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PhD English Literature: Admission 2025, Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, Jobs, Top Recruiters, and Salary

Ahana Bhaduri's profile picture

Updated on Jun 04, 2025

Ahana Bhaduri

PhD English Literature is a 5-year degree course that is pursued by students who have qualified graduation and postgraduation in relevant subjects from a recognized college/university. PhD English Literature is a doctorate program whose admissions are strictly based on national-level and state-level entrance exams such as UGC NET, CUET-PG or JNUEE.

 

The average course fee for pursuing PhD English Literature is between INR 10,000 and INR 3,00,000. Candidates, after completing the cours,e are offered various job roles such as Assistant Professor, Research Scholar, Teacher, Editor, Critic, and others.

 

Table of Contents
  1. PhD in English Literature Course Highlights
  2. Why Pursue PhD in English Literature?
  3. PhD in English Literature Eligibility Criteria
  4. PhD in English Literature Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines
  5. PhD in English Literature Top Colleges
  6. PhD in English Literature Syllabus
  7. PhD in English Literature Admission Procedure
  8. PhD English Literature Jobs and Salary
  9. PhD in English Literature Top Recruiters
  10. PhD in English Literature FAQs

 

PhD in English Literature Course Highlights

Provided below are some of the basic highlights for the PhD in English

Parameters

Details

Full Form

Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature

Course Duration

3 - 5 years

Eligibility Criteria

Postgraduate in English Literature or any other relevant subject

Admission Process

Entrance Exams

Entrance Exams

UGC NET, SET, and JNUEE

Course Fees (INR)

INR 10,000 - 3,00,000

Top Colleges as per NIRF Rankings 2024

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Banaras Hindu University, and University of Delhi

Jobs

Writer, Assistant Professor, Teacher, Journalist, Researcher, Critic

Top Recruiters

Times Group, ABP Group, Publication House, Deloitte, KPMG, TCS

Average Salary (INR)

10 LPA - 13 LPA

 

Why Pursue PhD in English Literature?

A PhD in English Literature enables intensive study of literary works, critical theory and cultural histories. It's best for anyone who wishes to contribute to furthering knowledge and creating original research within the discipline. The benefits of studying PhD in English Literature include:

  • Specialise in a specific period, author, genre or theoretical framework and become an authority within that area.
  • You can conduct original research to contribute to the current academic debates in literary and cultural studies.
  • It helps in acquiring the academic credentials for professional careers in higher education – teaching, research and administration.
  • One can develop critical thinking, enhanced writing and analytical capacities applicable to diverse professional environments.
  • PhD holders can join academic communities through publications and collaborative research, as well as through conferences.

 

PhD in English Literature Eligibility Criteria

The list of eligibility criteria required to pursue PhD English Literature courses has been discussed below in detail for your reference.

  • Candidates must complete their master's degree in English Literatureor any other relevant subject
  • They must score a minimum aggregate of 55% and above or an equivalent CGPAfrom a recognised college or university
  • Relaxation of 5% in minimum marksis given to students from reserved categories.

 

PhD in English Literature Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines

The list of entrance exams along with their tentative dates for the session 2025 have been tabulated below for your reference.

Exam

Registration Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

UGC-NET 2026

Mar-Apr 2026

 

(Tentative)

June 2026

 

(Tentative)

INR 1150 (Gen)

 

INR 600 (OBC/EWS)

 

INR 325 (SC/ST/PwD/TG)

CUET-PG 2026

Feb-Mar 2026

 

(Tentative)

Mar-Apr 2026

 

(Tentative)

INR 1400 (Gen)

 

INR 1200 (OBC/EWS)

 

INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG/PwD)

JNUEE 2026

Nov-Dec 2026

 

(Tentative)

January 2026

 

(Tentative)

INR 300 (Gen/EWS/OBC)

 

INR 150 (SC/ST/PwD)

 

PhD in English Literature Top Colleges

The list of top PhD English colleges as ranked by the NIRF for the year 2024 has been tabulated below for your reference.

NIRF Ranks 2024 (University)

Name of the Colleges

Average Course Fee

Admission Criteria

2

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR 10,000

Entrance Exam Based

3

Jamia Millia Islamia

INR 5,000

Entrance Exam Based

5

Banaras Hindu University

INR 6,000

Entrance Exam Based

6

University of Delhi

INR 17,000

Entrance Exam Based

9

Jadavpur University

INR 10,000

Entrance Exam Based

18

Calcutta University

INR 25,000

Entrance Exam Based

20

Chandigarh University

INR 2,10,000

Entrance Exam Based / Merit

27

Lovely Professional University

INR 3,00,000

Entrance Exam Based / Merit

32

Amity University

INR 2,52,000

Entrance Exam Based / Merit

61

University of Mumbai

INR 8,000

Entrance Exam Based

 

PhD in English Literature Syllabus

The year-wise syllabus for PhD English Literature courses at the Jawaharlal Nehru University is tabulated below for your reference.

