Master Of Arts

What is M.A. (Master of Arts)?

Master of Arts or MA is a postgraduate degree which can be pursued by students who have completed their bachelors (also known as, undergraduate degree). There are various specializations. There are various colleges and universities like colleges affiliated to Delhi University, Narsee Monjee College, Loyola College, Chandigarh University that offer MA in various specializations. The basic eligibility criteria to pursue MA is that the candidates must have graduated from a recognized institution/university and must have secured a valid percentage of marks (which may differ for each university or institution).

What is the Full Form of M.A?

The full form of M.A is Masters of Art. Only those candidates who have completed their graduation, they will be eligible to pursue M.A in the subject of their choice.

Some universities or institutions may also conduct an entrance exam to check if the candidate is eligible to get admission to the certain programme or not. To know more about the programme, like ways to pursue MA, specializations in master of arts, eligibility criteria in different colleges offering MA, benefits of pursuing master of arts, MA fees in different colleges that offer master of arts, syllabus of MA and frequently asked questions related to Master of Arts, continue reading the article.

Types of Master of Arts

Master of arts is a postgraduate degree offered to students who have completed graduation in any specialization from a recognized university and must have scored a valid percentage of marks. There are various specializations under master of arts and students can choose one to make a career out of it. If a student is interested in choosing a career that is based on a foreign language, such as, Spanish, then he/she can opt for bachelor of arts in Spanish. After graduating, to strengthen the base of the career, the student can pursue a master of arts in Spanish from a renowned university.

Quick Facts

• MA Admission 2023 eligibility requires a Graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized University.
• The average MA fees for the course ranges between INR 20,000 - 30,000.
• Some of the top colleges offering Master of Arts are Calcutta University, JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, etc.
• Apart from regular mode, Master of Arts can be pursued through Distance from colleges like IGNOU, Annamalai University, Osmania University, etc.
• There are several MA entrance exams such as DUET, PU CET, JNUEE, etc.
• After completion of MA, students can pursue PhD in their respective fields of specializations.
• The average salary post the completion of Master of Arts range between INR 3.5 - 5 LPA.

Master of Arts Syllabus 

M.A syllabus is an academically oriented syllabus that includes theory and practical lessons, internships, research projects, and assignments. The syllabus and the course curriculum are different for every specialization. The core subjects that are taught in the first year of the curriculum.

See Also: MA Syllabus

There are different types of elective courses that students can choose in the second year. Some of the special disciplines for M.A course are - English, Bengali, History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Hindi, Philosophy, etc. Below mentioned tables will discuss separately the subjects and syllabus for various Master of Arts courses.

MA English Syllabus

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

MA Political Science Syllabus

The table given below will familiarise you with the latest MA Political Science Syllabus taught in most of the best MA colleges in India. 

MA Economics Syllabus 

Check out the detailed MA Economics Syllabus tabulated below along with various optional subjects. 

MA History Syllabus 

Check out the following table to get familiar with the latest MA History Syllabus taught in various Indian Colleges. Note: The final semester Syllabus emphasises history related to a particular state.

MA Sociology Syllabus 

The latest MA Sociology Syllabus in a semester wise breakdown is given below in the table chart:

MA Hindi Syllabus

The following tables give you details about the prescribed MA Hindi Syllabus by various popular and reputed colleges and universities. 

Master of Arts: Specializations

M.A courses have a variety of specializations which give the opportunity of exploring in-depth knowledge about that subject. MA or Master of Arts is a huge field of study, thus the lines of specializations are also huge and are subject to radical changes depending on the course and its core structure.

MA English 

MA English is a 2-years PG course that deals with the study of concepts and topics of grammar and literature. MA English Syllabus covers various English poetry, fictions, Indian verses, English Dramas and Research methodology for English Language and Literature. The top MA English colleges in India include Loyola College Chennai, Fergusson College Pune and Presidency University Kolkata. The average MA English Fees can be between INR 40,000 - 50,000 annually. There are plenty of MA English Jobs like Journalist, Teacher, Editor, Script Writer etc. with average annual salary between INR 3.5 - 4 LPA.

