Bachelor of Christian Studies
General information about this course
The Bachelor of Christian Studies (B.C.S) is offered by the Senate of Serampore College (University) for private study. The responsibility for administering the programme is with the Executive Committee under the overall supervision of the Senate of Serampore College.
The laity are the presence of the church in the world. They are called to commend their faith particularly in their secular professions or vocations in which they are involved and participate in the process of social change. In order to equip the laity with proper theological knowledge so that they can witness more effectively to the Gospel of Christ in various capacities and under different circumstances the Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS) course is introduced as an extension programme of the Senate of Serampore College (University). It is designed to provide the laity from different walks of life with academic skills for an in-depth understanding of Christian faith, history, doctrines and practical dimensions of ministry to interact with their neighbours and colleagues in their common quest for meaning in life.
Objectives:
To provide theological education as a critical transforming influence in personal, ecclesial and societal life in India/South
- To provide tools for interpreting the Word of God in the social, economic and political context of the society.
- To enable persons to become effective witnesses in the context of their varied and diversified vocations.
- To study the interaction of Christianity with people of other faiths and cultures.
- To facilitate lay leadership in church and society with the study of Christianity, its history, faith and practices.
- To promote theological education in regional languages as well as in English.
Registration:
The academic year for BCS course is January to December. A candidate is expected to send the “Online Registration” form by 31st October every year prior to commencing the study. The hard copy of the Registration Form should be submitted to the Dean, SCEPTRE, Kolkata within 6th November. The last submission of filled in application form with late fee is on or before 15th November.
The Registration Form should be submitted along with the following documents.
- Academic certificates or mark sheet copies of academic qualification
- Certificate of birth registration or other acceptable evidence of date of birth and the candidate must be ready to supply additional information and references that may be considered desirable in support of his/ her application.
- Church membership certificate.
- The candidate shall give in writing that he/she is not doing any course under any university/institution at the same time.
- The Registration fee must be sent by Demand Draft in favour of “Senate of Serampore College” payable at Kolkata.
- Application submitted without any of the above will be rejected.
Non-attendance of BCS 1st year Contact Seminar will lead to cancellation of registration.
Note: Registration Form along with the Regulations / Syllabus / Application packet are available at SCEPTRE Office, Kolkata at a cost of Rs. 900/- Payable in advance by Demand Draft.
Medium of Study and Examination:
The medium of study and examination shall be in English or any other vernacular language approved by the Senate.
Contact Seminar: (Compulsory for all the four years)
Contact seminar shall be arranged once in a year before the exams as it will be more convenient to the candidates. The Affiliated Colleges and the exam centres can conduct the contact seminars as approved by the Senate of Serampore College. Prior information must be given to the Dean, SCEPTRE about the dates of the Contact Seminar so that he/she/a representative can be present during such days. Certificates will be issued at the end of the contact seminar which will be used as a proof for attending the contact seminar.
Duration:
The length of BCS degree course is four years starting from January to December. Validity of the registration shall be for seven years. Dip.C.S. Diploma holders will join BCS 3rd year as an up-grader. The validity of registration of Dip.C.S. up-grader shall be four years.
Examination:
Serampore College, all affiliated Colleges, SCEPTRE and approved Examination Centres are centres for the Senate examinations. All candidates are normally expected to take their examination at one of these centres.
Each paper is of 3 hours. The maximum marks for each paper is 100 and covers the subject matter indicated in the syllabus.
- Students can write minimum six papers and maximum twelve papers during one annual examination.
A candidate (direct under the Senate) applying for permission to write the examination at an affiliated College or approved Exam Centre must obtain prior permission from the Principal or head of the institution.
Four Contact Seminars (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year and 4th year) must be attended. Without Contact Seminar Attendance Certificate, Senate will not allow the candidates to write the Exam. Fees must be paid accordingly.
Online Examination Entry Form must be done on or before 15th The hard copy of the Examination entry form along with the consent letter of the Principal/head of the institution must reach the office of SCEPTRE, Kolkata on or before 20th of July and with late fee 31st of July each year.
