MA Urdu is a postgraduate course in Urdu literature. The program duration is of 2 years, but some online and distance learning platforms offer this course for 4 years with flexible learning options. Curriculum of MA Urdu involves an in-depth study of various classic poetry, authors, drama, as well as modern poetry, literary criticism, translation, etc
MA in Urdu eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized university. Admission to this course is based on the entrance exams, such as CUET PG, and some other university-level entrance exams, such as JMI EE, AMU EE, MANUU, etc. However, some colleges also provide admission based on the merit of the candidate.
The MA in Urdu program fees is somewhere between INR 10,000 – 20,000 while private institutes may charge up to INR 1,00,000 for an entire course. After completing MA in Urdu the candidate can work as a lecturer/teacher/professor in schools or universities. Furthermore, those with an interest in writing and creativity can pursue a career as a writer or content creator for media, publishing houses, and marketing agencies.
Table of Contents
MA Urdu Key Highlights
The key highlights of MA Urdu are tabulated below.
What is an MA in Urdu?
MA Urdu is a 2-year postgraduate program focused on Urdu literature. It provides core knowledge about the history of the Urdu language, its text, classic literature, modern literature, writing skills, understanding of Ghazals, Poetry, Stories, Dramas, etc.
- The course also teaches advanced grammar, linguistics, phonetics, and the evolution of the Urdu language.
- Some programs may include subjects like functional Urdu, translation, and Urdu journalism/mass media.
- An MA in Urdu also develops research skills in students for academic research in Urdu language.
Why Study MA Urdu?
Given below are some of the points on why should you pursue Master of Arts in Urdu:
- Cultural & Literary Depth: One gets to explore the rich heritage of Urdu poetry, prose, and literary traditions.
- Historical Insight: Students gain a unique perspective on South Asian history, philosophy, and societal evolution.
- Language Mastery: One can achieve high proficiency in advanced Urdu grammar, linguistics, and literary analysis.
- Diverse Career Paths: MA Urdu opens doors to jobs in teaching, translation, journalism, writing, and government.
- Academia & Research: It provides a strong foundation for M.Phil., Ph.D., and university teaching roles.
Who should study MA Urdu?
MA Urdu is an ideal choice of career for those who want to work with literature and publication.
- People interested in journalism or marketing can pursue this course and become a writer, or reporter for media and publication houses.
- Those looking for an academic career can pursue MA Urdu and do PhD later in this field.
- Working professionals wanting to upgrade their knowledge and career can pursue Online MA Urdu programs.
- Those with a creative knack can pursue MA Urdu and work as Author, Poet, Content Writer, etc.
MA Urdu Eligibility Criteria
To pursue MA Urdu, eligibility criteria is having at least 50% in BA or relevant bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognised university.
- Having urdu proficiency is required to study MA in Urdu language.
- Even if not a main subject, most institutions will expect a strong demonstration of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Urdu.
- Along with these, qualifying a common entrance exam or university-specific exam is mandatory.
MA Urdu Entrance Exams
A primary entrance exam for MA Urdu is CUET PG as most universities grant admission considering CUET PG merit. However, there are some university-specific entrance exams that can be considered by candidates that do not have CUET PG qualification.
MA Urdu Colleges in India
MA Urdu is offered by many universities in India. Some institutes may offer Online or Distance learning for MA programs. For instance, IGNOU, an open university, offers MA Urdu via online mode.
The table below represents some of the best universities and their requirements for the MA Urdu program.
MA Urdu Admission Process
Admission to MA Urdu is based on entrance exam merit. Candidates can apply online for CUET PG based Admission. Some universities like Aligarh Muslim University and Maulana Azad National Urdu University conduct their own entrance exam.
The admission process varies among various universities. Here, the MA Urdu admission process followed by JMI is explained as an example.
Step 1. Online Application: Applicant needs to visit the official JMI admission portal (admission.jmi.ac.in).
Step 2. Registration: Register yourself with the required information, including verifying your mobile number and email ID to receive credentials.
Step 3. Application Form Filling: Log in using the credentials and fill out the application form with your personal and academic details.
Step 4. Document Upload: Upload all necessary documents as specified in the application form.
Step 5. Application Fee: Pay the admission application fee online. For MA programs, it's generally around INR700 - 800.
Step 6. Submission: Recheck all sections for any mistakes before final submission.
Note: Those who have not qualified CUET PG can appear in the JMI-specific entrance exam.
- The entrance test for MA Urdu is tentatively scheduled during May.
- Admit cards are usually issued about a week before the admission test date.
Documents Required:
- Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade, Graduation certificate
- School Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Entrance Exam Score Card
MA Urdu Syllabus
MA in Urdu covers an in-depth study of Poets, Texts, Literature in Urdu, and Biographies. It enhances core understanding of an Urdu language and its history.
Here is the semester-wise syllabus for MA Urdu taught at Delhi University.
MA Urdu Job Opportunities in India
In the table below, some of the popular MA Urdu jobs are given with their potential recruiters and salary range. The salary range varies and is influenced by many factors, including location and type of organization, roles and responsibilities of an employee, experience of an employee, etc.
MA Urdu FAQs
How can I pursue MA in Urdu from IGNOU?
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers MA Urdu through their Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. IGNOU does not conduct an entrance exam for its MA (Applied Urdu) program. Admission is typically based on your eligibility criteria (merit of your last qualifying exam). For admission, register on ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in or ignou.ac.in and fill out an application form.
Can someone from a non-Urdu background pursue MA Urdu?
It depends on the university. As some may admit students from non-Urdu backgrounds if they demonstrate strong proficiency in the language through a test or equivalent qualification. However, prior study of Urdu is often preferred. Also, it is not mandatory to have a BA Urdu as a minimum qualification. Graduates with other equivalent UG degrees are also eligible to pursue MA Urdu.
