The academic sessions are set in the framework of two semesters in a year. The first semester begins in the fourth week of April and goes up to August and the second semester starts in September and goes up to February. Between the semesters the students are given fifteen days of holidays. The academic curriculum is aimed at shaping the students in such a way that they would be able to perceive the interconnectedness of the society and the Scripture. We exert every effort to raise the academic standard of the students so as to make them better servants of Christ and to be competent to the contemporary mission in India.

Admission Process

• Application and prospectus can be obtained from the Registrar’s office by furnishing Rs. 100/- for M. Div/B. Th/G. Th and Rs. 250/- for M. Th. The Registrar, New Life Biblical Seminary, Cheruvakkal (P.O), Ayoor, Kollam, Kerala, 691533. Phone: 0474-2671112/13. Email: newliferegistrar@gmail.com, newlifebs2008@hotmail.com; website :www. nlbs.org
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Admisson Time

Applications are invited from January 1st. However the admission process will begin in the month of February. There will be three (3) formal dates arranged for the entrance and interview which will be informed to the candidates once the application is received and accepted by the Admission Committee. Last day for receiving of completed application is March 23rd.

General Requirements

• Duly filled application
• Three copies of recent passport size photograph
• Church membership and Conduct certificate from Local pastor on the church letter head.
• Attested copies of certificate with mark list. (Original certificate should be produced at the time of interview.)
• Certificate to show age proof (Voters ID card, Passport, Birth certificate etc.).
• Three (3) Reference forms must be filled, one each by a theological teacher with a recognized M.Th./Ph.D., a Christian friend, and local pastor.
• Duly certified medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
• Personal Testimony (one page)

Entrance Examination & Personal Interview

All applicants should appear for written entrance exam, which is divided into three separate papers - General Knowledge, Christian Faith, and English (for English medium candidates). In addition, M. Th. candidates should appear for a Departmental Exam. The syllabus for the Departmental exam will be intimated to the candidates after the acceptance of the application. The exam is conducted at the campus on the date intimated.

Those who pass the entrance examination should appear for personal interview before the Admission Committee at the college in order to assess the candidate’s motivation and commitment to Christian life and theological education. However, the decision regarding admission will be taken by the Admission Committee and will be intimated to the applicant.

General Course Requirements

• Class attendance is essential to qualify a student for the exam. If a student fails to have the prescribed attendence, he/she will have to re-do the entire semester after the completion of the stipulated duration of the course.
• All the requirements laid down for the particular course by the Academic Committee will have to be met.
• Assignments, classwork and all other assessments have to be satisfactory as per the rules laid down by the academic committee.

Programme Codes

Master of Theology MTH
Master of Theology (Missiology) MTHMS
Master of Divinity MDR
Master of Divinity (Distance Education) MDD
Bachelor of Theology (English) BE
Bachelor of Theology (Malayalam) BM
Graduate in Theology GM
Diploma in Theology DM
Certificate in Theology CT


Academic Grading System

Examinations and Assignments will be graded in three levels. The academic progress of the student will be assessed in terms of a numerical/letter grade for each course as follows:
First Class
Distinction A+ (80% and above)
Excellent A (75%)
Superior A- (70%)
Second Class
Very Good B+ (65%)
Good B (60%)
Satisfactory B- (55%)
Third Class
Average C+ (50%)
Passed C (45%)
Need Improvement C- (40%)
Failed F (0 -39%)
First Class: - Ability to search relevant materials and assess it critically and coherently.
Second Class: - Ability to search relevant materials and assess it, but lacks coherent and critical analysis of them.
Third Class: - Familiarity with the relevant subject but lacks critical, coherent assessment and clear presentation.
Fail: - Inadequate to grasp or present the materials.
To complete a course, all requirements must be fulfilled (internal assessments and final examination). Assignments are to be submitted for each course and each course will have a final examination. The students who do not have the minimum passing grade (C-) for each course will have to appear for the Re-take examination, failing which necessitates re-doing the course by paying a fine of certain amount as fixed by the Academic Committee.


Academic Evaluation

In all courses, grades are awarded on the basis of continuous evaluation. Teachers have the freedom to device their own method of assessments if necessary. However, there are a stipulated number of assignments as decided by the Academic Committee.

