BA English Admission 2025: Eligibility, Entrance Exams & Colleges

• Updated on  Jul 17, 2025, by Poulomi Dey

BA in English is the study of literature, language, and critical thinking, equipping the student with detailed knowledge of classical and contemporary literature from all over the world. It is a three-year program where students study areas including poetry, prose, drama, linguistics, and literary theory. Bachelor's in English graduates are offered jobs in various fields that open up a whole range of opportunities, including journalism, content writing, editing, teaching, advertising, media, public relations, civil services, etc.

 

BA in English admission is largely dependent on the eligibility criteria and performance in any entrance test in certain cases. Usually, the candidate must have passed higher secondary or 10+2 or any other equivalent from a recognised board, with English preferred as an elective. Universities might also require some candidates to take an entrance test like CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test). Some universities also conduct their entrance tests, such as the JMI Entrance Exam or IPU CET. These entrance examinations test the candidate's knowledge in English, reasoning skills, and some general knowledge so that they have a sound basis to pursue their higher studies in literature.

 

Table of Contents

  1. BA English Eligibility Criteria
  2. BA English Entrance Exam 2025
  3. BA English Admission Process
  4. BA English Colleges in India
  5. BA English FAQs

 

BA English Eligibility Criteria

Aspirants must meet the Bachelor of Arts English eligibility criteria for admission to the UG course:

  • Candidates must have passed Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board, which could be CBSE, ICSE, or the state board.
  • A minimum of 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) is generally required in the qualifying examination.
  • Students of any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) can apply for a Bachelor's in English.
  • English has been one of the main requirements in many colleges in Class 12; however, this may not apply to all colleges. The requirements may have to be confirmed with each college or institute.
  • Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories are often allowed a 5% relaxation in minimum marks.
  • In general, there is no upper age limit for admission.
  • Some colleges and universities administer entrance examinations for admission through CUET UG, IPU CET, JMIEE, etc., while others admit students on merit.

 

BA English Entrance Exam 2025

Admission to BA in English is done on the basis of entrance examinations like CUET UG, IPU CET, and JMI Entrance Exam. Generally, the exam evaluates English proficiency, reading comprehension, grammar, and may include general awareness or logical reasoning. Applicants should check the specific requirements and deadlines of each university before applying.

 

National Level Exam

The national level exams accepted for admission to the Bachelor of Arts English course are detailed below:

Exam

Application Date (tentative)

Exam Date

 

(tentative)

Application Fee

CUET UG 2026

March 2026

June 2026

INR 1000 (Gen)

 

INR 900 (OBC-NCL/ EWS)

 

INR 800 (SC/ ST/ PwBD/ Third Gender)

 

University Level Exam

Some of the universities offering the Bachelor of Arts English course conduct entrance exams for admission. The details are mentioned below:

Exam

Application Date

 

(tentative)

Exam Date

 

(tentative)

Application Fee

IPU CET 2026

February to April 2026

April-May 2026

INR 1200

JMI Entrance Exam

March to April 2026

April 2026

INR 700

 

BA English Admission Process

The BA English admission process is similar for most of the colleges; however, the admission process at Loyola College, Chennai, is mentioned below:

 

Step 1: Visit the official Loyola College website. On the homepage, click on the “Admission” tab to access the online application portal.

 

Step 2: Fill in the online admission form carefully, entering all required personal, academic, and contact details.

 

Step 3: Upload scanned copies of important documents, including:

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
  • A valid ID proof
  • School leaving certificate
  • Migration certificate (if applicable)

Make sure the documents are clear and in the correct format.

 

Step 4: Pay the application fee of INR 150 online. Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the fee (proof must be provided).

 

Step 5: Wait for the merit list, which is prepared based on Class 12 marks. No entrance exam is required for most UG courses.

 

Step 6: If selected, report to the college on the specified date for document verification with original documents.

 

Step 7: After successful verification, pay the admission/course fees. This confirms your seat and admission at Loyola College.

 

Also check other BA courses

 

BA English Colleges in India

Some of the top BA English colleges are listed below along with their NIRF Ranking and course fees:

College Name

NIRF Ranking 2024

Total Course Fee

Hindu College, Delhi

1 (College)

INR 80,610

Loyola College, Chennai

8 (College)

INR 87,300

Jadavpur University Kolkata

9 (University)

INR 7,200

Jamia Millia Islamia University

13 (Overall)

INR 39,500

Fergusson College Pune

45 (College)

INR 38,400

St Xavier's Mumbai

89 (College)

INR 32,922

Christ University Bangalore

60 (University)

INR 3,95,000

Read more: BA English Literature

 

BA English FAQs

Which is the best course for BA in English?
Can I apply for a Bachelor of Arts in English if I have taken Science or Commerce in Class 12?

Yes, most colleges allow candidates from the Science or Commerce streams to apply for a BA in English. The minimum requirement is the completion of Class 12 from a recognised board. Some colleges might require English as a subject in Class 12; that, however, is not mandatory.

How do colleges draw up the merit list for BA English admission?

Colleges usually refer to the overall performance in Class 12 for preparing the merit list. In some institutions, a weightage may be given to English subject marks or the marks of an entrance test, if any. Actual weightage varies in each college, and it is advisable to consult individual guidelines for admission.

Is there an age restriction for applications to BA in English programs?

Most colleges do not put any limit on the upper age for BA English admission. Usually, the applicants have to complete Class 12 fairly recently. It is better to check for age restrictions in the official admission policy of the college.

 

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