Master of Arts [MA] (English)
at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R and D Institute of Science and Technology - [Vel Tech]
Accepted entrance exams
About Master of Arts [MA] (English)
The Master of Arts (English) at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology (Vel Tech University) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of English under the School of Sciences and Humanities. The programme is designed to provide advanced knowledge in literature, language, and critical theory, covering major literary traditions including British Literature, American Literature, Indian Writing in English, Postcolonial Literature, Shakespeare Studies, Canadian Studies, Australian Literature, and Linguistics. The curriculum comprises 80 credits and includes programme electives such as Film Studies, Copy Editing, Dalit Studies, Children's Literature, Research Writing, and E-Writing, along with SWAYAM/MOOC-based open electives. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 10,000, making it one of the most affordable MA English programmes at a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university in India. Admission is merit-based on qualifying examination marks, and the programme is open to BA English graduates with a minimum of 50% marks. The programme is popular among students who wish to pursue careers in academia, research, publishing, media, and English language teaching.
Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. Applications can be submitted online at application.veltech.edu.in. Admission is direct and merit-based; provisionally selected candidates are required to report in person to the university to complete the admission procedure. Classes for the 2026 batch are expected to commence in July/August 2026.
Key Points
- The programme comprises 80 credits and includes a two-phase major research project, internship, and minor project, providing strong research and experiential learning exposure.
- Programme electives include Film Studies, Copy Editing, Dalit Studies, Children's Literature, Research Writing, and E-Writing, allowing students to specialise in emerging areas.
- The Department of English is an authorised Cambridge English Qualifications centre (Vel Tech Centre for English Proficiency, IA 072), one of the few such centres in India.
- The department has 19 faculty members, all holding Ph.D. degrees, with expertise in Literature, Language and Linguistics, and English Language Teaching (ELT).
- The department runs the Knowledge Nexus forum for Ph.D. scholars and the English Literary Association (ELA) for undergraduate students, creating a vibrant literary community on campus.
- Vel Tech University holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 87th in the NIRF 2025 overall rankings.
Vel Tech MA English Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (per year) | Total (2 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 20,000 |
| Exam Fee | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Caution Deposit (refundable) | Rs. 5,000 (one-time) | Rs. 5,000 |
| Total Fees (excluding hostel) | Rs. 29,000 |
- Caution Deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the end of the programme.
- Exam fee covers all subjects of the current semester for the first appearance only.
- Fees for arrears and supplementary appearances are charged separately as per university rules.
- Fee is payable semester-wise: Rs. 6,000 per semester (tuition + exam fee).
- Application fee of Rs. 1,000 is payable at the time of applying.
Hostel Fees (Optional, not mandatory)
| Room Type | Annual Hostel Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Room (Non-AC, 3/4/5/6 sharing) | Rs. 1,05,000 |
| 4-in-one Room (Non-AC) | Rs. 1,27,000 |
| 2-in-one Room (Non-AC) | Rs. 1,42,000 |
| Single Room (Non-AC) | Rs. 1,42,000 |
| 2-in-one Room (AC) | Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Single Room (AC) | Rs. 1,65,000 |
- Hostel allotment is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Hostel caution deposit of Rs. 5,000 and hostel admission fee of Rs. 5,000 are payable once at the time of admission.
Vel Tech MA English Admission 2026
Vel Tech College-Specific Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Open | Open (apply at application.veltech.edu.in) |
| Admission Mode | Direct / Merit-based (no entrance exam) |
| Reporting to University for Admission Completion | On receipt of provisional selection intimation |
| Expected Commencement of Classes | July/August 2026 (tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree in English (BA English or BA English Literature) from a recognised university.
- Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying undergraduate degree.
- For international students: minimum 50% in the qualifying examination with the prerequisite subjects studied.
Admission Process
- Apply online at application.veltech.edu.in (Arts and Science UG/PG form).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000 at the time of applying.
- Admission is merit-based on marks in the qualifying examination (BA English marks).
- Provisionally selected candidates receive an intimation and must report in person to the university to complete the admission procedure.
- Submit original documents including BA marksheets, transfer certificate, migration certificate, and passport-size photographs at the time of reporting.
- Pay the first semester fee (Rs. 6,000) and caution deposit (Rs. 5,000) to confirm the seat.
