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MA in Religious Study is basically a 2-year duration full-time post-graduate course that imparts in-depth knowledge on different religions, their cultural history, beliefs, behaviors, religious figures and more.
Check Top MA Religious Study Colleges in India here.
This course helps students in developing a knowledge and understanding of the histories, practices, cultural expressions, social conditions and cultural expressions of indigenous as well as major religious traditions.
To be considered eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant stream from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
Admission to this course will be done either on the basis of performance of candidates in the entrance exams conducted by the admission authorities or based on candidate’s performance in the Bachelor degree exams.
Some of the top MA Religious Study Colleges according to their NIRF 2021 ranking are as follows
| Name of the College | Admission Process | Average Course Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNDU, Amritsar | Entrance-Based | INR 36,290 | INR 4,15,000 |
| Guru Kashi University, Bathinda | Merit-Based | INR 23,400 | INR 5,52,000 |
| Khalsa College, Amritsar | Entrance-Based | INR 42,660 | INR 4,58,000 |
| Mata Sahib Kaur Girls College, Bathinda | Merit-Based | INR 20,500 | INR 3,75,000 |
The tuition fees for enrolling in MA Religious Study courses vary as per universities. The average annual course fees generally ranges between INR 5,000 and 50,000.
MA Religious Study degree holders can get jobs in numerous sectors such as Schools, Colleges, Churches, NGOs, Charity Organizations, Museums etc. and jobs as a Teacher, Lecturer, Curator, Religious Writer, Assistant Professor, Bible Translator etc. with an average annual salary ranging between INR 2,50,000 and INR 4,50,000.
After completing this course, students can pursue higher studies and advanced academic exploration along with research through PhD Theology, MPhil Religious Study courses. This course essentially provides a solid basis for further studies and related prospects. Also, check top Phd Theology Colleges here.
What is the Admission Process for MA Religious Study?
The MA Religious Study Admission Process can vary as per the university rules and regulations. Some universities grant admission to students to this course based on merit. Some of the top-most Indian universities prefer conducting entrance exams to grant admission to qualified candidates.
The admission procedures followed in the Indian universities for admission to MA Religious Study course are given below.
Merit-based admission
In merit-based admission, the universities offering MA Religious Study course grant admission to students based on their marks obtained in the graduation level.
Entrance-Based Admission
The steps of the entrance-based admission are provided below:
- Step 1 - Students have to register for the entrance test by providing their email address, mobile number and password after which a login id will be created.
- Step 2 - On creation of login id, candidates are required to fill the application form with the required information correctly.
- Step 3 - In this step, candidates have to upload the necessary documents such as photograph, signature, id proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, Bachelor’s degree etc.
- Step 4 - On uploading the documents successfully, students have to pay the requisite amount of application fee online.
- Step 5 - Based on the details submitted by the students, the admission authority will issue the admit cards to the eligible students.
- Step 6 - After getting the admit card, exam dates will be released by different conducting bodies. Candidates have to sit for the entrance test and qualify the same to get admission.
- Step 7 - In the final stage, admission authorities will release the results of the entrance test they have appeared for.
- Step 8 - Successful candidates will then be allotted seats to the respective institutes.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Admission to MA Religious Study?
The minimum eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue an MA Religious Study from Indian universities are given below:
- Need to secure a minimum 50% marks in 12th standard examination from any recognized educational board in the subjects- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from any recognized university.
- Secure at least 50% aggregate marks at the graduation level.
- Need to qualify the entrance exam conducted by the institutes where the candidates are applying for the course.
Is There Any Entrance Exam for Admission to MA Religious Study course?
Many premier Indian universities conduct entrance exams for MA Religious Study admissions. The entrance exams conducted thus vary according to the respective universities. Some of the most sought-after entrance examinations are:
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JNUEE: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Entrance Examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to the university's graduate and post-graduate courses. JNUEE is considered to be one of the toughest entrance examinations in India.
The below-mentioned table consists the most important dates, exam mode etc. for MA Religious Study entrance exam conducted by the top-most Indian universities:
| Exam Name | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| JNUEE | Check here |
| AMU Entrance Test | To be announced |
How to Prepare for MA Religious Study Entrance Exams?
