What is Theology: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope
Theology can be defined as the study which is associated with a certain belief system. Theology is a unique subject that falls under the domain of Humanities & Social Sciences. Theology course lays emphasis on religious faith by studying religious scriptures, religious historical writings and ethical practices.
The duration of theology course is different for different academic levels. The theology courses fee ranges from 2,800 to 4.2 Lakh.
Theology course is available in some Indian government and private colleges such as Christ University, Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute and MKU DDE Madurai.
After completing Theology degree, a candidate can work in academic institutions, religious places and NGOs in various job profiles such as teacher, lecturer, priest, pastor etc.
Theology Courses Highlights
Candidates can have a quick glance at the important information regarding Theology degree in the table below:
Theology Courses Highlights |
|
|---|---|
|
Course Name |
Theology Courses |
|
Duration |
UG: 3 years |
|
Examination Type |
Semester Pattern |
|
Admission Type |
UG: Merit based |
|
Mode of Learning |
Regular (most colleges) and Distance education |
|
Fee Range |
2,800 to 4.2 Lakh |
|
Top Colleges |
Christ University , SHUATS (Allahabad University) , Shoolini University |
|
Average Salary |
3LPA (Relief Worker) |
|
Job Scope |
Techer, Pastor, Health Worker |
|
Distance Colleges |
|
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
Top Recruiters |
NGOs, educational institutions, religious places |
- Why study Theology Courses?
- Theology Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Top Theology Courses Colleges
- Popular Private Theology Colleges in India
- Types of Theology Courses
- Popular Theology UG Courses
- Popular Theology PG Courses
- Theology Courses Syllabus
- Theology Courses Entrance Exams
- Theology Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- Theology FAQs: 2024
Why study Theology Courses?
Some candidates opt for theology courses due to various reasons, some of which are mentioned below:
- Theology courses are suitable for candidates who wish to pursue a career oriented to a certain belief system.
- Theology graduates can work in schools, colleges, universities, and religious institutions.
- Theology courses can be pursued by candidates who are already involved in some kind of voluntary or religious service to enhance their knowledge in the field.
Theology course assists students to understand nature and Divine powers of God. It also teaches them how to lead a peaceful and meaningful life.
The other inter-related fields of Theology are Philosophy, History, Anthropology, and Religious Studies.
Yes, there are some theology courses that are offered in online mode. Some of which are given below:
Theology Online Course | Offered by | Duration | Course Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
North Central University | 24 months | 17,85,067 | |
Coursera | 17 HOURS | Free | |
University of Leeds | 24 months | 10,36,428 |
Theology Courses Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Theology courses are determined by colleges providing theology course admission.
The candidates can find below the generic eligibility criteria as per each course level in the table:
|
Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
UG |
completed Class 12, from a recognized board from any stream with at least 50% marks OR Qualified in equivalent exam with at least 50% marks |
|
PG |
Graduate with 50% marks |
|
PhD |
Should have master’s degree with 50% marks |
|
Certification |
Open for all |
Yes, a graduate from any discipline can person a master’s degree in theology. However, candidates must note the minimum eligibility criteria is determined by colleges for admission into theology master’s programme.
Suggestion: Theology Course in Government college in distance learning mode: MKUDDE
To pursue Bachelor of Theology course you should have completed Class 12 or equivalent qualification such as BVoc, Diploma etc. You could have studied in any stream such as Science, Commerce and Arts. But make sure that you have studied in a recognised institute.
Top Theology Courses Colleges
Theology course is offered in some of the government and private colleges in India. Candidates must note that the fees of theology courses in government colleges and theology courses in private colleges mentioned below are subject to change, depending on the institute offering the course.
Top Theology Courses Government Colleges
In India, there are some government colleges which offer theology courses with a nominal fee structure.
Here are some of the theology courses government colleges in India:
|
Theology Course Government College |
Theology Course Government College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
4,500 – 6,600 |
|
|
1,200 – 2,800 |
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
5,000 |
Top Theology Courses Private Colleges
There are more private colleges for theology courses in India than government theology colleges.
Here are some of the top Theology courses in private colleges in India:
|
Theology Course Private College |
Theology Course Private College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
86,000 |
|
|
2,000 – 36,000 |
|
|
4.2 Lakh |
|
|
95.3 K - 1.66 Lakh |
|
|
2 Lakh |
There are several colleges that offer Theology courses with low fees. Some of these are as follows:
Theology Course Colleges | Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
SHUATS - Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences | 1 K - 90 K |
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) | 1.2 K - 2.8 K |
Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute | 1.8 K |
Department of Jainology and Comparative Religion and Philosophy, Jain Vishva Bharti Institute | 2 K |
Aliah University -City Campus (Park Circus) | 4.5 K - 6.6 K |
Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University | 5 K |
Christ University | 86 K |
Placement sessions are conducted in several colleges for Theology students. Some of these are as follows:
Theology Course Colleges | Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute | 4 LPA |
Aliah University -City Campus (Park Circus) | 1 - 3.4 LPA |
Department of Jainology and Comparative Religion and Philosophy, Jain Vishva Bharti Institute | 2.9 LPA |
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) | 1.8 - 2.5 LPA |
Popular Private Theology Colleges in India
Types of Theology Courses
Theology Courses are offered across different academic levels in India. The candidates must note that there can be other theology courses with different names as determined by colleges.
