Founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 in Santiniketan, West Bengal, The foreign language courses at Visva Bharati University offers a host of possibilities for students who want to learn a new language for a variety of reasons. Realizing the great importance of foreign languages in India, several foreign languages were established long back which, impart teaching in many languages at various levels.
It grew to become one of India’s most prestigious Universities of higher learning, with a list of alumni that includes former PM Indira Gandhi, Nobel-winning economist Amartya Sen, Film-maker Satyajit Ray, Historian R. Siva Kumar, to name a few. Foreign language courses at Visva-Bharati University are grouped into many different departments, allowing for a large number of degree and short-term programs.
BHASA BHAVANA – Institute of Languages, Literature, and Culture
As our world becomes increasingly connected, the advantages of acquiring a new language is a skill that’s in growing demand no matter where you live. Keeping this in mind, the University has set up a Bhasha-Bhavana (Institute of Languages, Literature & Culture) in the varsity campus. The Bhasha Bhavana houses Chinese (Cheena Bhavana), Japanese (Nippon Bhavana), Indo-Tibetan Studies, Modern European Languages (CMELLCS) and Department of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Islamic studies.
All programs offer an interdisciplinary curriculum, with an emphasis on literature, language, and culture. Owing to University’s strong cultural focus, An array of languages and literature studies are offered by the Bhasha-Bhavana, with Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate degrees, and also Certificate and Diploma in several foreign languages at Visva Bharati University. The courses are designed as per the requirement of foreign language jobs in India.
Bhasha- Bhavana also runs various Certificate Courses mainly for existing students who are pursuing a full-time course and the staff members of Visva-Bharati and the residents of the locality. They regularly conduct national and international seminars, conferences, events, and workshops, and invites eminent researchers to address the students on research methodology and state of research in the field of languages.
Read — Language Courses in JNU (ii) Language Courses in BHU (iii) Language Courses in DU (iv) Foreign Language Courses in Kolkata (v) Language Courses in Mumbai University (vi) Language Courses in IGNOU (vii) Language Courses at EFL
1. Centre for Modern European Languages, Literatures, and Culture Studies (CMELLCS)
Established in 2014, Centre for Modern European Languages, Literatures and Culture Studies offers In-depth study of Modern European language to enable you not only for better communication. It also helps to develop an understanding of different cultures and their rich artistic and literary histories.
CMELLCS encourages students to develop a full understanding of the complex issues through a focus on language, history, economics, politics, and culture in European languages. The Visva Bharati University‘s CMELLCS conducts research and instruction in Modern European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures with specialization in French, German, Italian or Russian.
Read — (i) Career After Learning French (ii) Scope of Russian in India (iii) Benefits of learning German in India (iv) Italian language jobs in India (v) Which Foreign Language to Learn in 2019?
2. Nippon Bhavana – Japanese Center
If you are interested in Japanese culture, history, and life, and also want to study Japanese or India-Japan relations, there is no better place than Nippon Bhavana. The research Centers, libraries, and organizations offer cultural and extracurricular activities, and Japanese study is encouraged. Presently, the centre houses the Department of Japanese Studies which has a vast library with books in Japanese.
Nippon Bhavana, in collaboration with Japan Foundation, invites Visiting Scholars, Artists, Scientists and eminent personality from Japan, arranges events, workshops, seminars, Indo-Japanese festivals and tons of Japanese culture functions. They also offer a variety of study-abroad programs and cultural tours to Japan for students who want to immerse themselves in Japanese. It is also one of the JLPT test centre in India.
The course curriculum is designed to give due emphasis to teaching the Japanese language as well as aspects of Japanese society, literature, custom, culture, and history. All the courses are designed as per the JLPT i.e., Japanese Language Proficiency Test, which will help students for higher studies in Japan and also enhance job opportunities in Japanese.
3. Cheena Bhavana (Department of Chinese Language & Culture)
In keeping pace with its global character, Visva-Bharati established the Department of Chinese Language & Culture, also known as Cheena Bhavana. The ever-growing library is the best of its kind in entire South Asia, preserving Chinese books and journals with its treasure house of rare treasure and invaluable books. The department is a symbol of renewed relations between India and China.
The scope of Chinese language in India is growing at an unprecedented pace. If you’re interested in pursuing Mandarin Course in West Bengal or East India, Cheen Bhavana is the place to be. Other than the Mandarin language, all courses focus on Chinese literature, history, language, and culture. The curricula will prepare you for the International HSK Exam in India. Moreover, the department has many scholarships and exchange programs for students at Cheena Bhavana.
4. Department Of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Islamic Studies
Take your pick of West Asian language at Dept. Of Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Islamic Studies. This Department at Visva-Bharati grants bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. degrees in Persian who are interested in learning Persian language and literature. Arabic and Persian are also offered as part-time at the Certificate and Diploma level.
Read— Arabic language benefits in India, Why Learn Persian in India? and Arabic Vs. Persian Vs. Turkish.
5. Indo-Tibetan Studies
This subject is taught in Bhasha Bhavan. The Department of Indo-Tibetan studies at Visva Bharati University offers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Indo-Tibetan, as well as a certificate and diploma in Tibetan language.
