Master of Arts (MA) Admissions 2024

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Apr 03, 2024 16:17PM IST

MA Admissions Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) degree is a two-year postgraduate degree programme that can be pursued after completing a bachelor's degree. Students who have completed an integrated social science and humanities programme of study are eligible to apply for admission to the MA programme. MA course admissions are going to begin soon at various colleges, and students can apply for admission by filling out registration forms and taking the entrance exams. MA Admission 2024 is based on merit or an entrance exam. Universities conduct an entrance exam and then publish a merit list. To determine admission to MA courses, some universities also conduct a Group Discussion (GD) or Personal Interview (PI) round. 

The majority of top universities use entrance exams to decide which students get into their MA courses. Many popular entrance exams are used to determine admission to MA programmes, including CUET, TISSNET, AUAT, IPU CET, and other entrance exams. Colleges and universities offer MA courses in various kinds of specialisations. For an MA, there are more full-time, part-time, correspondence, and remote learning options. After earning an MA, students can develop their skills, shape their career path, and get ready for life as a professional trainee. It may be beneficial if they plan to work in education, human services, or the media sector.

To be eligible for an MA Course, students must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognised university. Candidates in the reserved category get a 5% reduction. The MA subjects taught in the MA Course vary depending on the specialisation. English, Hindi, History, Sociology, Education, Fine Arts, Gender Studies, and other specialisations are available.

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MA Admission 2024: Updates

The MA Admission 2024 updates are listed here: 

MA Admission 2024 Application Deadline

The table below includes important MA admission 24 applications for colleges in India, as well as the deadlines for candidates to submit their applications for the following academic year. The following are the MA admission deadlines for 2024:

CollegesMA Application Last Date 
Miranda House, DelhiFeb 09 - Mar 30, 2024
Lady Shri Ram College For Women. DelhiJan 30 - Feb 16, 2024
Hindu College, DelhiJan 30 - Feb 16, 2024
TISS MumbaiMar 29 - Apr 10, 2024
St. Stephen’s College, New DelhiJul 7, 2024
Christ University, BangaloreDec 8, 2023
IGNOU, New DelhiJan 31, 2024
Jadavpur University, JadavpurSep 2024
Gargi College, DelhiJan 30 - Feb 16, 2024
Ramjas College, DelhiJul 2024
Loyola College, ChennaiApr 26 - Jun 10, 2024
Ahmedabad University, AhmedabadDec 16, 2023
Manipur University, ImphalOct 31, 2024

MA Admission 2024: Entrance Exams

MA Admission is available for candidates who pass the entrance exams listed below. Candidates can sit for any national, state, or university-level MA admission exam, depending on which MA college they want to go to in 2024. Check the table below for more information on the MA admission 2024 entrance exam dates:

ExamsRegistration DatesEntrance Exam Dates
TISSNET4th Week of February 2024February 2024
CUETFebruary 2024March 11 - March 28, 2024
PU CETFebruary 2024April 2024
AUATAugust 2024June 25 - June 26, 2024
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Master of Arts Admission Highlights

Check out the important highlights of Master of Arts Admission:

Name of the DegreeMaster of Arts (MA)
DurationTwo Years
Admission TypeFull Time/Part Time/ Distant Mode
Mode of Application FormOnline/Offline
Mode of AdmissionMerit/Entrance Test
Minimum Qualification RequirementA Bachelor's Degree (10+2+3/ 10+2+4 System)
Minimum Aggregate Requirement50%
Entrance ExamsCUET PG, TISSNET, PU CET, CPGET, IPU CET, APPGCET, MGU CAT
Average Fee (in India)INR 10K - 80K per annum
Top Institution offering MA in IndiaJNU, Delhi University,  Jagannath University, University of Hyderabad, St. Stephen’s College, Loyola College, St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Miranda House College, Madras Christian College, Hindu College, HRC Delhi, Fergusson College
Top Institution offering MA Outside IndiaOxford University, University of Pennsylvania, Cambridge University, Stanford University, Yale University, University of California, Harvard University, Columbia University
Average Fee (outside India)INR 1.50 - 6 LPA 
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MA Admission 2024: Specialisation-wise

The MA degree allows for specialisation in a variety of subjects, including English, Economics, Geography, and many other arts courses. Applicants can pursue the field of their choice based on their career objectives. Candidates with an MA speciality can work in both the public and private sectors.

