Let’s liberalize our education system and mindset!
“Indians measure success with academic excellence and a good job, but lack creativity.”
Steve Wozniak said this about Indians and Indian Education System. After this statement, the Apple Co-founder found himself in the middle of a Twitter backlash by Indians but also got overwhelming support as well.
Now, even though he is not fully correct but looking at our system and our mindset, his statement can be agreed with a pinch of salt.
Time to Look Beyond Fixed Curriculum
From childhood, we’re told to study more so that more marks can be scored. Then for clearing board exams maximum of the students are told to take Science Stream as elective as it has ‘Scope’. People have to leave subjects that were stress busters such as Art & Craft. Even in optional subjects, there are only two options lessened. It has to be either Biology or Computer Science which one may have avoided in X boards.
Stress building starts from there.
We have to forcefully study subjects just for the sake of more marks and a better opportunity in the future.
Not to overlook currently in India around 1.5 Million students graduate as Engineers every year. To which maximum lack the skills to be employed, this is an Industry Professional giving remark.
CP Gurnani, CEO & MD of Tech Mahindra says “94% of engineering graduated were not fit for hiring.”
We cannot overlook the effect of Brain Drain as well!
But, in situations like these, there is a course which can let you have the choice of subjects that you want to study after +2! This course also has a better prospect of career-wise progress as well!
Liberal Arts and Science. Let’s go into it one by one and discover this new subject which is not only being preferred by a majority of students now but also has fewer challenges and a good career prospect.
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What is Liberal Art & Science Studies?
The “Liberal Art” is a course which includes and puts Science and Humanity together. If we go through the study curriculum of Liberal Arts, we will not need to have one specific career goal, although we might have to. Instead, we can assemble knowledge of subjects that can be used in a wide array of careers later on.
Top Liberal Arts and Science Colleges in India:
There are various colleges in India offering a degree course (Undergraduate and Post Graduate) in Liberal Arts & Science in India. Some colleges also offer Certificate Short Term Courses as well but some of the Top Colleges in our country are :
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women
- SRM University
- Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Ashoka University
- Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts
- FLAME University
- Delhi College of Arts and Commerce
- Azim Premji University
- Christ University
- Hansraj College
- St. Xaviers College, Mumbai
- Krea University
Read the top 10 liberal arts and science colleges in India and admission guidance for the best liberal arts colleges in India.
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process:
The admission process in every college/university is different. It may have a cut-off rule or a written entrance exam, followed by a group discussion and then finally an interview.
A few colleges take direct admission based on a student’s merit.
But, generally, the eligibility criteria for getting an Under Graduate Degree of Liberal Arts in subjects i.e. BSc (Hons.) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics is 60% average in PCM/PCB/PCB Social Science Group.
Whereas, for an Undergraduate Degree of Liberal Arts in subjects apart from Science i.e. BSc Psychology or BA (Hons.) in English and History demands 60% average marks in Class 12 results.
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Fees Structure:
While Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, which is affiliated to Delhi University has a simple fee structure of Rs. 10,000/- per year!
Education in Private Colleges is a way bit costly with fees from Rs.3, 00, 000/- INR per year to Rs.7, 00, 000/- INR per year.
Liberal Arts & Sciences Curriculum:
The Branches of Liberal Arts are as follows: (Note: A few might be missing due to a vast curriculum)
- English
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Media Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Biology
- Political Science & Public Policy
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Social Work
And, - Computer Science
Structure of Liberal Arts Degree:
Liberal Arts Degree is basically divided into:
- Major (Core Subject also known as Honors) which focuses on the field of the degree the student is pursuing
- Minor which complements the degree.
Some of the Major examples are Computer Science, English, History, Biology or Interdisciplinary Majors like Politics, Philosophy & Economics, Computer Science & Entrepreneurial Leadership; English & Creative Writing; Politics & Society; History & International Relations; English & Media Studies etc.
Some of the choices when it comes to Minor choices are Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, International Relations, Media Studies, Creative Writing, etc.
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Scholarships/Fellowships Offered:
- Young India Fellowship (YIF)
- Scholarships are offered by Ashoka University
- Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce offers different types of scholarships. These are controlled by various Central and State Governments
- Saryu Doshi Post Graduate Fellowships in Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Flame University offers merit-based scholarships and special scholarships
- O.P. Jindal Outstanding Merit Scholarships
- Shallu Jindal Outstanding Women Scholarships
- Savitri Jindal Merit-cum-Means Fellowships
- Naveen Jindal Young Global Scholarships and Haryana Domicile
- Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Programme
- Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- NCERT Doctoral Fellowships
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Advantages with a Liberal Arts & Science Degree
The biggest advantage is that the student can make his/her own curriculum and proceed. He/She can complete his/her major education in the subject one is pursuing and can get minors in the subject he/she always liked. Thus, extending the periphery of vision in terms of career expansion! Unlike, contemporary courses which concentrate and educate in only one stream. Thus contracting the career choice of an individual.
But, here are a few advantages that one can gain personality-wise also.
- Analytical mind and problem-solving skills are gained
- Soft Skills are attained while studying only
- Creativity Enhancement
- Decision making, self-understanding and self-confidence get in the personality
- Interest in diverse subjects including arts, science and commerce
- Chance in changing careers smoothly without any hindrance
Liberal Arts Career Prospects and Salaries
While a section of students after graduation go for higher studies. A lot of students can work across as professionals.
IT Industry / Banking / E-commerce / Public Relations / Marketing / Healthcare / Engineering Sector
Law / Advertising / Journalism / Design / Performing Arts / Architecture / Literature/
Corporate / Education Sector / Research Institutes/Museums/Publishing Houses/NGOs/ Social Work / Travel and Tourism, and keeping the Indian Society’s perspective, Government Sector/Civil Services
Read more about the placements and salary statistics of liberal arts graduates in India.
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Salaries of Liberal Arts & Sciences Graduates in India:
It depends on your field, your education, your majors, your minors (specialization), and your experience. But a fresh graduate can start from an initial pay of Rs.10, 000/- INR to Rs, 30,000/- INR.
No need to be worried. It just gets better with time. Every profession has an initial struggle and low pay.
Steve Wozniak’s closest friend and Apple Co-founder and the greatest visionary Late Steve Jobs only said once “Technology alone is not enough. It is technology married with the liberal arts, married with the humanities that yield us the results that make our hearts sing.”
Let’s prove Steve Wozniak wrong by our career actions and educational choices, not by keyboard skills on Twitter. Let’s liberalize our Education system and bring a positive change to the world.
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in India for Placements and Salaries
| College | Average Salary Range (INR) |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | 8 – 12 Lacs |
| Ashoka University | 8 – 18 Lacs |
| Christ University | 5 – 15 Lacs |
| Flame University | 6 – 8 Lacs |
| O. P. Jindal University | 7 – 9 Lacs |
| St. Xavier’s College Mumbai | 6 – 20 Lacs |
| Krea University | 8 – 12 Lacs |
| Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts | 5 – 7 Lacs |
| Hansraj College | 4 – 8 Lacs |
| Delhi College of Arts & Commerce | 3 – 5 Lacs |
| Azim Premji University | 3 – 5 Lacs |
| Appejay Stya University Gurgaon | 3 – 5 Lacs |
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Related Articles:
How to Get Admitted into Top Liberal Arts Colleges
Arts & Humanities vs Liberal Arts
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in India and USA
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