Top Liberal Arts Colleges in India: Courses, Fees, Duration, Seats, Admission Process

List of Top Liberal Arts Colleges in India

Here are the best Liberal Arts colleges in India:

What are Liberal Arts?

An education in the Liberal Arts is usually related to one of these four areas: social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and arts. The central disciplines in a liberal arts course are as follows:

Students pick Liberal Arts immediately after school to get their basics right, as they plan to take up professions in various fields. Universities and colleges generally offer students a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in liberal studies, where students get to choose their major and minor subjects.

Other than a direct course in liberal arts, colleges offer BA programmes where students can pick electives from at least two disciplines that are offered. You can choose a major in English and a minor in History, or you can take up Economics as your major and Political Science as your minor subject. Candidates who still feel they are not content with a bachelor's degree can also go on to pursue a Master's degree in Liberal Studies.

Liberal Arts Required Skills

Courses in Liberal Arts help students acquire and elevate several soft skills. Broadly, these skills include the following -

What is the Need for Liberal Arts?

Christ University was established in 1969 as Christ College. The institution was granted the status of a deemed-to-be-university in 2008. Christ is one of the first institutions in India to be accredited by the NAAC. The BA in Liberal Arts course offered at the university is an interdisciplinary programme that draws on the combined expertise of the faculties of Historical Studies, Arts, Business and Industries, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, Psychology, Global Economics, Law and Political Science. The course is designed in a way that at the end of three years, students major in any one of the disciplines mentioned below based on their interests:

BA Liberal Arts Tuition Fee (3 years) - INR 3.81 lakhs  

Symbiosis, Pune

Known for offering a diverse range of courses, Symbiosis International was established in 1971. The university has a multi-disciplinary approach. Its Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) offers students a four-year full-time Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts) Honours degree and Bachelor of Science (Liberal Arts) Honours Degree programme. The focus of SSLA is on critical thinking, research, analysis and writing along with civic-mindedness. The courses, fees and seat intake at SSLA are as follows:

SSLA Course, Fees and Seat Intake

Admission Procedure: Admission to SSLA is done in two ways, i.e. Option A – candidates have to appear for the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) or Option B – Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Candidates need to first meet the eligibility criteria set by SSLA. Eligible candidates will have to register and apply. Once the application process is completed, candidates will have to appear for the SET exam. Candidates who pass the SET will be called for the second round of admission, which is the PI WAT (Personal Interview and Writing Ability Test).

Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode

Established in 1996, IIM Kozhikode - Indian Institute of Management (IIMK) offers students admission to various postgraduate programmes, with one of the courses being a Postgraduate Programme in Liberal Studies and Management. While the study of management has mostly been unidirectional, IIMK has introduced a two-year postgraduate degree to integrate and equip students to pursue careers in managerial roles in marketing, human resource management, media, social enterprise, hospitality and healthcare.

Eligibility Criteria: Students should hold a duly recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 50% marks. The candidate must also meet the cut-off in order to apply.

Admission Procedure: Students are required to register and apply online on the official website of IIMK. There is a three-stage selection process, which is as follows:

• Stage 1 – Filling and submitting the application form.
• Stage 2 – Candidates will be shortlisted through the application form. Selected candidates will have to take a computer-based test.
• Stage 3 - Shortlisted candidates will have to appear for a writing task, which will be followed by a personal interview (PI).

Based on the marks secured, a merit list will be released, and candidates who clear the three stages will be invited to complete the admission formalities at IIMK.

OP Jindal Global University

The OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat was set up in 2009 and offers candidates a diverse variety of programmes and courses such as International Affairs, Government and Public Policy, Banking and Finance, Art and Architecture and many more. OP Jindal Global University’s Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities offers students admission to a three-year BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts and Humanities with specialisations in 11 subjects that students can choose from. Also, the school offers a unique four-year dual degree program with Rollins College in the USA. Through this programme, students would study for two years at JSLH and the next two years at Rollins College.

