Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The MA in Hindu Studies at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi is India's first postgraduate programme dedicated to the academic study of Hinduism, launched in 2021 under the Bharat Adhyayan Kendra (BAK) in the Faculty of Arts. The 2-year full-time course spans 4 semesters and covers ancient Indian philosophy, Sanskrit, Vedic traditions, art, culture, and civilisation from a scholarly perspective. With a total tuition fee of approximately Rs. 5,164 for the entire course duration and 40 seats, it is one of the most affordable and unique PG programmes in the country. Admission is based on CUET PG scores, and the course is open to graduates from any discipline, making it highly accessible. The programme is popular among students interested in Indology, religious studies, philosophy, and those aspiring to careers in academia, research, cultural preservation, and civil services.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. The CUET PG 2026 examination is currently ongoing (March 13 - April 1, 2026), and results are expected in May 2026. BHU's Combined Allotment Program for PG (CAP-PG 2026) registration is expected to open tentatively in May-June 2026 at bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in, based on the previous year's schedule (registration opened May 22, 2025).

Key Points

India's first MA programme in Hindu Studies, launched in 2021 at BHU's Bharat Adhyayan Kendra (BAK)
Interdisciplinary course jointly run by the Departments of Philosophy, Sanskrit, Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology, and Bharat Adhyayan Kendra
Open to graduates from any discipline - Arts, Science, Commerce, Technology, etc.
Curriculum includes 9 compulsory papers and 7 elective papers across 4 semesters
Covers Tatva Meemansa, Dharm Karm Meemansa, Praman Meemansa, Sanskrit language, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, Indian military science and strategy, and western discourse
Foreign students are also eligible to apply for this programme
Being offered at one of India's most prestigious central universities, the degree carries significant academic credibility

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Cutoff
FAQs

BHU Latest Updates and News

15 Apr, 2026 CUET PG 2026 Results are expected to be released by First week of May @exams.nta.nic.in. To know more, click here.

BHU MA (Hindu Studies) Fees

The MA (Hindu Studies) at BHU is one of the most affordable postgraduate programmes in India, reflecting BHU's status as a centrally funded university. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year course is approximately Rs. 5,164, which includes tuition, admission, library, sports, and other university charges. Other fees such as examination fees are charged separately each semester. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost of approximately Rs. 9,750 per year (not mandatory).

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Total - 2 Years)
Tuition Fee	Rs. 400
Admission Fee	Rs. 50
Library Fee	Rs. 200
Sports Fee	Rs. 100
Medical Fee	Rs. 100
Other University Charges	Rs. 4,314
Total Tuition and University Fees	Rs. 5,164
Hostel Fee (Optional, per year)	Rs. 9,750

Hostel fee is not mandatory and is charged separately; it does not include mess/food charges.
SC/ST students may be eligible for fee concessions as per university norms.
Security deposit (caution money) is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Examination fees are charged separately each semester and are not included in the above total.
The above fees are based on 2024-25 data; minor revisions may apply for 2026-27.

BHU MA (Hindu Studies) Admission 2026

Admission to the MA (Hindu Studies) programme at BHU is based on CUET PG scores. Candidates must first appear in CUET PG and then register separately for BHU's Combined Allotment Program (CAP-PG). The CUET PG 2026 exam is currently ongoing, and BHU's CAP-PG 2026 registration is expected to open in May-June 2026. Seat allotment is done based on CUET PG merit, category, and preferences submitted during CAP-PG registration.

Important Dates

Event	Dates
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP-PG 2026 Registration Opens	May 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP-PG 2026 Registration Closes	June 2026 (Tentative)
Seat Allotment / Counselling	July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July/August 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Dates
CUET PG 2026 Registration	December 14, 2025 - January 23, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card	March 3, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3 pattern) in any discipline from a recognised university
Minimum 50% marks in graduation for General/OBC category; 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates (as per BHU norms)
Graduates from Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, or any other stream are eligible to apply

Admission Process

Appear in CUET PG 2026 (conducted by NTA) - no separate BHU entrance exam required
Register on BHU's CAP-PG portal (bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in) after CUET PG results
Submit course preferences during CAP-PG registration
Seat allotment based on CUET PG score, category, and preferences
Accept allotted seat and pay fees within the stipulated deadline
Report to the university for document verification and enrolment

BHU MA (Hindu Studies) Scholarships 2026

BHU students pursuing MA (Hindu Studies) can avail a range of scholarships from central and state government schemes as well as university-level awards. Given the low fee structure of the programme, even modest scholarships can effectively cover the entire cost of education. Students from economically weaker sections and reserved categories are particularly well-supported.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Central Sector Scheme	Students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh p.a., 80th percentile in qualifying exam	Rs. 12,000 per annum (PG level)
UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students domiciled in Uttar Pradesh	Varies by category; covers tuition and maintenance
BHU Merit Scholarship	Top-performing students in the department	Rs. 2,000 per annum (varies)
Pratidana UG/PG Awards (BHU)	Underprivileged students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.	Rs. 25,000 per annum
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community students pursuing PG/research	Rs. 31,000 per month (for research; PG support also available)

UP Scholarship applications are typically accepted through the official UP Scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in) at the start of each academic year.
NSP applications open annually; students must apply within the deadline on scholarships.gov.in.
BHU-specific scholarships are awarded by the university based on academic performance and financial need; details are notified at the start of each session.
Students can apply for only one government scholarship at a time (NSP or UP Scholarship).

BHU MA (Hindu Studies) FAQs

Ques. Is the MA Hindu Studies course at BHU recognised and what are the career prospects after completing it?

Ans. Yes, the MA Hindu Studies from BHU is a fully recognised UGC-approved postgraduate degree from a central university. Career options include academia (lecturer/professor after clearing UGC NET), research at institutes like ICHR, IGNCA, and ASI, civil services (UPSC/state PSC), cultural diplomacy, museum curation, content creation in Indology, and roles in religious/cultural organisations. The degree is also valued for PhD admissions in Indian universities and abroad.

Ques. Can students from science or engineering backgrounds apply for MA Hindu Studies at BHU?

Ans. Yes, absolutely. One of the unique features of this programme is that it is open to graduates from any discipline - Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, IT, or any other stream. There is no subject-specific eligibility requirement at the graduation level. This makes it accessible to a wide range of students who have an interest in Indian culture, philosophy, and civilisation.

Ques. What is the medium of instruction for MA Hindu Studies at BHU?

Ans. The medium of instruction is primarily Hindi and Sanskrit, with some papers also taught in English. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Sanskrit, as several papers involve reading and interpreting Sanskrit texts. However, prior expertise in Sanskrit is not mandatory for admission.

Ques. Is there a separate BHU entrance exam for MA Hindu Studies, or is CUET PG sufficient?

Ans. From 2022 onwards, BHU has shifted to CUET PG for admissions to most PG programmes, including MA Hindu Studies. There is no separate BHU PET (Post Entrance Test) for this course. Candidates need to appear in CUET PG and then register for BHU's CAP-PG portal to submit their preferences. Admission is based on CUET PG merit.

Ques. What is the hostel situation for MA Hindu Studies students at BHU?

Ans. BHU has a large residential campus with separate hostels for boys and girls. Hostel accommodation is available but not guaranteed and is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 9,750 per year (excluding mess charges). Students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation immediately after admission confirmation.

Ques. Is this course available through distance or online mode at BHU?

Ans. No, the MA Hindu Studies at BHU is offered only in full-time, on-campus mode. There is no distance or online version of this programme at BHU. Students are required to attend regular classes at the Bharat Adhyayan Kendra on the BHU campus in Varanasi.