Category

Course Title

Research Methodology

Research Methodology

English Language

History And Development of English Language

Phonology and Syntax of English

Structure of Contemporary English

Current Theories of English Language Teaching

English in Contact

Language and Interpretation

Socio-Linguistic Study of Literature

Stylistics and Discourse Analysis

Literature in Other Englishes

English Writings in the Third World

Indian English in Its Socio-Cultural & Historical Setting

Teaching of English in India

African Literature in English

Contemporary Australian Literature

Readings in American Literature

African-American Literature

Translation Studies and Comparative Literature and Poetics

Translation of Literary Texts

Comparative Literature

Literature in India

Indian Poetics

Indian Philosophical Tradition

Indian Linguistic Tradition

Vakyapadiya: Philosophy of Language & Linguistics

Literary Theory and Criticism

Critical Approaches to Literature

Readings in English Literary Criticism

New Criticism

Introduction to Contemporary Literary Theory

Twentieth Century Literary Theory

Novel and Society

Women and Literature

Literature of Colonialism & Decolonization

Literature and Philosophy

Semiotics, Structuralism, etc.

Semiotics of Creative Process in Language & Literature

Saussure and Semiology

Structuralism and Literary Critique

Post-Structuralism

Culture Studies

Interpretation of Texts

Conceptual Structures in Language, Literature, Art & Culture

Involvement

Seminar: I

Seminar: II

 

PhD in English Literature Admission Procedure

The step-wise admission process for PhD English Literature courses at the Jawaharlal Nehru University is discussed below for your reference.

 

Step 1: The first step to secure admission requires candidates to fill out the application form, irrespective of the category or qualifying UGC NET or CSIR UGC NET

 

Step 2: Candidates must then visit the official website of JNU and register themselves if they are a first-time user. Candidates should then register their mobile numbers and e-mail addresses.

 

Step 3: Candidates must then enter their application numbers and the password that was generated after logging in

 

Step 4: They must then fill in the necessary details, followed by uploading supporting documents

 

Step 5: They must then submit the application form and pay the requisite fee amount

 

Step 6: Once the application is submitted successfully, candidates will then be called in for interview rounds, where they are required to prepare a detailed research proposal

 

Step 7: After the viva voice is completed, a merit list will be published for the list of candidates whose research proposals have been accepted

 

Step 8: The merit list will also display the name of the designated supervisors for the project

 

Step 9: The JNU committee will then offer admissions to selected candidates, who must then pay their fees and secure admissions.

 

Important Documents Required:

 

The list of crucial documents that must be provided while processing admissions to PhD English Literature courses at Jawaharlal Nehru University is mentioned below:

  • Class 10th and 12th marksheets
  • Graduation and Postgraduation marksheets
  • JNUEE Admit Card
  • JNUEE Score Card
  • Address Proof
  • Category Certificate
  • Transfer Certificate
  • Migration Certificate

 

PhD English Literature Jobs and Salary

The table below describes the various job profiles, along with an approximate salary for each profile for your reference.

Job Profiles

Fresher Salary (INR)

Average Salary (INR)

Highest Salary (INR)

Editor

5 LPA

10 LPA

13 LPA

Researcher

3 LPA

7 LPA

12 LPA

Assistant Professor

7.20 LPA

13 LPA

21 LPA & above

Teacher

5.50 LPA

9.70 LPA

12 LPA

 

PhD in English Literature Top Recruiters

Below are the top recruiters for PhD English Literature courses for your reference:

Recruiters

ABP Group

Times Group

Publication Houses

Deloitte

TCS

James Walter Thompson

PWC

Bazaar India

Femina

 

PhD in English Literature FAQs

What is the total duration of the PhD English Literature course in India?

Candidates must complete their PhD in English Literature in a span of 2–5 years.

What is the eligibility for pursuing a PhD in English literature?

Candidates must complete their master's degree in English literature or any other relevant subject with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised college or university.

What is the average salary of a professor after pursuing a PhD in English literature?

The average salary of a professor after completing a PhD in English literature is INR 18.20 LPA.

Is a PhD in English Literature a merit-based admission process?

No, candidates aspiring to pursue a PhD in English literature must clear either of the entrance exams, such as UGC NET, JNUEE, or CSIR UGC NET.

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