Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Arts in Sahitya, offered under the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnana at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program (officially designated as "Acharya in Sahitya" - PG0286 - in BHU's nomenclature). Sahitya refers to Sanskrit literature, and this program provides advanced study of classical Sanskrit literary texts, poetics (Kavyashastra), dramaturgy (Natyashastra), and literary criticism. The curriculum covers major works of Sanskrit poetry (Kavya), drama (Nataka), prose (Gadya), and the theoretical frameworks of Alankara Shastra (Sanskrit aesthetics and rhetoric). The total tuition fee is Rs. 4,000 for the entire 2-year course (Rs. 1,000 per semester), making it one of the most affordable postgraduate programs in India. The program is offered in full-time, on-campus mode at BHU's main campus in Varanasi, and admission is based on CUET PG scores.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. CUET PG 2026 has been conducted from March 13 to April 1, 2026, with results expected around May 6, 2026. BHU's CAP-PG registration for CUET PG 2026 qualified candidates is expected to open tentatively in May-June 2026, with the last date for registration likely around June 2026 (based on the 2025 pattern where registration closed on June 10, 2025).

Key Points

The program covers the entire spectrum of classical Sanskrit literature including Mahakavya (epic poetry), Khandakavya (lyric poetry), Nataka (drama), Champu (mixed prose-verse), and Gadyakavya (prose literature).
Students study foundational texts of Sanskrit poetics such as Bharata's Natyashastra, Dandin's Kavyadarsha, Vamana's Kavyalankarasutravritti, Anandavardhana's Dhvanyaloka, and Abhinavagupta's Abhinavabharati.
BHU's Department of Sahitya is one of the most distinguished centers for Sanskrit literary studies in India, with a rich tradition of scholarship.
The program equips students with skills in Sanskrit literary analysis, textual criticism, and aesthetic theory, which are valuable for research in Sanskrit studies, comparative literature, and cultural heritage.
Graduates are well-positioned for academic careers in Sanskrit literature and can pursue PhD in Sanskrit/Sahitya at BHU or other leading universities.

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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 (Sahitya) Fees

The MA (Sahitya) at BHU carries a nominal tuition fee of Rs. 1,000 per semester, totaling Rs. 4,000 for the complete 2-year program. This makes it one of the most affordable postgraduate programs in the country. Additional university charges are applicable per semester. Hostel accommodation is available on campus for eligible students on an optional basis.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Per Semester (Rs.)	Total for 2 Years (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	1,000	4,000
Other University Charges (approx.)	4,375	17,500
Total Fees (excluding hostel)	~5,375	~21,500
Hostel Fee (optional, if availed)	~4,875	~19,500

Fees are subject to revision by the university each academic session.
Hostel accommodation is not mandatory; it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For foreign national students (SAARC countries): Development fee of Rs. 45,000 per year is applicable in addition to regular fees.
For foreign national students (Non-SAARC countries): Development fee of Rs. 60,000 per year is applicable.
Fee once paid is generally non-refundable except for the refundable security deposit component.

BHU MA (Sahitya) Admission 2026

Admissions to MA (Sahitya) at BHU are conducted through the CUET PG entrance exam administered by NTA. Candidates must first qualify CUET PG and then register through BHU's Combined Allotment Program (CAP-PG). The 2026-27 admission cycle is upcoming; dates below are based on the 2025 cycle and tentative projections for 2026.

BHU Admission Dates

Event	Date (Tentative for 2026)
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)
Last Date for BHU CAP-PG Registration	June 2026 (tentative)
BHU Merit List / Seat Allotment	July 2026 (tentative)
Fee Payment and Reporting	July - August 2026 (tentative)
Commencement of Classes	August 2026 (tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Date
CUET PG 2026 Registration Start	December 14, 2025
CUET PG 2026 Registration End	January 25, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card	March 9, 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 have passed Shastri (Hons.) / Shastri in Sahitya with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university.
SC/ST candidates are exempt from the minimum percentage requirement; they only need to have passed the qualifying examination.
OBC and PwBD candidates are eligible for a 5% relaxation in the minimum eligibility marks.

Admission Process

Register for CUET PG 2026 on the NTA portal (exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG/).
Appear for the CUET PG exam in the relevant subject paper.
After CUET PG results, register separately on BHU's CAP-PG portal (bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in).
Upload required documents including qualifying degree certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents.
Seat allotment is done based on CUET PG score and category.
Up to 25% of open category seats are reserved for BHU's own students (institutional preference).
Supernumerary seats are available for BHU employee wards, sports quota, and foreign nationals.
Report to the department with original documents and pay the fee within the stipulated time to confirm admission.

BHU MA (Sahitya) Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to MA (Sahitya) at BHU can avail of various scholarships from central and state governments as well as BHU's own scholarship schemes. Given the very low tuition fee, even modest scholarships can cover a significant portion of the overall cost of education.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount (Approx.)
Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) - Central Govt.	SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/year	Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance
OBC Post Matric Scholarship - Central Govt.	OBC students with family income below Rs. 1 lakh/year	Tuition fee + maintenance allowance
Prime Minister's Scholarship (PMSS)	Wards of ex-servicemen/paramilitary	Rs. 3,000/month (girls), Rs. 2,500/month (boys)
BHU Merit Scholarship	Top performers in qualifying exam	Variable (based on merit)
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	Various categories	Variable

Students must apply for scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the prescribed deadlines, usually in October-November each year.
BHU's own merit scholarships are awarded based on performance in the qualifying examination and are announced at the beginning of the academic session.
SC/ST students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Post Matric Scholarship as it covers most of the course expenses.

BHU MA (Sahitya) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MA (Sahitya) and Acharya in Sahitya at BHU?

Ans. They are the same program. BHU officially calls it "Acharya in Sahitya" (PG0286) under the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnana. The "MA" designation is used in common parlance and in some databases. The degree awarded by BHU is "Acharya," which is recognized as equivalent to a Master's degree.

Ques. What is the eligibility for MA (Sahitya) at BHU?

Ans. Candidates must have passed Shastri (Hons.) or Shastri in Sahitya with at least 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized university. SC/ST candidates are exempt from the minimum percentage requirement. Admission is through CUET PG scores.

Ques. What are the key texts and topics covered in MA (Sahitya) at BHU?

Ans. The program covers major Sanskrit literary works such as Kalidasa's Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, and Raghuvamsha; Bharavi's Kiratarjuniya; Magha's Shishupalavadha; Bhavabhuti's Uttararamacharita; and Bana's Kadambari and Harshacharita. Theoretical texts include Bharata's Natyashastra, Dandin's Kavyadarsha, Anandavardhana's Dhvanyaloka, and Mammata's Kavyaprakasha.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after MA (Sahitya) from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can work as Sanskrit literature teachers in schools and colleges (after qualifying UGC NET/SET), researchers in Sanskrit studies and comparative literature, translators of Sanskrit texts, and contributors to cultural heritage preservation projects. PhD in Sanskrit/Sahitya is a popular next step. Government positions in Sanskrit academies, Sahitya Akademi, and Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha are also available.

Ques. Is UGC NET available for MA (Sahitya) graduates?

Ans. Yes. Graduates of the Acharya in Sahitya program from BHU are eligible to appear for UGC NET in Sanskrit, which qualifies them for Assistant Professor positions in colleges and universities. The degree is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Ques. How many seats are available in MA (Sahitya) at BHU?

Ans. The seat intake is very limited, typically in the range of 10-20 seats per year across all categories. The exact number is notified in the BHU PG Admission Bulletin each year. Due to the niche nature of the program, competition is relatively manageable compared to mainstream MA programs.