Sanskrit Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope

What is Sanskrit

Sanskrit is derived from the Sanskrit word "saṃskṛta which mean adorned, cultivated and purified". Most scholars refer to Sanskrit as the language of Gods. It is the oldest known language to humankind. All the Vedas and Shastras have been originally transcribed in Hindi. Sanskrit is not just the language of Hindu compositions, but it has also been found in Jain and Buddhist scriptures.

It is one of the 22 official languages of the Indian constitution. Sanskrit language is not widely spoken in India, but it is still the ceremonial language, it is the language of two epic granthas "The Ramayan" and "The Mahabharat". Central board of higher secondary education, CBSE recognises Sanskrit as the third language. The Sanskrit language has originated in the Indo-Aryan region and was widely used in India is also now on the verge of  disappearance. Therefore, individuals who are interested in literature can graduate from the Sanskrit language.

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Sanskrit

For Undergraduates

• An applicant must have at least cleared their 10+2 from a recognised state or central board with at least 60% aggregate

• 45-50 per cent SC/ST/OBC students.

• Sanskrit is compulsory in 10+2 for all candidates.

For Postgraduates

• Applicants must have qualified BA Sanskrit or an equivalent exam with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent.

For PhD

• Applicants must have passed MA Sanskrit with an aggregate of 55 per cent marks.

• An applicant who has an OBC/SC/ST certificate would require a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent.

• Candidates can apply for JRF till the age of 30.

Entrance exams for Sanskrit Language

No national level entrance exam is there or any common entrance test (CET) as of now, the admission process varies from college to college, some college provides admission based on institutional entrance exam while some provide admission based on the candidate's merit of 10+2.

Mostly a student would undergo two rounds for selection -

• Institutional Test (if any)

• Personal Interview/ Group Discussion (GD)

The entrance exam for Sanskrit Language for some of the best colleges that provide an undergraduate course in Sanskrit have been listed below:

• B.A in Sanskrit Language - BA Sanskrit is a three year long undergraduate programme.

Aditi Mahavidyalaya Entrance Exam – This is the entrance exam for BA, B.Com, BSc undergraduate courses for Aditi Mahavidyalaya (an all girl's constituent college for University of Delhi).

Burdwan Raj College Entrance Exam – This is the entrance exam for Burdwan Raj College located in Bardhaman, West Bengal. It is a UG entrance exam for B.Sc. (Hons. & General), B.Com (Hons. & General), BA (Hons. & General), BBA (Hons.) and BCA (Hons.).

Maulana Azad College Entrance Exam- It is the entrance exam for various UG course provided by Maulana Azad College.

• M.A in Sanskrit Language – It is a two years long PG program. Apart from graduating BA, some colleges rely on the entrance exam for providing admission to PG level such as

TISSNET (NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY TEST) – It is a national level exam conducted by Tata Institute of Social Science to offer admission in its various campuses. The exam is conducted through online mode in January.

JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru Entrance exam) – It is an entrance exam conducted by NTA to provide admission in PG courses. This exam is held in September through online mode.

• PhD in Sanskrit Language – PhD Sanskrit is a four to five year-long doctorate degree programme.

CVVET (Combined Vidyavaridhi entrance test)  - It is an entrance test conducted by Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyapeeth, New Delhi. It is usually held in May.

UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) – It is a national level entrance exam conducted by NTA for Jr Research Fellowship or Assistant professor. It is conducted in September – November.

SLET (State Level Eligibility Test) – It is a state-level eligibility test conducted by the NTA for the post of Assistant Professor.

Note – Some colleges avoid this long, tedious process and provide cut-off lists until all the seats are registered, in such colleges applicants can expect a straightforward admission if they have the merit displayed in the cut-off list.

Required Skillset for Sanskrit

Skills are the talent and exceptions that you acquire over some time. It shows your expertise in your field of job. An employer does not know you personally, but the skills you mention in your resume helps them examine you. Skills can be both basic life skills and professional skills, and both of them allow you to perform your work duties. There are several key types of skills: important for a Bachelors of Arts in Sanskrit Language, and some of them have been listed below.

• Creativity: Thinking outside of the box segregates you from the rest of the crowd. Especially in the field of language creativity can be a real asset.

• Communication Skills: Having a degree in the linguistic field demands exceptional communication skills. You have pit three years of academic degree, therefore, it will imply that you can speak to the mind and your heart. Communicating with your boss and clients or customers skillfully can help you in worrisome situations.

• Writing: Linguistic jobs involve writing. If not a master at writing one should at least have a basic writing skill. It skills should be gained and must be put on your resume.

• Foreign Languages: Being bilingual can be a boon for you and to be a good translator you must know a handful of languages, if not too many at least three languages. Even if a role or company does not need a bilingual employee, they may find it impressive.