Religious Studies

Religious Study is an academic subject which focuses and researches on religious beliefs, behaviours and institutions. In this field, professionals describe, compare, interprets and explain religion on historically based facts and events and cross-culture perspectives. Religious Study tries to study religious behaviour and belief from outside, from another viewpoint. There are various disciplines and methodologies which come into play such as:

Anthropology	Sociology
Psychology	Philosophy
History	Geography
Literature	Economics

Religious Study originated in the 19^th century when scholars and historians tried to analyze the Bible, the Hindu and Buddist texts, translating them into European Languages. There are a few subcategories of religious studies and the discipline itself. Religious Studies main aim is to study religious phenomena as a whole and not be limited to the approaches of its subcategories.

Subcategory	Description
Anthropology of Religion	This is principally concerned with common basic human needs that religion fulfils.
Cultural Anthropology of Religion	This is concerned with the cultural aspects of religion such as rituals, beliefs, religious art, practices of piety and more.
Economics of Religion	Surveys have found that the poorest countries are the most religious and how religion plays a role in the economy of a state/country.
Geography of Religion	This is concerned with the elements of religious practice and embodiment in various geographic areas spread all over.
History of Religion	This is concerned with topics of disciplines which has been coming down since ages which deal with religious figures, events and evolution of doctrinal matters.
Psychology of Religion	This is concerned with how people behave and act religiously. What a person’s views, ideologies and the role of religion in the development of human culture.
Sociology of Religion	This is concerned with the dialectical relationship between religion and society, the practices, historical backgrounds, developments, universal themes and role of religion of society.

Religious Studies Courses in India

There are various courses which are offered in India and there are numerous subcategories which specializes in religion. The programmes in Religious studies are as follows:

Course	Duration
Bachelor of Arts (BA)	3-Years
Master of Arts (MA)	2-Years
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)	2-Years
PhD	2-Years
Diploma	1-Year
Postgraduate Diploma	1-Year

The courses which are offered by various Universities/Colleges/Institutes in India.

BA in Theology and Religious Studies	BA in Islamic Studies
BA in Christian Studies	MA in Hindu Studies
MA in Buddhist Studies	MA in Jain Studies
MA in Comparative Studies	MA in Cultural Studies
MA in Religious Studies	MA in Islamic Studies
MA in Christian Studies	Master of Religious Education
MPhil in Guru Granth Sahib Studies	MPhil in Religious Studies
PhD in Religious Studies	PhD In Islamic Studies
PhD in Indian Philosophy and Religion	PhD in Christian Studies
Diploma in Imams	Diploma in Sri Mad Bhagawath Puran
PG Diploma in Buddhist Studies	PG Diploma in Comparative Study of World Religions and Spirituality
PG Diploma in Eastern and Indian Christian Spirituality

Religious Studies Eligibility Criteria

A student needs to meet the eligibility criteria that is set by the University/college/institute. The eligibility criteria may differ from University to University. Here is the common eligibility criteria set by varsities.

Programme	Eligibility Criteria
BA	The student needs to have done their Class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 45%.
MA	The candidate should have done their graduation from any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 50%.
MPhil	The candidate should have done their MA in a specialized subject from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 55%.
PhD	The candidate should have done their MA or MPhil in a specialized subject from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 60%.

Religious Studies Admission Procedure

Chose University/College: The first step one has to make and that is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Religious Studies or similar subjects. Check the fees, the seats offered, eligibility criteria which is set for the course.

Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.

Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses/MPhil and PhD, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.

Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.

Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.

Employment Areas

On doing any programme in Religious Studies or a specialized field, one can work in various organisations to NGOs to religious houses.

Teaching and Education	Preacher
Content Writer	Translator
Historian	Certified Tourist Guide
Regional and Urban Planner	Philosopher
Psychologist	Field of Sociology
Advisor	Counsellor

Top Colleges offering Religious Studies

Aligarh Muslim University	Banaras Hindu University
Nalanda University	University of Mumbai
Aliah University	The American College
The Maharaja  Sayajirao University	>>Check More Colleges

Following are the most popular Religious Studies Colleges in India. Learn more about these Religious Studies colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the top-rated Religious Studies courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Religious Studies.

Following are the most popular Religious Studies UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Religious Studies PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Religious Studies Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.