7 - 7.35 LPA |
Kristu Jayanti College | 6.41 - 7.13 LPA |
University of Hyderabad | 6.75 LPA |
Popular Private Literature Colleges in India
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Literature Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
A literature course can give you a solid foundation in communication techniques, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Although it might not result in a particular professional route like certain specialised degrees, it does open up a variety of chances in a variety of areas.
Job Profiles and Salaries After Literature Course
Having a degree in literature can lead to many different career paths since it gives graduates the ability to think critically, reason analytically, communicate well, conduct research, and appreciate different cultures. The following are some possible career choices for somebody with a background in literature:
| Job Profiles |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Teacher |
4.5 LPA |
| Consultant |
4.3 LPA |
| Content Writer |
5.6 LPA |
| Translator |
3.7 LPA |
| Human Resources |
5.3 LPA |
| Management |
6.1 LPA |
| Publisher |
5.6 LPA |
| Journalism |
6.1 LPA |
Relevant Links Related to Literature Course:
Literature FAQs: 2024
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Literature:
Q: What is the admission procedure for Literature courses?
Students who want to study Literature course need to follow the below steps:
- Choose University/College: The first step is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses and programmes in English Literature. The aspirant will have to check the fees, the seats offered eligibility criteria which is set for the course.
- Apply for Course: Once the candidate has found the university offering a course in Linguistics, proceed to apply for admission. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.
- Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission on the basis of merit. For postgraduate courses, you will have to appear for an entrance exam.
- Results: On getting qualified and selected you will make it to the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission. For postgraduate courses, entrance exams are conducted.
- Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission
Popular Literature UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.A.
131 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
88 Colleges
- UG Diploma
26 Colleges
- B.Lit.
11 Colleges
- B.Sc.
1 College
Popular Literature PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.A.
228 Colleges
- PG Diploma
14 Colleges
Popular Literature Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
100 Colleges
- Hindi
17 Colleges
- Public Administration
5 Colleges
- Home Science
4 Colleges
- Mathematics
4 Colleges
- Sales & Marketing
3 Colleges
- Environmental Sciences
2 Colleges
- Statistics
2 Colleges
- Acting
1 College
- Advertising
1 College
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
If you wish to pursue through regular campus than u must apply for CUET (PG) conducted by NTA every year in the month of March but application starts beforehand. Most of the institution induct candidates through CUET (PG) and u also have other options like many universities (e.g. Allahabad Universit
D
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 weeks ago
Mount Carmel College one of the best faculty in Psychology department all over Bangalore. The quality of teaching is really awesome and all the teachers are very helpful and supportive by giving their best to each and every student. The dual discipline BA program prepares you for the exciting world
Guide-Level 13
Answered a month ago
The capacity for online B.A. English Literature programs at BIHER is not publicly specified, but online courses typically accommodate more students than traditional ones due to their flexible nature. Enrollment may depend on demand and infrastructure scalability.
U
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Hi, Indian English Literature refers to literary works written in the English language by Indian authors. This genre emerged during British colonial rule and continues to flourish today, reflecting India's diverse cultures, histories, and social issues. Notable themes include colonialism, independen
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
For online Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), you need to first check for the admission standards but usually it enlists a minimum of 55% in your 10+2 education. Second, go to the BIHER official website applying for an online form fo
K
Contributor-Level 9
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I want to do MA in Literature & need some guidance throughout the process. I completed my graduation from D.U. Can you guide me?