BHU BA Dharma Shastra: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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The BA (Dharma Shastra) at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi is offered under the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnana (SVDV) as the Shastri (Hons.) programme with Dharmashastra as the Major subject. It is a 4-year full-time, on-campus undergraduate course (8 semesters, under NEP 2020 curriculum) with an annual fee of approximately Rs. 2,300 for regular seats, making it one of the most affordable yet academically prestigious programmes in traditional Indian knowledge systems. Admission is based on CUET UG scores, and the course attracts students interested in ancient Indian legal texts, religious jurisprudence, and Sanskrit-based scriptural studies. The programme is popular among students aspiring for academic careers, priesthood, legal research in traditional law, and civil services with a focus on Indian culture and heritage.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. CUET UG 2026 registration closed on February 26, 2026, and the exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. BHU's Combined Allotment Program (CAP-UG 2026) for seat allotment and counselling is expected to open in the third week of July 2026 after CUET results are declared.

Key Points

Dharmashastra is one of the most ancient and revered disciplines in Indian knowledge systems, covering topics such as Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Dharmasutra, and related texts.
The programme is offered under the NEP 2020 framework, allowing students to choose Major + Minor combinations and pursue multidisciplinary, skill enhancement, and value-added courses.
BHU's Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnana is one of the oldest and most distinguished faculties for traditional Sanskrit studies in India, with a legacy dating back to the university's founding in 1916.
Students completing 4 years with a CGPA of 7.5 and above (top 10%) may opt for UG Hons. with Research, making them eligible for direct PhD admission without a PG degree.
The course is open to both male and female students at the Main Campus (FMC).

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07 Oct, 2026

For BA, Round 4 CUET Cutoff 2026 is 20-421 for the General Category.

06 May, 2026 BHU BA Dharma Shastra Fee Structure 2026-27 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 6,900 . Read more.

BHU BA (Dharma Shastra) Fees

The fee structure for the Shastri (Hons.) Dharmashastra programme at BHU is extremely nominal for regular seats, with a total semester fee of Rs. 1,150 (Academic Fee: Rs. 400 + Development Fee: Rs. 750). Over 8 semesters (4 years), the total tuition fee for regular seat students amounts to Rs. 9,200. Paid seat students pay Rs. 2,650 per semester (Rs. 1,150 regular + Rs. 1,500 additional), totalling Rs. 21,200 for the full course. Hostel accommodation is available at Ruiya Hostel (Sanskrit Block) for SVDV students at Rs. 4,875 per semester.

Fee Structure

Fee Type	Semester Fee (Regular)	Semester Fee (Paid)	Total (8 Semesters)
Regular Seat	Rs. 1,150	-	Rs. 9,200
Paid Seat	-	Rs. 2,650	Rs. 21,200
Hostel (Ruiya Hostel)	Rs. 4,875	Rs. 4,875	-
Total Fees	Rs. 1,150	Rs. 2,650	Rs. 21,200

BHU BA (Dharma Shastra) Admission 2026

Admission to the Shastri (Hons.) Dharmashastra programme at BHU is entirely merit-based through CUET UG scores. After CUET results, BHU conducts its Combined Allotment Program (CAP-UG) for seat allocation. For 2026-27, CUET UG 2026 is scheduled from May 11-31, 2026, with results expected in early July 2026. BHU CAP-UG registration and counselling are expected to begin in the third week of July 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Date
CUET UG 2026 Registration Closed	February 26, 2026
CUET UG 2026 Exam	May 11-31, 2026
CUET Results	Early July 2026
BHU CAP-UG Registration & Counselling	Third week of July 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have passed the Madhyama Examination of BHU / Madhyama / Uttar Madhyama / Upa Shastri / Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognized board.
Candidates with Sanskrit as a subject in Class 12 are preferred; those with a BHU certificate course in Sanskrit after 10+2 with 50% marks are also eligible.
Age: Not more than 22 years as of July 1, 2026 (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD; 3 years for OBC).

Admission Process:

Register for CUET UG 2026 on the NTA official website (cuet.nta.nic.in).
Appear for CUET UG 2026 in the relevant subject (Sanskrit - Subject Code 325 / General Test).
After CUET results, register on BHU's CAP-UG portal (bhucuet.samarth.edu.in) and fill in course preferences.
Seat allotment is done based on CUET merit score and preferences filled in CAP-UG.
Confirm admission by paying the fee within the stipulated deadline.
Report to the university with original documents for verification and enrollment.

