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.
- PhD in English Literature Course Highlights
- Why Pursue PhD in English Literature?
- PhD in English Literature Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in English Literature Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines
- PhD in English Literature Top Colleges
- PhD in English Literature Syllabus
- PhD in English Literature Admission Procedure
- PhD English Literature Jobs and Salary
- PhD in English Literature Top Recruiters
- 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.