Bachelor of Arts [BA] (Women Studies)

The Bachelor of Arts [BA] in Women Studies at Bethune College is a 3-year full-time undergraduate degree program offered on campus. This general course was introduced in 2010 and has gained significant academic recognition. The program provides comprehensive understanding of gender studies, feminist theory, and women's empowerment through a holistic approach. With total fees of Rs 6,093 for the entire course duration, it is an affordable option for students interested in gender studies. The course is affiliated with University of Calcutta and follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) with 120 credits spread across 6 semesters. Women Studies at Bethune College is popular among students seeking to understand gender issues, social justice, and women's rights in contemporary India.

Admission to the BA Women Studies program at Bethune College is conducted through the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP). For the 2026-27 academic session, online applications were received from June 18, 2026 onwards through the WBCAP portal. The admission process is merit-based, with selection determined by marks obtained in the 10+2 examination. Physical document verification for Phase-II admission was scheduled for October 9-10, 2026. For the upcoming 2027-28 session, applications are expected to open in May-June 2027 through the WBCAP portal. Admission is ongoing with merit lists released in phases. Students should regularly check the official Bethune College website and WBCAP portal for updated admission dates and notifications.

Key Points

• Comprehensive curriculum covering feminist theory, gender studies, and women's empowerment
• Interdisciplinary approach combining sociology, history, law, and social work perspectives
• Focus on contemporary gender issues including violence against women, women's rights, and LGBTQ studies
• Practical research methodology training with emphasis on feminist research approaches
• Average 35 students per semester ensuring personalized attention
• Strong faculty with expertise in gender studies and women's issues
• Affordable fees making quality education accessible

Bethune BA Women Studies Fees

The BA Women Studies program at Bethune College is highly affordable with a total course fee of Rs 6,093 for the entire 3-year duration. Students are required to pay Rs 2,031 in the first year, with the remaining fees distributed across subsequent years. This makes it one of the most cost-effective undergraduate programs in the region. The fees include tuition charges and are refundable as per college policy. No additional charges are levied for laboratory work or practical sessions as the course is primarily theory-based with project work.

Fee Structure

• Fees are refundable as per college policy.
• No additional charges for practicals or projects.
• Payment can be made in installments as per college guidelines.

Bethune BA Women Studies Admission 2026

Admission Overview

Admission to the BA Women Studies program at Bethune College is merit-based and conducted through the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP). The college follows the admission regulations of the University of Calcutta and maintains high academic standards. The program is open to female candidates who have completed their 10+2 examination from a recognized board. The selection is based on aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying examination, with preference given to candidates with strong performance in humanities subjects. The college reserves the right to modify admission criteria as per University of Calcutta guidelines.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Passed 10+2 examination from a recognized board or equivalent
• Minimum 45% marks in aggregate (40% for reserved category candidates)
• Female candidates only (as per college policy)
• English as a compulsory subject at 10+2 level
• No specific subject requirements for general course admission

Admission Process

• Register on the West Bengal Centralized Admission Portal (WBCAP) from June 18 onwards
• Fill the online application form with personal and academic details
• Select Women Studies as one of the preferred courses
• Wait for merit list release by the portal
• Upon selection, complete document verification at the college
• Pay admission fee and complete registration
• Submit anti-ragging affidavit as mandated by UGC
• Attend orientation and commence classes

Bethune BA Women Studies Scholarships 2026

Bethune College offers various merit-cum-means scholarships and financial aid programs for deserving students. The college provides scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. Some of the available scholarships include the Sarala Ghosh Memorial Scholarship applicable to all Arts and Science streams, and the Students' Aid Fund (Free Studentship) open to all departments for students with financial need and good academic record. Additionally, students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may be eligible for government scholarships as per West Bengal state policies. Interested students should contact the college office for detailed information about scholarship application procedures and eligibility criteria.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, Bethune College Kolkata ranks 144 out of 255 colleges in India and 6 in state West Bengal for its BA Women Studies program.

• 74 out of 194 under India Today Arts Ranking 2025.
• 75 out of 114 under Outlook Arts Ranking 2024.

Read more on Bethune College Kolkata Rankings here

Bethune BA Women Studies FAQs

Ques. Is Women Studies a major or minor subject in the BA program?

Ans. Women Studies is offered as a general subject in the BA program at Bethune College. It does not lead to an independent degree but is offered as a generic elective for honours subjects. Students can pursue it as a general course alongside their major subject.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing BA Women Studies?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in social work, NGOs, women's organizations, government agencies, research institutions, journalism, and academia. The program prepares students for roles in women's empowerment, gender advocacy, policy-making, and social development sectors.

Ques. Does the course include practical training or internships?

Ans. Yes, the curriculum includes project work, research assignments, and field studies. Students are encouraged to participate in community development projects and gender sensitization programs. The course emphasizes feminist research methodology and practical application of gender studies concepts.

Ques. What is the medium of instruction for the course?

Ans. The medium of instruction is English. However, students study Modern Indian Languages (MIL) as part of the curriculum. The course materials and examinations are primarily in English.

Ques. Can male students apply for this course?

Ans. Bethune College is a women's college and admits only female candidates. Therefore, male students are not eligible for admission to any program at the college.

Ques. How is the course structured in terms of semesters and credits?

Ans. The BA Women Studies program is structured as a 6-semester course with 120 credits in total. Each semester carries 20 credits and 400 marks. The curriculum includes core courses, generic electives, language courses, skill enhancement courses, and discipline-specific electives spread across the semesters.