Plagiarism

It includes the copying of the language, structure, ideas, and/or thoughts of another and passing off the same as one’s own, original work.’ Therefore ‘both copying and misrepresenting the material in question,’ constitutes plagiarism. It also means, ‘if a student has consulted any outside source, whether published or not, and has incorporated any of its “language, structure, ideas, and/or thoughts” into his or her work without acknowledging that source, he or she may be guilty of misrepresenting the work’s originality. From the Christian point of view it is SIN. Under the Indian Copyright Act 1957 it is a punishable offense. NLBS would seriously penalize such offences.

Minimum requirements of the Semester:

• Readings for each course
• Written Assignments
• Book/Article Reviews
• Seminar Papers
• Class Test
• Final Exams

Computation of Over-all Grades

G. Th. 25% (Assignments) 75% (Examinations)
B.Th. 25% (Assignments) 75% (Final Examination)
M.Div. 60% (Final Examination) 40% (Assignments)
M.Th. 60% (Examinations) 40% (Assignments, Presentations, and Internal assessments.)


Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate in the admitted programme, the student must meet all the following requirements:
• Graduation is conducted at the NLBS Campus in Cheruvakkal, Kerala.
• Completion of the required credit hours, with a passing grade in each course taken. The total credit hours include those from the academic department, pastoral department and other assignments.
• Successful completion of all academic requirements.
• Approved report from the Practical Ministry department.
• Clearance form from the Student’s Dean, on domestic help and behaviour and attitudes in the hostel.
• Clearance form from the Faculty committee, which includes an assessment on spiritual growth and maturity, and an evaluation of overall growth towards fulfilling objectives of the seminary.
The academic programme of the Seminary is distinctly Bible-centred guiding towards a holistic mission and praxis. Our programmes are not just academic but mutually interactive too in nature. All our academic and admission policies are in line with the guidelines laid down by ATA. We offer the following courses:
• M. Th. in Missiology
• Master of Divinity*
• Bachelor of Theology+
• Bachelor of Theology (Malayalam)
• Graduate in Theology (Malayalam)
• Diploma in Theology (English)
• Certificate in Theology (Malayalam)
* Master of Divinity is also provided as a distantce education programme accredited by ATA.
+ Bachelor of Theology is designed in such a way that the student can also do a university bachelor degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Master Degrees
Master degrees are designed for advanced theological training and education.
A. Master of Theology (M.Th.)
The purpose of M. Th. degree programme is to train committed candidates to become theological trainers and educators. The programme aims to enable qualified graduates in theology to broaden and deepen their theological knowledge and to sharpen their research skills and competence. This is a two-year residential program. It is achieved by taking a limited number of courses in areas of their discipline and by doing a thesis at an advanced level in the field of specialization. Thus, a student who completes M.Th. with a first class or high second class will be eligible to pursue a doctoral programme directly. All the requirements should be completed in English language. We aim to enlarge the programme with many more theological disciplines incorporated into it. Currently we offer M. Th. in Missiology.


Goals:

• To, enable the candidates to trace the original concepts and practices of mission in the Bible with special reference to the Indian context.
• To facilitate the candidates to understand the Missiological significance of the various ministries of the church in the pluralistic context of India to develop an Indian Missiology.


Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from a recognised college with a B+ grade or a high second division.
• The Candidate should have a minimum of two years of practical ministry experience. (Preference will be given to those in the theological training)
• The candidate should have a minimum English proficiency for academic level writings.
• The candidate is expected to have completed the preliminary courses in the Biblical languages with one advanced course in either of Hebrew or Greek and at least three courses in the field of specialization.
• The candidate should clear entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for English, General Knowledge, Christian Faith, Departmental exam.
• The Candidate should be above 25 years old at the time of admission.


Program Duration and Residency

The M.Th. is a two year residential programme. This period may be extended in relation to the course requirements. Any exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the Academic Committee of NLBS. The failing will cause the termination of candidates. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic session begins at April and ends in March every year. The course is intensive and focused therefore; the students are required to be free from any responsibilities of organization or church during their residency. Off-campus candidates are not allowed since it is exclusively designed as a residential program. The accommodation for families at NLBS is limited to two years.


Academic Requirements

• The candidate should complete a total number of 40 credits from 7 various areas for the fulfilment of the course. One credit demands 105 working hours.
• The candidate is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects. Failing which may lead to debarment from the examination.
• The candidate must fulfil all the academic requirements.


