English Courses in India

English courses in India or more aptly English language courses in India provide education related to various aspects of English language or its specialisations like drama, fiction, poetry etc. English courses in India may imply different meaning to different people. To some a course in English language may be an institutionalised study awarded with a degree or certificate and for some it can be informal study of the language i.e. an English speaking course. But here we are discussing those courses in English language which are institutionalised and awarded with a degree, diploma or certificate. Academically speaking, there are no specialised institutes rather there are excelling departments and faculty which are mostly found in Top Arts Colleges. Some of the relevant terms associated with English courses include English language courses in India, English literature courses in India, English certification courses in India and online English courses in India. These all are generalised terms indicating English language education in India. However, these do differ in course structure, content, approach etc. English is primarily a British language but due to British Colonisation it spread all across the world. Today, it enjoys the status of International Language. It is the official language of various countries and various national and international businesses are conducted in English language. The wide acceptance of Indian professional settled abroad is also due to their knowledge of English. But it is one thing to study an educational course through medium of English language and another to study English language as an educational course.

English courses in India: Some specialized fields

• Communicative English
• English Literature
• Functional English
• English Literature and Theatre Studies

English Course Content: General Overview 

• Indian Writing in English
• Poetry and Fiction
• Communication Skills in English
• Types of literary research

Course Objectives

• To gain a thorough knowledge of the subject
• To gain the ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely
• To use the gained knowledge of English for further proficiency

English Course in India: Basic Requirements

Basic requirement for pursuing course at the graduate level requires 10+2 pass or its equivalent in any discipline but in English medium. Some institutes also conduct an entrance test for admission. Percentage requirements vary from institute to institute.

Personality Traits

A candidate should have the will and urge to learn the language. He should try to learn not just in an institute but anywhere the opportunity arises. For example, conversation with someone proficient, listening to English songs, watching English movies and so on. One should try to be dynamic in the usage of English language as much as possible. Most importantly one should have interest in the language and enjoy the learning process.

Some of the Major Institutes

• Loyola College
• Lady Shri Ram College for Women
• Miranda House College
• St. Stephen's College

Career & Job Perspectives

The globalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990s triggered the requirement for workforce well acquainted with English language. Since then more and more Indians are acquiring its learning. As English is a global language, its usage in various fields of occupation has also become global. This makes it imperative for the Indians more so if they desire to migrate to foreign shores. That is the reason why clearing the English language course - IELTS has acquired a compulsory condition for immigration to English speaking countries. A 2011 paper published by three researchers with the World Bank and the Florida and Connecticut universities suggests that the ability to communicate in English is a must to be eligible for better pay packets. The research paper titled "The returns to English-language skills in India" says that hourly wages are on an average 34% higher for men who speak fluent English and 13% higher for men who speak a little English relative to men who do not speak English at all.

The knowledge of English is not just a professional requirement; it has become a status symbol and confidence builder. It is often used to impress upon others that they are from an educated background and makes them feel upwardly mobile. Those with good voice with a bit of training can get jobs as televisions anchors, news readers, hosts, radio jockey and voice artistes. To acquire jobs based solely on the knowledge of the understanding of the language, limits the employment opportunities to a few key areas. Various institutes which impart education of English language are doing a successful business; they have their concerns established not just regionally but also nationally. These institutes themselves are source of income for various trainers employed here. Even private tutors working from home can earn a respectable income. Wherever English language is required, there will always be employment opportunities for those who have the relevant skill. In today’s world and even of the future, English language will continue to be an important employment factor.

Remuneration - Salaries vary from one post to another and from one organisation to other. Those employed in foreign countries get more paid than those in the native country. Teachers and call centre executive are the most highly paid individuals.

Job Types

• Tutor / Lady Tutor
• Secretary
• Teachers
• Lecturers
• Translators
• Interpreter
• Linguist
• Researcher
• Writer
• Poet
• Novelist

Employment Areas

• Consulting Services
• Educational/Training
• Embassies
• Consulates
• Call Centres
• Tourism Industry
• Book Publishing
• Hotel Receptionist
• Television
• Cinema
• Publicists
• Event Management