PhD English Literature: Admission 2025, Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, and Jobs

PhD English Literature is a 5-year degree course that is pursued by students who have qualified for 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 in English Literature is between INR 10,000 and INR 3,00,000. Candidates, after completing the course are offered various job roles such as Assistant Professor, Research Scholar, Teacher, Editor, Critic, and others.

PhD in English Literature Course Highlights

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

What is PhD in English Literature?

A doctorate in English Literature is a postgraduate course that deals with the critical study of literature in English. It is a critical examination of literary works, theory, and history. Literature students are normally asked to select a topic or body of literature, such as Victorian, Modernist, or Postcolonial literature to research in detail.

The curriculum of the program usually considers intended coursework, detailed examinations, and completion of a unique dissertation that introduces someone new to the discipline. Obtaining a PhD in English Literature qualifies individuals as scholars, researchers, or any other job that demands good analytical skills as well as good communication abilities.

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.
• Students 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.

Who should pursue a PhD in English Literature?

Mentioned below are the ideal candidates for pursuing this course:

• People who are passionate about literature, analytical thinking, and interpretations of texts.
• Individuals who have strong academic writing and the motivation to publish scholarly articles.
• Independent Thinkers who like to work on long-term research projects.
• Candidates who want to know much more about literary theory, culture, history, and language.
• Candidates who are able to spend a few years studying and conducting research.
• Anyone who wants to gain expertise in a given literary study or writer.

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 MA in English or any other relevant subject
• They must score a minimum aggregate of 55% or above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised college or university
• A relaxation of 5% in minimum marks is 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.

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.

PhD in English Literature Syllabus

PhD English Literature syllabus at the Jawaharlal Nehru University is tabulated below for the reference.

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

Step 3: They must then fill in the necessary details, followed by uploading supporting documents

Step 4: They must then submit the application form and pay the requisite fee amount

Step 5: 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 6: After the viva voice is completed, a merit list will be published for the list of candidates whose research proposals have been accepted

Step 7: The merit list will also display the name of the designated supervisors for the project

Step 8: 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 in English Literature VS PhD in English

Below is the comparison between PhD in English Literature and PhD in English:

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.

PhD in English Literature Top Recruiters

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

PhD in English Literature FAQs