Here are some of the theology courses offered in India at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels:
|
Theology Course Types |
|
|---|---|
|
BA in Theology |
Bachelor of Theology (BTh) |
|
MA in Theology |
Master of Theology |
|
MPhil in Theology |
PhD in Theology |
The Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor in Theology are undergraduate degrees that include theological studies in their curriculum.
Both the degrees are similar in nature with minor differences in the course structure and focus of study.
Candidates can choose any of the two degrees based on their interests and preferences.
Popular Theology UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.A.
5 Colleges
- UG Diploma
3 Colleges
Popular Theology PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.A.
6 Colleges
- PG Diploma
1 College
Theology Courses Syllabus
The theology course broadly covers religious ethics, history, languages and bibliography. The candidates must note that the subjects in theology that are covered in Indian colleges may vary depending on the college.
Theology UG Syllabus
Here are some of the Theology Subjects at the undergraduate level which are covered in many Indian institutes:
|
Theology UG First Year Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
|
Life of Christ |
Teaching Methods |
|
Comparative Religions |
Book of Acts |
|
Theology UG Second Year Syllabus |
|
|
OT Survey |
English |
|
General Epistles |
Prison Epistles |
|
Theology UG Third Year Syllabus |
|
|
Greek Grammar |
Hermeneutics |
|
Theology |
Homiletics |
Theology PG Syllabus
Here are some of the Theology Subjects at the postgraduate level which are covered in many Indian institutes:
|
Theology PG First Year Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
|
Greek Syntax |
Preaching |
|
Advanced Theology |
Hebrew Exegesis |
|
Theology PG Second Year Syllabus |
|
|
Issue of Ethics |
Advanced Bibliography |
|
World Missions |
Premillennialism |
Here is the syllabus of Comparative Study of Religions syllabus for UGC NET exam:
| UGC NET Comparative Study of Religions Syllabus | |
|---|---|
STUDY OF RELIGION | |
Religion: Meaning, Definition, Nature, and Scope | Theories: Origin of Religion |
Study of Religion: Aims and objectives | Dimensions of Religion: Doctrinal, social, moral code of conduct, devotional praxis |
Religion’s Relationship with other Disciplines: Theology, Ethics, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Culture and Arts | |
PRE-HISTORICAL RELIGIOUS FORMS | |
Early forms of Religious Expression: Mana, Magic, Fetishes, Shamans, Totem, Taboo, Ancestor worship | Nature of Holy: Animism, Naturism, Theism, Polytheism, Henotheism, Deism, Monotheism, Pantheism, and Panentheism |
Task and Objectives: Myths, Rituals, Rites of Passage, Sacraments, Prayers, Festivals, Sacrifices | Religion of the Major Civilizations: Indus Valley, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese. |
Meaning and Nature: Syncretism, Mysticism, Schism, Sect, etc. | Zoroastrianism: Beliefs and Practices |
MODERN TRENDS IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION | |
Approaches to the Study of Religion: Anthropological, Sociological, Phenomenological, Psychological, Historical, and Experiential. | Challenges to Religion: Atheism, Agnosticism, Existentialism, Humanism, Marxism, Rationalism, Materialism, Secularism, Relativism, Globalization, Clash Civilizations. |
Modern Trends in the Study of Religion: Holistic or all-inclusive approach, interfaith understanding and dialogue, co-existence, human rights, empowerment of the Subaltern or social justice, gender equality, ecology and environment, world peace and harmony. | Religious Authority: Tradition, magician, diviner, scripture, seer, saint, reformer, founder, prophet |
HINDUISM | |
Nature of Vedic Religion and Culture | Vedic Literature – Samhita-s, Aranyak-s, Upanisad-s |
Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, Tantraism, etc. | Six Systems of Hindu Philosophy – Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta |
Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata) and Purana-s | Bhakti and Reform Movements of the Medieval Period |
Modern Reform Movements (Brahmosamaja, Aryasamaja, Ramakrishna Mission, etc.) | |
JAINISM | |
Sramana Culture and Tirthankara Tradition (Rsabhadeva to Mahavira) | Main Sects of Jainism – Digambara and Svethambara |
Prakrit Agama Literature and Prominent Acaryas | Basic Doctrines, Principles and Philosophy |
Contribution to Arts and Architecture | Social Aspects of Jainism |
Contemporary Developments of Jainism | Jain Pilgrimage and Jain Festivals |
BUDDHISM | |
Background, Life and Teaching of Gautama Buddha | Pali Tipitaka Literature and Mahayana Sutra-s |
Main Sects – Hinayana, Mahayana, etc. | Basic Doctrines, Principles and Philosophy |
