Scottish Church College Kolkata BA {Hons.} Bengali: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. BA (Hons.) Bengali from Scottish Church College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta, opens up a wide range of career paths. Graduates can pursue teaching at the school level (after B.Ed.) or college level (after MA and NET/SET). Bengali is also a popular optional subject in UPSC and West Bengal PSC examinations, making it a strong choice for civil services aspirants. Other career avenues include journalism, content writing, translation, publishing, broadcasting (radio/TV), and roles in cultural organisations. Many students also go on to pursue MA in Bengali, followed by research (MPhil/PhD) at reputed universities.

Ans. Yes, having Bengali in Class 12 is important for this course. The eligibility criterion requires a minimum of 50% aggregate marks AND 50% marks in Bengali in Class 12. The index mark for merit list preparation is calculated as Aggregate % + % Marks in Bengali. If a candidate has not studied Bengali in Class 12, they would not have a Bengali score to contribute to the index, which would significantly affect their merit position. Students from non-Bengali medium schools or those who studied a different language should check with the college directly regarding their eligibility.

Ans. With only 44 total seats (21 in General Merit, 7 for SC, 2 for ST, 1 for PWD, and 8 for CNI Christians + 5 for other Christians), admission to BA (Hons.) Bengali at Scottish Church College is moderately competitive. The index mark is calculated as Aggregate % + % Marks in Bengali, so students with high scores in both aggregate and Bengali subject have an advantage. Based on past trends, students with 80%+ aggregate and 85%+ in Bengali tend to secure admission in the early call lists. Since the college runs multiple call lists (over 40 in 2025), students with lower scores may also get a chance in later rounds.

Ans. Students opting for Bengali as the major (Honours) subject can choose from the following Generic Elective (minor) subjects: History, Sanskrit, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Economics, and Political Science. The fee at the time of admission is Rs. 12,826 for most combinations. However, if Psychology or Physical Education is chosen as the minor, the fee increases to Rs. 16,296 due to the higher security deposit. When choosing a minor, students should consider their career goals: History or Political Science is ideal for civil services aspirants; Philosophy suits those interested in research; Economics is good for those considering interdisciplinary careers; and Sanskrit complements Bengali literature studies well.

Ans. Scottish Church College has a rich tradition of cultural and literary activities. The college regularly organises Rabindra Jayanti celebrations, Bengali literary events, and inter-departmental cultural programmes. The Bengali Department actively participates in seminars, workshops, and literary competitions. The college also has a strong alumni network of notable Bengali literary and cultural figures, including celebrated singer Manna Dey and filmmaker Mrinal Sen. Students of the Bengali Department get opportunities to participate in university-level literary competitions, elocution contests, and drama festivals, which enrich their academic experience beyond the classroom.

Ans. Yes, after completing BA (Hons.) Bengali from Scottish Church College (University of Calcutta), you are eligible to apply for MA in Bengali at various universities. The most natural progression is MA Bengali at the University of Calcutta itself, which has one of the most prestigious Bengali departments in India. Other options include Jadavpur University, Rabindra Bharati University (which specialises in Bengali language and culture), Visva-Bharati (Santiniketan), and various central universities. Admission to MA programmes is typically based on graduation marks or entrance tests conducted by the respective universities. After MA, students can appear for UGC-NET/SET to qualify for college teaching positions.