B.A. Linguistics: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jun 30, 2025, by Kanishka

BA Linguistics is a three-year undergraduate, six-semester program aimed at students interested in studying human language, focusing on understanding the structure and meaning of global languages. The program offers graduates to gain knowledge and analysis of language structure, sound, meaning, use, and development, while graduates develop research, analysis, and critical thinking skills.

 

The BA Linguistics program requires a pass in 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university. The BA Linguistics admissions are based on both merit and entrance procedures. Some popular BA Linguistics entrance exam accepted by colleges in India is CUET UG.

 

Top colleges offering B.A. Linguistics are Delhi School of Economics, Rajdhani College, University of Lucknow, Aligarh Muslim University, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University. The fees range between INR 540- INR 84,845, depending on the college/university.

 

The BA Linguistics program offers top job roles like Teacher, Proofreader, Dictionary Compiler, Speech Therapist and Linguist. The average salary ranges between INR 2 LPA to INR 6LPA, depending on the years of experience.

 

Table of Contents

  1. B.A. Linguistics Highlights
  2. What is B.A. Linguistics?
  3. Why study B.A. Linguistics?
  4. Who should pursue a B.A. Linguistics?
  5. B.A. Linguistics Eligibility Criteria
  6. B.A. Linguistics Top Colleges in India
  7. B.A. Linguistics Admission Process 2025
  8. B.A. Linguistics Entrance Exams
  9. B.A. Linguistics Syllabus
  10. B.A. Linguistics Job Opportunities in India
  11. B.A. Linguistics FAQs

 

B.A. Linguistics Highlights

The details for B.A. Linguistics are listed below:

Parameters

Details

Course Name

B.A. Linguistics

Course Level

Bachlors degree

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full Time

Eligibility Criteria

10+2

Admission Process

Merit/ Entrance Exam

Selection criteria

CUET PG

Course Fees

INR 540- INR 84,845

Top colleges

Delhi School of Economics, Rajdhani College, University of Lucknow, Aligarh Muslim University, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University

Top roles

Teacher, Proofreader, Dictionary Compiler, Speech Therapist and Linguist.

Average Salary Offered

INR 2 LPA to INR 6 LPA.

 

What is B.A. Linguistics?

BA Linguistics is an undergraduate program that focuses on the study of human dialect, including its structure, nature, and variety, encompassing phonology, phonetics, morphology, semantics, grammar, sociolinguistics, and pragmatics.

  • BA Linguistics is a comprehensive field that studies language, identifying common elements and drawing from various disciplines such as archaeology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, English, computer science, and sociology.
  • The BA Linguistics course provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between culture, language, and society, enhancing linguistic and analytical skills, and practical application of theories in social contexts by analysing language use.
  • The BA Linguistics discipline comprises theoretical Linguistics, psycholinguistics, and language use, encompassing phonology, syntax, semantics, acquisition, processing, and historical linguistics.
  • BA Linguistics students acquire universal linguistic concepts and effectively learn other languages, including those not closely related to their native tongue.

 

Why study B.A. Linguistics?

Given below are a few facts on why a candidate should choose the BA Linguistics.

  • The BA Linguistics program is gaining popularity among the current generation of students.
  • BA Linguistics focuses on the study of language and communication, examining specific languages and identifying common properties across all or large groups of languages.
  • This course is recommended for BA Linguistics students who have a keen interest in the languages spoken globally and their origins.
  • BA Linguistics offers skills for improving communication, translation, literacy, and treating speech disorders.
  • BA Linguistics aids in understanding the world and our relationships by defining our identity through various spoken languages.
  • After a Bachelor’s in Linguistics, one can pursue higher education such as an MA in Linguistics.

 

Who should pursue a B.A. Linguistics?

Given below are a few facts on who should pursue a B.A.Linguistics.

  • B.A. Linguistics is ideal for language enthusiasts who are interested in understanding language functions, sounds, grammar rules, and evolution over time, and why people speak the way they do.
  • B.A. Linguistics courses cater to curious thinkers and problem-solvers who enjoy logic, decoding, and structured analysis, focusing on phonology and syntax.
  • A B.A. in linguistics can significantly enhance understanding for those interested in learning languages or working in translation, interpretation, or international communication.
  • BA Linguistics is a crucial foundation for future speech therapists, language educators, and those planning careers in speech-language pathology, ESL/EFL teaching, or education.
  • A BA in Linguistics can serve as a foundation for students pursuing graduate studies or research in cognitive science, anthropology, artificial intelligence, or sociolinguistics.
  • A B.A. in Linguistics, often combined with computer science, can lead to roles in tech companies, particularly in AI and voice recognition, for those interested in natural language processing.

Also Check: BA English Literature

 

B.A. Linguistics Eligibility Criteria

BA Linguistics offers a wide range of career opportunities and exponential growth. Given below are the BA Linguistics eligibility criteria:

  • Candidate must have completed their Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.
  • Candidates must have a valid score in the CUET UG scores.
  • Candidates might have to appear for a personal interview and a group discussion round.