Contribution to Arts and Architecture | Expansion of Buddhism Outside India |
Social Aspects and Revival of Buddhism | |
JUDAISM | |
Origin and Development: Creation, the Call of Abraham, the Call of Moses, the Exodus, the Covenant on Mount Sinai | Hebrew Scripture: Pentateuch (Torah), Prophets (Nibium), Writings (Ketubium) |
Jewish Beliefs: Ten Commandments, Talmud, Midrash, Passover, Messiah, etc. | Jewish Celebration: Sabbath, Synagogue Assembly, Passover, Feast of Weeks, Feast of Tabernacles |
Jewish Ethics: Covenant consciousness, Mosaic Laws, Jubilee stipulations, marriage and family | Importance of Jerusalem |
Major Denomination of Judaism | |
CHRISTIANITY | |
The Life and Message of Jesus Christ | The beginning of Christianity and the Sermon on the Mount |
Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures | Main Christian Churches (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant) |
Important Beliefs and Teachings of Christianity | Christian Life: Worship, Rituals, and Mysticism |
History of Christianity in India h. Contemporary Trends in Christian Theology | |
ISLAM | |
The social, religious condition of Arabia before the advent of Islam | Life of the Prophet Mohammad and the basic teachings of the Quran, the establishment of the Islamic community and the Madina state. |
Introduction of Hadith and Fiqh and some important Muhaddith (Imam Bukhari, Imam Muslim) and Faqi (Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Malki Imam Hanbal) | Some important Muslim thinkers: Ali ibn e Ha |
There are many good books on Theology. Some of these are as follows:
Theology Books | Authors |
|---|---|
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine | Wayne Grudem |
On being a servant of God | Warren Wiersbe |
A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry | Dr. Heath Lambert |
The Screwtape Letters | C. S. Lewis |
The Moody handbook of theology | Paul Enns |
The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses | C.S. Lewis |
Building Healthy Churches | Nick Roark |
Theology Courses Entrance Exams
The entrance exams are usually conducted for admission into a master’s programme in theology or a PhD in theology.
Here are some of the theology courses entrance exams that are prevalent in India:
|
Theology Entrance Exams |
Theology Exam Dates |
Theology Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
May 2024 (Tentative) |
||
|
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) |
10 Jun '24 |
|
|
08 Jun '24 |
||
|
Feb '25 |
Jun '26 | CPGET 2026 Notification TENTATIVE |
Jun '26 | CPGET 2026 Registration TENTATIVE |
Mar '26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
May '26 - Jun '26 | CUET 2026 Exam TENTATIVE |
Oct '25 | SAT Registration Deadline for November Test TENTATIVE |
Mar '26 | PUBDET 2026 Applications TENTATIVE |
10 Sep ' 25 | PUBDET 2025 2nd Round Seat Allotment |
The Aliah University Admission Test is conducted by the Aliah University, Kolkata in order to offer students admission into various undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses offered by the university. AUAT is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper test) and the duration of the entrance exam is 2 hours. Candidates have to register themselves online on the official website of Aliah University in order to fill the AUAT application forms.
AUAT exam centres are located in the following cities. The exam centre address, reporting time, etc. will be mentioned on the AUAT admit cards.
| Kolkata | Burdwan |
| Behrampore | Malda Town |
| Siliguri | Coochbehar |
| Raiganj | Arambag |
| Rampurhat | Kalyani |
| Bardhaman Town | Durgapur |
| Medinipur Town | Basirthat |
| Haldia |
According to the latest NTA UGC NET Exam Pattern exam consist 2 papers. Although, it will be conducted without any break in the fixed time duration of 3 hours, which means exam is conducted in single session. Exam is totally computer based. There is no negative marking so attempting all questions is compulsory. Both papers consist only MCQs. Paper 1 consist 50 questions of total 100 marks in an hour whereas paper 2 consists 100 questions of total 200 marks in 2 hours. Paper 2 is based on subject questions opted by the candidate. Paper 1 is totally based on teaching / research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension and general awareness. Hope the information helps.
Theology Courses Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Theology Courses offer career options in fields associated with religion and religious education. The candidates must note that the salaries given below are average yearly salaries in India level and it can change depending on the place of work.
Theology Job Profiles
A candidate after completing a course in theology can be employed in various job profiles that require the use of a theological perspective.