If a candidate wishes to write the Senate examination overseas, he/she should seek prior permission from the Registrar by sending a request and a letter from the Superintendent of Examination before 15th July of the year of examination. The Senate shall determine the Local Centre and an additional fee to be paid in such cases.
All the Senate examinations for Bachelor of Christian Studies shall normally be evaluated by two examiners.
The candidate shall apply for re-evaluation of any answer script within ten days from the date of announcement of the results.
Pass and Failure in Examination:
A candidate who fails in any paper or papers is regarded as being “Failed” in such paper or papers and is permitted to offer himself/herself for re-examination in that paper or those papers, or in any other paper or papers that may be substituted in accordance with the Regulations, provided that he/she is able to complete the requirements of the Degree within the time allowed. Any change for optional paper registration must be applied through SCEPTRE on or before31st July each year.
Standard of Pass and Class:
The pass mark in each paper in the examination for Bachelor of Christian Studies is 40%.
First Class | Second Class | Third Class | Failure |
A+ (80% and above) | B+ (65%) | C+ (50%) | D (30%) |
A (75%) | B (60%) | C (45%) | E (20%) |
A- (70%) | B- (55%) | C- (40%) | F (10%) |
Bridge to other Degrees:
To upgrade to BD, two year residency is required. The candidate has to pass English papers (BOS11 and BOS12) prior to admission to the B.D. programme.
- BCS First and Second Division students may register directly for MCS programme.
- Students seeking admission to M.Th should come through two year BD residential programme.
Convocation of Serampore College:
The Convocation of Serampore College is held annually. Normally every student who has qualified for the B.C.S. degree is expected to attend the Convocation to receive his/her degree in person. Candidates who have been granted the degree in absentia should apply to the Senate for the degree, sending the inabsentia fee by Demand Draft in favour of the Registrar, Senate of Serampore College.
Admission Requirements:
A candidate at the time of admission to the BCS degree course shall fulfill the following requirements:
- A holder of Bachelor Degree from a recognised University
A candidate should have passed 10th class and cleared matured candidate exam (as per the existing policy of the Senate) with 2 years of ministerial work experience.
- A candidate should have passed Dip.C.S. or Dip.BT with 1 year of ministerial work
FEES:
SENATE FEES | AMOUNT |
---|---|
Exam Fee (Per paper) | 350/- |
Mark fee | 250/- |
Council Fee | 100/- |
Late Exam Fee | 400/- |
Migration/Equivalent Certificate Fee | 300/- |
Transcript Fee | 350/- |
In-absentia Fee | 850/- |
Duplicate Degree Certificate Fee | 2500/- |
Urgent Delivery Fee of document | 200/- |
Graduate Fee | 200/- |
Provisional Certificate Fee | 500/- |
Overseas Postage | 300/- |
NOTE:- All Senate Fee must be sent by Demand Draft in favour of the “Registrar Senate of Serampore College” payable at Serampore/Kolkata to the Registrar, Senate of Serampore college. Fees once paid is not refundable.
Contact Address:
To
The Registrar, Senate of Serampore college
Serampore P.O. 712201
West Bengal
Phone : 033 – 26622692/ 26520432
SCEPTRE FEES | AMOUNT |
---|---|
Application | 450/- |
Regulation & Syllabus | 450/- |
Registration Fee | 600/- |
Late Registration Fee | 400/- |
Contact Seminar Fee | 6000/- |
Contact Seminar Late Fee | 500/- |
Extension of time fee | 2000/- |
SCEPTRE Exam Centre Fee | 200/- |
Note: All SCEPTRE Fee must be sent by Demand Draft in favour of the “Senate of Serampore College”, payable at Kolkata to the Dean, SCEPTRE. Fees once paid is not refundable.
