I am telling you about Delhi University

First of all I don’t know exactly the procedure, syllabus for MA entrance of DU. But I think you should go through the follwing standards:

1.Read the syllabus thoroughly

2. Try to get previous question papers if they are available in some book stores or on DU website.

3.Analyse syllabus and questions. By doing so you will get an idea about what to read, how to read and what to emphasise.

4.Search for a book which covers whole syllabus. Make sure that you read according to the syllabus, otherwise you will never be able to finish the syllabus and get ready for the entrance.

5.While preparing keep visiting previous question papers.

6.If exam is objective, try to solve as many questions as possible.

7.If exam is decriptive try to write answers for previous questions. If have limited time write them in bullet form, or just prepare the answer structure for each.

8.And please don’t skip any topic. At least read each topic for once. And then decide.

And about hostel, you'll get that after talking about their administration and they will allot you