Yoga Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Dec 27, 2024 01:20 IST

Yoga is a discipline of spiritual science that includes practising different poses and stretches with varying techniques of breathing that align the mind with the body. Yoga brings harmony between humans and nature and is a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. A student can pursue an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, doctorate, diploma, or a certificate course in yoga. These programmes focus on giving students the right tools to become yoga teachers, yoga therapists for clinical setups, or researchers. Medical professionals can also pursue a course in yoga to understand and implement the psycho-physiological mechanisms of yogic practices. Students pursue these different programmes because they can help them earn a good income by teaching people how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through yoga.

Syllabus: Important Facts for Yoga

  • BA in Yoga: It is an undergraduate arts course in yoga divided into six semesters covered over three years.

  • BSc in Yoga: It is an undergraduate course in yoga that focuses more on the scientific developments in this field. This course is three years long and divided into six semesters.

  • Diploma in Yoga: A diploma in yoga is equivalent to an honour’s undergraduate degree. It is a one-year course, divided into two semesters.

  • Certificate Course in Yoga: There are a lot of certificate courses available in yoga. It provides the trainee with basic knowledge of yoga. It requires a minimum of 200 hours of training to achieve any certificate in yoga courses.

  • MA in Yoga: It is a postgraduate degree that a student can pursue after completing an undergraduate degree in yoga or a related subject with a minimum aggregate score of 45%. The duration of this course is two years, divided into four semesters.

  • MSc in Yoga: It is a postgraduate course that a student can pursue after completing an undergraduate degree in yoga or a related subject with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

  • PhD in Yoga: It is a doctorate that typically takes three years to complete.

  • Distance courses in Yoga: Several institutions provide distance courses in yoga at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A diploma or certificate can also be achieved through a distance course.

List of Subjects in Yoga

Typical Core Subjects for Yoga

Subject Title

Subject Details

Foundations of Yoga

This subject is the basic building block of a student’s knowledge of yoga. It covers the evolution, history, and schools of yoga. Some essential parts of this subject are:

  • Patanjali Yogasutra

  • Hatha Yoga Pradipika

  • Shiva Yoga Dipika

  • Gheranda Samhita

Basics relevant to Yoga Therapy

This subject discusses the relevance of yogic practices, exercises, and philosophies that help improve the mind and body. This subject helps treat several mental health conditions. This subject includes:

  • Basics of Sanskrit

  • Principles of Ayurveda

  • Principles of Naturopathy

  • Principles of Astrology

Human Biology

This subject gives detailed information on how to use muscles properly by keeping the body in perfect alignment. It helps students learn about human anatomy, physiology and different yogic diets. This subject includes:

  • Musculoskeletal system

  • Blood and immune system

  • Central nervous system

  • Reproductive system

  • Endocrine system

  • Digestive system

  • Respiratory system

  • Cardiovascular system

  • Excretory system and temperature regulation

  • Special senses

  • Nutrition

  • Enzymes

Basics of Integral Approach to Yoga Therapy

This subject was developed by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA). It focuses on the long-standing stressful and demanding situations of life that cause psychosocial illnesses. It includes:

  • Sankhya Yoga

  • Upanishads

  • Bhagavad Gita

  • The connection between man and master

Yoga Therapy in Practice

This subject includes the study of the definition, clinical features, pathophysiology, aetiology, assessments, and yoga therapy for different systems in the body.

Typical Elective Subjects for Yoga

Subject Title

Subject Details

Application of Yoga

This subject covers the benefits of yoga, which include increased blood flow, right posture, better metabolism, increased flexibility, etc.

Introduction to AYUSH

AYUSH is the abbreviation for the medical systems that are practised in India:

  • Ayurveda

  • Yoga

  • Unani

  • Siddha

  • Homoeopathy

In this subject, students learn about the medical systems in India.

Introduction to Yoga and Common Ailments

This subject covers the definition, history, evolution, forms of yoga, etc. It also discusses mind and body ailments that can be reduced or cured with yoga.

Yoga Psychology

This subject aims to present the ancient knowledge of yoga to the new world in a relatable and simple way. It shows the psychological benefits of yoga. It includes:

  • Yoga poses

  • Pranayama

  • Cleansing techniques

  • Mudras and Bandhas

  • Meditation

Health and Yogic Hygiene

This subject teaches about the direct link between physical and mental health, and yoga. It shows how yoga can help improve the health of the mind and body. It includes yogic techniques that help in cleansing the body.

