The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) is the basic professional theological degree offered under the Senate of Serampore College (University). Though designated as a “Bachelor” degree, the BD is a Master’s level programme, intended for candidates who already possess an undergraduate degree. The BD programme provides students with a strong foundation in theological education, as theology is not generally offered as a discipline at the undergraduate level in secular universities. Students are introduced to foundational theological disciplines and gradually guided into advanced theological studies.
The programme is designed to prepare and equip candidates for diverse ministries in the Church and responsible engagement with society. It is both academic and ministerial in nature. Alongside critical theological scholarship, students grow in spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Character formation, spiritual growth, and a sense of Christian calling are integral to the BD programme. The course aims to prepare students for lifelong service to the Church and society.
Admission Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to the BD programme must fulfil one of the following requirements:
a. University Graduates
Candidates with a Bachelor’s or Postgraduate degree from a recognized university are eligible for admission to the first year of the 3-year BD programme.
b. Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
B.Th. graduates who have passed all required subjects (including non-credit compulsory papers) with at least 40% marks may be admitted directly to the second year of the BD programme.
c. Bachelor of Mission (B.Miss.)
B.Miss. graduates may join the second year of the BD programme, provided they have completed: Two English language papers, Preliminary Hebrew, Preliminary Greek, Preferably a course on Study Methods. Candidates who have passed the Methodology paper may be exempted from the BD Methodology course.
d. Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS)
BCS graduates may join the second year of the BD programme after completing the following compulsory non-credit papers as Senate-examined qualifying courses: English (2 papers), Greek, Hebrew, Study Method.
e. Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip. CS)
Dip. CS graduates who had completed 12th standard or equivalent qualification prior to admission may join the first year of the 3-year BD programme.
f. ATA B.Th. Graduates
ATA B.Th. graduates must pass 11 Senate-examined qualifying papers to be admitted to the second year of the BD programme.
g. Mature Candidates
A Mature Candidate must:
- Be 25 years of age or above
- Have passed 10th standard
- Have minimum three years of ministerial experience
- Pass the Mature Candidate Entrance Examination conducted by the Senate of Serampore College
Eligible candidates will be admitted to the first year of the BD programme.
Entrance Test: All applicants are required to appear for an Entrance Test and Oral Interview conducted by the College, normally held in the first week of June. The entrance examination assesses candidates in the areas of English language proficiency, Scripture Knowledge, and General Knowledge.
Registration of the Course: The normal deadline for registration is 31st May. Late registrations may be accepted up to 31 July with an additional fee. The academic year for the BD programme runs from June to May.
Nature of Study: The BD programme is a full-time, internal (residential) course. Students are required to reside on campus for the entire duration of study. No student is permitted to pursue any other academic programme alongside the BD degree.