OP Jindal Global University Course and Fees

Admission Process: For admission to the BA (Hons) programme here, candidates have to first apply online. Candidates who are eligible will advance to the second round, where they will have to appear for an interview or give the Jindal Scholastic Aptitude Test (JSAT). Candidates who clear round 2 will receive a provisional offer of admission.

Ashoka University

Established in 2014, Ashoka University offers students an MA (Master of Arts) in Liberal Studies. The liberal arts course offered at Ashoka University is highly interdisciplinary and entails coursework from a variety of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, behavioural sciences and natural sciences. Check out the courses, tuition fees and seats offered at Ashoka University.

Ashoka University Course and Fees

Admission Process: For admission to an MA in Liberal Arts at Ashoka University, the course is restricted to graduates of the Young India Fellowship, which is a degree programme taken by students who have graduated with a diploma in Liberal Studies.

UPES - School of Liberal Studies and Media

The School of Liberal Studies and Media at UPES, Dehradun, offers BA, MA, BA Hons and BSc Hons programmes in various subjects, including Journalism and Mass Communication. UPES is a distinguished and prestigious university that has been ranked 46th in the ‘University’ category of the NIRF 2024 Ranking lists. Accredited with an NAAC Grade ‘A’, it is also recognised by other regulatory bodies like the UGC, IACBE, and NBA. Through its School of Liberal Studies and Media, the university aims to make problem solvers and thought leaders of its students. In addition to quality curriculum and teaching practices, the school has multiple international collaborations and offers international exchange programmes. 

The various programmes offered by the School of Liberal Studies and Media, UPES, are mentioned in the table below along with their course fees. 

For admissions, the school accepts SAT and CUET scores. Aspiring students, who pass these tests, also have to go through personal interviews before admissions are finalised.

Bennett University

Bennett University, established in 2016 and situated in Greater Noida (UP), offers students admission to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Arts. One of the exciting parts of pursuing a course in BA Liberal Arts here is that students can make their own curriculum and choose from various electives and courses. The specialisations that students can choose from are listed below -

The course structure and tuition fee are provided below. 

Eligibility Criteria: Students are required to meet the following eligibility criteria in order to be eligible for admission to BA Liberal Arts, which are as follows:

• The candidate should have done their Class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 45% aggregate in four specified subjects.
• English is a compulsory subject in Class 12.
• The candidate must have passed Class 12 in the year of applying for admission to the course.

Admission Process: Eligible students are required to first apply online on the official website of Bennett University. Following the submission of the application form, students are selected on the basis of Class 12 marks (merit-based) in the qualifying examination or based on the scores secured in the SAT examination, which is conducted by The College Board. Once the examination is conducted, selected students will be notified and will have to appear for a Personal Interview (PI). Students who clear the two rounds are offered admission to the BA Liberal Arts course.

NMIMS University - Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts

A part of NMIMS University, the Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts was set up in 2016. Their liberal arts programme is aimed at developing key areas in research skills, critical and analytical skills and career choices aligned with student interests. The Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts offers students admission to BA (Hons) Liberal Arts, where students have to go through various subjects, topics, enablers, and projects over the course of three years. 

Admission Process: Students are required to first apply for admission. Once students have successfully applied, they have to appear for the NMIMS-NPAT (Admission Test), which is mandatory for admissions. Followed by NMIMS-NPAT, they have to appear for another entrance test (Level I), where they are tested on their proficiency in English, Reasoning & General Intelligence, and Quantitative & Numerical Ability. Those who make it on the merit list for this test have to appear for Level II, i.e. personal interaction and written test. Another merit list will be released, and students who make the list are invited for admission.