The top-most Indian colleges offering MA Religious Study program grant admission to the eligible candidates based on their performance in the entrance exam conducted by the university admission authority. The syllabus for MA Religious Study entrance exams may vary for different universities. Here we provide some important tips the candidates need to follow while preparing for MA entrance exams:
- The interested candidates appearing for the entrance exams need to check the exam pattern first. The entrance exam pattern will differ from college to college. Most of the tests are basically MCQ questions. So, it's necessary to get a clear idea of the exam structure.
- Candidates wishing to perform well in the entrance exam, need to go through the exam syllabus properly. Make a daily basis strategy plan, try to cover each and every topic in-depth.
- Start practicing sample question papers and solve previous years’ papers daily. Always remember continuous practice can help you to crack any entrance exam.
- Try to enhance your time management skill. It is very important to qualify the entrance exam. Try to solve the mock test paper regularly within a scheduled time frame.
How to Get Admission in a Good MA Religious Study College?
While planning to get admission in the top-most MA Religious Study colleges, the interested candidates need to keep the following important points in mind:
- Start searching through the list of the top-most colleges in India offering MA Religious Study courses and shortlisting them according to their location, ease of access, eligibility criteria, selection process, annual course fee and more.
- Visit the colleges’ websites and try to apply to your preferable course within the application period.
- Some MA religious Study colleges grant direct admission on the basis of students’ merit at the graduation level. However, some top Indian universities shortlisted the eligible candidates through the respective entrance exam followed by the personal interview round conducted by the respective college authority.
- If you are planning to get admission to the best MA Religious Study colleges in India, it's necessary to score well in the respective entrance examinations.
- Be prepared for the personal interview session as it is the final selection round for the qualifying candidates.
MA Religious Study: What is it about?
Read the points given below to know what MA Religious Study course is all about:
- MA Religious Study is a postgraduate degree course that helps the students to learn about the principle of different religions, their beliefs, behaviors, institutions, important religious figures and more.
- The course imparts advanced knowledge on Indigenous Religions, Asian Religious Traditions, New Age Religion, New Religious Movements, Holocaust Studies, Islamic Studies etc.
- The course helps to develop in-depth knowledge on indigenous religious studies, its history, social conditions, cultural expressions etc.
- The course teaches students on different specializations, like Vedic Religion, Islam and Sufism, Judaism and Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism, Bhakti Tradition of Medieval India, Origin and Development of Sikh Religion, Varan Bhai Gurdas and Janamsakhi Literature and more.
- The course helps the students to acquire a broad range of critical, analytical and communicative skills. It develops valuable skills and knowledge to the students who can pursue PhD and M.Phil. degree.
- After completing this course, the students can pursue employment in various fields, like NGO, Media, Charities, National Health Service, Churches, UPSC, Financial Firms and more.
MA Religious Study Course Highlights
The course highlights of MA Religious Study course is provided in the table given below :
| Course Level | Post-graduation |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate marks |
| Admission Procedure | Entrance/ Merit-Based |
| Examination Type | Semester/Annual |
| Recruiting Areas | Schools, Colleges, Churches, NGOs, Charity Organizations, Museums etc. |
| Job Profile | Teacher, Lecturer, Curator, Religious Writer, Assistant Professor, Bible Translator etc. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 5,000 - 50,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 2,50,000 - 4,50,000 |
Why Should You Study MA Religious Study?
There are many benefits of pursuing a MA Religious Study course. The main benefits of pursuing this program are as follows:
- MA in Religious Study discipline comprises the principles, beliefs and institutions on different world-wide religions. The course helps the students to understand the depth of the relationship between the religion and human existence.
- This course study offers various career opportunities in both religion and non-religion sectors.
- Along with in-depth foundational knowledge, the graduates can work as a counsellor, motivational speaker, community minister etc.
- After completing this post-graduation degree course successfully, the graduates can work as a Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Bible Translator, Preacher, Religious Writer, Project Coordinator and more in various sectors, such as Educational Institutes, Churches, NGO’s, Charity Organization, Law Firms etc.
- Depending on their knowledge, skills and expertise, the graduates can easily earn INR 2,50,000 to 4,50,000 per year.
MA Religious Study vs MA Ancient History
Both MA Religious Study and MA Ancient History are both post-graduate degree courses of a comprehensive nature. But there are subtle differences between the academic curriculum of these two-degree courses. Also check top MA Ancient History Colleges here.
