Top 10 MA colleges in Bangalore

The city of Bangalore, referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” is not only a hub for information technology companies, but it is also an educational hotspot. The city boasts several of prestigious institutions offering a wide range of academic programs, including Master of Arts (MA) courses. Bangalore offers a wide range of courses to students with various interests, such as humanities, social sciences, and other specialized fields.

When it comes to pursuing a Master of Arts degree, Bangalore stands as a hub of top-quality educational institutions. Known for its vibrant culture and diverse opportunities, this city houses several esteemed colleges that offer excellent MA programs across various disciplines. In this article, we will explore the top 10 MA colleges in Bangalore that stand out for their academic excellence, faculty, and infrastructure.

Christ University

Christ University is recognised as an Institution with Potential for Excellence by the UGC. Accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC, the university is ranked 601-650 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2022. Christ University has been ranked 13th in Law, 60th in Management, and 67th in University & 100th in Overall category by NIRF 2023. Christ University has five campuses out of which 3 are located in Bangalore and the other two are in Delhi NCR and Lavasa (Pune).

Christ University offers UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs through all five campuses. Christ University conducts the CUET entrance test for most of its UG and PG courses. The final selection is done on the basis of Micro Presentation (MP), Personal Interview (PI), and Skill Assessment (SA) for all the courses.

Programmes offered:

• Master of Arts English and Cultural Studies
• Master of Arts Media and Communication Studies
• MA (Performing Arts – Bharatanatyam)
• Master of Arts (Counselling and Spirituality)
• Master of Arts (Philosophy)
• Master of Arts (Religion)

Eligibility:

• Candidates who have passed Undergraduate degree examination with 50 % aggregate marks from any recognised University in India or abroad recognised by UGC / AIU are eligible to apply.
• Students appearing for their final degree examinations in March-May 2025 are also eligible to apply (Applicants who are in the last year of their studies should have secured 50% or above aggregate in all the Semesters / Years of Undergraduate Examinations conducted so far).

Jain University

Jain University is a Deemed-to-be University established in 1990 in Bangalore, Karnataka. Jain University, previously known as Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College (SBMJC), is one of the top universities in India, ranked at 68th position in the University category in NIRF Ranking 2023. NAAC has rated the university as an A++ institute with a CGPA of 3.71 on a four-point scale. Jain University is spread across seven campuses and has six faculties namely Commerce, Engineering and Technology, Management, Creative Arts & Design, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Sciences.

• Jain University offers various UG, PG, Research, and Vocational courses through its 11 Schools and 25 Departments.
• The university offers around 71 UG and 51 PG courses with around 18,000+ students.
• The university also offers various courses in several disciplines through its online programs and distance learning platform.
• Jain University Admission to all the UG and PG courses is based on Jain Entrance Test (JET) conducted by the university.

Programmes offered

• MA in English
• Master of Fine Arts
• Master of Performing Arts
• MA in Economics
• MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
• MA in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy
• MA in Public Policy
• MA in Political Science and International Relations

Eligibility:

Students who are enrolled in their last semester or year of study are also eligible to apply for the JAIN Entrance Test. They must have an average of 50% in their bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject or the equivalent (10+2+3) from a recognized university.

Mount Carmel College

MCC Bangalore is recognized by the University Grants Commission. MCC Bangalore is a women’s college located in Bangalore’s Vasanth Nagar. The college has been re-accredited by NAAC with an A+ Grade (4th Cycle) and is affiliated with Bangalore University. According to India Today, this college is among the top three in Karnataka for its offerings in the humanities, sciences, and business. MCC Bangalore provides PhD programmes in 11 specializations as well as 7 undergraduate, 3 postgraduate diploma, and 6 postgraduate courses.

MCC, Bangalore is accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC. MCC Bangalore has been awarded the Potential for Excellence label by the UGC, Star College Status by the DBT, and Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) status by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. MCC Bangalore is ranked seventh overall by India Today 2021.

Admission Process

• Applications are now being accepted for admission to graduate programs and global MBA programs for the academic year 2025–2026.
• Applications are now being accepted for the academic year 2025–2026.
• Only online applications are accepted.
• Payment for the application forms must be made online using the Payment Gateway.
• The application cost for the Global MBA Programs, PG & Diploma Programs, and Undergraduate & Integrated B.Ed. Programs is Rs. 1000/-.
• On the day of the interview, fees must be paid.
• UG Students must take one language course as a requirement, and they must choose the second language they studied for the most recent qualifying test.
• A current passport-size photo and the applicant’s signature must be uploaded in digital form (less than 100 KB) in order to submit the application.

