B Div or Bachelor of Divinity is an undergraduate course that has a duration of 4 years and a total of 8 semesters. The sole aim of this program is to train students through Theological Education and prepare them for becoming effective ministers.
This program teaches the students to interpret the Bible properly. The course deals with various religious elements that are related to the Bible. The students also develop critical thinking on religious factors.
Some of the important subjects included in the course curriculum of the B Div course are Group Dynamics, Spiritual Direction, Pneumatology and many more.
To apply to this course, candidates must secure at least 50% marks in their higher secondary examination. Most institutes that offer the Bachelor of Divinity course admit students on the basis of their performance in the entrance test. However, direct admission also takes place in some of colleges.
The average tuition fee to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity course from Indian Colleges/ Universities ranges between INR 20,000 and 2,00,000.
On average, Bachelor of Divinity graduates earn a salary of INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annum. Some of the most common job profiles that students can pursue include Pastor, Religious Leader, Missionary, Scholar and Educator.
If students wish to study further, they can opt for numerous postgraduate courses such as Master of Divinity [M.Div], Master of Theology [M.Th] etc.
Table of Content
2.1 Why Study?
3.2 Entrance Exams
3.3 How to Get Admission in a good B Div College?
6.1 Future Scopes
B Div Course Highlights
Highlights for the B Div program are provided in the table given below:
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Full-form | Bachelor of Divinity |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-based |
| Course Fee | INR 20,000 to 2,00,000. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 2,00,000 - 10,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Religious Leader, Scholar, Pastor, Educator etc. |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Schools, Colleges, Churches etc. |
| Top Recruiting Organizations | Churches, Indiana Wesleyan University, Warner University etc. |
B Div: What is it about?
Bachelor of Divinity is one such course which is extremely appropriate for those candidates who wish to become a part of Christian ministry. Let us get to know about this discipline in detail:
- The Bachelor of Divinity course aims to impart theological knowledge to the students. The students will get to know about the different biblical connotations that are represented by the Holy Bible.
- The candidates will understand the various ethics of Christianity and will also learn about the functioning of a church.
- The course will help students to understand the role of religion in giving proper meaning to spirituality. This will help them to mould the religious life of people in a better way.
- During the course duration, candidates will have to complete several assignments and projects in divinity-oriented programs. They will also learn to read ancient languages like Greek and Hebrew.
- Some of the important subjects which are included in the course curriculum are Spiritual Direction, Acts of Apostles, Benedictine Spirituality, Christology, Mariology, Spirituality of Synoptic Gospels and many more.
Why Study B Div?
Bachelor of Divinity can be a very prosperous course from your career’s point of view. Here are very important reasons as to why you should study Bachelor of Divinity.
- The Bachelor of Divinity course will help the students to become a part of Christian leadership and will also help them to develop a spiritual understanding.
- After completing the course, the candidates will be able to interpret biblical scripture and various important theological topics.
- The Bachelor of Divinity graduates can teach at churches and other religious organizations. They may also impart theological knowledge to their fellow students or teach at schools and colleges.
- The candidates may also opt for a non-ministry career in writing, business, communications, etc. The students will also be able to opt for higher education. Numerous course options are open to them.
- The students, after completing their Bachelor of Divinity course will be able to earn a salary of around 2,00,000 -10,00,000 annually. The salary completely depends on their type of job and their experience. The income will rise gradually.
B Div Admission Process 2024
The admission process largely depends on the rules and regulations of a particular university. In most cases, students are admitted based on their performance in the admission test which is held by that particular college or university.
In some colleges, the admission process is a direct one and candidates are admitted on the basis of their score in relevant subjects in 10+2 examinations. Here, we have discussed the various steps of the admission process:
Merit-Based Admission
The step-by-step procedure to apply for Merit-Based admission is given below:
- Step 1: Fill the application form with all the required details correctly.
- Step 2: After all the application forms have been submitted, the college authority will look through the academic details of each of the candidates and shortlist them on the basis of their 10+2 marks.
Entrance-Based Admission
The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows:
- Step 1: Students have to register on the official website.
- Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
- Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam.
- Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course.
- Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.
What is the B Div Eligibility Criteria?
The Bachelor of Divinity candidates are required to fulfil all the important eligibility criteria before taking admission to the college. The B Div eligibility criteria is mentioned below:
- A minimum of 50% marks in 12th examination. This marks criterion may vary according to the college.
- Completed graduation in the relevant discipline and that too from a recognized college or university.
- The candidates who are yet to sit for the 12th examination are also eligible to apply for the course.
- For those colleges and universities that conduct an entrance test, the candidates will also have to secure a very good rank in the entrance test.
Which are the top B Div Entrance Exams?
There are only a few colleges which conduct an entrance test for admission to the Bachelor of Divinity course. The examination mostly has a duration of 2 to 3 hours during which the students are required to attempt objective type questions. The examination details are released by the colleges every year.
How to prepare for B Div Entrance Exams?