See: MA English Admission Process

MA History 

MA History covers a wide range of topics of Indian as well as Foreign History in the field of arts & humanities. MA History Syllabus imparts knowledge about Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern History of India in terms of social status, culture, events, etc. The best MA History colleges in India are Miranda House College Delhi, Hindu College New Delhi, Loyola College, Chennai, etc. The average MA History fees can range between INR 10,000 - INR 40,000 in private while INR 500 - INR 2,000 in MA History government colleges. MA History Jobs include historian, archivist, archaeologist, etc. with average earnings around INR 3.71 - 7.97 LPA.

MA Political Science 

MA Political Science or Master of Arts in Political Science is a 2-years PG course which offers specialised knowledge in the field of Indian and International Politics. MA Political Science Syllabus covers subjects or topics related to Political Theory, Political Sociology, International Relations along with several texts of philosophers. The best MA Political Science colleges in India include Hindu College New Delhi, St. Xavier’s College Kolkata, Presidency College Chennai and many others. MA Political Science average fees range between INR 10,000 to 25,000. Graduates can find various MA Political Science jobs like Political Consultant, Activists, etc. with annual salary between INR 4-8 LPA.

MA Sociology

MA Sociology deals with the study of society and different related mechanisms for the development of Society. MA Sociology Syllabus covers topics such as Society, Religion, Political and Economic Sociology, Methodology of Sociological Research and Development. The Top MA Sociology colleges in India include Nizam College Hyderabad, Loyola College Chennai, Jesus and Mary College New Delhi and many others. The average fees for the course can be anywhere between INR 5,000 - 2,00,000. Apart from MA Sociology Jobs, students can also go for higher education and are eligible to pursue M.Phil or Ph.D. in Sociology.

MA Economics 

MA Economics is a 2-years PG course that imparts knowledge about several aspects of Economics, banking, Marketing and many other concepts related to Economics. MA Economics Syllabus covers a broad range of topics such as econometry, macroeconomics, microeconomics, international and financial economics and many more. MA Economics Fees into the top MA Economics colleges in India like Loyola College Chennai, Miranda House New Delhi, Christ University Bangalore, etc. can range between INR 10,000 - 50,000. Research Analyst, Data Analyst and Economist are some high profile and reputable MA Economics Jobs with average annual salary between INR 3 - 7 LPA.

Some of the Popular Specilizations in MA Include:

MA Colleges in India

Many popular colleges in India offer M.A in various Specializations. Almost all the top five metropolitan cities of India have famous colleges that teach various MA courses. Some of the famous colleges of these cities are mentioned below,

MA Colleges in Delhi 

Check out some of the best MA colleges in Delhi along with their average annual fees structure:

MA Colleges in Mumbai 

There are around 52 recognized arts colleges in Mumbai offering MA courses. Tabulated below are some of the best MA Colleges in Mumbai with fees structure:

MA Colleges in Kolkata 

Kolkata, also known as "City of Joy" is a home to some of the most premier and prestigious institutions in India. Some of the top MA Colleges in Kolkata along with fees Structure are given below:

MA Colleges in Bangalore 

Check out list of a top 10 MA Colleges in Bangalore along with their average annual fees Structure:

MA Colleges in Pune 

There are around 112 Arts colleges in Pune out of which around 54 colleges in Pune offer MA courses with various MA Specializations. Check out the table below for the best MA Colleges in Pune along with their average annual fees structure:

MA Distance Education

MA being popular and highly sought after course is available in the form of Distance Education course as well. For professionals who cannot spare time but are also interested to study further, Distance in MA is highly recommended for them.

The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA in Distance method are as follows,

• Students should have cleared their graduation in a relevant stream for a recognized University.
• They should have the minimum passing marks in all subjects to be considered fit for enrolling in MA in Distance Education mode

Some of the top colleges offering MA in Distance Education are tabulated below,

IGNOU MA Economics Syllabus

Check out the table below to know the subject or topics taught in IGNOU MA Economics Syllabus:

IGNOU MA English Syllabus

The following table below provides you an insight about the IGNOU MA English Syllabus. Note: For second year one can choose any 3 optional subjects.

IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus

Below we have tabulated the latest IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus in semester wise breakdown. Also Note: In the Final year of MA Psychology at IGNOU, candidates are required to choose any one Group among the 3.

