

M-A-YOGA in General at Sardar Patel University


Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?
This M.A. Yoga program at Sardar Patel University focuses on a comprehensive study of Yoga, encompassing its philosophical, practical, therapeutic, and historical dimensions. It delves into classical Yoga texts, advanced Yogic practices, and the application of Yoga for health and well-being. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified Yoga professionals in India, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific understanding.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking a deeper understanding of Yoga, individuals aspiring to become certified Yoga teachers or therapists, and healthcare professionals looking to integrate holistic practices into their work. It also caters to those passionate about academic research in Yoga or aiming for leadership roles in Yoga education and wellness centers in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including certified Yoga instructors, Yoga therapists, wellness consultants, academic researchers, and managers of Yoga studios or retreat centers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-10 LPA. The program aligns with national Yoga certification standards, enhancing career growth.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Yoga Texts and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand the foundational texts like Patanjal Yoga Sutra and Hath Yoga Pradipika, alongside concepts of anatomy and physiology. Create study groups to discuss complex philosophical ideas and their practical implications.
Tools & Resources
University Library for classical texts, Online academic journals on Yoga studies, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for becoming a knowledgeable Yoga teacher or therapist, building credibility and effective communication with future clients or students.
Cultivate a Consistent Personal Yoga Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom practicals, establish a daily personal practice of Asanas, Pranayama, and meditation. Document your experiences, challenges, and progress in a Yoga journal to deepen self-awareness and practical understanding.
Tools & Resources
Personal Yoga mat, Quiet space for practice, Yoga journal
Career Connection
Authentic personal practice builds confidence, experiential knowledge, and the ability to guide others effectively, which is highly valued in the Indian Yoga teaching landscape.
Engage in Early Skill Building through Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively observe senior Yoga teachers or therapists during their sessions, with permission. Pay attention to their teaching cues, adjustments, and client interactions. This early exposure to real-world application is invaluable.
Tools & Resources
Local Yoga studios or therapy centers, University''''s Yoga practical sessions
Career Connection
Observational learning helps in developing teaching methodologies and understanding client needs, preparing for effective instruction and therapeutic application later.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Therapeutic Principles through Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Engage with real or simulated case studies in Yoga Therapy. Work with peers or mentors to design appropriate Yoga interventions for various conditions, integrating knowledge from Naturopathy and Ayurveda.
Tools & Resources
Yoga therapy textbooks, Academic papers on Yoga and health, Clinical case discussions
Career Connection
This hones your problem-solving skills for therapeutic applications, making you a competent Yoga therapist, a high-demand role in India''''s integrative health sector.
Develop Research Skills and Participate in Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in research methodology workshops and seek opportunities to assist faculty in ongoing research projects. This could involve data collection, literature review, or basic analysis.
Tools & Resources
University research cell, Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) tutorials, Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Strong research skills open doors to academic careers, contribute to evidence-based Yoga practices, and enhance your dissertation quality, differentiating you in the Indian market.
Begin Networking with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend Yoga conferences, workshops, and webinars within Gujarat and across India. Connect with established Yoga gurus, therapists, and center managers. Build professional relationships that can lead to mentorship and future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Online professional networking platforms, Industry events calendar, University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking is vital for internships, job placements, and understanding current industry trends, providing a competitive edge in India''''s expanding Yoga and wellness industry.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a relevant research topic for your project work in Semester 4. Conduct thorough research, data collection (if applicable), analysis, and present a well-structured dissertation that demonstrates your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Access to research databases, Statistical analysis tools, Faculty supervision
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases your specialized knowledge and research capabilities, a key asset for higher studies or roles requiring analytical thinking in wellness organizations.
Gain Practical Teaching and Management Experience- (Semester 4)
Seek opportunities to teach Yoga sessions, even as a volunteer, within the university or community centers. If interested in management, assist in organizing university Yoga events or workshops to understand operational aspects.
Tools & Resources
University Yoga Club, Local community centers, Mentors in Yoga center management
Career Connection
Hands-on teaching and management experience are critical for becoming a confident instructor or manager, directly impacting your employability and success in the Indian wellness industry.
Prepare for Professional Certifications and Placements- (Semester 4)
Research and prepare for national-level Yoga certifications (e.g., Yoga Certification Board by Ministry of AYUSH, India). Polish your resume, practice interview skills, and actively participate in placement drives or career counseling sessions.