Programmes Offered

• A – Economics
• A – English
• A – Public Policy

Eligibility:

• Admission to all PG programs is based on merit.
• Provisional Admission will be made for PG Programmes based on their 4th SEM/ 5th SEM results for students currently pursuing the 6th SEM.

St. Joseph’s College

St Joseph’s University is a Jesuit university at the heart of Bengaluru, the silicon city of India. Established in 1882 by Paris Foreign Mission Fathers, the management of the college was handed over to the Jesuit order (Society of Jesus) in 1937. The college was first affiliated with the University of Madras and later with the Mysore and Bangalore universities. In 1986, St Joseph’s College became the first affiliated college in Karnataka to offer postgraduate programmes.

As a university, we are dedicated to excellence in education. Over the years, our students have been ranked among the finest in the country, as attested by our illustrious alumni. With an accomplished faculty both in teaching and research, the university is home to leading centres of excellence on campus.

Programmes Offered

• A – English
• A – Economics
• A. – Political Science
• A – Advertising and Public Relations
• A – Mass Communication & Journalism

Admission Process

• St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, does not authorise any individual or organisation to process admissions on its behalf. Applicants are cautioned against SMS/Email/WhatsApp Messages/Phone Calls from unauthorised organisations or individuals on or off its campus. St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, will not bear any responsibility for applicants being misguided by such promises.
• St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, will send emails from sju@linways.in or sju.edu.in domain for the application process. Email will be sent only to the selected candidates for the interview through SJU sender ID.
• The application fee for UG Programmes is Rs 600 (six hundred only), for PG Programmes and PG Diploma Programmes is Rs 700 (seven hundred only) and for Doctoral Programmes (PhD) is Rs 1000 (one thousand only). For the Programmes having an entrance test, Rs 100 (one hundred only) will be charged as an additional fee (additional bank charges may be applicable). The application fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
• Applicants for all bachelors’ programmes should update their XII Standard/ II PU marks in their application form.
• The programmes with an entrance test for admission are clearly specified. Request for a change of date/time/venue/mode of test/interview will not be entertained. No request for TA/DA or accommodation will be entertained. Failure to attend the entrance test/interview is considered as “not selected”.

Jyoti Nivas College

The Jyoti Nivas College, located in Bangalore, is one of the most renowned educational institutions in the country today. Since its founding in 1966, the college has empowered young minds and created a brighter future. In addition to its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, Jyoti Nivas College stands out as an educational beacon, providing students with a nurturing and empowering environment, a place where they can thrive.

Jyoti Nivas College, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, is dedicated to providing high-quality education because of its firmly established values. The college maintains a great balance between past and modern and takes pride in its rich cultural legacy. It has established an image of excellence in academics throughout time, enrolling students from all around the nation.

Admission Process

• Visit the college website https://www.jyotinivas.org/
• Admissions > Apply Now > Sign Up & get login ID & password.
• Select your course and fill in the necessary details with a passport sized photograph and documents in the given format.
• Verification of application and Call for Interviews.
• Interview > Fee payment > Confirmation.

Programme offered

• MA(English)

Eligibility:

Jyoti Nivas College provides a variety of PG programs in various fields. Admission to PG programs is merit in the qualifying exam is the only requirement for admission.

To grant admission to various PG programs, the state of Karnataka holds the PGCET, an offline entrance test. At the time of admission, students with strong CMAT or KMAT scores will be given priority in addition to their PGCET results.

Kristu Jayanti College

Kristu Jayanti College is an established institution that has been promoting academic achievement and training young minds for many years. It is situated in the energetic city of Bangalore, India. Since its founding in 1999, this esteemed institution has continually been a top option for students looking for outstanding education in a range of subjects. Kristu Jayanti College has established itself as a leader in educational quality because of its dedication to holistic development, modern facilities, and committed faculty.