Course Division

Area A: Methodological Issues 4 Credits
Area B: History of Missions 4 Credits
Area C: Biblical and Theological Perspectives 4 Credits
Area D: Principles and Practice of Mission 2 Credits
Area E: Mission and Social Sciences 2 Credits
Area F: Contextual Missiological issues 4 Credits
Area G: Any courses from Areas B to F 6 Credits
Integrated Course 2 Credits
Thesis 12 Credits


Thesis

• Thesis is mandatory. It carries twelve (12) credits. Length of the thesis should be around 30000 words.
• The candidate should submit a thesis proposal to the Dean of Post Graduate studies at the end of the second Semester in the first year. The M.Th. Academic Committee will approve the proposal.
• Thesis should be the original work of the candidate and should be thoroughly proof read and without errors.
• The thesis is to be successfully defended through the viva voce.
• The Candidate should submit three copies of the thesis to the Dean of Post Graduate studies.
• College will arrange thesis mentor and two external readers. They will evaluate and the final grade will be the average.


B. Master of Divinity (M. Div.)

Master of Divinity (M. Div.) is a post graduate degree programme offered by NLBS, and is accredited by ATA. It is designed primarily to qualify graduates to function as principal leaders or ministers. As a post graduate level programme it requires the student to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and dialogical skills including the ability to identify and critique theological and moral discourses, the ability to frame cogent arguments, the ability to test ideas for biblical fidelity and contextual appropriateness and the ability to communicate ideas effectively in oral or written dialogue.


Goals:

• To provide an opportunity for graduates to build on the Christian foundations.
• To develop the skills of critical analysis with a view to create a Christian ethical-theological thoughtful response to the current issues.


Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (Bachelor of Theology from ATA/Senate of Serampore with first or second class [B]
OR
Bachelor Degree (BA/B.Com/B.Sc/BCA/BSW/BBM/BBA …) from any recognized university.
• The student should have a minimum English proficiency for academic level writings.
• The student should pass entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for English, General Knowledge, and Christian Faith.
• The student should be above the age of 20 at the time of admission.
• In special cases, mature candidates (25 years and above) who have 10+2 and 5 years of ministerial experience may be admitted upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment.


Programme Duration and Residency

M. Div. is a two years residential programme for students with B. Th., and three years for secular graduates. Exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the Academic Committee of NLBS. The failing will cost the termination of candidates. Off-campus candidates are allowed subject to the decision of the Admission Committee. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic year begins at April and ends in February every year. Since the course is intensive, the students are required to be free from any responsibility of organizations or churches during their residency.


Academic Requirements

• The student should complete a total number of 90 credits for three year programme or 60 credits for two year programme, from 6 various areas for the fulfilment of the course.
• The student is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects per semester. Failing which lead to debarment from the examination.
• The student must fulfil all the academic and ministerial requirements.


Thesis

• Thesis writing is mandatory. It carries six (6) credits. Length of the thesis should be around 20000 words.
• The candidate should submit thesis proposal to the Thesis General Mentor at the end of the Second Semester in the second year. The faculty committee will approve the proposal.
• Thesis should be the original work of the candidate and should be thoroughly proof read and without errors.
• The Candidate should submit three copies of the thesis to the Thesis General Mentor.
• College will arrange a thesis mentor and an external reader. They will evaluate the thesis and the final grade will be the average of both the evaluation.


Course Division

1. Biblical Studies
2. Theology and Ethics
3. History of Christianity
4. Religion and Society
5. Evangelism and Missions
6. Christian Ministry and Communication
7. Inter disciplinary Seminars
8. Thesis
9. Electives
10. 12 subjects (3 year programme)
11. 17 subjects (3 + year programme)


B. Master of Divinity (M. Div.)

Master of Divinity (M. Div.) is a post graduate degree programme offered by NLBS, and is accredited by ATA. It is designed primarily to qualify graduates to function as principal leaders or ministers. As a post graduate level programme it requires the student to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and dialogical skills including the ability to identify and critique theological and moral discourses, the ability to frame cogent arguments, the ability to test ideas for biblical fidelity and contextual appropriateness and the ability to communicate ideas effectively in oral or written dialogue.

Goals:

• To provide an opportunity for graduates to build on the Christian foundations.
• To develop the skills of critical analysis with a view to create a Christian ethical-theological thoughtful response to the current issues.


Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (Bachelor of Theology from ATA/Senate of Serampore with first or second class [B]
OR
Bachelor Degree (BA/B.Com/B.Sc/BCA/BSW/BBM/BBA …) from any recognized university.
• The student should have a minimum English proficiency for academic level writings.
• The student should pass entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for English, General Knowledge, and Christian Faith.
• The student should be above the age of 20 at the time of admission.
• In special cases, mature candidates (25 years and above) who have 10+2 and 5 years of ministerial experience may be admitted upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment.

Programme Duration and Residency

M. Div. is a two years residential programme for students with B. Th., and three years for secular graduates. Exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the Academic Committee of NLBS. The failing will cost the termination of candidates. Off-campus candidates are allowed subject to the decision of the Admission Committee. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic year begins at April and ends in February every year. Since the course is intensive, the students are required to be free from any responsibility of organizations or churches during their residency.

Academic Requirements

• The student should complete a total number of 90 credits for three year programme or 60 credits for two year programme, from 6 various areas for the fulfilment of the course.
• The student is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects per semester. Failing which lead to debarment from the examination.
• The student must fulfil all the academic and ministerial requirements.


Thesis

• Thesis writing is mandatory. It carries six (6) credits. Length of the thesis should be around 20000 words.
• The candidate should submit thesis proposal to the Thesis General Mentor at the end of the Second Semester in the second year. The faculty committee will approve the proposal.
• Thesis should be the original work of the candidate and should be thoroughly proof read and without errors.
• The Candidate should submit three copies of the thesis to the Thesis General Mentor.
• College will arrange a thesis mentor and an external reader. They will evaluate the thesis and the final grade will be the average of both the evaluation.

Course Division

1. Biblical Studies
2. Theology and Ethics
3. History of Christianity
4. Religion and Society
5. Evangelism and Missions
6. Christian Ministry and Communication
7. Inter disciplinary Seminars
8. Thesis
9. Electives
10. 12 subjects (3 year programme)
11. 17 subjects (3 + year programme)


Bachelor of Theology ((B.Th.) English & Malayalam)

Bachelor of Theology (B. Th.) is a graduate degree programme offered by NLBS, and accredited by ATA. This is the basic theological training programme. This degree is recognized by higher educational bodies around the world for admission to master degrees in theology.

Goals:

• To introduce the students to fundamentals of Christian faith, and to inculcate knowledge about the different branches of theological and ministerial disciplines.
• To acquaint the students to systematic learning of Christian Theology and to develop independent thinking to respond to the challenges of life.
• To appraise the students to understand the socio-economic-religio-cultural-political realities of India.

Admission Requirements

• Students for the B. Th. degree course must meet the eligibility requirement of being qualified to register for the first degree of a secular university, which is a pass in the P.U.C/P.D.C/Higher Secondary/Intermediate Board Examinations (i.e., 12 years of school).
OR • Two/three years diploma courses in theology recognized by ATA/Senate of Serampore.
• The student should have a minimum English proficiency (for B. Th. English).
• The student should clear entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for English, General Knowledge, and basic Bible knowledge.
• The student should be above age of 18 at the time of admission.
• In special cases, mature candidates (25 years and above) who have 10 pass and 3 years of ministerial experience may be admitted upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment.


Programme Duration and Residency

B. Th. is a three years residential programme. Any exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the academic committee of NLBS. The failing will cause the termination of candidates. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic session begins at April and ends in March every year. The course is demanding therefore; the students are required to be free from any responsibilities of organization or church during their residency. Off-campus candidates are allowed subject to the decision of the Admission Committee.

Academic Requirements

• The student should complete a total number of 120 credits for three year programme from 6 various areas for the fulfilment of the course.
• The student is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects. Failing which will lead to debarring from the examination.
• The student must fulfil all the academic and ministerial requirements.


Course Division

1. Biblical Studies
2. Theology and Ethics
3. History of Christianity
4. Religion and Society
5. Evangelism and Missions
6. Christian Ministry and Communication
7. General Studies
8. Inter disciplinary Seminars
9. Optional Subjects


Graduate in Theology ((G.Th.)Malayalam)

Graduate in Theology (G. Th.) is a Malayalam medium programme offered by the college exclusively for the students of Kerala. This course is designed to train ministers for Malayalee congregations.

Goals

• This is a programme mainly focused on pastoral ministry.
• To give an in-depth knowledge of the Bible.


Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of S.S.L.C or its equivalent (10 or 11 years of schooling) with eligibility to enter college.
• The student should clear entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for General Knowledge, and basic Bible knowledge.
• The student should be above the age of 18 at the time of admission.
• In special cases, mature candidates (25 years and above) who have completed 10th will be admitted upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment.


Programme Duration and Residency

G. Th. is a three years residential programme. Any exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the academic committee of NLBS. The failing will cause the termination of candidates. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic session begins at April and ends in March every year. The course is demanding, as the students are required to be free from any responsibility of organizations or churches during their residency. Minimum seats are reserved for off campus students.

Academic Requirements

• The student should complete a total number of 120 credits for three year programme from 6 various areas for the fulfilment of the course.
• The student is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects. Failing which will lead to debarring from the examination.
• The student must fulfil all the academic and ministerial requirements.


Course Division

1. Biblical Studies
2. Theology and Ethics
3. History of Christianity
4. Religion and Society
5. Evangelism and Missions
6. Christian Ministry and Communication
7. General Studies
8. Inter disciplinary Seminars
9. Optional Subjects


Diploma in Theology (Dip.Th. Eng.)

Diploma in Theology is a two year residential programme accredited by ATA. It is the basic theological training for candidates who do not have 10+2 schooling but aspires to do bachelor of theology.

Goal:

• To qualify graduates to function in Christian ministry.
• To provide Orientation to systematic theological education.

Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of 10 years of schooling plus some experience as an apprentice in a trade, profession and or ministry. Besides, there ought to be a break of at least a year before they are admitted into the programme.
• The student should clear entrance examinations, and appear for personal interviews, which will be held at the campus. The examinations will be for General Knowledge, and basic Bible knowledge.
• The student should be above the age of 18 at the time of admission.
• In special cases, mature candidates (25 years and above) who have completed 10th will be admitted upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment.

Programme Duration and Residency

Dip. Th. is a two year residential programme. Any exception to this rule should have the prior permission from the academic committee of NLBS. The failing will cause the termination of candidates. The maximum time limit for completing all requirements shall be of five years from the date of registration. The academic session begins at April and ends in March every year. The course is demanding therefore; the students are required to be free from any responsibilities of organization or church during their residency. Minimum seats are reserved for off campus students.

Academic Requirements

• The student should complete a total number of 72 credits for two year programme from 6 various areas for the fulfilment of the course.
• The student is required to have 90% of attendance in each of the subjects. Failing which will lead to debarring from the examination.
• The student must fulfil all the academic and ministerial requirements.

Certificate in Theology (C.Th. Mal.)

This is a one year course in Theology offered by the college for those who are interested in gaining a foundational knowledge in the Bible. It is both a residential and off campus programme. Candidates with any level of academic background could apply for this programme. The teaching is carried out in Malayalam medium. The students are bound to all the academic and college requirements.

Financial Information

NLBS runs on the sacrificial giving of her well-wishers. With the same sacrificial attitude it aims to support the students those who come from financially poor backgrounds. Scholarships are available for deserving candidates. At the same time it is required of all the students to pay a minimum donation for Library as decided by the management every year. Since the scholarship is given to all students, all are expected to work a minimum of one and a half hours a day in the campus. Those who are unwilling to work a minimum of one and a half hours a day will have to pay additional Rupees 5000 per year.

Scholarships

• If granted seminary provided scholarship will cover only tuition and mess fee, in part or whole.
• Seminary – secured sponsorship do not include pocket money, travel allowance, book grants, or medical benefits, nor do they cover fines, exam fee and other expenses personally incurred by the student.
• All scholarships are subject to annual renewal at the discretion of the scholarship committee, based on the review of the student’s needs, academic progress and freedom from disciplinary actions.
• If it is found that a student is receiving a scholarship from a source outside the seminary and this has not been notified to the scholarship committee, any seminary – provide scholarship is liable to be cancelled.

Work scholarship

• Limited students will be placed on work scholarship to help their personal needs.
• Work scholarship is completely at the discretion of the management and scholarship committee.

Master Degrees	Bachelor Programs	Certificate Programs
Master of Theology in Missiology	Bachelor of Theology	Certificate in Theology
Master of Divinity	Bachelor of Theology (Malayalam)	Diploma in Theology
	Graduate in Theology