Vel Tech MA English Scholarships 2026
The Vel Tech Mahatma Gandhi National Merit Scholarship is primarily applicable for B.Tech programmes. For MA English, the tuition fee is already very low at Rs. 10,000 per year. However, the following government and external scholarships are available to eligible students:
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (Tamil Nadu Government) | SC/ST students from Tamil Nadu with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh | Full tuition fee reimbursement |
| National Fellowship for SC Students (UGC) | SC students pursuing PG/M.Phil./Ph.D. | Rs. 25,000 per month (JRF) / Rs. 14,000 per month (SRF) |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) | Minority community students pursuing PG/M.Phil./Ph.D. | Rs. 25,000 per month (JRF) / Rs. 28,000 per month (SRF) |
| Central Sector Scholarship (Ministry of Education) | Students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh, merit-based | Rs. 10,000 per year (PG) |
| Ilaignar Thirumagan Scholarship (Tamil Nadu) | Students from Tamil Nadu with family income below Rs. 2 lakh | Rs. 1,000 per month |
- Government scholarships require separate applications through the respective portals (NSP, Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal, etc.).
- Scholarship deadlines vary; students should apply at the beginning of the academic year.
- Vel Tech University's internal scholarship scheme (Mahatma Gandhi National Merit Scholarship) is applicable for B.Tech programmes only and does not apply to MA English.
Vel Tech MA English FAQs
Ques. Is MA English at Vel Tech a good option for students who want to pursue a PhD or become college lecturers?
Ans. Yes, MA English at Vel Tech is a strong option for students targeting a PhD or a career in college teaching. The programme includes a two-phase major research project and internship, which provides hands-on research experience. The Department of English has 14 active research supervisors and a dedicated PhD programme in English covering Literature, Linguistics, ELT, and interdisciplinary areas. Graduates who clear UGC-NET/SET after completing MA English become eligible for Assistant Professor positions in colleges. The department's Knowledge Nexus forum and active research culture make it a supportive environment for aspiring academics.
Ques. What is the fee for MA English at Vel Tech, and is it really as low as Rs. 10,000 per year?
Ans. Yes, the annual tuition fee for MA English at Vel Tech is Rs. 10,000 per year, with an additional exam fee of Rs. 2,000 per year. The total programme fee for 2 years (excluding hostel) is approximately Rs. 29,000 including the refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000. This is significantly lower than most private universities offering MA English, where fees typically range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh per year. The low fee is a deliberate policy by Vel Tech to make humanities education accessible, and the programme is backed by NAAC A++ accreditation.
Ques. What are the career options after completing MA English from Vel Tech?
Ans. Graduates of MA English from Vel Tech can pursue several career paths. The most common routes are: (a) clearing UGC-NET/SET to become eligible for Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities; (b) pursuing a PhD in English for a research or senior academic career; (c) working in content writing, copy editing, publishing, journalism, or media; (d) working as English language trainers or ELT professionals in corporate training, coaching institutes, or schools; and (e) pursuing careers in translation, interpretation, or digital humanities. The programme's electives in Film Studies, Copy Editing, and E-Writing are specifically designed to prepare students for industry roles beyond academia.
Ques. Does Vel Tech offer hostel facilities for MA English students, and what is the approximate total cost for 2 years including hostel?
Ans. Yes, Vel Tech provides hostel accommodation for MA English students. The most affordable option is the Standard Room (Non-AC, 3-6 sharing) at Rs. 1,05,000 per year. Over 2 years, this adds Rs. 2,10,000 to the total cost. Combined with the programme fee of Rs. 29,000, the total estimated cost for 2 years including hostel is approximately Rs. 2,39,000. This is extremely affordable compared to most private universities. The hostel caution deposit (Rs. 5,000) and hostel admission fee (Rs. 5,000) are additional one-time charges.
Ques. Is UGC-NET required for admission to MA English at Vel Tech, and does the programme prepare students for UGC-NET?
Ans. No, UGC-NET is not required for admission to MA English at Vel Tech. Admission is merit-based on BA English marks. However, the programme is designed to prepare students for UGC-NET, which is the primary gateway to college teaching careers. The curriculum covers all major areas tested in UGC-NET English (Paper II), including British Literature, American Literature, Indian Writing in English, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Linguistics. Students are encouraged to appear for UGC-NET during or after the programme. Clearing UGC-NET/SET is essential for those who wish to become Assistant Professors in government or aided colleges.
Ques. What is the difference between MA English at Vel Tech and MA English at a central university or state university in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. The key differences are: (a) Vel Tech is a deemed university with NAAC A++ accreditation, while central and state universities may have different accreditation levels; (b) Vel Tech's MA English fee (Rs. 10,000 per year) is comparable to or lower than many state university fees; (c) Vel Tech's campus is in Avadi, Chennai, offering a fully residential campus experience with modern infrastructure; (d) the programme at Vel Tech includes a research project, internship, and SWAYAM/MOOC-based open electives, which are aligned with NEP 2020; (e) however, degrees from central universities like Madras University or Pondicherry University may carry more recognition in certain government job applications. Students should weigh these factors based on their career goals.