Since 1937
Affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College (University)
Accredited by the Asia Theological Association
Online Entrance Exam
for 2024-25
On 29th January 2024
email: sibsadmissions@gmail.com
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
Nature of the course:
The B.Th. degree programme aims at providing a basic understanding of the Bible and the Christian faith and witness in both historical and contemporary contexts, giving particular emphasis to the practical and functional aspects of the Christian ministry, especially in relation to rural people.
In S.I.B.S., the course is taught and examined in the medium of ENGLISH, so those applying for entrance should already have a good working knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To improve proficiency in the use of the language, English is taught as a compulsory subject during the first year of study (though those with exceptional knowledge of English may be exempted by examination). Also, in order to enable the students to participate meaningfully in the practical work programme, Kannada language is also taught in the first year to those who do not know it.
The school year is divided into three terms, each one comprising of about 12 weeks of classes, followed by a week of examinations. Around 18 hours of class instruction is given each week, with an equal amount of time for study and preparation in the library/study hall expected from the students.
Main Features of the Course:
1. The B.Th. degree course is of three years duration, requiring the same academic standard and scholarship as is normally expected for the Bachelor Degree course of secular universities.
2. This study is undertaken with an attempt to understand the present socio-economic and religio-cultural realities of India.
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3. The course seeks to provide the necessary training for the ministry and therefore lays great emphasis on Christian ministry subjects, the supreme object being the building up of the Church and the communication of the Gospel to the unreached and unevangelized in India.
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4. Special attention is given in the course to the needs of rural churches and the needs of rural society, with practical involvement in both of these.
5. The course aims to develop independent thinking so as to enable a student to relate his study of the Bible and doctrine to real-life situations.
6. The course also aims at the areas of character formation, ministry formation, and theological formation, as spelled out in the Objectives and their integration together in the life of the student.
Entrance Requirements:
Candidates for the B.Th. degree course must meet the eligibility requirement of being qualified to register for the first degree of a secular university, which is a pass in the P.U.C., P.D.C., Higher Secondary or Intermediate Board examinations (12 years of schooling);
OR
Successful completion of S.S.L.C. or its equivalent (10 or 11 years of schooling) with eligibility to enter College. In addition, the candidate must have a minimum of two years of Christian ministry experience, as indicated through a signed affidavit.
In special cases, older mature candidates (25 years of age and above) who may not have completed either of the qualifications stated above, may be admitted either upon successful completion of the Diploma in Theology (2 or 3 year course, offered in other A.T.A.-accredited schools) or after passing the qualifying examinations in the following areas: Bible, General Knowledge, General History, and Sociology. SIBS will prescribe the textbooks for General History and Sociology which are used at the B.A. first-year level, and the examination will be conducted in March prior to admission in May/June of any year. No more than 10% of the incoming class will be composed of such special categories of students.
All candidates must appear for the entrance examination in English, General Knowledge, and Bible Knowledge prior to admissions for classes in the first year.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Nature of the Course:
The two years M.Div. programme is designed for the Bachelor of Theology Degree holders with a view to enhance their analytical and critical thinking and to select a field of interest within a theological discipline such as Biblical studies (OT & NT), Christian Education, Christian Missions and Christian Counselling.
Aims and Objectives:
1. To provide an opportunity for B.Th. graduates to build on the foundations laid in the B.Th. programme, continuing the process of equipping, thus providing opportunity to upgrade to M.Div.
2. To continue the emphasis on theological formation, character formation, and ministry skills.
3. To provide B. Th. graduates an opportunity to reflect on their experience in the ministry and to refresh themselves with the modern trends in theological studies.
4. To develop the skills of critical analysis with a view to create their own personal thoughtful response to issues and to bring out suggestions for directions for their future ministry.
5. To enable the students to obtain the skill in communication (preaching, writing etc.). The student will discover and develop interest in a particular field of study and major in that discipline and will be able to teach at diploma and B.Th. level.
Eligibility:
B. Th. graduates of SIBS should have minimum B- average grade in their B.Th. courses. The non-SIBS graduates of Senate of Serampore College affiliated colleges or ATA accredited colleges should have minimum B average grade in their B.Th. courses. B.Th. holders from non-ATA colleges with B+ average grade also can apply. The prospective candidates will be called to appear for the entrance exams in the areas of Theological disciplines, English and General Knowledge, at SIBS, in the month of April or May.
Master of Theology (M.Th.)
Nature of the Course:
The two years residential M.Th. programme is designed for the Master of Divinity Degree holders with a view to enhance their analytical and critical thinking and to select a field of interest within a theological discipline. The Seminary if looking forward to opening this advance program from this academic session 2018-2019 in the field of New Testament & Theology. Thereafter, other branches of studies would be incorporated. A Pre-M.Th. for one semester is also designed to prepare the candidates towards M.Th. program. This requires advanced language studies (for biblical studies), theology, and mission courses.
