I want to be an English professor

I am studying in Std VIII. I would like to be an English professor. What courses should I go for in order to take up this profession? What is the time period for doing this course?
Anaina Santhosh

To become an English professor, you should have a Master’s degree in English and should clear the National Eligibility Test (NET). This test is for the appointment of Lecturers/Assistant Professors.

Take any combination of subjects in 10+2, as English is a compulsory subject. Then go for B.A. (Hons.) English, followed by Masters in English (M.A.). So after Std VIII, you require 9 years to complete M.A..

A Master’s degree is the minimum requirement to teach at the college level; however, universities prefer an M.Phil. (Master of philosophy) / Ph.D. and also offer extra increments to these candidates.