A comparison between the two courses is given below in a tabulated form for better understanding along with their respective fee and expected salaries :
| Parameter | MA Religious Study | MA Ancient History |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | The course imparts in-depth knowledge on different religious history, their cultural conditions, cultural expressions and more. | This course covers the wide range of chronological and geographical topics on ancient Indian history and its heritage, culture etc. |
| Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% aggregate marks from recognized university | Graduation with 50% aggregate marks from any recognized institute |
| Admission Procedure | Direct Admission/ Entrance Exam Based | Merit-Based/ Entrance Test followed by Personal Interview |
| Top Colleges | Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Guru Nanak Dev University etc. | Jawaharlal Nehru University, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, University of Allahabad, Sri Agrasen Kanya PG College, Karnatak University etc. |
| Job Roles | Religious Writer, Bible Translator, Peacher, Curator, Religious Teacher, Assistant Professor etc. | Teacher, Museum Education officer, Archivist, Historical Research Assistant, Civil Service Administrator etc. |
| Top Recruiting Fields | Schools, Colleges, Churches, NGOs, Charity Organizations, Museums etc. | Educational Institutes, Law Firms, Tourist Company, National Museums, Archaeological Survey of India, National Archives of India etc. |
| Average Fees | INR 5,000 - 50,000 | INR 3,000 - 16,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2,50,000 - 4,50,000 | INR 3,00,000 - 6,00,000 |
Which are the Top Colleges for Studying MA Religious Studies?
Several universities across India offer MA Religious Studies course. Some of the top universities among them are given below in a tabulated form along with their respective location, average annual fee, and NIRF ranking :
| Name of the College | Admission Process | Average Course Fees | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNDU, Amritsar | Entrance-Based | INR 36,290 | INR 4,15,000 |
| Guru Kashi University, Bathinda | Merit-Based | INR 23,400 | INR 5,52,000 |
| Khalsa College, Amritsar | Entrance-Based | INR 42,660 | INR 4,58,000 |
| Mata Sahib Kaur Girls College, Bathinda | Merit-Based | INR 20,500 | INR 3,75,000 |
| SAU, Pune | Merit-Based | INR 30,250 | INR 5,26,000 |
College Comparison for MA Religious Studies
The comparison of the top three Indian universities offering MA Religious Studies program is given below in a tabular form along with their average annual fees, and average placement package offered:
| Parameters | GNDU, Amritsar | GKU, Bathinda | Khalsa College, Amritsar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | GNDU offers UG, PG, and Doctoral programs such as B.Tech, B.Sc.,B.Com (H), BBA, BA (Hons), B.Arch., LLB, B.A.LLB, BTTM, BHMCT, B.Lib., B.Planning, B.Pharm., BPES, BPEd., BPT and B.Ed courses at the UG level and M.Sc, M.Tech., M.Com., M.Arch.,MCA, MBA, M.Lib.,MPA,M.Planning, MHA, M.Ed. and LLM programs at the PG level. | Guru Kashi University was established in 2011, and is a co-ed institute. It has been established by the State Legislature Act of Punjab. It is a residential University and has more than 7000 students. | Khalsa College is a constituent college of Guru Nanak Dev University. It is one of the most iconic and legendary educational institutions in Amritsar. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in Religious Study from a recognized university. | Bachelor’s degree in Religious Study from a recognized university. | Bachelor’s degree in Religious Study from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based | Merit-Based | Entrance-Based |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 36,290 | INR 23,400 | INR 42,660 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 4,15,000 | INR 5,52,000 | INR 4,58,000 |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Churches, Colleges, Schools, NGOs, UPSC, Museums, Charities etc. | Churches, Colleges, Schools, NGOs, UPSC, Museums, Charities etc. | Churches, Colleges, Schools, NGOs, UPSC, Museums, Charities etc. |
MA Religious Studies Distance Learning
Students who are unable to pursue a MA Religious Studies program in regular mode can also pursue the same through Distance Learning. Before taking admission, Students must check for the validity of the course and the college in distance or correspondence mode.
- In order to be eligible for this course through correspondence mode students must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant discipline from a recognized university.
- The minimum duration required to complete this course from distance mode is 2 year and the maximum duration of the same is 5 years.
- Admission to MA Religious Studies course through correspondence mode will be done based on the candidate's merit in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
- The average fee for the course ranges from INR 8,000 to INR 44,000 annually.
What are the Subjects Covered in MA Religious Study Syllabus?