On the other hand, before pursuing the specialisations, the MA Admissions processes are as follows:

Entrance Exam: While entrance exams such as CUET, TISSNET, and AUET are available, admission to other colleges is based on merit. 

Registration: To create their login credentials on the official university website, candidates must enter their email address and cell phone number.

Application Form: In the following step, candidates must complete the application form by providing their contact information, academic information, and personal information.

Course Selection: Candidates must then choose their preferred specialisation from the course.

Document Upload: Candidates must upload scanned images of their documents in accordance with the requirements of the conducting authority. MA Admission documents include passport-size photos, Bachelor and XII grade point sheets, a SC/ST certificate, a migration certificate, and a transfer certificate. 

Application Fees: Candidates must pay the application fee as specified in the category using online payment methods.

Form Submission: After paying the application fees, candidates must review their information and submit the application form.

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Top Specializations in Master of Arts

MA programmes are offered in a variety of disciplines. Some of the most popular MA specialisations are mentioned below:

MA EnglishMA Archaeology
MA EconomicsMA French
MA Political ScienceMA German
MA HistoryMA Hindi
MA PsychologyMA Spanish
MA SociologyMA Chinese
MA GeographyMA Greek
MA LinguisticsMA Latin
MA TeachingMA Japanese
MA International RelationsMA Social Work
MA Language StudiesMA Philosophy
MA Applied PsychologyMA Sanskrit
MA Comparative Indian LiteratureMA Persian
MA Development and Labour StudiesMA Arts and Aesthetics
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Master of Arts (MA) Eligibility Criteria

Master of Arts eligibility criteria differ between institutions and specialisations. As a result, the entire admission procedure to enrol in the course is not similar across different institutions. Some of the most common eligibility criteria for admission to various MA courses are listed below:

  • Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a university recognized by UGC (University Grants Commission)
  • Aspirants must have scored a minimum of 50% aggregate at graduation level
  • As per UGC guidelines, admission to any MA program is possible only if a candidate has completed a three year/four year bachelor’s degree
  • A candidate is also eligible to pursue a Master’s degree in Arts if he/she has the required number of credits through examination conducted by a recognized university/autonomous institution
  • For aspirants seeking admission in an integrated Master's Degree Programme of five or more years, they should have completed +2 from a recognised institution of the central/state board
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Master of Arts Entrance Exams

Some of the reputed universities and colleges such as JNU, TISS, and the University of Delhi offer Master of Arts admission through entrance exams conducted across India. To obtain admission into a Master of Arts program in any one of the Central Universities, the candidate must qualify for the entrance exam. Some of the common entrance exams for admission to MA programs are listed below.

Name of the Entrance ExamAdmission ScheduleHow to ApplyAbout the Entrance Exam
CUET PGClick HereClick HereThe Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG) is an online entrance exam for postgraduate programmes offered by various Central/State/Deemed Universities. CUET PG is conducted once a year by the National Testing Agency.
PU CETClick HereClick HerePanjab University, Chandigarh, administers the PU-CET (PG) entrance exam for admission to its various post-graduate courses. It is a university level exam.
TISSNETClick HereClick HereTata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISS NET) is a national level entrance exam, which is held for admission to 53 Masters' Degree (MA) Programmes offered at its Mumbai, Tuljapur, Guwahati, and Hyderabad campuses.
IPU CETClick HereClick HereGuru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University administers the Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET), a university-level entrance exam. The IPU CET will be held in offline mode.
CPGETClick HereClick HereThe CPGET 2023 entrance exam is held to enroll students in various postgraduate programmes, including five-year integrated programmes at Osmania University, Telangana University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Palamuru University, Telanagana Mahila Vishwavdyalayam, and JNTUH.
AP PGCETClick HereClick HereThe Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Common Entrance Test, abbreviated as AP PGCET, is an entrance exam held by Yogi Vemana University for candidates seeking admission to various PG courses offered at various universities of Andhra Pradesh.
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How To Apply for MA Admission?

