Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.) (Open to people of all faiths)
The Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.) is a two-year programme offered by the Senate of Serampore College (University) under the Extension Study / Private Study mode. The programme is administered by the Executive Committee under the overall supervision of the Senate of Serampore College. At Indian Theological Seminary, the Dip.C.S. programme is offered through various local centres across Tamil Nadu, making it accessible to students from different regions and backgrounds. This course is open to people of all faiths who are interested in understanding Christianity in an academic, contextual, and dialogical manner.
Who Can Join This Course?
The Dip.C.S. programme is suitable for:
• Lay Christians seeking basic theological education
• People of other faiths interested in studying Christianity
• Church workers, youth leaders, and social workers
• Teachers, professionals, and anyone interested in religion and society
No prior theological background is required.
What Is the Course About?
The Diploma in Christian Studies offers a structured introduction to Christianity from a Christian perspective, while also encouraging dialogue with other faith traditions. The course helps students understand:
• The unity and diversity of Christian faith
• The history of Christianity in India and South Asia
• The interaction of Christian faith with social, economic, and political realities
• Contemporary challenges faced by Christianity and its contextual responses
• Inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic society
Objectives of the Programme
• To provide a foundational study of Christianity, its history, faith, and practices
• To understand and interpret the Bible in the Indian and South Asian context
• To study Christianity’s interaction with people of other faiths and cultures
• To examine the relationship between Christian faith and social realities
• To support churches in developing various ministries
• To promote theological education in English and approved regional languages
Study Centres and Examination Facility
• Classes and academic guidance are provided through local centres of Indian Theological Seminary across Tamil Nadu.
• Students can choose to write their examinations at a nearby Senate of Serampore College–affiliated college or approved examination centre, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
• The medium of study and examination shall be English or Tamil
Contact Seminars (Compulsory)
• Two Contact Seminars are compulsory (one in the 1st year and one in the 2nd year). Seminars will be organised through local centres of Indian Theological Seminary across Tamil Nadu.
• Contact seminars are normally conducted once every year before the examinations.
• Attendance is mandatory.
• A Contact Seminar Attendance Certificate will be issued, which is required to appear for the examination.
Without the Contact Seminar certificate, students will not be permitted to write the examination.
Duration of the Course
• Total duration: 2 years (January to December each year)
• Validity of registration: 4 years
• If a student fails to attend the Contact Seminar in the first year, the registration will be cancelled, and re-registration will be required to continue the programme.
Registration Details
• Academic year: January to December
• Online registration must be completed by 31st October prior to the year of study
• Hard copy of the registration form must reach the Registrar of the Indian Theological Seminary by 31st October.
• Last date for submission with late fee: 15th November
Documents Required
• Photocopies of certificates (attested by Principal / Gazetted Officer / Head of Institution)
• Proof of date of birth (Birth Certificate or School Leaving Certificate)
• Registration fee of Rs. 900/- has to be paid to seminary at the time of registration Applications submitted without the required documents will be rejected.