MA Colleges in Abroad

Nearly 22 lakh students visited abroad from India for further studies between the year 2016 - 2021. There are several prestigious universities and colleges abroad that offer degrees in MA subjects. Some of the top countries that offer MA specializations are tabulated below for your reference

MA Colleges in USA

USA is home to several prestigious colleges that offer MA Specializations along with a unique course structure. Every year a total of 1.1 million students get enrolled in various colleges across the USA. The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA in universities in USA are,

• Bachelor of Arts or BA with a minimum GPA of 3 out of 4
• A TOEFL or IELTS score of 80 or 6.5 respectively
• Certain colleges demand relevant work experience

Some of the top MA Colleges in USA are,

MA Colleges in UK 

The United Kingdom is the second-best choice when it comes to studying abroad. There are many reputed MA colleges and Universities that offer 1 - 2 years MA degrees such as Oxford, LSE, etc.

The eligibility criteria for studying MA In United Kingdom are,

• Bachelor of Arts or BA degree from a recognized University
• Students who have secured 1st position or top positions are eligible to apply at top MA Universities in UK
• A minimum of 80 in TOEFL or 6.5 in IELTS entrance examination

Some of the top MA colleges in UK are,

MA Colleges in Canada 

Canada is considered as one of the topmost student-friendly countries, along with its high-quality education methods that too in a very short amount of fees. There are also available various scholarships that international students can avail.

The eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue MA from Canada are enlisted below,

• Minimum 70% or a first-class degree in BA or a similar relevant course
• A valid IELTS or TOEFL score of 7 or 100 respectively. Scores could vary depending on the college cut-offs
• Certain Colleges / Universities demand relevant work experience
• Research Skills and Experience count a lot when one seeks to get admitted to Colleges in Canada

Some of the top colleges in Canada for MA courses are,

What after MA 

After completing MA students can opt for further studies such as M.Phil or PhD in their relevant subjects. The eligibility criteria for M.Phil and PhD are different however students have to sit for an entrance exam for both the degrees, as there are no merit-based selection criteria when it comes to pursuing an M.Phil or PhD.

Apart from further studies, students can also choose to join corporates and other organizations to kick start their professional careers. Or, they can prepare for various government jobs and exams.

Course after M.A 

Students can choose to pursue M.Phil or PhD post completing MA in relevant subjects or can also choose to pursue Diploma degrees in various professional courses. The below-mentioned table will discuss the various courses one can choose after completing MA.

M.Phil Courses

• Phil or Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate academic research degree course that tends to research the nature of ideas and circumstances in a specific field of study. The eligibility criteria for pursuing M.Phil are,
• Students should score a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the relevant subject for their MA degree course from a recognized university.
• Should sit for entrance examination and clear the minimum cut off as selected by the University

Some of the top and frequently attempted M.Phil courses are,

Some of the top M.Phil Colleges are tabulated below,

PhD Courses

PhD also known as Doctor of Philosophy is a 5-year course that deals with an in-depth and intrinsic study of research for any relevant subject. The eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD is,

• Students should have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Post Graduation in a relevant subject from a recognized university
• Should clear the cut off marks during entrance exams as decided by the presiding university

Some of the tops frequently attempted PhD subjects are,

Some of the top PhD colleges in India are as follows,

M.A Jobs

Post completing MA, students are offered a wide set of job profiles, starting from teachers to part-time professors, managerial positions to owning a start-up. The below-mentioned table will discuss the various job profiles a candidate can be offered post completing an MA degree in relevant subjects.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters who hire fresh candidates post completing MA degree are tabulated below.

Top Job Profiles 

MA Salary in India 

Keeping the various job profiles that are offered to an MA graduate, these range of salaries along with their designated positions are tabulated below for your reference,

Admission Process For Master Of Arts

The Admission Process For The Master Of Arts In India Is Carried Out Either From The College Premises Directly Or Can Be Done Online. The Admission Process For The Course Is Undertaken Strictly Based On The Scores For Graduate Degree Courses Corresponding To That B. A Or Any Relative Courses And The Scores Obtained In The Entrance Exams And The Marks Scored In 10+2 Classes With English, Political Science, Social Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Mass Media, Etc.

Therefore, The Aspirants Applying For The Course Must Satisfy The Master Of Arts Eligibility Criteria For The Course, A Combination Of Marks Scored In Their Graduate Degree Course And The Entrance Exams.

Listed Below Are The Various Procedures To Get Admission For The Master Of Arts [MA] Course:

How To Apply?

The Aspirants Eager To Study Master Of Arts Can Either Apply Online Or Offline For The Course. The Applicants Are Shortlisted For The Course Based On The Marks Scored In The Bachelor’s Degree Course And The Scores Obtained In The Entrance Exams Corresponding To Any Respective Discipline Related To Arts, Psychology, Sociology, Etc.