Admission to MA is granted in two ways: merit-based or through an entrance examination. The application process for MA varies depending on the admission procedure. However, applicants can apply to their preferred MA colleges online. Students must fill out the required information in an online application form on the official website of their respective universities to apply for MA courses online.

For Entrance Based MA Admission

Candidates can apply for MA courses by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Check into the MA admission form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want an admission to a MA programme.

Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for MA admissions at the colleges and universities you want to attend

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

Step 4: After appearing and passing the MA entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on

Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process

Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the MA course

For Merit Based MA Admission 

Candidates can apply for MA courses by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Fill out the online MA admission application form

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit

Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling

Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to MA course

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Documents Required for MA Admission

The applicants who would like to take admission in MA must have the following list of certificates at the time of admission.

Class X Board Examination CertificateClass X/SSC Marks-Sheet   
Transfer CertificateStudy Certificate
Class XII Marks SheetClass XII Provisional Certificate
UG Degree Marks SheetDegree Provisional Certificate
Entrance Test Scorecard (if applicable)Migration Certificate  (if applicable)
Category Certificate/ Caste Certificate  (if applicable)Aadhar Card
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Master of Arts Selection Criteria

The Master of Arts selection process is based on the results of an entrance exam in the arts or any other subject, class 12 and 10 marks, and graduate degree marks obtained to the Master of Arts level. The college or university allocates seats to applicants based on a variety of Master of Arts (MA) requirements that applicants must meet as well as those recommended by college or university officials after a written exam, in-person interview, counselling session, and group discussion.

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Top Universities Offering MA Admission

Some of the top Universities and colleges that offer MA Admission are listed down.

 St. Stephen’s CollegeHindu College Delhi
Hansraj CollegeFergusson College
Miranda HouseLady Shri Ram College for Women  
Madras Christian CollegeChrist University
Gargi CollegeRamjas College
Miranda House College DelhiSRCC Delhi
St. Xavier College MumbaiJNU
Loyola College ChennaiBHU
Amity University Punjab    University of Hyderabad
Punjab University-
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MA Fee Structure

Master of Arts fee varies across institutions and specializations. The average fee structure of Master of Arts ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 80,000 per annum. The table below indicates the fee structure of the Master of Arts program for various popular colleges:

Name of the institutionFee Range per annum
Loyola College ChennaiINR 12,000 -  21,000
Amity University PunjabINR 40,000 - INR 80,000
St. Xavier College MumbaiINR 30, 000 - INR 35, 000
Miranda House College DelhiINR 14,000 - INR 20,000
Hindu College DelhiINR 21,450 - INR 25,000
Hansraj CollegeINR 15,000 - INR 25,000
Fergusson CollegeINR 10,000 - INR 15,000

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

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FAQs about Master of Arts Admission Process

What is the total time offered to complete MA?

The total time offered to complete MA is two years.

 

Can I get admission in MA after bachelor's degree?

Yes, one can get admission in MA programs after completing bachelor's degree.

 

Which subject is best suited for pursuing an MA degree?

All the subjects and all the specializations in MA are good. Every subject has its own scope and importance. It depends on the applicant to decide which subject to pursue.

 

Which MA specialization has the highest salary?

Most of the MA programmes have highest paid salaries, such as International Education, journalism, history, political science, international relationships and so on.

 

Is the bachelor degree syllabus enough to get admission in an MA program?

Yes, the bachelor degree syllabus is enough for getting admission in MA program provided the candidate has opted the same subject in Masters.

 

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