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Detailed Syllabus for Yoga

The syllabus of BA and BSc in Yoga is similar. The only difference between the two is that a BA in yoga is an arts degree, whereas a BSc in yoga is a science degree. Most universities share the same syllabus given by the UGC with minor differences. Below is a general overview of the core and elective subjects taught in BA or BSc.

Semester

Core/ Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

1

Core

  1. Foundations of Yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Hatha Yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Human Anatomy and Physiology – I (theory and practical)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Yoga Practicum I and II

 

Some topics included in this subject are:

  • General introduction to yoga and Indian philosophy

  • Brief about Yoga in texts – I and II

 

Topics covered in this subject are:

  • General introduction to hatha yoga and its prerequisites.

  • Relationship between Patanjala and hatha yoga

 

The topics in the theory part include:

  • Skeletal system

  • Cardiovascular system

  • Biomolecules, respiratory and digestive system

The practicals include:

  • Demonstration of osteology, myology, organs, viscera, human skeleton, bones, and joints

 

These are practical subjects that include:

  • Hymns and hasta mudra recitation

  • Breathing practices

  • Shatkarmas

  • Yogic sthula vyayama and sukshma vyayama

  • Surya namaskara

  • Yogasana

2

Core

  1. Principal Upanishads

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Patanjala Yoga Darshana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Human Anatomy and Physiology – II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Yoga Practicum III and IV

It covers the major Upanishads. The topics are as follows:

  • Introduction essence of Isha and Kenopanishad

  • Essence of Katho and Prashnopanishad

  • Essence of Aitareya, Chandogya, and Brihadaranyaka

  • Essence of Mundaka, Mandukya and Taittiriya

This subject gives details about the topics:

  • Introduction to Yoga Darshana of Patanjali and the concept of Citta, Chitta bhumis, Chitta vrittis, and niropdhopaya

  • Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti and Kaivalya pada

It includes:

  • Endocrine system

  • Reproductive and excretory system

  • Nervous system and special senses

  • Lymphatic and immune system

 

It is a practical subject that includes:

  • Shatkarma

  • Pranayama

  • Practices leading to meditation

  • Yogasana (supine and prone line postures)

3

Core

  1. The essence of Bhagavad Gita for holistic living

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Methods of Teaching Yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Basics of Sanskritam

 

 

 

 

  1. Yoga and holistic health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Yoga Practicum 4 and 5

 

It includes:

  • Significance of Bhagavad Gita as a synthesis of yoga

  • Karma and Bhakti Yoga

  • Concept of Atman, Parmatman, and characteristics of Sthita prajna

  • Concept of Ahara and role of Bhagavad Gita in healthy living

 

This subject includes:

  • Principles and methods of teaching yoga

  • Lesson planning in yoga

  • Basics of yoga class management

  • Educational tools of yoga teaching

 

It includes reading and understanding conversational Sanskrit. This subject is divided into four units.

 

This subject includes:

  • Yogic principles and practices of healthy living – I and II.

  • Concept of body, health, and diseases.

  • Causes of ill health and remedial measures according to Patanjali.

 

This is a practical subject that includes:

  • Yogasana

  • Bandha

  • Practices leading to meditation

4

Core

  1. Four Streams of Yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Basis of Yoga Therapy

 

 

 

 

  1. Biochemistry

 

 

  1. Sanskrit

This subject includes an in-depth understanding of the paths of yoga:

  • Jnana

  • Bhakti

  • Karma

  • Raja

 

This subject focuses on concepts of health, disease, healing, and healthy living.

 

This subject covers biomolecules and their role in our bodies.

 

This subject gives a basic understanding of spoken Sanskrit and grammar.

5

Core

  1. Yoga and Human Consciousness

 

 

 

  1. Yogic Management of Lifestyle-related disorders

This subject gives the students adequate knowledge about human behaviour and personality.

 

This subject deals with the principles and understanding of yoga therapy for each disease and its healing.

6

Core

  1. Yoga and Human values

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Applied Yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Research Methodology and Statistics

This subject includes:

  • Harmony in human beings and myself, and family and society.

  • Moral education

  • Yoga and Social responsibility

 

This subject includes:

  • Yoga for school, technostress, and geriatric care.

  • Yoga in physical education and sports science.