The Aspirants Can Apply For The Master Of Arts [MA] Course By Downloading An Admission Form Available Online At The University Or On The College Website. After Submitting The Application Form At The College Or The University, The Aspirants Will Then Be Invited By The College Officials To Appear For A Written Test Followed By A Personal Interview, Group Discussion, And Counselling.

Selection Process

The Selection Process For The Course Is Carried Out Based On The Entrance Exam Score Relating To Arts Or Any Other Discipline And The Marks Scored In 12th/10th Along With The Graduate Degree Marks Scored To That Of The Master Of Arts Involved.

After The University Or College Conducts A Written Test, Personal Interview, Counselling, And Group Discussion, The Aspirants Are Allocated Seats Based On Various Master Of Arts [MA] Criteria Fulfilled By The Aspirants Proposed By The College/university Officials.

Eligibility Criteria For Master Of Arts

Master Of Arts Course Admission In India Requires The Aspirants To Complete Their Graduate Degree Course Corresponding To Any Degree Related To Art. It Is An Ideal Course For Aspirants Who Have Completed A Bachelor Of Arts Degree From A Recognized University. But Master Of Arts Is Not A Mandatory Criterion For Applying To Master Of Arts. Aspirants With A Graduate Degree Can Apply For Any Discipline With A Minimum Of 50% Aggregate Marks From Any Recognized Board Or University Or Any College.

Also, Along With The Basic Eligibility Criteria, The Students Pursuing A Master Of Arts [MA] Must Have Cleared The Standard Entrance Examination With Good Scores From Any Reputed Institute To Get Admission. Then Candidates Are Going To Have A Personal Interview. After Clearing These Criteria Successfully, The Aspirants Can Get Admission To The Respective University Or College.

There Is No Specific Age Limit Or Criteria For Getting Master Of Arts Admission As Aspirants From Any Age Group Can Apply And Join The Course.

Popular Entrance Exams For Master Of Arts

There Are Many Entrance Exams For The Master Of Arts Course For The Students Can Attend. Appearing For Entrance Exams Is An Essential Criterion And A Good Merit Score From The Postgraduate Degree Course. The Postgraduates Can Grab A Seat For The Course In A Reputed College Or University.

Some Of The Very Best And Mandatory Master Of Arts Entrance Exams Are:

• TISSNET
• PUCET
• TUEE
• AUCET
• JNUEE
• CUCET
• MGU CAT

Quick Glance At The Master Of Arts Entrance Exams

The Eligibility Criteria For The Master Of Arts [Master Of Arts] Degree Entrance Exams Depend Entirely On The Conducting Body That Conducts The Exam. The Entrance Examinations Conducted For The Master Of Arts Degree Course Include Various Questions Related To English Proficiency, Problem-solving, Decision-making Skills, Reasoning, General Knowledge, And Some Topics From Classes 11th And 12th To Analyze The Aspirants' Knowledge Abilities Regarding The Course As A Whole. The Test Includes:

• Multiple Choice Questions Without Any Negative Marking System.
• The Entrance Exam Is Conducted In Both English And Hindi Languages, And The Total Time To Complete The Exam Is 1.5 Hours.
• Most Of The Questions In The Entrance Exams Are Merely Related To Current Affairs And General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, And Some Topics Related To English, Social Studies, And Economics.

Preparation Tips For Master Of Arts

Master Of Arts [MA] Students Can Prepare Themselves By Learning The Language, General Knowledge, Liability Tests, And Math Formulas. Most Master Of Arts Entrance Exams Include Skill-based, Logical Reasoning Questions. Master Of Arts Students Can Use Many Books On The Market To Review And Practice Skills-based Questions. Aspirants Who Are Good At English, History, Geography, Philosophy, And Psychology Can Prepare Thoroughly With All The Syllabus Content. Here Are The Tips To Prepare Very Well Before Applying.

Read And Practice More: The Aspirants Should Go Over The Entire Master Of Arts Syllabus Again, Focusing On The Most Critical Areas. For Example, Review The Literature Books, Grammar, Research Projects, And Aptitude. In Addition, Learn The Basics Of The Language, Social Studies, Communication, General Knowledge, Current Updates, Etc.

Mock Tests: Attempting Mock Tests, Revising Thesis, And May Include Other Forms Of Syllabus Revision.