About Buddhist Studies Courses
Buddhism is a practice that originated in India and is followed all over the world. The spiritual practices of Buddhism are inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha. The term ‘Buddha’ means ‘the enlightened one’ or ‘ the knower’. The story of Buddhism is about a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who transformed his thinking after getting hold of human suffering. The prince attained awakening sitting under a pipal tree in Bodh Gaya. The tree is called the Bodi tree. Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage for Buddhist followers. Buddhism originated in India before the 6th century BCE. Buddhist Studies is a discipline where the students are taught about the social, historical and cultural context of Buddhism in different parts of the world. All the beliefs of Buddhism are based on non-violence and tolerance of differences. It emphasises on the practice of meditation to develop insights, compassion, and wisdom, enabling one to tap on the potential to realise the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Buddhism Study is more about practical implementation than theory. The course curriculum involves learning about the sources of Buddhism such as Pali, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese transcripts. It includes the study of Buddhist ideas, texts, inscriptions, values and art/artefacts. It promotes and teaches knowledge, empathy and self-discipline.
...Who can opt for Buddhist Studies courses?
Students who are interested in gaining deep knowledge about Buddhism can opt for Buddhism Study courses. The students not only get to learn about the theoretical part but also learn about the culture and the practices of Buddhism. Students wanting to gain knowledge about the Buddhism religion, interested in its academic approach, or aiming for a professional career in this field can take up Buddhism Study courses for higher education. The students completing 10+2 in any stream are eligible for the course. The courses offered are Diploma, Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies), Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) and PhD.
Buddhist Studies Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the courses differ as per the level of the course. The general eligibility criteria for the course are as follows:
Eligibility for Diploma courses
The eligibility for these courses is 10 + 2 in any stream. This is a short-term Buddhist Study program and the duration of the course is 1 year.
Eligibility for PG courses
The postgraduate course is called the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies. The eligibility is graduation in any discipline. The courses are of 1 - 2 years duration. On completing this course, students can become practitioners, teachers, mentors or activists and work with the Buddhist community.
**Note: The eligibility for the different courses under Buddhist Studies differs across institutes. Therefore, the students should check the eligibility requirements at the time of applying.
Buddhist Studies Courses
The Study in India partner institutes generally offer Buddhist Studies courses in 2 levels namely- Diploma and PG. The choice of courses depend on students and eligibility set by different institutes.
Diploma
The Diploma in Buddhist Studies course is of 1 year. The students learn about Buddhist Economics and the language sources of Buddhism like Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan and more. The courses teach the students theory and also the culture and practices of Buddhism.
PG level
The duration of the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies is 1 - 2 years. Students aiming to make a career in this field can take up this course. It prepares the students to become practitioners, teachers, mentors or activists who work with Buddhist communities.
Buddhist Studies Branches
The branches offered under the Buddhist Studies in India are:
The Study in India partner institutes provide science courses across many areas of specialisation. A comprehensive list of science branches is mentioned below in the table. Students wishing to pursue higher education in Science in India should apply to Study in India Programme.
Pali
The word ‘Pali’ in Sanskrit means ‘a line, a row or series’. This is the language in which the scriptures of the Theravada school of Buddhism have been written and are passed on. The study of Buddhism involves understanding the basics through vocabulary and grammar. The students learn the different aspects of the Pali language like drama, fiction, literary history, and more.
Prakrit
The word Prakrit denotes a group of Middle Indo-Aryan languages. These languages were used in India between the 3rd century BCE and the 8th century BCE. This Buddhism Study branch involves understanding the different features of the Prakrit dialects. The students are taught how to understand these languages by using tools like grammar and dictionary.
Pali | Prakrit |
Buddhist Studies Subjects & Syllabus
The courses include the studies of the Buddhist ideas, texts, inscriptions, arts and values. The syllabus covered at the different levels are:
Diploma
- Concepts in Religious studies
- Introduction to Buddhism
- Discovery of Buddhism philosophy
- Buddhist Sanskrit
- Pali
PG Level:
- Pali language
- Tibetan language
- Buddhist ethics
- Introduction to Buddhist philosophy
- History of Buddhism
- Sutta literature
Admission process for Buddhist Studies courses in India
The students aspiring to make a career in Buddhist Studies can pursue the courses across three disciplines by applying. The step-by-step process to apply is:
At first the students need to fill out the registration form. Followed by the registration the students are provided with the login credentials that they need to save for future reference.
Once registration is complete, the students will have to fill out the Study in India Application which is divided into three parts: Basic Information, Academic Information and Choice Filling.
Although the students have to fill all the three-sections carefully, it is the Choice Filling that is the most important part. They are required to give and rank a minimum of three preferences for Buddhist Studies courses and Indian institutes they are interested in taking admission.
Lastly, they are required to fill out the declaration form and submit their respective applications.
The students can find a detailed explanation for filling out the Application here.
Most Popular Courses in Buddhist Studies