School of Liberal Arts and Basic Sciences – SRM University

The School of Liberal Arts and Basic Science (SLAB), which comes under SRM University (established in 1985), provides students with multi-disciplinary education in undergraduate courses. Offering students a chance to widen their horizons after class 12, the School of Liberal Arts and Basic Sciences has various departments, which are as follows:

• Department of Economics
• Department of English Studies
• Department of History
• Department of Psychology
• Department of Business Studies
• Department of Biology
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Computer Science
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Physics
• Department of Journalism
• Department of Commerce

The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences allows students to take up courses in disciplines such as Physical and Natural Sciences, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The bachelor’s degree curriculum is divided broadly into two categories – Foundation Courses and Majors. The structure of their various courses is explained below.

Eligibility Criteria: Students who are interested in applying for admission to the programme need to meet the set eligibility criteria, which are as follows:

Selection Procedure: The candidate will first have to apply online on the official website of SRM University. This will be followed by a written test and a subsequent interview. Based on the performances, fulfilment of eligibility criteria and class 12 marks, qualified candidates will be offered admission to the university.

Delhi College of Arts & Commerce

Affiliated to the Delhi University, the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce was set up in 1987 and is well known for its honours and BA programmes offered in the field of humanities and arts. The courses offered by DCAC in Humanities and Arts are as follows:

The Delhi College of Arts and Commerce offers students a BA Programme, where they can choose their disciplines. You will have to choose a major discipline along with a minor. The disciplinary courses offered by DCAC are as follows:

DCAC Courses, Fees and Seats Intake

Admission Process: Admission to DCAC is such that candidates need to meet the cut-offs as released by Delhi University. Candidates who meet the cut-off can apply for admission. 

Birla Institute of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences

Established in 1987, the Birla Institute of Liberal Arts and Management Sciences (BILAMS) aims to provide modern education to students and create professionals who can help and contribute to society. The Institute aspires to build students into lifelong learners and empower them to continually grow inwards and outwards. BILAMS offers student admission to Business Management, Fashion Design, Interior Design and Mass Communication. Other than the three courses mentioned above, BILAMS also offers some short courses.

Short Term Courses offered by BILAMS.

Admission Process: There is no entrance exam for admission to BILAMS. Students just have to contact the institute or walk in and gather details of the relatively simple admission process. Counsellors help students decide which course is more suitable for them. 

PDPU-SLS

One of the most renowned universities in the country, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar, was established in 2007. It provides aspirants with a wide range of programmes and courses to choose from, such as engineering programmes, management programmes and liberal studies, along with continuing education. PDPU’s School of Liberal Studies offers students admission to undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes. PDPU’s SLS also offers various short-term programmes which cover a wide range of modern subjects and topics such as Indian Psychology, Indian Heritage and Modernity, and Socio-Economic and Political Dynamics in India.

Admission Process: Candidates will need to first need to apply online on the official website of PDPU SLS. However, candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria as set by the university before applying online. Applicants have to appear for the PDPU SLS entrance exam next, which will be followed by a personal interview. A merit list will be published, which will have the names of candidates who have qualified.

Apeejay Stya University

Set up in 2010, the Apeejay Stya University (ASU) follows a trans-disciplinary approach when it comes to Liberal Arts courses. ASU helps students to acquire knowledge of human cultures, and the physical and natural world and improve their skills such as critical thinking, critical numeracy, logic and reasoning. Students have the freedom at ASU to choose their own majors and minors. Students can opt for admission courses such as Design, Journalism and Mass Communication, Integrated Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Business Management, Law and Education. Those who aim to get admission to the varsity can also apply for scholarships that are provided by ASU. However, scholarships are granted to students who have secured a minimum of 93 per cent in their high school finals. The course and fee structure is as follows:

Candidates must meet the university's eligibility criteria for admission to ASU. Eligible candidates must apply for the desired course on the university's official website. They must then take a written test, which is followed by an extensive interview process. Candidates are advised that students seeking admission in undergraduate and postgraduate courses must meet the relevant eligibility criteria for the programme and course they choose.

Azim Premji University

The Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, set up in 2011. It offers candidates admission to bachelor's and master's courses offered by it. The fees for courses offered at APU are based on the annual family income. 