Here are some of the top theology job profiles in India:
|
Theology Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Diplomatic Mission Officer |
7.5 Lakh |
|
Primary Teacher |
2.8 Lakh |
|
Pastor |
2.7 Lakh |
|
Health Worker |
3 Lakh |
|
Lecturer |
4.0 Lakh |
Theology Courses Top Recruiters
Candidates who have completed Theology Courses are sought after mainly in educational and religious institutions. Theology graduates are also invited for Theology sessions and seminars.
Here are some of the Top Theology Course recruiters in India:
|
Theology Courses Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Non-Government Organisations |
Religious Places |
|
Media Houses |
Government Offices |
|
Schools/Colleges |
Police Department |
To become a professor, the first step that you need to clear is pursuing a Master. After completing the Masters, you should go for the UGC NET Exam. The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA to select the candidates for Lectureships and Junior Research Fellowships.
The exam is conducted twice a year in 81 subjects like Humanities, English Literature, Management, etc. Make sure that you meet the required eligibility criteria before applying for this exam like qualification, age norms, etc. There are also other exams like CSIR NET SET, GATE, etc. That can help you pursue your dream of becoming a Professor.
Theology FAQs: 2024
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to Theology:
Bachelor of Theology is an undergraduate programme in India. It is a 3-year degree that can be pursued after completing 12th standard or equivalent qualification with minimum 50% marks. Bachelor of Theology is best suited for candidates who wish to pursue a career that is associated with spirituality.
Candidates can refer to the table below in order to understand the difference between Philosophy and Theology:
Philosophy | Theology |
|---|---|
It includes the study of religion in its broad domain | The extensive study of a faith |
Does not assume the concerned belief system to be true | accepts the belief system |
News & Updates
Oct 17, 2025
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Yes, a few institutions offer distance learning theology programs, such as:
- Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj
Indian Institute of Theology and Mission (IITM)
Some colleges affiliated to Senate of Serampore offer correspondence B.Th.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Senate of Serampore University is the top college that is internationally recognized.
However, recognition may vary depending on the destination country and course pursued. It's best to check with specific foreign institutions for transfer or postgrad acceptance.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Listed below are the top Theology colleges in India that offer Diploma courses to their students:
· SHUATS
· Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University
· Martin Luther Christian University
· Wavoo Wajeeha Women's College of Arts and Science
· Faculty of Ar
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, listed below are the top government Theology colleges in India along with their tuition fees:
Public/Govt. Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University Admission | INR 5,000 |
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) Admission | INR 1,200 – INR 12,000 |
Aliah University -City Campus (Park Circus) Admission | INR 4,500 – INR 6,600 |
Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute Admission | INR 1,800 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, theology course can be pursued after completing your Class 12th. Listed below is the eligibility criteria to get admission in top colleges in India:
You must have passed 12th grade (10+2) from a recognised board.
Students from any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) can apply (though Arts/Humanitie
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, joining the best Theology colleges in India can be worthwhile for you. For that, you need to check its ROI. Listed below are some colleges along with their tuition fees and average placement package:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) Courses | INR 1,200 – INR 12,000 | INR 1,800 – INR 4.14 LPA |
Aliah University -City Campus (Park Circus) Courses | INR 4,500 – INR 6,600 | INR 1 LPA – INR 3.4 LPA |
Faculty of Arts, Dayalbagh Educational Institute Courses | INR 1,800 | INR 4 LPA |
Department of Jainology and Comparative Religion and Philosophy Courses | INR 2,000 | INR 3.31 LPA |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, it is estimated that joining the best Theology colleges in India can be affordable as most colleges have tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh. Listed below are the colleges along with their tuition fees:
Low-cost Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
SHUATS | INR 1,000 – INR 90,000 |
Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University | INR 5,000 |
Martin Luther Christian University | INR 95,300 |
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) | INR 1,200 – INR 12,000 |
Mohammad Ali Jauhar University | INR 8,850 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
As per popularity basis, listed below are the top Theology colleges in India along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
SHUATS | INR 1,000 – INR 90,000 |
Shoolini University | INR 4.2 lakh |
Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University | INR 5,000 |
Martin Luther Christian University | INR 95,300 – INR 1.66 lakh |
Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala) | INR 1,200 – INR 12,000 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
About 10+ best Theology colleges are there in India. Some of the top Theology colleges in India include SHUATS, Shoolini University, Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University, Martin Luther Christian University, Monark University, Aliah University -Old Campus (Taltala), and many
T
Contributor-Level 10
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Theology courses are degrees that involve the study of religious belief systems, traditions and other social and cultural facets of the particular faith. By pursuing a theology degree, students can enhance their knowledge associated with a belief system. A degree of theology has close links with fields like Philosophy, History, Anthropology and Religion Studies.