 

B.A. Linguistics Top Colleges in India

Below is a table showcasing B.A. Linguistics colleges in India, along with NIRF Rankings 2024 and their total fees.

Colleges

NIRF Ranking 2024

Total fee

Aligah Muslim University

8th

INR 84,845

Jawaharlal Nehru University

10th

INR 650

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University

33th

INR 19,000

University of Lucknow

97th

INR 24,216

Rajdhani College

101-150

INR 540

Delhi School of Economics (DSE)

-

INR 30,000

 

B.A. Linguistics Admission Process 2025

B.A. Linguistics admissions can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through a quota. The admission process for the B.A. Linguistics from Delhi University is as follows:

 

Step 1: Candidates can check the requirements and deadlines listed by the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) for the B.A. Linguistics program.

 

Step 2: Register for the B.A. Linguistics CUET UG entrance exam.

 

Step 3: Save the application procedure for later use after it has been accepted. Additionally, keep a watch on the exam and the official university website for updates on admissions and other important information.

 

Step 4: Upon passing the B.A. Linguistics entrance exam, candidates need to fill out an application form with personal details like their academic history, entrance exam results, and so forth, for the university of their choice.

 

Step 5: The admissions process ends with a shortlist of candidates who satisfy the university's eligibility requirements for the counselling round, if any.

 

Step 6: To be admitted to the B.A. Linguistics programme candidates must pay the university's entrance fee after completing the counselling session.

 

Documentation Required:

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets.
  • Graduation Marksheets
  • Aadhar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Migration certificate
  • Character certificate
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Signature.
  • Caste Certificate (If any)
  • Income proof

 

B.A. Linguistics Entrance Exams

Given below are the B.A. Linguistics entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

CUET UG 2026

January 2026

March - April 2026

General: INR 1200

 

OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 1000

 

SC/ST/Third Gender: INR 900

 

PwD: INR 800

 

International: INR 6,000

 

B.A. Linguistics Syllabus

The syllabus for the B.A. Linguistics from Delhi University is mentioned below:

Semester I

Semester II

Introduction to Phonetics & Phonology

Phonetics & Phonology – Part 2

Introduction to Morphology

Morphology – Part 2

Introduction to Syntax

Syntax – Part 2

Introduction to Semantics

Semantics – Part 2

Semester III

Semester IV

Morphosyntactic Processes

Sign Linguistics

Phonological & Morphological Theory

Syntax & Semantics – Advanced

Skill Enhancement Course

Skill Enhancement Course

Generic Elective

Generic Elective

Semester V

Semester VI

Translation Studies

Multilingualism

Sociolinguistics

Language Change

Skill Enhancement Course

Skill Enhancement Course

Project / Dissertation (Optional)

Project / Dissertation (Optional)

 

B.A. Linguistics Job Opportunities in India

The B.A. Linguistics job opportunities in India are given below.

Job Position

Experience Required

Salary Range

Teacher

2-3 Years

INR 6 LPA

Proofreader

1-2 years

INR 5 LPA

Dictionary Compiler

2- 3 years

INR 4 LPA

Speech Therapist

1-2 years

INR 3 LPA

Linguist

1 years

INR 2 LPA

 

B.A. Linguistics FAQs

What are the core topics of BA Linguistics?

The core topics of BA Linguistics include Phonetics & Phonology (study of speech sounds), Syntax (sentence structure), Semantics (meaning), Morphology (word structure), Sociolinguistics, Historical Linguistics and Language Acquisition

Does BA Linguistics require the use of multiple languages?

No, a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics does not require knowledge of multiple languages. However, students must visit the official website for updated information.

What are the additional BA Linguistics career prospects?

BA Linguistics optional career prospects require Language teaching (ESL/EFL), Translation/Interpretation, Content writing or editing, Computational linguistics/NLP, Speech therapy (with further study) and Research and academia

Explore Other Popular B.A. in Linguistics Colleges

Exam Accepting

Online|
PG|
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)|
Business & Management Studies
ExamNov 30, 2025
ResultDec 19, 2025
Online|
PG|
Xavier Labour Relations Institute|
Business & Management Studies
ExamJan 5, 2025
ResultJan 17, 2025
Offline|
UG|
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board|
Engineering
ExamApr 27, 2025
ResultJun 30, 2025
Online|
UG|
National Testing Agency (NTA)|
Science
ExamMay 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
ResultJul 15, 2025
Offline|
UG|
Central Board of Secondary Education
ExamJan 1, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025
ResultMay 13, 2025
Online|
UG|
Lovely Professional University|
Engineering
ExamMay 3, 2025
Result
Online (CBT)|
UG|
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra|
Engineering
ExamApr 9, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
ResultJun 16, 2025
Offline|
UG|
Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)|
Engineering
ExamApr 15, 2025
ResultMay 24, 2025
Online|
PG|
Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra|
Business & Management Studies
ExamApr 1, 2025 - Apr 3, 2025
Result
Online|
UG|
COMEDK|
Engineering
ExamMay 10, 2025
ResultJun 7, 2025

Explore Popular B.A. Courses

Loading exam list...

Students learning mobile

Your opinion matters to us!

Rate your experience using this page so far.