Contact Address:
To
The Dean
SCEPTRE. Shrachi Centre,
74B, A.J.C. Bose Road,
Kolkata – 700016
Phone No. 033-22177868, 40061805
Email: deansceptre@gmail.com
SCHEMA (for Regular)
SCHEMA
For Direct Candidates all 24 papers are Senate Examined & Candidates who have registered through affiliated Colleges shall do 15 Required paper as Senate Examined and 9 Optional as College Examined
First Year (4+2)
Required:
Biblical Cluster
BC001 Understanding the Old Testament
BC003 Understanding the NewTestament
Ministry Cluster
BC030 Introduction of Christian Ministry
Religions Cluster
BC025 Outlines of Major Religious Traditions in South Asia
Optional:(Choose any Two: One from History and Mission and One from Theology)
History and Mission Cluster: (Any One)
BC022 History of Christianity during Early Period (1-600)
BC023 History of Christianity during Medieval Period (700-1400)
BC024 Study of Ecumenical Movement
Theology Cluster (Any One)
BC016 Contextual Theologies: Methodologies from the Margins
BC017 Christian Doctrines in the Early Church
Second Year (4+2)
Required:
Biblical Cluster
BC002 Study of Prophetic Movement with Spl. Ref. to Isaiah 42-55
Ministry Cluster
BC032 Worship and Preaching
Theology Cluster
BC012 Introduction to Christian Theology
History and Mission Cluster
BC020 Reformation and Social Change
Optional:(Choose any Two: One from Biblical (OT) and One from Religion)
Biblical Cluster (OT Any One)
BC005 Formation of a Nation: Study of Pentateuch
BC006 Pre-Monarchy Period: Study of The Book of Judges
BC007 Study of Wisdom Literature with Spl.Ref. to the Book of
Proverbs
Religion Cluster (Any One)
BC027 Detailed Study of Hinduism
BC028 Basic Features of Primal Religions
BC029 Islamic Religious Tradition
Third Year (4+2)
Required:
Biblical Cluster
BC004 Study of the Gospels with Spl.Ref. to selected Texts Mathew, Mark & Luke
Theology Cluster
BC014 Understanding Society in South Asia
History and Mission Cluster
BC021 Study of Modern Missionary Movement and Social Change
Ministry Cluster
BC031 Introduction to Counseling
Optional:(Choose any Two: One from Theology and One from Ministry)
Theology Cluster(Any One)
BC018 Ecological Issues in Contemporary World: Problems and
Problems and Prospects
BC019 Gender Justice
Ministry Cluster (Any One)
BC033 Introduction to Communication
BC035 Media and Social Issues
Fourth Year (3+3)
Required:
Theology Cluster
BC013 Ethical Issues in Contemporary World
BC015 Origin and Development of Feminist Theology
Religions Cluster
BC026 Christian Responses of Inter-Faith Relations
Optional:(Choose any Three: One from Biblical (NT), and Two from Ministry)
Biblical Cluster (Any One)
BC008 Study of Epistle to the Romans
BC009 Study of Epistle to the Hebrews
BC010 Study of Pastoral Epistles
Ministry Cluster (Any Two)
- BC034 Christian Education and Social Change
OR
BC038 Introduction to Homiletics
2.BC036 Towards Understanding Inclusive Communities
OR
BC037 Understanding of Marriage and Family Counselling
OR
Christian Ministry and Contemporary Issues(Select Any One)
BC039 Ecology
BC040 Migration
BC041 Globalization
BC042 Communalism and Fundamentalism
BC043 Familial Relationships
BC044 Human Sexuality and Related Issues
General Optional: Non Credited but Optional B.D. Qualifying Senate Papers which can be offered any time during BCS studies if students have not passed during Dip.C.S. studies.