Azim Premji University Courses and Fees

For admission to the university, students will have to apply and register online on the official website of the university. Candidates who have applied will have to appear for an entrance test, which will assess their English language and quantitative capacities. Candidates who qualify will be shortlisted for the personal interview round.

Flame University

Known as the pioneer of Liberal Education in India, FLAME University was set up in 2015 and deals with a variety of specialisations and disciplinary courses which are offered at the varsity, with the main aim in mind to expose students to multiple disciplines which allow personal growth and professional development. FLAME University offers students to take up courses in cognate areas such as Physical and Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Performing Arts. FLAME also allows students to take up major-minor combinations, open elective courses and experiential learning courses, thus exposing students to multiple perspectives.

FLAME University Courses and Fees

Admission Process: Admission to FLAME University is such that candidates need to register and apply for the desired course online. Students will have to appear for the FLAME Entrance Aptitude Test (FEAT). Candidates who pass the entrance test and have a strong academic background, along with achievements, will be called for personal interviews at the university. The selection of a candidate is based on the overall performance in FEAT, Essay Writing, Personal Interview, Past Academic Record, Extracurricular Activities/Achievements and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

KREA University

Known for its distinct and diverse courses offered in the field of liberal arts, KREA University (established in 2018) offers students admission to undergraduate courses in humanities, social sciences, literature, arts and sciences. KREA University’s School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences offer students admission to BA Honours and BSc Honours degree programmes, which consist of core and skill courses. KREA University offers students admission to a three-year BA (Hons) programme with an option to do an additional year, i.e. a fourth year of advanced studies.

KREA University Courses and Fees

Admission Process: For admission to KREA University, candidates have to register and apply online on the official website of the university. The candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria set by the university in order to be eligible for admission. On the immersion day, candidates solve a KREA immersive case, write a reflective essay, have conversations and give a quantitative and logical reasoning test. Candidates will be shortlisted and will be called to complete the admission formalities at the university.

Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science

Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science (KCLAS) was set up in 2018 and offers education which broadens the students' minds and applies liberal thinking by exposing the youngsters of today through different lenses. KCLAS offer students admission in undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate diploma, diploma programs and certificate programs. Based in Chinnavedampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, KCLAS encourages students to think and act creatively by providing them with an integral, holistic and ecological worldview.

Courses offered by KCLAS are as follows:

Admission Process: Students will first have to register and apply online on the official website of Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts (KCLAS). Upon receiving a confirmation email, the candidate can proceed to apply for admission. On submitting the application fee, the candidate has to submit a statement of purpose, give a creativity test, a comprehensive knowledge test, a critical thinking test and appear for a personal interview. Selection will be judged on the application rating and marks secured in the test and interview. Students will be notified of being selected and will have to pay the fees to confirm their admission.

Alliance School of Liberal Arts

Established in Karnataka by the Act of the year 2010, Alliance University is a private university recognised by the UGC. Alliance School of Liberal Arts is one of the schools among the five schools of Alliance University. Alliance School of Liberal Arts offers a number of Liberal Arts Undergraduate courses and the Global Leaders Alliance (GLA) (postgraduate diploma) programme. Some of the courses provided by the Alliance School of Liberal Arts include BSc, BA, BFA and so on. 

Alliance School of Liberal Arts Courses and Fees

Some more courses offered by the Alliance School of Liberal Arts are as follows:

Admission Process: In order to get admission to Alliance School of Liberal Arts, aspirants can apply online. After that, candidates are required to qualify for the entrance examination. The entrance exams accepted for admission to the Alliance School of Liberal Arts are AUSAT/SAT/ACT/Pearson Undergraduate Entrance Exam.

Learn More - 

Sai University Chennai

Sai University is a new private university. The university aims to focus on education areas through the development of research and knowledge in various areas of education and allied development sectors. It offers various UG and PG courses including BA, BSc, MA, and MSc in various disciplines like humanities, law, etc. Some of the courses offered by the university are listed below.

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