Foreign Language Courses Offered by Visva Bharati University
| Language | Courses | Total Seats |
| French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Persian, and Tibetan. | 2-year Certificate | 34 for each course. |
| – do- | 1-year Diploma | – do- |
| Italian and Russian | 1-year Advanced Diploma | – do- |
| French, German, Italian, Russian, Indo-Tibetan, Japanese and Persian. | 3-year BA (Hons.) | For Persian and Japanese – 09, Others – 30 for each course. |
| Japanese, Chinese, Persian, and Indo-Tibetan. | 4-year Prep followed by (BA Hons.) | Japanese – 30, Chinese – 40, Persian – 23 and Indo-Tibetan – 12. |
| French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Indo-Tibetan and Persian. | 2-year MA | Japanese – 40, Chinese – 45, Indo-Tibetan – 15 and Others – 10 each. |
| French, Japanese, Persia, Chinese, and Indo-Tibetan. | 3-6 years Ph.D. | Japanese / Persian – 4, French -2, Chinese – 10 & Indo-Tibetan – 1. |
Admission, Eligibility Criteria, Dates 2019-2020
| Courses | Eligibility Criteria |
| Certificate | 10+2 or equivalent. |
| Diploma | 10+2 and Certificate in the same language. |
| Advanced Diploma | 10+2 and Diploma in the same language. |
| 4-year Prep + (BA Hons.) | 60% marks in aggregate and 60% marks in English at the +2 level. For Persian – 45% and Tibetan – 55%. |
| 3-year BA (Hons.) | 60% marks in aggregate and 60% marks in English at the +2 level and JLPT N4 or equivalent for Japanese, etc. |
| 2-year MA | BA Hons. in the subject concerned or BA in any stream with B2 in the same European languages. |
| 3-6 years Ph.D. | MA in the subject concerned or any stream with higher proficiency in the same language. Experience is an added advantage. |
The admission process at this reputed University will begin on 8th May 2019 and will continue till 10th June 2019. The classes will commence from July 2019. Admission is done through an entrance test or merit list. Read the prospectus for more details.
- Start of Online Application Process — 08th May 2019.
- Closing of Online Application Process — 10th June 2019.
- Examination Timings (wherever applicable) — To be announced later.
- Apply Online — LINK
- E-Prospectus 2019-2020 — LINK
Admission Tests for the various foreign language courses in Visva-Bharati University (wherever applicable) will be held at two centres — Santiniketan and Sriniketan. The dates and venues will be notified on the University official website.
26 comments
My rank in the merit list of ba French honors in VBU is 27. I am from general category. Can I get the admission?
Since the total number of seats is only 13. Thus, it looks difficult. Keep your fingers crossed!
Sir is there any entrance exam for foreign language in Visva Bharati? Or Is it done on the marks obtained in 12th?
Marks obtained in 12th. Check E-Prospectus.
Sir, please let me know how to do PhD. in French, is there course work the scholar has to cracked?
If you have completed an MA in French or any stream with equivalent French proficiency like DALF C2 along with relevant experience and some research in the field of French, you can appear for an entrance test. You need to be an expert in the French language before applying for a Ph.D. in French.
Certificate course of which language will be helpful in the future?
None. Aim for at least 3-year Advanced Diploma. Read — Which Language?
Sir, I have to apply for French language in BBU. Is there any entrance exam for admission?
Admission is done based on the merit of the students i.e marks obtained in 12th. You can check e-Prospectus.
Sir, can I apply for German and French language and to qualify, Is there any entrance exam held?
All the details are in E-Prospectus. LINK
hello sir please what course offered by vbu after 10th?
I’m not aware of any language course at VBU that is offered after 10th. The minimum eligibility criteria is 10+2 or equivalent.
Pre-Degree (10+2) course offered after 10th in Visva Bharati. Bengali, Hindi, English and Japanese languages are available to take it as a subject.
Thanks for the information Nilanjan 🙂
Sir
I want to learn Japanese. Could you please suggest me the name of top ten colleges in India?
There is no such list since course varies from one university to another. For example, JNU, VBU, EFLU, Doon Universities offer both BA and MA in Japanese whereas DU, BHU offers only BA program in Japanese. Then you also have Bangalore Central University with only MA. Thus, it depends on the course!
Sir, I want to know whether graduate courses in Spanish are available or not over here. Or for Spanish only certificate course is available?
As per the last information available, VBU does not offer Bachelor program in Spanish. Only 2-year part-time certificate in Spanish is available.
Hello sir. I want to know that what is the HS marks percentage for general caste to apply for the language course in visva bharati?
That will depend on course. VBU usually requires 45% to 50% marks in aggregate. You can check – LINK
Good morning sir
From when the admission started in visva bharati for French language can you tell me sir.
You can apply online when forms will be available (most likely in May) – LINK. You can also contact University admission department.
Can I apply for German Hons. in Visva Bharati University in the year 2019 with 2014 10+2 certificate ?
Yes. You can apply.