BOS11 English – I
BOS 12 English - II
SCHEMA (for Upgrader)
For Direct Candidates all 12 papers are Senate Examined & Candidates who have registered through affiliated Colleges shall do 7 Required paper as Senate Examined and 5 Optional as College Examined
Third Year (4+3)
Required:
Biblical Cluster
BC004 Study of the Gospels with Spl.Ref. to selected Texts Mathew, Mark & Luke
Theology Cluster
BC014 Understanding Society in South Asia
History and Mission Cluster
BC021 Study of Modern Missionary Movement and Social Change
Ministry Cluster
BC031 Introduction to Counseling
Optional
Biblical Cluster (Any One)
BC008 Study of Epistle to the Romans
BC009 Study of Epistle to the Hebrews
BC010 Study of Pastoral Epistles
BC011 Introduction to Interpretation of the Bible
Theology Cluster(Any One)
BC018 Ecological Issues in Contemporary World: Problems and
Prospects
BC019 Gender Justice
Ministry Cluster (Any One)
BC033 Introduction to Communication
BC035 Media and Social Issues
Fourth Year (3+2)
Required:
Theology Cluster
BC013 Ethical Issues in Contemporary World
BC015 Origin and Development of Feminist Theology
Religions Cluster
BC026 Christian Responses of Inter-Faith Relations
Optional:
Ministry Cluster (Any Two)
- BC034 Christian Education and Social Change
OR
BC038 Introduction to Homiletics
- BC036 Towards Understanding Inclusive Communities
OR
BC037 Understanding of Marriage and Family Counselling
OR
Christian Ministry and Contemporary Issues(Select Any One)
BC039 Ecology
BC040 Migration
BC041 Globalization
BC042 Communalism and Fundamentalism
BC043 Familial Relationships
BC044 Human Sexuality and Related Issues
- A candidate is expected to send the “Online Registration” form by 31st October every year prior to commencing the study.
- The hard copy of the Registration Form should be submitted to the Dean, SCEPTRE, Kolkata within 6th November
- The last submission of filled in application form with late fee is on or before 30th November.
- Online Examination Entry Form must be done on or before 31st May
- The hard copy of the Examination entry form along with the consent letter of the Principal/head of the institution must reach the office of SCEPTRE, Kolkata on or before 10th June and with late fee 15th of June each year
- If a candidate wishes to write the Senate examination overseas, he/she should seek prior permission from the Registrar by sending a request and a letter from the Superintendent of Examination before 15th June of the year of examination
Colleges offfering this course
SL. | Affiliated College | Address for Correspondence | Handle |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Aizawl Theological College, Mizoram | The Principal Aizawl Theological College Mizoram Aizawl -796 001 | |
2 | Andhra Christian Theological College, Telangana | The Principal Andhra Christian Theological College Gandhinagar P.O. Telangana Hyderabad -500 080 | |
3 | Allahabad Bible Seminary, Uttar Pradesh | The Principal Allahabad Bible Seminary 60/64 Stanley Road Uttar Pradesh Allahabad -211 002 | |
4 | Bethel Bible College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh | The Principal Bethel Bible College, Guntur Shalome Nagar [Near Mahatma Gandhi College] Guntur Andhra Pradesh Guntur-522 006 -522 006 | |
5 | Bishop’s College, West Bengal | The Principal Bishop’s College 224, A. J. C. Bose Road P.O. Circus Avenue West Bengal Kolkata -700017 | |
6 | Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu | The Principal Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil K.P. Road, Kanyakumari District Tamilnadu Nagercoil -629 001 | |
7 | Dharma Jyothi Vidya Peeth, Haryana | The Principal Dharma Jyothi Vidya Peeth Faizpur, Khader Chandpur P. O. Haryana Faridabad -121101 | |
8 | EasternTheological College, Assam | The Principal EasternTheological College Rajabari Assam Jorhat -785 014 | |
9 | Faith Theological Seminary, Kerala | The Principal Faith Theological Seminary Pathanamthitta Dist. Manakala Kerala Adoor -691551 | |
10 | GossnerTheological College, Jharkhand | The Principal GossnerTheological College Main Road Jharkhand Ranchi -834 001 | |