BHU BA (Dharma Shastra) Scholarships 2026

BHU offers a range of scholarships for students of the Shastri (Hons.) Dharmashastra programme, including university-level merit and need-based awards as well as national government scholarships. Given the very low fee structure of this programme, scholarships can effectively make the course nearly free for eligible students. Students from SC/ST/OBC/EWS/minority backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply for government scholarships.

Scholarship Application Process

Scholarship Type	Application Portal
Government Scholarships	National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
BHU Scholarships	BHU internal process (check BHU website)

All government scholarships must be applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
BHU scholarships are applied for through the university's internal process; students should check the BHU website for annual notifications.
Scholarship deadlines vary each year; students should apply at the start of the academic session.
SC/ST students are also eligible for fee waivers as per Government of India norms.

BHU BA (Dharma Shastra) FAQs

Q1. Is the BA (Dharma Shastra) at BHU the same as the Shastri programme? What is the actual degree awarded?

Ans. Yes, the course listed as BA (Dharma Shastra) at BHU is officially offered as the Shastri (Hons.) programme with Dharmashastra as the Major subject under the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vijnana (SVDV). The degree awarded is "Shastri (Hons.) in Dharmashastra," which is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree and is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Q2. Do I need Sanskrit in Class 12 to apply for this course at BHU?

Ans. While having Sanskrit as a subject in Class 12 is preferred, it is not strictly mandatory. Candidates who have passed the Madhyama examination of BHU or equivalent Sanskrit examinations, or those who have completed a one-year certificate course in Sanskrit from BHU after 10+2 with 50% marks, are also eligible. However, a strong foundation in Sanskrit is essential to succeed in the programme.

Q3. What are the career options after completing Shastri (Hons.) in Dharmashastra from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue higher studies such as Acharya (MA equivalent) and PhD in Dharmashastra at BHU or other Sanskrit universities. Career options include teaching at Sanskrit schools and colleges (after qualifying UGC NET), research positions at Sanskrit institutions, roles in temple administration and religious organizations, work as a Dharmadhikari or legal advisor in traditional Hindu institutions, and civil services with a focus on Indian culture and heritage. Government Sanskrit universities and the Central Sanskrit University also recruit faculty in this discipline.

Q4. What is the seat intake for Dharmashastra at BHU, and how competitive is admission?

Ans. The Faculty of SVDV offers 47 seats for the Dharmashastra and Mimansa combined group at the Main Campus (FMC). After admission, students are further allotted Dharmashastra or Mimansa as their specific major based on merit and preference. The CUET cutoff for BA (Dharma Shastra) at BHU in 2025 was around 130-152 marks (General category), making it relatively accessible compared to mainstream courses.

Q5. Can I pursue this course and also appear for competitive exams like UPSC?

Ans. Yes, many students pursuing Shastri (Dharmashastra) at BHU simultaneously prepare for UPSC and state PSC exams. The course's focus on ancient Indian texts, jurisprudence, and Sanskrit provides a strong foundation for optional subjects like Sanskrit Literature or Philosophy in UPSC. The low fee and residential campus environment at BHU make it conducive for self-study alongside the degree programme.

Q6. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for Shastri (SVDV) students at BHU?

Ans. Hostel accommodation is available for SVDV students at the Ruiya Hostel (Sanskrit Block) for boys, but it is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Students must apply separately for hostel accommodation after admission. The hostel fee is Rs. 4,875 per semester, and mess charges are additional. Female students can apply to the girls' hostels on campus.

BHU: 1 Answered Question

How is 5 years integrated law course of BHU and how is the placement there?

Ujjval GuptaA lawyer in the making

BHU LLB Course is better than most Indian Colleges. Some of its salient features are:

Fee is higher than the 3-year course
Tough competition as limited seats are available
It’s a self-financed course
Ranked amongst the 8-10 Law Colleges of India
The amenities at BHU- Infrastructure, Faculty, Exposure, Security all add to its wonderful experience
Massive lush green campus

Placements-

The placements at BHU are above average. You might get to work in law firms, practicing in courts under a senior lawyer. Other corporate sectors or legal advisory jobs are also available. Many BHU students also prefer pursuing Judiciary.

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