Admission Process

• Go to the ‘Admission’ tab on the College’s official website after logging in.
• Candidates must first select the level (UG/PG) for which they are applying, followed by the course for which they desire to be considered.
• The ‘Application Form’ tab is located next to the course name; click on it.
• Complete the form with the necessary information, then check it before submitting.
• The fee may be paid online using net banking or a debit/credit card.
• The form may also be purchased and delivered to the college office directly.
• The application fee can also be paid using a demand draft.
• For undergraduate programs, the application cost is Rs. 250; for postgraduate programs, it is Rs. 500; for MBA programs, it is Rs. 900; and for law programs, it is Rs. 300.

Programme Offered

• MA English Literature
• Master of Arts – Economics
• MA Journalism & Mass Communication
• MA Public Administration

Eligibility:

Students must achieve a minimum of 50% overall in all optional courses (45% for SC/ST students from Karnataka) and 50% in the related subject at the undergraduate level.

Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College

It has been over three decades since Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College was established under the aegis of the Karnataka Central Diocese, one of the pioneering education departments in the country. It has been over three decades since the Post Graduate Department of English was established at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College to nurture students within the BA program through Optional English. Typically, students who have taken this course have been able to acquire an interdisciplinary edge, which is further enhanced by the MA in English program.

Admission Process

• When enrolling students in the MA in English Post Graduate Program, the department works to Bangalore Central University standards.
• Admission is restricted to women only. A maximum of 30 students may enroll, with the management having the ability to fill 50% of the seats. Admissions are made in accordance with the eligibility standards established by Bangalore Central University. The program will start in August or September 2019.
• After the University issues an official notification, the admissions procedure will start. The University also announces the deadline for form submission.

Programme offered

• MA English

Eligibility:

Students who graduated with Optional English as one of their core subjects from an accredited university are eligible to apply. Candidates for an MA in English may also be B.Com. B.Sc. or B.B.A. graduates. The qualifying examination cut-off score is 55%, which is required for enrollment in the course.

Reva University

Reva University in Bangalore is a renowned educational institution that provides students with a diverse range of academic programs and possibilities. The institution, which was founded in 2012, has rapidly established a reputation for academic quality and has been named among the best universities in India.

Reva University also provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs in a range of fields. The courses are meant to provide students with an excellent foundation in their selected field of study and give them all the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the working world.

Admission Process

• Go to the college’s official website and select the “Apply now” button on the right side of the page.
• Choose the course you want to take and enter your contact information to download the application.
• Pay the application fee online (Debit/ Credit Card/ Net Transfer) or by Demand Draft made payable to “REVA University”.
• After submitting the form successfully, an application number will be generated. For future use, write down

the application number.

Programmes offered

• A in English
• MA in Journalism and Communication

Eligibility:

Three-year bachelor’s degree in any field, or BE, B.Tech, or BA with an average of 50% (or 45% for those who identify as SC/ST), from any accredited university or institution, or any other degree that is recognized as equivalent or comparable.

Krupanidhi Degree College

Krupanidhi Degree College offers training designed to help students acknowledge and maximize their full potential for academic excellence and the development of highly skilled human resources with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing intellectual and technological environment. The university offers high-quality instruction and supports students in developing the intellectual, creative, and management skills necessary for a successful career.

Admission Process

• Students must first complete the online application form.
• Upload all necessary paperwork.
• They will then be sent to the payment portal where they may pay for the necessary application. You will receive a reference number after paying the application cost, which you will require for any subsequent transactions.
• For undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies, there is a fee of Rs. 1000.
• The application cost for a diploma program is 500 rupees.

Programme Offered

• MA Economics
• MA Journalism

Eligibility:

• Candidates who received a minimum of 50% in the related subject and 40% overall at the bachelor’s degree level.

Azim Premji University

Bangalore’s Azim Premji University was established in 2010 and has received UGC approval. It is a private university that was created by the UGC as a non-profit institution. It provides students with a variety of UG and PG courses, including BA, B.Sc., B.Ed., LLM, and MA. Based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance exam administered at the university level, all admission procedures relevant to the courses the university offers are completed. In addition, over 2000 students have been placed thus far, and about 300 companies have been to campus to recruit employees.

Programme Offered

• MA in Education
• MA in Development
• MA in Economics

Eligibility:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field from a university that is reputable, whether it is in India or abroad.
• Candidates with job experience are welcome to apply.
• If you are an undergraduate student who will graduate before the start of the academic program and are taking your last year’s exams, you may apply. Provisional admission is only available upon satisfactory completion of graduation.