 

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Specialisations Offered in Yoga

The field of yoga opens the door for multiple career options. Listed below are some of the specialisations offered in this field and some subjects covered:

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

BSc in Yoga and Naturopathy.

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

  • Yoga and Physical Culture

  • Nutrition and Biochemistry

  • Bhagavad Gita.

  • Yoga therapies

  • Principles of Naturopathy

  • Genetic Engineering.

One can become a research officer in yoga and naturopathy with a specialisation in this course. Students require a bachelor’s degree in naturopathy and yogic sciences from a recognized university. They can also get a diploma in naturopathy after studying for four years and professional experience of eight years from an organisation with a class ‘A’ registration in yoga or naturopathy from a Statutory State Board. Students should be proficient in Hindi or English and have an aptitude for research activities.

 

B.Ed. with Yoga

  • Pedagogy of Subject – I and II

  • Yoga Education

  • Perspectives of child development and growth

  • Social and Philosophical contexts of Education

A student with B.Ed. with a yoga specialisation can become an aerobic yoga instructor or yoga teacher. An M.Ed. in yoga can also help reach higher pedestals in this field. It is a two-year course.

 

Ph.D. in Yoga

  • Research and Methodology Statistics

  • Computer Application

  • Areas of Research in Yoga

PhD in yoga is the highest degree in this field. With this degree, students can become yoga therapists, ayurvedic doctors, instructors, research officers, yoga teachers, etc.

Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy

  • Foundation, Physiology, and Basis of Yoga

  • Disease-Specific Yoga Therapy – I and II

  • Applied Psychology and Yogic Counselling

  • Fundamentals of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Diet, and Nutrition

This programme helps medical and para-medical graduates to include yoga therapy in their practices.

 

Books and Authors Related to Yoga

There are endless books for various yoga courses. Here are some of the books prescribed for a BA or a BSc in yoga:

Subject

Book Title

Author

Description

Foundation of Yoga

Six Systems of Indian Philosophy

M. M. Agarwal

It is a book on the six systems of Indian philosophy, i.e. Yoga, Sankhya, Nyaya, Vedanta, Mimamsa, and Vaisheshika. The author has mentioned the history and origin of yoga in this book.

 

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices

M. M. Gore

This is an informative book about the mechanics of human anatomy and physiology. It focuses on teaching the benefits of yoga.

Hatha Yoga

Philosophy of Hatha Yoga

Swami Veda Bharati

This is a very enriching book on the meaning of hatha yoga and its practice. The author has written about the main focus of hatha yoga, i.e. self-realisation.

 

Yoga Teaching Methods

Teaching Methods for Yogic Practices

Dr. M. L. Gharote

This book is about the correct methods that should be used for yogic practices. This is the perfect book for aspiring yoga teachers.

 

Basis of Yoga Therapy

Yoga Psychology

Dr. R. S. Bhogal

This book has combined the discipline of yoga and psychology to bring the perfect amalgamation of yoga therapy. This book contains in-depth knowledge of yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Yoga and Human Consciousness

Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour

Passer, Michael W., Ronald E., and Smith

This book familiarises students with some essential topics in psychology that can be impacted by yoga.

 

Entrance Exams for Yoga

Students can get admission in BA or BSc courses in yoga in two ways—the first is on merit based on class 12th marks, and the second is through a national or university entrance exam. There are also courses available for students who want to achieve higher than a master’s degree in yoga. To get admission in BA or BSc in yoga, the student should have completed a 10+2 examination from a state or central recognized school board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. A list of some of the major national and state-level examinations for various yoga courses is given below:

  • DUET: It is the Delhi University Entrance Test for admission in UG, PG, and PhD courses for yoga at Delhi University. It is a computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions. This exam is conducted annually by NTA (National Testing Agency). There are 100 questions for four marks each and a negative marking of one for each wrong answer.

  • CUET: Common University Entrance Test is an MCQ-type exam for admission to any central university for UG courses in yoga. This exam is divided into three sections. In sections I and II, the students must attempt 40 out of 50 questions in 45 minutes. In section III, students must attempt 50 out of 60 questions within 60 minutes. The syllabus for this exam is the same as the class XII board syllabus.

  • IPU CET

  • UGC NET: This exam is for postgraduate students in yoga. Clearing this exam makes the students eligible for the post of assistant professor and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship).

