M.A. (Sanskrit)

(This programme will be conducted in offline mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2026-2027

Commencement Date: 13th July 2026
Days: Monday to Friday 
Timing: 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
(depending upon the time table)

This programme is designed for students who already have a basic understanding of the Sanskrit language and wish to pursue advanced studies in Sanskrit and Indian knowledge traditions.

 

In the first year, students strengthen their language proficiency while being introduced to a wide range of Sanskrit literary and intellectual traditions. The programme offers opportunities to study selections from the Vedas, as well as texts related to grammar, philosophy, poetry, poetics, etymology, and other classical disciplines. In accordance with the NEP 2020 guidelines, the programme also provides students with a strong foundation in research methodology and academic skills. Additionally, students gain practical exposure through on-the-job training opportunities offered during the second semester.

 

In the second year, students can choose to specialise in one of the major areas of Sanskrit studies — Vyakarana (Grammar), Sahitya (Indian Poetics), or Darshana (Indian Philosophy) — allowing them to pursue their academic interests and future career goals in greater depth.

 

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

B. A. Sanskrit / Graduation + One year Diploma in Sanskrit from recognized institute /  Those who have not cleared either of these courses will have to clear entrance examination / Interview for qualifying for M. A. Sanskrit.

 

 

Pedagogy

Main purpose of M.A. Sanskrit programme is to cultivate the ability amongst the students to read and understand the original Sanskrit texts and their commentaries. Sanskrit literature includes a wide range of topics. Vyakarana specialization helps the students to understand the precise and scientific framework of this ancient language. Darshana specialization helps the students to develop insights in the schools of Indian Philosophy. Sahitya specialization allows the students to understand ancient theories in poetics and their application. Teachers mainly adopt the constructivist approach of pedagogy by which students can participate in the process of understanding and not just passively receive the information. This approach helps to develop critical thinking amongst the students.

Multiple methods of assessment also allow for experiential learning and critical thinking.

 

Curriculum

 
 
 
Semester I Semester II
Sāhitya - I Sāhitya - II
Darśana - I Darśana - II
Vyākaraṇa - I Vyākaraṇa - II
Introduction to Vedic Literature - I  Introduction to Vedic Literature - II 
Research Methodology - I Research Methodology - II
Elective Course -1 Elective Course -2
Fundamentals of Pāṇinian Grammar  Introduction to Dharmaśāstra Literature
Nāṭyaśāstra and Musicology Translation and Critical Appreciation
Introduction to Ancient Indian Polity and Governance  Sanskrit Inscriptions and Manuscriptology
Introduction to Schools of Sanskrit Poetics History of Sanskrit Grammar Traditions
  OJT/FP
Semester III Semester IV
Sanskrit in Modern Era Vākyapadīya
Vyākaraṇa Darśana and Nirukta  
Darśana specific core I – Sāṃkhya and Yoga Darśana Darśana specific core I – Yoga Darśana
Darśana specific core II – Nyāya Darśana  Darśana specific core II –  Vedāntaparibhāṣā
Darśana specific Elective  Darśana specific Elective 
Upaniṣads Kāśmīra Śaiva Darśan
Bhagavadgītā - I Bhagavadgītā - II
Introduction to Western Philosophy Bauddha and Jain Nyāya
Vyākaraṇa specific core I – Subanta Prakriyā: Vaiyākaraṇa-siddhānta-kaumudī Vyākaraṇa specific core I – Tiṅanta Prakriyā:Vaiyākaraṇa-siddhānta-kaumudī: II
Vyākaraṇa specific core II – Tiṅanta Prakriyā: Vaiyākaraṇa-siddhānta-kaumudī: I  Vyākaraṇa specific core II – Sanādi-prakriyā: Vaiyākaraṇa-siddhānta-kaumudī
Vyākaraṇa specific Elective  Vyākaraṇa specific Elective 
Paribhāṣendu-śekhara Paramalaghumañjuṣā
Vaiyākaraṇabhūṣaṇasāra Vyākaraṇa-Mahābhāṣya II
Vyākaraṇa-Mahābhāṣya: I Linguistics
Sāhitya specific core I – Sāhityadarpaṇa Sāhitya specific core I – Introduction to Alaṃkāraśāstra: Kāvyaprakāśa
Sāhitya specific core II – Kāvyaprakāśa Sāhitya specific core II – Philosophy and Grammar of Kāvya: Kāvyālaṃkāra
Sāhitya specific Elective Sāhitya specific Elective
Classical Sanskrit Drama: I Classical Sanskrit Drama: II
Classical Sanskrit Epics Selections from Stotra Literature
Classical Sanskrit Prose Literature: I Classical Sanskrit Prose Literature: II
Research Project Dissertation
Open Basket (Students may opt for any course of their interest as extra course)
Open Basket (Students may opt for any course of their interest as extra course)  

Differentiators

Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham has expert faculty members, who have several years of experience in this field. 

Curriculum is designed in a way that students get sound knowledge of the Sanskrit language and they develop the ability to read and understand original Sanskrit texts at the end of the programme. We offer Vyakarana, Sahitya and Darshana specialization in the second year of MA programme.

 

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books that is an invaluable resource for any student.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies regularly organises special lectures, seminars and workshops on different themes in areas of Religion, Culture and Philosophy. In addition, there are field trips to heritage sites. This offers students opportunities to meet students of other disciplines in informal learning forums which is an unmatched experience.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

  • Read and understand Sanskrit texts on their own 
  • Get  an opportunity to work in schools, colleges  as a teacher  
  • Continue research as a researcher in the field of comparative studies

Activity

State Level achievement of 64th Maharashtra Rajya Sanskrit Drama Competition

The students of K J Somaiya institute of Dharma Studies participated for the first time in the 64th Maharashtra Rajya Sanskrit drama competition, held by the Government of Maharashtra in Pune. The drama they participated in was titled as ‘Dhanyo Gruhasthaāśramaḥ’ (धन्यो गृहस्थाश्रमः), and it secured the title of Best Play – Second, along with five additional awards in various categories. This esteemed competition, now in its 64th year, highlights the rich tradition of the state of Maharashtra in fostering languages and the performing arts. This year, 35 plays from institutions all over Maharashtra were showcased at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium in Pune in January 2026. The results were officially announced on February 3rd, 2026, via official

This captivating Sanskrit play was brought to life by the K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies under the expert direction of Dr Prasad Bhide, who serves as an Associate Professor and Assistant Director at the Maya Somaiya School of Music & Performing Arts. The script was crafted by Smt. Leena Rastogi, a distinguished senior author and Sanskrit scholar from Nagpur. Along with the students of Dharma Studies, there was a remarkable contribution of the students from the School of Music & Performing Arts, the School of Basic & Applied Sciences (SSBAS) and the School of Engineering, alongside those studying Sanskrit for the postgraduate degree

The comprehensive list of accolades

  • Best Actor (Silver Medal) – Dr Prasad Bhide
  • Best Writer (GoldMedal) – Smt. Leena Rastogi
  • Best Director (Silver Medal) – Dr Prasad Bhide
  • Best Music (SilverMedal) – Siddhartha Joshi (Student of School of Music & Performing Arts)
  • Make -up (Third Prize) – Prerana Joshi (Student K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies)
  • Best Play (Second) - Rs. One Lakh Twenty Thousand & a Trophy – Somaiya Vidyavihar University

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