PhD in English: Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Admission 2025, Career Options, and Salary

A Ph.D. in English is a research program in English literature. The course involves studying coursework, review of literature, data collection, analysis, and thesis writing and submission. A PhD generally lasts for 3 to 5 years. The initial years focus on literature survey and coursework completion, while the rest of the period is dedicated to data collection, analysis, and publication.

To pursue a Ph.D. in English, a student needs to complete their PG education in English as a major subject. The admission to this course is based upon entrance exams as well as the merit of the candidate.

The Ph.D. in English course is best for candidates looking to pursue their career as a Teaching Assistant or Assistant Professor. Career promotion will lead to positions like Senior Professor, Head of the Department, Advisor, and Dean.

Few important things to know before pursuing a Ph.D. in English is that the UGC has removed the mandatory paper publication rule for PhD thesis. However, many universities still follow the old guidelines where publication is compulsory. Also, thesis submission is followed by an open defense where the scholar needs to present and defend their research.

PhD in English Course Highlights

A Ph.D. in English defines a Doctorate of Philosophy, specialising in language/literature. In this course, an individual contributes to adding knowledge and acquiring expertise in a specific field through research. Research and development/design of Literature includes any kind of contribution to existing literature of various languages, arts, scientific information, commercial or economic fundamentals, etc. The table below provides key highlights for Ph.D. in English:

Why Pursue a PhD in English?

A Ph.D. in English is the highest degree that can be pursued in the field. It makes the person stand out with maximum qualifications and knowledge. Some of the other basic reasons to pursue a PhD in English are as follows:

• It helps to get high-level positions in academia.
• A candidate with a Ph.D. in English can work in editorial positions, authorship, Copyediting, and higher positions where creativity is involved.
• One can opt for other pedagogical roles such as Educator, Content Manager, Technical Writer, Literary and Motion Picture Critics.
• Thesis writing helps in conducting research, designing surveys or experiments, creative writing, critical thinking, and enhancing problem-solving ability.
• The learning during a PhD improves communication, thought process, concentration, and attention to detail.

Also, read about the Diploma in English

PhD in English Eligibility

To pursue a Ph.D. in English, candidates should have completed post-graduation from a recognised university with English as a compulsory subject. The eligibility criteria for enrolling in a Ph.D. in English course are as follows:

• Completed either a Master of Arts in English or a Master of Philosophy in English with 55% marks from a recognised board.
• Students who are in their final year of examinations for a PG degree are eligible to apply for the Ph.D in English.
• Candidates must qualify for the entrance exam accepted by the specific institute/university.
• Some universities may require work experience to apply for PhD courses.

PhD in English Entrance Exams 2025

Ph.D. in English entrance exams are conducted every year by various universities and the UGC. Some of the common entrance exams for doing a Ph.D. in English are given below along with the registration date, exam date, and application fee.

PhD in English Admission Process

The Ph.D. in English admission process may vary from institution to institution, depending on the eligibility criteria. For reference, the admission process for enrolling in the Ph.D. in English at Lovely Professional University (LPU) is given below:

Step 1: Register onto LPUADMIT with basic details (Name, Email ID, Mobile No., State, Gender, and Password). Your email ID will act as your username for the portal and your password will be set by you while registering on the portal. You will get an mail on your registered email id regarding this. Login to the LPUADMIT with an already created username/ password.

Step 2: Register for the LPUNEST exam by filling out the application form and paying the registration fee. Book the slot (preferred date, time, and venue) to appear in the test. The exam will be conducted only at dedicated Test Centres. Appear in the exam on the selected date and qualify for the exam.

Step 3: After qualifying the test, schedule and book the slot for the Interview that will be displayed on the result page. Appear for interview and wait for the result of interview.

Step 4: After qualifying for the Interview, deposit the documents and take Admission.

PhD in English Top Colleges

A PhD in English can be pursued from a government or private university, based on the availability of resources and a well-known supervisor. The table below lists top colleges in India for a Ph.D. in English.

PhD in English Syllabus

Ph.D. in English is based on research and development of English literature. Therefore, the course has no defined syllabus, and the study depends on the individual's topic of research in the domain. However, there is certain coursework that needs to be carried out during the PhD. Also, the PhD aspirant will have to teach literature to the B.A and M.A students in their department/institute.

The table below represents the syllabus for the PhD in English. This table covers the core subjects which is covered during the Ph.D. in English course:

Also, read more about the PhD in Literature course

PhD in English Job Prospects & Scope

Schools, colleges, and publication houses are the first areas of importance where Ph.D. in English degree holders can apply for jobs.

In the table below, some of the well-paying jobs are described based on the current salary scale given on various job portals like Indeed, UGC pay scale, Naukri.com, etc.

PhD in English FAQs