Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in India – Course, fees, seat intake, selection criteria, and other details
In recent years, liberal arts education has gained significant traction in India, reflecting a growing recognition of its value in critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary knowledge. Liberal arts colleges in India afford students the flexibility to explore diverse fields and develop a broader understanding of the world.
This blog explores the top 10 liberal arts colleges in India, detailing their course offerings, fees, and seat intake, among other details. From private universities to esteemed public institutions, each college takes its own approach to liberal arts education, catering to students’ varied interests and aspirations.
What is Liberal Studies?
Liberal Studies, a holistic program offered by the top liberal arts colleges in India, has gained significant traction in India as an academic discipline, especially over the last decade. This holistic approach to education, which emphasises critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and broad-based education, is increasingly seen as a way to nurture well-rounded individuals. This education fosters critical thinking, creativity, reasoning, and communication skills. With exposure to various subjects across arts and sciences, Liberal Studies equips students to build innovative careers.
The revival of Liberal Studies today stems from the realisation that technical degrees often lead to a narrow skill set. In contrast, succeeding in our dynamic society requires diverse abilities. John Henry Newman stated that Liberal Arts education “expands the mind, refines it, and empowers it to use knowledge effectively.”
Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in India
Below is an overview of the 10 top Liberal Arts colleges in India, highlighting their unique aspects, programs, fees, selection criteria, and notable alums.
1. Ashoka University, Sonipat
Important Aspects:
Ashoka University is one of the pioneers of Liberal Arts colleges in India. Established in 2014, it offers a well-rounded curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning. The university strongly emphasises critical thinking, research, and leadership development.
Distinctive Feature:
The Young India Fellowship (YIF) is one of the most recognised programs. It is a one-year postgraduate program. The university also offers a unique option for students to design their majors.
Number of Seats:
The undergraduate program admits approximately 650 students each year.
Fees:
Approximately ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The selection process includes an online application, a mandatory Ashoka Aptitude Test, an interview, and a review of the applicant’s academic history and extracurricular achievements.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with options for Majors in Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology & Anthropology, Psychology, etc. Minors are also available in various disciplines.
Top Alumni:
Neha Sinha (Author and Conservationist) and Rohin Dharmakumar (Founder of The Ken), among others.
Read More – Ashoka University – Courses, fees, placements, admission process and other details
2. FLAME University, Pune
Important Aspects:
FLAME University, established in 2015, aims to provide a liberal education in India. Its pedagogy is rooted in the liberal arts ethos and emphasises critical thinking, communication skills, and creative problem-solving.
Distinctive Feature:
Discover India program—The Discover India Program (DIP) is FLAME’s experiential learning component. It is student-driven and encourages student research and field-based learning.
Number of Seats:
Approximately 650 seats for undergraduate programs.
Fees:
Around ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admission process includes a personal interview, a statement of purpose, an entrance test (FEAT/SAT/ACT), and academic records.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) with majors in Economics, Psychology, Literary and Cultural Studies, International Studies, Public Policy, and others. Minors are also available across disciplines.
Top Alumni:
Ishaan Sinha (Journalist and Editor), Namita Jha (Social Entrepreneur), etc.
Read More – FLAME University – Programs, admission, fees, placements
3. OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat
Important Aspects:
Founded in 2009, OP Jindal Global University is known for its global curriculum, diverse faculty, and strong emphasis on research. The Jindal School of Liberal Arts & Humanities offers an innovative curriculum and is part of the top liberal arts colleges in India.
Distinctive Feature:
The university offers students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or more in partner universities and offers dual-degree programs.
Number of Seats:
The liberal arts program admits around 300 students each year.
Fees:
Approximately ₹6 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admissions process includes an entrance test (JSAT/SAT/ACT), a personal interview, and an evaluation of past academic performance.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with majors in Environmental Studies, Literature and Culture, History, and Philosophy. Students can also opt for minors.
Top Alumni:
Neeraj Dubey (Policy Analyst) and Shubhangi Agarwal (Researcher at WHO), among others.
4. Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Pune
Important Aspects:
Established in 2011, Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) is part of Symbiosis International University. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to combine majors and minors in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Distinctive Feature:
SSLA’s standout feature is the option to choose double majors. Additionally, the school’s robust internship and placement program is highly regarded.
Number of Seats:
The undergraduate program has around 100 seats.
Fees:
Around ₹5 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The selection process includes the SOP, an assessment of academic performance and a personal interview.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with options for majors and minors in International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Business Studies, and Media Studies.
Top Alumni:
Shreya Das (Research Analyst at a Leading Think Tank), Tarun Mehta (Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Ather Energy).
5. Krea University, Sri City
Important Aspects:
Krea University, a Liberal studies school established in 2018, is called the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences. It is one of the newest yet top liberal arts colleges in India. It offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Distinctive Feature:
The Interwoven Learning approach, which integrates various disciplines and experiential learning, is unique to Krea University.
