KJ Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, Mumbai: Admission, Courses, Fees, Placements

Karamveer Bhura Nehru Institute of Dharma Education, Mumbai founded in 1993, is a very well-known institution meant for the dissemination of ancient Indian knowledge. Established in the fastest growing metropolitan city of Mumbai, this constituent institution of Somaiya Vidyavihar University is a huge campus of 50 acres of land. The institute provides 35 courses in 5 integrated degree courses in Yogashastra, Sanskrit, Buddhist Studies, Ancient Indian History etc. The institute is currently offering courses by a faculty strength of 14 and has a current student strength of 10 students which makes it possible for deep learning and research in the institute’s area of focus-implementing the mammoth task of dharmic traditions. 

Fortunately, the institute has a number of facilities to foster academic activity and achievement. In the center of this campus is a vast library containing not only a large number of books, but also a collection of indispensable materials necessary for the study of dharmas. A college auditorium is a central place for academic activities; presentations, seminars, and cultural activities anchoring the intellectual compass. In order to meet the trends of current educational demands, the institute has well equipped computer labs and internet facilities, so the students of the institute are exposed to computer systems and internet as requisite tools and facilities for education. Here, infrastructural facilities are in existence so as to foster the sportsman aspect in the growth of the student besides the aspect of academics. The institute also operates hostels for the students of both genders, to avail adequate living facilities for students to spend most of their time in balanced learning and togetherness. A clinic with first aid department guarantees the inhabitants’ health of the campus on any level. 

The courses that are provided for program and course in KJ Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies are vast and niche. The institute offers both full and part time, as well as diploma programmes in order to meet the different learning requirements. Some of its recognized courses include the Bachelor of Arts in Yogashastra, Master of Arts in Sanskrit, Buddhists Studies, Pali and Yogashastra, besides several diploma courses in disciplines such as Yoga Therapy and Ancient Indian History. The institute is also involved in providing doctoral programs in Yogashastra, Buddhists Studies and Sanskrit that enhance research education in the field. Unfortunately data regarding total number of seats and number of students intake to different courses is lacking, yet from the current intake size pointed by the institute, one can infer that it is likely to be quite selective with course and student-faculty ratio definitely is likely to be favorable.

The process of admission in KJ Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies is quite competitive and differs from program to program. For many of the postgraduate programs such as MA in Sanskrit, Buddhist studies and Pali and some other courses CUET or Somaiya Vidyavihar University Entrance Test, SVU ET is conducted. The MA in Hindu Studies programme is elaborate and particularly insists on the CUET scores for admission. In specialized programmes such as the MA in China Studies, students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline proposal is to sit for an entrance examination and pass with at least 40%. The institute accepts the score of CUET PG for various courses which indicate that they follow standard and fair admission process. As much as information concerning scholarships is lacking, details of the institute areas of specialization indicate that there could be scope for specializations when it comes to scholarships. The college may well have produced outstanding personalities evident from a combination of traditionalism and modern academics though names do not seem to be available from the data recouped.