Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, has launched a new four-year Bachelor of Arts (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (IHS) program. This undergraduate offering includes 10 full scholarships per batch, covering 100% of tuition fees for meritorious students. The program accepts applications from high school students across all streams.
Program Structure and Specializations
The Bachelor of Arts (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (IHS) is designed to foster graduates who can think across disciplines and build depth across subjects. It provides a strong foundational curriculum covering diverse topics such as natural sciences, social sciences, geopolitics, business, and Artificial Intelligence. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for complex global challenges. Students then choose one of three distinct specializations:
- Sustainability Studies
- Archaeology, Heritage and Historical Studies
- Society, Culture and Technology
Students can opt for a BA (Research), a BA (Honors), or a BA (Research) with a minor. A mandatory AI literacy module is integrated into the curriculum. This module aims to transform into an innovation hub, enabling students to build interdisciplinary AI applications.
Experiential Learning and Skill Development
The program strongly emphasizes experiential learning. This includes a variety of practical components such as internships, campus-as-a-living-lab projects, global exchanges, summer fieldwork, field trips, and immersions. Students will also receive training in the responsible and ethical use of AI, according to an official university statement. The curriculum aims to equip graduates with the ability to think critically, act responsibly, and innovate ethically. Rajat Kathuria, Dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated that the program’s goal is to ensure students are not just aware of the world but also equipped to change it, combining academic rigor with practical learning.
Career Pathways
The BA (Research) IHS program prepares students for diverse career paths. Graduates will be trained for roles across academia, the private sector, government, international organizations, and startups. Specific career pathways identified by the university include policy, sustainability, heritage, journalism, design, media, social research, and higher education. The program aims to create graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The university offers 10 full scholarships per batch. These scholarships cover 100% of the tuition fee for all four years of study for meritorious students. This is in addition to several other university-wide scholarships and financial aid options provided by Shiv Nadar University to support students.
University Leadership Perspectives
Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, stated, “This program strengthens Shiv Nadar University’s position as an innovative higher-education institution.” Rajat Kathuria, who leads the undergraduate program as Dean and Professor for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, added, “This new program redefines what it means to study Humanities in the 21st century.” He emphasized the program’s combination of academic rigor with practical learning through live projects, fieldwork, and exchange programs.