Very good preparation will help you to get admitted to one of the finest Bachelor of Divinity colleges. Here are a few guidelines that you must follow while preparing for the entrance test:
- The candidates must know the syllabus of the entrance test properly. Get yourself the latest copy of the syllabus from the official website of the university.
- Most of the questions of the entrance exams are asked from the topics that are covered in your 10+2 syllabus. So, you must be thorough with the chapters that you have studied for your 10+2 examination.
- In most cases, the entrance exam paper is divided into various sections. Until and unless you are familiar with each of the sections, you will not be able to acquire a good score. So, you must be familiar with the examination pattern.
- Revise all those topics that might seem important to you. Revision can play a pivotal role in your preparation. Otherwise, no matter how much you study, you may end up forgetting important details.
- Solve the questions from the sample papers and previous year’s question papers so that you can get used to the type of questions that are frequently asked in the examination.
- Candidates can sit for online mock tests. This will help them to get an idea about their preparations and will also increase their speed and efficiency.
- Try to keep yourself updated with the current affairs. You can do so by following popular news channels and reading through the newspaper on a regular basis. Also, read books on current affairs.
How to Get Admission in a good B Div College?
Candidates must keep the following points in mind if they wish to become a part of a really good Bachelor of Divinity college:
- The candidates must have a really good score in their 10+2 examination as your 10+2 score will play a major role in fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
- The students must perform exceptionally well in the admission test. This will help them to get admitted to a college of their dreams.
- The candidates must keep themselves updated with all the important details related to the admission process like application deadlines and date of entrance test.
- You must be extra careful while you are filling up the application form. This is especially important when you are filling the form online.
- You must also work on your time management skills. This will make sure that you acquire a really good score in your entrance examination.
- Consult a student who is already pursuing a B.Div course. He/ She will be able to give you valuable information regarding the admission process.
Which are the Best B Div Colleges?
The table given below shows the best B Div colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.
| College Name | Average Total Fee | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| SHUATS, Allahabad | INR 12,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Aizawl Theological College, Aizawal | INR 41,600 | INR 4,50,000 |
| Union Biblical Seminary, Pune | INR 1,06,134 | INR 6,58,000 |
| Bharat Bible College, Dabilpur | INR 40,000 | INR 4,88,000 |
| Bishop’s College, Kolkata | INR 1,96,400 | INR 6,25,000 |
| Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai | INR 2,00,000 | INR 2,50,000 |
| Andhra Christian Theological College, Telangana | INR 17,595 | INR 3,27,000 |
| FFRRC, Kottayam | INR 29,000 | INR 4,96,000 |
B Div College Comparison
Bachelor of Divinity is quite a popular course and it is taught in a number of reputed colleges of India. Here, we have compared the top three colleges that offer a Bachelor of Divinity course to the students:
| College/ University Name | SHUATS, Allahabad | Aizawl Theological College | Union Biblical Seminary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | SHUATS is a reputed educational institute of India. Since its foundation in the year 1910, it has been known to provide an extremely high quality of education to all its students. | Aizawl Theological College is affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College (University). The college was established in 1905 and is located in Aizawl, Mizoram. The primary aim of the college is to train Mizo Christians for various ministries of the church. | Union Biblical Seminary has been known to provide quality education to the students for over a decade now. |
| Location | Allahabad | Aizawl, Mizoram | Pune |
| Average Fees | INR 12,000 | INR 41,600 | INR 1,06,134 |
| Eligibility | Minimum 50% score in 12th examination. | Minimum 50% score in 12th examination. | Minimum 50% score in 12th examination. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based admission | Merit-based admission | Merit-based admission |
| Average Salary | INR 5,00,000 | INR 4,50,000 | INR 6,58,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Adobe, Ranbaxy, IDBI Bank, Cisco, HDFC Bank. | Wipro, Capgemini, IBM, Mindtree | TCS, IBM, Infosys, Wipro |
Where can I pursue B Div from Distance Learning?
Students can pursue a B Div course through distance mode as well. Before taking admission, Students must check for the validity of the course and the college in distance or correspondence mode.
- In order to be eligible for this course through correspondence mode students must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board.
- The minimum duration required to complete this course from distance mode is 4 years and the maximum duration of the same is 6 years.
- Admission to B Div course through correspondence mode is merit-based.
- The average fee for the course ranges from INR 30,000 to INR 2,00,000 annually.
What is the B Div Syllabus?