11 | Gujarat United School of Theology, Gujarat | The Principal Gujarat United School of Theology Ellis Bridge Post Gujarat Ahmedabad -380 006 | |
12 | Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Tamilnadu | The Principal Gurukul Lutheran Theological College 94, Purasawalkam High Road Kilpauk P.O. Tamilnadu Chennai -600 010 | |
13 | Harding Theological College, Meghalaya | The Principal Harding Theological College A.B. Mission Compound, West Garo Hills P.O. Chandmari Meghalaya Tura -794 002 | |
14 | John Roberts Theological College, Meghalaya | The Principal John Roberts Theological College Mawklot Meghalaya Shillong -793 009 | |
15 | Kerala United Theological Seminary, Kerala | The Principal Kerala United Theological Seminary Kannammoola, Medical College P.O. Kerala Trivandrum -695 011 | |
16 | Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | The Principal Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur South Civil Lines Madhya Pradesh Jabalpur -482 001 | |
17 | Madras Theological Seminary & College, Tamilnadu | The Principal Madras Theological Seminary & College 14, Waddels Road, Kilpauk P.O. Tamilnadu Chennai -600 010 | |
18 | Master’s College of Theology, Andhra Pradesh | The Principal Master’s College of Theology Plot No. 5-7, Kommadi Road Madhurawada Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam -530041 | |
19 | Methodist Bible Seminary, Vasad, Gujarat | The Principal Methodist Bible Seminary, Vasad Station Road, Opposite Police Station Dist: Anand, Vasad – 388 306, Gujarat Gujarat Vasad -388 306 | |
20 | Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College, Telangana | The Principal Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College Shamshabad, Mission Compound Ranga Reddy Dist. Telangana Hyderabad -501 218 | |
21 | St. Andrew’s Theological College, Dhaka, Bangladesh | The Principal St. Andrew’s Theological College, Dhaka 54/1 Barabug, Mirpur-2, Bangladesh Dhaka -1216 | |
22 | South India Biblical Seminary, Karnataka | The Principal South India Biblical Seminary Anandgiri Kolar District Karnataka Bangarapet -563114 | |
23 | Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai, Tamilnadu | The Principal Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai Arasaradi Tamilnadu Madurai -625 010 | |
24 | Theological College of Lanka, Pilimatalawa | The Principal Theological College of Lanka Nandana Uyana Pilimatalawa Candy -2000 | |
25 | Witter Theological College, Nagaland | The Principal Witter Theological College Centre, Wokha–797111 Nagaland Nagaland Wokha -797111 | |
26 | Yavatmal College for Leadership Training, Maharashtra | The Principal Yavatmal College for Leadership Training Seminary Compound Yavatmal– 445 001, Maharashtra Maharashtra Yavatma -445 001 | |
27 | Maraland Theological College, Siaha, Mizoram | The Principal Maraland Theological College, Siaha ECM VAIH Mizoram Siaha -796 901 | |
28 | Bishop Mani Theological Institute, Kerala | The Principal Bishop Mani Theological Institute C/O., CSI Diocesan Office Cathedral Road Kerala Kottayam -686001 | |
29 | Christian Theological Seminary of Sri Lanka, Chunnakam | The Principal Christian Theological Seminary of Sri Lanka Chunnakam Chunnakam -40075 | |
30 | Amazing Grace Biblical Seminary, Kerala | The Principal Amazing Grace Biblical Seminary Bethel Building, Kadalavila, Nellikunnam PO: Kottarakkara Kerala Nellikunnam -691520 | |
31 | Jubilee Bible School, Sille, Arunachal Pradesh | The Principal Jubilee Bible School, Sille Arunachal Pradesh Sille -791102 | |
32 | Jubilee Bible School, Lunglei, Mizoram | The Principal Jubilee Bible School, Lunglei Serkawn P.O. Zotlang, Lunglei Dist Mizoram Serkawn -796691 | |
33 | Luther Theological College, Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh | The Principal Luther Theological College, Rajamundry Luthergiri Rajamundry – 533 105 A.P. Andhra Pradesh Luthergiri -533105 | |
34 | Reap India Mission, Rayagada, Orissa | The Principal Reap India Mission, Rayagada Indira Nagar, 4th Lane Orissa Rayagada -765001 |