English Literature Scholar
Studies texts from around the world written in English or translated into English.
Overview
An English Literature Scholar is involved in the study of texts from around the world, written in the English language or languages translated into English.
Where they work
- Media houses
- Advertisement agencies
- PR consultancies
- Content creation agencies
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to study English
- You like to read
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You have interests in artistic occupations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in English Literature/Comparative Literature, followed by a Master's degree in the same discipline.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in English Literature/Comparative Literature, followed by a Master's degree in the same discipline, and then complete a PhD in English Literature/Comparative Literature.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of English. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- St. Stephen's College, New Delhi
- Hansraj College, New Delhi
- Scottish Church College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, New Delhi
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune, Maharashtra
- Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1English Literature Student
- 2English Literature Scholar
Related careers to explore
School Teacher
Guides and nurtures children in schools, teaching academic and practical knowledge.
Historian
Studies past events through written records, artefacts, photographs, interviews, films and letters to explain how and why things changed.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Languages, Arts, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Madhumita Biswas — Described in the source as an Assistant Professor with the Department of English, Jhargram Raj College (Girls' Wing). An English Literature graduate, she says studying literature helped her understand the world better and teaches empathy, and that students with a literature background find it easier to do well in competitive examinations and interviews.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 817 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/english-literature-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 817; the contents list gives 819. Lady Shri Ram College for Women, listed under private institutes, is a University of Delhi college and is shown under government institutes. St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, listed under government institutes, is a privately managed college. The example from the field is credited to a personal interview.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.