Students who want to broaden their knowledge about Buddhism Study can begin with the Diploma courses. To get in-depth knowledge about Buddhism the students can go for the Buddhist studies graduate programs and PhD courses. In the courses the students are taught about Buddhism and its text, inscriptions, art and values. On completing the degree courses, students can make a career as a practitioner, teacher, mentor, researcher or become an activist with the Buddhist missionary. They can also make a career by imparting knowledge in Buddhist institutes. As per the trend in the last couple of years, the most popular Buddhism Study courses are as follows:
Diploma in Buddhist Studies | Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies |
Popular Buddhist Studies UG courses in India
The Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies is one of the popular UG courses. The course duration is 3 years. The students learn about the Buddhism religion and language sources of Buddhism like Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan. The students will get deep knowledge about the Buddhism religion. The study of Buddhism involves learning its text, values, art and inscriptions and the social, historical and cultural context in different parts of the world. Upon completing the course, students can make a career as a researcher or teach in Buddhist institutes or in Buddhist missionaries.
**Note: Students may find UG Buddhist Studies under Vocational discipline on the SII website.
Popular Buddhist Studies PG courses in India
The Master degree is one of the most popular PG courses. The course duration is 1 - 2 years. The eligibility is graduation in any stream. The students will be able to gain in-depth knowledge about Buddhism. They learn about its beliefs and values. On completing the Master in Buddhist Studies course the students can pursue a career as a teacher, mentor, or practitioner. They can also make a career by imparting knowledge to Buddhist institutes and missionaries. They can choose to be an activist who works with Buddhist missionaries.
**Note: Before applying for the courses, the students must confirm if the concerned Buddhist Studies course of their choice is offered in the current academic year or not.
Career Options in Buddhist Studies
The students who take up and complete the diploma courses in the field of Buddhism study and degree courses like Masters in Buddhism Study can make a career as follows
Researcher | Teacher | Teacher / Mentor |
Activist / Librarian | Social Worker | Cultural Administrator |
News Analyst | Peace Activist |
Buddhist Studies: Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Why take up Buddhist Studies in India?
You should take up Buddhist Studies in India as it is the birthplace of Buddhism and has been a crucial part of India’s heritage. It is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of Buddhist Economics and language sources of Buddhism (such as Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan, etc)
2. What is the eligibility criteria to take admission in a Buddhist Studies course?
The Study in India Programme provides Buddhist Studies at the postgraduate level (post-graduate diploma and M.A) only and the eligibility to take admission is the completion of an undergraduate degree in Buddhism Studies. However, you are advised to check the specific eligibility criteria for different Buddhist Studies courses at the time of applying.
3. What is taught under a Master in Buddhist Studies?
Students opting for Masters in Buddhist Studies are taught about the historic, cultural and social elements of Buddhist texts and culture. Generally, the following subjects are taught under MA Buddhist Studies:
- Pali language elementary courses
- Tibetan language
- Buddhist Ethics
- Introduction to early Buddhist philosophy and literature
- Life and teachings of Buddha
- History of Buddhism
- Later History of Buddhism
- Sutta Literature
- Women in Buddhism
- Buddhist Rites and Rituals, etc
4. What will a MA in Buddhist Studies prepare students for?
A post-graduate degree in Buddhist Studies prepares students to become practitioners/teachers/mentors or activists to work with Buddhist communities. Moreover, students may also choose to pursue PhD (doctoral degree) after completing their Masters in Buddhist Studies.
5. What are the career prospects after completing a degree in Buddhist Studies?
Some of the career prospects after completing a degree in Buddhist Studies:
- Teacher/ Mentor
- Activist / Librarian
- Social Worker
- Cultural Administrator
- News Analyst
- Peace Activist
6. Why choose Buddhist Studies?
Buddhist Studies is not just about learning the theoretical part but it lets you explore the culture and practices of Buddhism. As a discipline, it promotes and teaches knowledge, empathy, self-discipline, love and compassion.
7. Can a student from any background pursue a course in Buddhist Studies?
Yes, any student who is interested in gaining deep knowledge in Buddhism study can pursue a course in Buddhist Studies.
8. Who all can pursue a degree in Buddhist Studies?
All the students who wish to broaden their knowledge of Buddhism religion and want to get introduced to its academic approach can pursue a Buddhist Studies course. Moreover, students willing to explore a professional career in the field of Buddhist studies can also choose Buddhist Studies for their higher education.
9. Are there any short term or diploma courses available for Buddhist Studies? (To be checked once courses are added)
Yes, there are diploma courses available for Buddhist Studies.
10. What are the programme levels available in Buddhist Studies courses?
There are two programme levels available in Buddhist Studies courses namely, Diploma (with a duration of one year) and Postgraduate (with a duration of one-two years).
11. Are there any branches/subjects under Buddhist Studies?
There are mainly two branches/subjects provided by Study in India partner institutes under Buddhist Studies, namely Pali and Prakrit.
Study in India Partner Institute for BUDDHIST STUDIES COURSES.
No. of Institute :


Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh
Location: ,Uttar Pradesh
Type: Public
NIRF Ranking: Yes
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 941


Centre for Buddhist Studies, K.J.Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies
Location: Mumbai ,Maharashtra
Type: Public
NIRF Ranking: NO
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 90


Gautam Buddha University
Location: Greater Noida ,Uttar Pradesh
Type: Public
NIRF Ranking: NO
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 114


Nalanda University,Bihar
Location: Nalanda ,Bihar
Type: Public
NIRF Ranking: NO
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 160


Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)
Location: Pune ,Maharashtra
Type: Public
NIRF Ranking: Yes
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 192


Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
Location: Solan ,Himachal Pradesh
Type: Private
NIRF Ranking: Yes
NAAC Rating:
No.of Seats: 1512

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