  • INI CET

  • Other major institutions like BHU and JNU give admission in BA or BSc in yoga through CUET, which is considered more challenging than DUET.

Syllabus for Distance Program in Yoga

Students who cannot be physically present for various yoga courses can apply for distance courses. Distance programs are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in yoga. There is not much difference in the syllabus of regular and distance courses in yoga. The duration for both programs is the same, i.e. three years for BA or BSc and two years for MA or MSc. However, the duration of post-graduation courses may vary from university to university. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a well-known university offering distance programs in yoga. The mode of examination in a distance program can be online and offline based on the university a student joins.

Top Colleges for BA/BSc or MA/MSc in Yoga

Based on the curriculum, government ranking, placement opportunities, and other merits, here is the list of top 10 colleges for degree courses in Yoga.

No.

College / University / Institution

Syllabus (URLs)

1.

s-VYASA University, Bengaluru

To be uploaded soon

2.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi

To be uploaded soon

3.

University of Patanjali, Haridwar

To be uploaded soon

4.

SRM University, Chennai

To be uploaded soon

5.

Amity University, Noida

To be uploaded soon

6.

University of Lucknow, Lucknow

To be uploaded soon

7.

Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh

To be uploaded soon

8.

SunRise University, Alwar

To be uploaded soon

9.

University of Madras, Chennai

To be uploaded soon

10.

Savitribai Phule University, Pune

To be uploaded soon

Yoga Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the syllabus of yoga?

A. The syllabus of yoga differs from course to course. It can also vary from university to university. You can find the UGC-approved syllabus for all the courses in yoga on the website.

Q. Is there a NET exam in yoga?

A. Yes, there is a NET exam in yoga conducted by the UGC for students who want to conduct research or become a lecturer in yoga.

Q. Is there a degree in yoga?

A. There are various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for yoga like BA, BSc, MA, MSc, and PhD. One can also pursue diploma or certificate courses in yoga.

Q. Who invented yoga?

A. Yoga is said to be invented by Sage Maharshi Patanjali somewhere between the 4th and 5th century CE. He formed the spine of yoga. Yoga was still developing around 800 to 1700 AD.

Q. Which course is best for yoga?

A. One can pursue a BA or BSc in yoga to become a yoga teacher or therapist. However, the minimum requirement to become a yoga therapist is to receive 200 hours of yoga teacher training and one year of teaching experience. Therefore, students can also pursue certificate courses in yoga to enter the professional field.

Q. What is a PG Diploma in yoga?

A. PG Diploma is a skill enhancement course for people who want to enter the professional field of yoga. It usually takes around 1-2 years to complete this course.

Q. What is the eligibility for CUET for BA in yoga?

A. To apply for the CUET entrance exam, students must have completed their 10+2 board examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for the general category and 45% for reserved categories.

Q. How do I become a yoga teacher?

A. You can become a yoga teacher by doing a certificate course or pursuing a degree in yoga. Though getting a 200-hour RYT (registered yoga teacher) training is not necessary, it does give the students an edge.

Q. Who can apply for NET in yoga?

A. A student who has completed post-graduation in yoga or an equivalent subject with a minimum of 55% marks can apply for NET in yoga.

Q. What is the S-VYASA entrance exam syllabus for a PhD in yoga?

A. Syllabus for entrance exam of S-VYASA for PhD in yoga includes: • Foundation of Yoga • Research Aptitude • Reasoning • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) • English Grammar

Q. What is the syllabus for the PG Diploma course in yoga therapy?

A. The PG Diploma course in yoga therapy includes subjects like fundamentals of yoga, anatomy, physiology and related disorders, Principles of raj yoga and hatha yoga, etc. The entire syllabus for the PG diploma in yoga therapy is available on the UGC website.

Q. What is the duration of the certificate course in yoga?

A. A certificate course in yoga can take one month to one year to complete depending on the type of course you choose. The ideal number of hours a certificate course in yoga lasts is about 200 hours.

Q. What is the eligibility for admission to Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga for a BSc in yoga?

A. The eligibility for admission in MDNIY for BSC in yoga is 10+2 completion from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (provided that the student has passed all the subjects separately). There is also relaxation for reserved categories as per the norms of the University.

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Hi, here are some common documents you can keep with yourself during MA Yoga admission process:

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Ishita Uniyal

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Akansha Bisht

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