B.A. English Honours is a 3- year undergraduate course, minimum eligibility for which is a 10+2 or intermediate qualification. Successful pursuance of the course prepares candidates for careers in fields such as teaching, media, advertising, writing, and publishing, for further graduate or professional studies in English, communications, or law; and for other fields requiring competent communication skills.

Top Institutes offering B.A. (Hons) English are:

• Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Presidency College, Kolkata
• Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi

The average tuition fee charged in India for the course ranges between INR 8,000 and 1.3 Lacs for three years.Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s obtained merit at the 10+2 level, and in some cases, performance in a relevant entrance tests for universities such as the University of Delhi.

Successful graduates of the course are hired for roles such as Teacher, Policy Analyst, Writer, Editor, Publisher, Researcher, Communicator, Public Relations Officer, Speech Writer, Travel Writer, Blogger, Reviewer, Postsecondary English Teacher, Arts Administrator, Content Developer/ Manager etc.

Major hiring industries include Media and Journalism, Publishing, Teaching and Research, Advertising & Marketing, HR/ Administration in both public and private sectors, Hospitality, Technical Writing, Content Development.The average salary offered in India to such graduates ranges between INR 2 and 10 Lacs, depending upon the candidate’s experience and skillset.

B.A. English Honours: Course Highlights

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.

B.A. English Honours: What is it About?

The program aims to introduce a wide variety of literature in the English language. Primarily, the program aims to offer eligible students the opportunity to read and respond to a massive spectrum of novels, plays, and poetry across different genres. Also, students are exposed to wider socio-cultural and political issues in relation to contemporary English literature.

The course consists of components of study such as literary analyses, cultural diversity in literature, critical thinking, and written and oral communication skills through a rigorous curriculum of literature, composition, language and linguistics, and communication studies.

B.A. English Honours: Course Objectives

The course essentially aims to:

• help strengthen the students’ linguistic capabilities through both theoretical lessons and practical sessions.
• Introduce enrolled students to the political, social, cultural, economic, and intellectual backgrounds of the various periods in literary history.
• Help candidates specialize in their chosen area by means of the electives included in the curriculum.
• Offer a deep insight into the world of literature and enable students to critically appreciate major literary works of the world.

B.A. English Honours: Top Institutes 

Listed below are some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by each.

B.A. English Honours: Eligibility 

As a minimum criterion of eligibility, candidates aspiring for admission to the course need to have:

• completed the 10+2 level of education or attained equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board.
• attained a minimum aggregate score of 50% at the 10+2 level, with English as one of the main subjects (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).

B.A. English Honours: Admission Process

Most institutes and universities offering the course in India follow a merit-based admission process. However, in cases of some institutes, admission to the course is made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in a relevant written test and/or a round of Personal Interview and/or performance in a relevant qualifying examination. Candidates in such cases are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant national, State, or university-level entrance test.

Some such universities that offer admission to the course via entrance tests are:

• University of Delhi
• Jamia Milia Islamia University
• Banaras Hindu University
• English and Foreign Language University.

B.A. English Honours: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.

B.A. English Honours: Career Prospects

Successful graduates of the discipline of English Literature are lucratively hired in industries such as the following:

• Media and Journalism
• Publishing industry
• Teaching & research
• Advertising & Marketing
• HR/ Administration jobs in public and private sector
• Hospitality industry
• Translators
• Technical Writers
• Content Developers
• Civil Services

Such graduates can find a variety of career opportunities in fields where critical thinking and communication skills are highly valued. Employers appreciate the ability of such graduates to research effectively, analyze rigorously, and communicate with style.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to such graduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.