The MA Religious Study course comprises 4 semesters including subjects related to different religious languages and their cultural history. The semester-wise breakup of this course syllabus is mentioned in the following table:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Subjects of study: Origin and Development | Subjects of study: Six Schools of Indian Philosophy |
| Vedic Religion | Islam and Sufism |
| Jainism and Buddhism | Bhakti Tradition and Medieval India |
| Judaism and Christianity | Origin and Development of Sikh Religion |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Subjects of study: History of Sikhs (1709-1849) | Subjects of study: Exegetical Traditions of Guru Granth Sahib |
| Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth | The Religious Movements of 19th And Early 20th Century Punjab |
| Varan Bhai Gurdas and Janamsakhi Literature | Sociology of Sikh Religion |
| Philosophy of Sikhism | Philosophy of Religion |
Which Books are Recommended for MA Religious Study?
The below mentioned table suggest the most recommended books best suited for the students pursuing Master’s degree in Religious Study course:
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion | Mircea Eliade |
| Introduction to the History of Indian Buddhism | Eugène Burnouf |
| The Thought of Thomas Aquinas | Brian Davies |
| Jesus the Jew: a Historian’s Reading of the Gospels | Geza Vermes |
| Greek Thought, Arabic Culture | Dimitri Gutas |
What are the Career Options and Job Profiles Available After Completing MA Religious Study?
- After completing the MA Religious Study course successfully, the candidates can have prospective career opportunities as well as satisfactory job positions in various different sectors, like- Schools, Colleges, Churches, Charity organizations, Museums, NGOs and many more.
- The MA Religious Study degree holders can hold different job roles, like- Religion Teacher, Bible Translator, Lecturer, Preacher, Project Coordinator, Assistant Professor, Religious Writer and more.
Some of the most popular job positions available for the MA Religious Study degree holders are listed below along with their corresponding job description and average salary package:
| Job Role | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Teacher | The Religious Teacher teaches the young people about God, Religion and its different aspects, like beliefs, rituals, customs, rites, doctrines and more. | INR 3,75,000 |
| Bible Translator | The main role of a Bible Translator is to translate the Bible language in an easy and accurate manner. They try to produce the script in an understandable and readable version, so that the people can understand the language and its meaning easily. | INR 4,00,000 |
| Lecturer | The responsibility of a lecturer is to develop course related materials, make proper assessment of students’ work and motivate them by delivering meaningful discussions on topics etc. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Assistant Professor | They are responsible for conducting undergraduate and postgraduate courses and seminars regarding the related field of study. | INR 4,55,000 |
What is the Future Scope After Completing a MA Religious Study Course?
Students who have completed MA Religious Study program have a large number of career options. The future scopes for MA Religious Study degree holders are given below :
Higher and advanced education: Students can opt for higher advanced education and research opportunities after completing their MA Religious Study degree course. The higher education options they can pursue are :
- B.Ed.: For those who want to pursue a career as a school teacher in either public schools or private schools can consider enrolling in a B.Ed degree course. This course can provide them with the necessary insights required for teaching at different school levels.
- M.Phil.: Post-graduate students can opt for pursuing an M.Phil. degree in the discipline. This will present them with a scope to gain more thorough and intense knowledge over the subject and will provide them with opportunities for academic research.
- PhD: Students can also enrol in PhD programs in the discipline as per the area of their liking. Along with in-depth research and studies on the subject, this provides massive scope for further employment with higher pay-scales.
- Competitive Exams:Students, after completing their post-graduation in Religious Study, can appear in different competitive examinations for government jobs, including UPSC CSE, IFS, and PSC of different states.
MA Religious Study FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions related to the MA Religious Study course are provided below:
Ques. What is MA Religious Study?
Ques. What is the duration of this program?
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for this course?
Ques. Which are the top Indian colleges offering this course?
Ans. The top-most MA Religious Study Course Indian Universities are as follows:
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Ques. What is the selection criteria for students’ admission to this course?
Ques. Which entrance exams are required to qualify for granting admission?
Ans. The top-most Indian colleges offering admission to the MA Religious Study program based on the performance of the following entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges:
- DUET
- PET
- JNUEE
- AMU Entrance Test etc.
Ques. What is the average course fee for this program?
Ques. What are the job roles available for the graduates?
Ques. How much a graduate can earn per year after completing this course?
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