The Bachelor of Divinity course includes a number of important subjects and topics. Here, we have given a year-wise breakdown of some of the important topics taught in the Bachelor of Divinity course:
| Year I | Year II |
|---|---|
| Time management | Introduction to spirituality |
| Group dynamics | Scientific methodology |
| Spiritual direction | Introduction to the bible |
| Computer science | Psalms |
| Meditation | - |
| Year III | Year IV |
| The spirituality of Synoptic Gospels | Pneumatology |
| Acts of the Apostles | Eucharist |
| Johnnie Spirituality | Sacraments in General |
| Mariology | Liturgy |
| Corpus Pauline | Prayer & Mysticism |
| Christology | Church History |
| - | Benedictine Spirituality |
| - | Eco-Spirituality |
Bachelor of Divinity vs Bachelor of Theology
Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology are two very similar courses. Let us draw a comparison between these two courses:
| Parameters | B Div | B Th |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Divinity | Bachelor of Theology |
| Course Overview | Bachelor of Divinity is all about the different principles of Christianity along with its origin and functions. It also deals with religious scriptures and ancient languages. | Bachelor of Theology course mainly focuses on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The course is mostly about the study of the Bible and various Christian traditions and ideas. |
| Eligibility | Passed 12th with minimum 50% marks. | Passed 12th with minimum 50% marks. |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based | Merit-based |
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 2,00,000 | INR 10,000 to 1,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 to 7,00,000 |
| Colleges | Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Clark Theological College etc. | Grace Bible College, India Bible Institute & College, Bethel Bible Institute, Hindustan Bible Institute & College etc. |
| Recruitment sectors | Churches, Schools, Colleges, NGOs etc. | Religious Organizations, Educational Institutions, Churches, Charities etc. |
| Top Job Profiles | Pastor, Religious Leader, Professor, Educator etc. | Religious Preacher, Healthcare Worker, Relief Worker. |
What are the Job Prospects and Career Options after B Div?
- Bachelor of Divinity course provides a lot of career opportunities for interested students. The candidates work in various sectors like religious organizations, educational institutes, non-governmental organizations and many more.
- Students also have the opportunity to pursue a career in non-ministry sectors like business, writing etc.
- Some of the most sought-after job profiles for the Bachelor of Divinity candidates are Preacher, Pastor, Educator etc.
The table given below shows some of the most common B Divjob profiles and career prospects after completing the course is as follows:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Missionary | Missionary studies are basically meant to prepare the students in such a way that they are able to share their religious views with people around the world. | INR 3,60,000 |
| Educator | An Educator teaches at schools and various educational institutes. They impart knowledge on subjects like English, History, Mathematics etc. | INR 5,00,000 |
| Scholar | A Scholar conducts different types of research activities under the guidance of a mentor. The performance of the candidate is decided by the mentor itself. | INR 2,94,000 |
| Architect | The Landscape Architects are responsible for meeting with the engineers and the clients and prepare site plans for a project. | INR 4,80,000 |
| Pastor | A Pastor shares the ideas of the Christianity religion. They teach people about sin and grace and also ask everyone to have faith in the almighty. | INR 6,20,000 |
What are the Future Scopes of B Div ?
After completing B Div course, students have options to either go for higher studies or apply for a suitable job position. The option for pursuing higher studies will benefit the student in the long run as it would add more value and knowledge to their career.
Students can pursue the following programs after B Div course:
- MDiv. - Students can opt for a Master in Divinity program after completing this course and further get better job opportunities with lucrative salary packages.
- MTh. - After completing B Div course, students can also pursue a Master in Theology course which is of two year duration and offer numerous career options to students. Check MTh. job opportunities here.
Bachelor of Divinity [B Div] FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between a Bachelor of Ministry degree and a Bachelor of Divinity degree?
Ans. The Bachelor of Divinity degree is mainly pursued after a candidate has completed his/her graduation while the Bachelor of Ministry degree can be pursued after completing Class 12th.
Ques. What careers are open to graduates from divinity school?
Ans. The B Div degree holders can work at churches, religious organizations and educational institutes. They may also run charities.
Ques. Which are the best colleges to pursue a B Div course?
Ans. Few of the best colleges to pursue this course include:
- Aizawl Theological College, Aizawl
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
Ques. How many marks does a student require in Class 12 to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity course?
Ans. Students must hold an aggregate of at least 50% marks in Class 12 to seek admission to B Div course.
Ques. What is the total duration of the B Div course?
Ans. It takes 4 years to complete this Bachelor’s degree program.
Ques. What subjects are included in the course curriculum of the Bachelor of Divinity course?
Ans. Some of the important subjects included in the course curriculum of B Div course are Group Dynamics, Time Management, Computer Science, Spirituality of Synoptic Gospels etc.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria to seek admission to the Bachelor of Divinity course?
Ans. Students have to pass Class 12 with an exceptional score to get admission to this course in Indian Colleges/ Universities.
Ques. What are the job profiles for the Bachelor of Divinity students?
Ans. The most common job profiles for B Div graduates include Missionary, Educator, Pastor, Religious Leader etc.
Ques. What is the total tuition fee for the B Div course in Indian Colleges/ Universities?
Ans. The average total tuition fee of the Bachelor of Divinity is INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000.
Ques. What should be my annual income after completing my Bachelor of Divinity course?
Ans. Your expected salary is going to be around INR 2,00,000 to 10,00,000
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