Aims and Objectives:
1. To provide an opportunity for M.Div. graduates to build on the foundations laid in the M.Div. program continuing the process of equipping, thus providing an opportunity to upgrade to M.Th.
2. To continue the emphasis on theological formation, character formation, teaching, and ministry skills.
3. To provide M.Div. graduates an opportunity to reflect critically on their experience in the ministry and to refresh themselves with the modern trends in theological studies.
4. To develop the skills of critical analysis with a view to create their own personal thoughtful response to issues and to bring out suggestions for directions for their future ministry.
5. To enable the students to obtain masters in a selected discipline. The student will discover and develop an interest in a particular field of study and major in that discipline and will be able to teach at B.Th. and M.Div. level.
Eligibility:
M.Div. graduates of SIBS should have minimum B average grade in their M.Div. courses. The non-SIBS graduates of Senate of Serampore College affiliated colleges or ATA accredited colleges should have minimum B+ average grade in their M.Div. courses. M.Div. holders from non-ATA colleges with B+ average grade also can apply. The prospective candidates will be called to appear for the entrance exams in the areas of Selected discipline, English, and General Knowledge, at SIBS, in the month of May.
Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)
(Ref. BD Regulations and Syllabus 2014 of SSC)
Nature of the Course:
The B.D. degree program is the basic theological degree offered under the Senate of Serampore College (University). It is designed as a Master's level programme and is offered to candidates who already have their first degree; though the nomenclature B.D. may suggest otherwise. The B.D. degree is designed to prepare students for the foundations and fundamentals of theological education, since our Universities do not offer theology as a discipline/branch of study. The Department of Christian Studies is only a recent phenomenon and it is not offered in secular universities as a regular course at the undergraduate level. Students at the B.D. level are both introduced to the foundations of theology as well as advanced level theological studies at a later stage. Thus the B.D. program is of a duration of 4 years, and a 5 year integrated programme for students who join soon after the higher secondary level examinations.
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The study is primarily aimed to prepare and equip candidates for the diversified ministries of the Church in particular, and society in general. The scope of study, therefore, is open to adherents of the Christian faith. Secondly, the B.D. programme of study is both academic as well as ministerial.
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During the period of studies, students are familiarised with critical academic scholarship in a Christian environment to mature as disciples of Jesus Christ, committed to the cause of the Gospel. The study is intended to install and cultivate good moral values and a life-style in resonance with the vision and mission of the Church. Character building and spiritual growth are part and parcel of theological education. The programme is designed to inculcate in students a sense of commitment and call as Christian ministers. In essence, the B.D. studies programme is intended for ministerial training to serve the Church and society.
Aims and Objectives:
- to develop in students a spirituality that is both personal and community centered
- to equip students to become effective witnesses in their varied and diversified Christian vocations
- to challenge students with alternative tools of interpretation so that they may read the Bible in the appropriate context in which it is located
- to create in students critical consciousness and openness of mind in order to analyse cultural, social, economic, political, and ecclesiastical milieus
- to impact students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a transforming power in their personal, ecclesial, and societal lives
- to instill in students that "regin of God" values for transforming the Church and society
- to make students become agents of the "New Creation" founded on the principles of Justice , Peace, and Integrity of the whole Creation
Eligibility:
I. A candidate at the time of admission to the B.D. program must satisfy one of the following conditions.
a. A candidate who has passed higher secondary examination (12th or +2 or PUC with a total of 12 years of schooling starting from standard one) or its recognized equivalent programme. Such a student shall be admitted to the 5 year BD programme under the integrated system, i.e., one year BD Orientation Study plus four year BD degree.
b. A candidate who has completed a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University shall be admitted to the first year of the four year BD programme.
c. A holder of a BTH degree of the Senate of Serampore College, having passed the two qualifying English papers:
Category I: BTH degree with first or second divisions shall be admitted as a lateral candidate in the 3rd year of the BD programme.
Category II: BTH degree with third division shall be admitted as a lateral candidate in the 2nd year of the BD programme.
d. A mature person who has attained 25 years of the age with minimum qualification of 10th class pass and three years of ministerial experience, and who has passed "Mature Candidate Entrance Examination" of the Senate shall be admitted to the first year of the four year BD programme.
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II. Entrance Test
Colleges shall conduct their own Entrance Tests and oral interviews for the admission of candidates. Selection criteria may be at the discretion of the individual colleges, however, women and Dalit and Adivasi candidates may be given preference. Candidates should be tested in the areas of Language (Regional/English), Scripture Knowledge, and General Knowledge. If necessary colleges shall offer Remedial English/vernacular language courses for students whose knowledge of language is inadequate to pursue theological education.
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III. Point of Entry
A candidate at the time of admission should have completed 18 years of age and preferably have some ministerial exposure prior to admission.
