BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (B.TH) PROGRAMMES UNDER SENATE REGULATION

Nature of the B.Th. Course:

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) is an undergraduate professional theological degree offered under the academic and ecclesial framework of the Senate of Serampore College (University). The programme is designed primarily for the formation of pastors, evangelists, catechists, and lay leaders, and is recognized as an adequate qualification for the exercise of pastoral ministry in churches and Christian institutions.

The programme is foundational and integrative in nature, providing students with a structured introduction to the core disciplines of Christian theology, including Biblical Studies, Christian Faith and Doctrine, Church History, Religion and Mission, and Practical Theology. It seeks to ensure that students acquire both theological knowledge and ministerial competence, emphasizing the inseparable relationship between faith, learning, and service.

The B.Th. programme is contextual and ecumenical in orientation, encouraging students to engage critically with the socio-cultural, religious, and ethical realities of their context, particularly within the Indian and North-East Indian milieu. Students are trained to interpret Christian faith responsibly in dialogue with local cultures, indigenous traditions, and pluralistic religious environments.

The programme combines classroom-based academic instruction with supervised practical training, such as field education, pastoral exposure, and community engagement. This integrative approach aims to develop reflective practitioners who are intellectually equipped, spiritually formed, and pastorally sensitive.

While the B.Th. is primarily a ministerial degree, it also serves as a preparatory foundation for advanced theological studies, such as the Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) or equivalent programmes, subject to the regulations of the Senate of Serampore College (University).

Objectives:

  1. To provide a sound foundation in Christian theology, integrating biblical, historical, doctrinal, and contextual studies.
  2. To equip students for effective pastoral and ministerial service through the integration of theological learning and practical training.
  3. To cultivate critical theological reflection, enabling responsible engagement with contemporary social, cultural, and ethical issues.
  4. To foster spiritual formation and moral integrity, nurturing disciplined Christian character and leadership.
  5. To prepare students for advanced theological studies and lifelong service, in church, mission, and society.

Admission requirements:

  1. Candidate at the time of admission should have completed 18 years of age.
  2. A candidate at the time of admission to the B.Th programme must satisfy one of the following conditions.
    – A candidate who has passed higher secondary examination (+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 3 years B.Th. programme.

Criteria for Admission:

In addition to the eligibility criteria the applicants seeking admission should pass a four-part Entrance Exam conducted by the College to test the applicants’ general aptitude. The four parts of the Exams are:-

  1. English: to test the applicants’ ability to comprehend and communicate in the English language.
  2. General Knowledge: to test the applicants’ knowledge about the current affairs of the state, nation and the world today.
  3. Scripture Knowledge: to test the applicants’ familiarity with the scripture in general.
  4. Interview: to test the applicants’ ability to communicate in English, communication skills and assess the personality and commitment of the applicant.

Admission Process:

  1. The results of the incomplete forms of the applicants will be withheld or rejected.
  2. The entrance exam is conducted as per the information given in the application form.
  3. The candidates are selected on the basis of credibility and eligibility in the entrance exam
  4. Eligible candidates will be granted provisional admission for the first year. During this period the student’s performance and commitment will determine if he/she is eligible to continue the course.
  5. A prospective candidate will be expected to produce his/her parent/guardian if the Board of interviewers is of the opinion that their presence is required for permission.
  6. During admission a student is expected to pay at least 60% of the total fees.
  7. Fees once paid will not be refunded for whatever reasons.
  8. Married students shall produce marriage certificates at the time of admission.

Medium of Instruction:

The medium of study and examination for the degree is English or any regional language as approved by the Senate.

Duration of Study:

The B.Th. degree course shall be of 3 years’ duration for 10+2 candidates.

Examination and Evaluation:

Final examination will be conducted at the end of the semester. All senate examined papers are evaluated out of 100%. However, the college examined papers are evaluated out of 60% and the other 40% for the internal assignments. Unless the internal assignments like class test, work or home assignments or paper presentations are completed satisfactorily, a student will be deemed ineligible to sit for exam in any given subject.
In the case of student failing to clear any subjects in three sittings, he/she shall write those exams only after the completion of his/her residential studies. Examinations for all papers shall be of three hours duration.