Number of Seats:
Approximately 350 seats are available for the undergraduate program.
Fees:
Around ₹11 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admission process includes reviewing the application, taking the Krea Aptitude Test, conducting a personal interview, and assessing past academic records.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) with majors in Economics, History, Politics, and more. The university offers a variety of minors.
Top Alumni:
Since the university is relatively new, notable alums are still emerging.
6. Azim Premji University, Bangalore
Important Aspects:
Azim Premji University, established in 2010, is known for its commitment to social justice and education reform. The university offers a range of liberal studies programs focusing on research and community engagement.
Distinctive Feature:
The university’s unique focus on developmental studies and social work sets it apart from other liberal arts colleges.
Number of Seats:
The undergraduate program admits around 300 students.
Fees:
Approximately ₹2.97 lakhs per annum (subsidised by the Azim Premji Foundation).
Selection Criteria:
The selection process includes the National Entrance Test, a personal interview, and an assessment of academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with majors in Economics, Philosophy, English, and History. The university also offers minors in various disciplines.
Top Alumni:
Alina Alam (Founder of Mitti Cafe), Shipra Agarwal (Sustainability Facilitator and Practitioner).
7. Bennett University, Greater Noida
Important Aspects:
Bennett University, established in 2016, is backed by the Times of India Group. It offers a contemporary Liberal Arts program to prepare students for global challenges.
Distinctive Feature:
The university’s close ties with the media industry provide students with unparalleled exposure to journalism, media studies, and communication.
Number of Seats:
Approximately 60 seats for the Liberal Arts program.
Fees:
Around ₹6.25 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admissions process includes the Bennett Entrance Test (BET)/SAT/CUET, personal interview, and academic performance review.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with majors in Political Science, Journalism, Psychology, and more. Minors are also available across different disciplines.
Top Alumni:
Shreya Rao (Journalist at The Times of India) and Pranav Roy (Consultant at Deloitte), among others.
8. Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida
Important Aspects:
Shiv Nadar University (SNU) was established in 2011 to foster a multidisciplinary education combining the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It has since become one of the top liberal arts colleges in India.
Distinctive Feature:
The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to mix and match courses from different streams, thereby personalising their education.
Number of Seats:
Approximately 135 seats are available for the Liberal Arts program.
Fees:
Around ₹2 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admissions process includes the Shiv Nadar University Scholastic Aptitude Test (SNUSAT), an interview, and an academic performance review.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with options to major in International Relations, English, History, Sociology, etc. Students can also choose minors across disciplines.
Top Alumni:
SNU alumni have gone on to pursue careers in academia, research, and multinational corporations.
9. MIT-WPU School of Liberal Arts, Pune
Important Aspects:
MIT World Peace University’s School of Liberal Arts aims to offer an education that combines traditional liberal arts with modern, interdisciplinary approaches.
Distinctive Feature:
Integrating peace studies and spiritual education with traditional liberal arts courses is a unique aspect of MIT-WPU.
Number of Seats:
There are around 30 seats for the Liberal Arts program.
Fees:
Approximately ₹4 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The admissions process includes a personal interview, a written test, a group discussion, and a review of academic records.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) with majors in Psychology, English, Political Science, and Economics. The university also offers minors across disciplines.
Top Alumni:
Alums have pursued successful media, public relations, and corporate communications careers.
10. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
Important Aspects:
NMIMS, a well-known management and technical education institution, ventured into Liberal Studies to provide an interdisciplinary education aligned with global standards. The School of Liberal Arts at NMIMS emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and a multidisciplinary approach. While it is still new, it has already left an indelible mark as an up-and-coming top liberal arts college in India.
Distinctive Feature:
NMIMS offers a broad-based liberal education integrating management, economics, and humanities, preparing students for diverse career paths. The university is known for its industry connections and strong emphasis on internships and practical exposure.
Number of Seats:
The Liberal Studies program has around 120 seats available each year.
Fees:
Approximately ₹5 lakhs per annum.
Selection Criteria:
The selection process includes an entrance test (NPAT), a personal interview, and a review of academic performance and extracurricular activities.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Studies with options for majors in Economics, Psychology, English, Political Science, and Sociology. Minors are also available in various fields, including Business Studies and Communication.
Top Alumni:
Since the Liberal Studies program is relatively new, the alumni base is still developing, with many graduates pursuing higher studies or starting their careers in diverse fields such as media, corporate sectors, and NGOs.
NMIMS is steadily gaining recognition for its liberal studies program, combining its strengths in management education with a liberal arts approach to create well-rounded graduates.
Conclusion
Each one of these top 10 liberal arts colleges in India offers students the opportunity to not just explore their own ambitions holistically but also expand their academic horizons. It’s no wonder that liberal studies education has picked up in India. If you are looking to join any of these, then just click on the banner above, fill out the form, and one of our education advisors will help you navigate the entire process.