Tools & Resources
YCB syllabus and exam guides, University career services, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Formal certifications significantly enhance your marketability, while placement preparation ensures you are job-ready for various roles in Yoga education, therapy, and wellness across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. / B.S.W. / B.P.E.S. or any other bachelor degree of Sardar Patel University or equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for theory papers), External: 70% (for theory papers), 100% (for practicals)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-101 | Foundation of Yoga | Core | 4 | Meaning and Definition of Yoga, History and Development of Yoga, Branches of Yoga, Concept of Karma Yoga, Concept of Jnana Yoga, Concept of Bhakti Yoga |
| Paper-102 | Hath Yoga Pradipika | Core | 4 | Introduction to Hath Yoga Pradipika, Asanas and their benefits, Shatkarma and its importance, Mudras and Bandhas, Pranayama techniques, Concept of Nadis and Chakras |
| Paper-103 | Patanjal Yoga Sutra (Samadhi Pada) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Patanjal Yoga Sutra, Concept of Chitta and its Vrittis, Abhyasa and Vairagya, Ishwara Pranidhana, Samprajnata and Asamprajnata Samadhi, Obstacles in Yoga practice |
| Paper-104 | Human Anatomy & Physiology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Body Systems, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Nervous System |
| Paper-105 | Yoga Practical | Practical | 4 | Preparatory Practices, Asanas (standing, sitting, supine, prone), Shatkarma (Jal Neti, Kapalbhati), Basic Pranayama (Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari), Relaxation Techniques, Meditation (basic) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-201 | Bhagavad Gita and Yoga | Core | 4 | Introduction to Bhagavad Gita, Concept of Karma Yoga in Gita, Concept of Jnana Yoga in Gita, Concept of Bhakti Yoga in Gita, Sankhya Yoga and Dhyana Yoga, Nature of Self and Supreme Reality |
| Paper-202 | Gherand Samhita | Core | 4 | Introduction to Gherand Samhita, Shatkarmas (Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Nauli, Trataka, Kapalbhati), Asanas (32 important asanas), Mudras and Bandhas, Pratyahara and Dhyana, Samadhi (Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga Samadhi) |
| Paper-203 | Patanjal Yoga Sutra (Sadhana and Vibhuti Pada) | Core | 4 | Kriya Yoga, Concept of Kleshas, Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), Samayama (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi), Vibhuti (Supernormal Powers), Consequences of Samyama |
| Paper-204 | Basic Principles of Naturopathy and Ayurveda | Core | 4 | Introduction to Naturopathy, Basic Principles of Naturopathy, Hydrotherapy and Mud Therapy, Introduction to Ayurveda, Concept of Tridosha and Prakriti, Dietary principles in Ayurveda |
| Paper-205 | Yoga Practical | Practical | 4 | Advanced Asanas, Advanced Pranayama techniques, Kriyas (Agnisar Kriya, Vamana Dhauti), Mudras and Bandhas (Ashwini Mudra, Moola Bandha), Yoga Nidra, Introduction to different meditation techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-301 | Yoga Therapy | Core | 4 | Principles of Yoga Therapy, Yoga for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Yoga for Respiratory Disorders, Yoga for Metabolic Disorders (Diabetes, Obesity), Yoga for Stress Management, Designing Yoga Therapy sessions |
| Paper-302 | Yoga Vashistha | Core | 4 | Introduction to Yoga Vashistha, Concept of Maya and Illusion, Self-inquiry (Vichara), Jivanmukta (Liberated while living), Stories and anecdotes from Yoga Vashistha, Role of Yoga in Self-Realization |
| Paper-303 | Patanjal Yoga Sutra (Kaivalya Pada) | Core | 4 | Concept of Kaivalya (Liberation), Nature of Siddhis and their limitations, Theory of Karma, Mind and its connection to Purusha, Distinction between Purusha and Prakriti, Final goal of Yoga |
| Paper-304 | Research Methodology and Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Basic Statistical Concepts (mean, median, mode), Hypothesis Testing (t-test, ANOVA) |
| Paper-305 | Yoga Practical | Practical | 4 | Therapeutic Yoga sequences, Advanced Mudras and Bandhas, Pranayama for specific conditions, Teaching methodology for Yoga (observation, adjustment), Yoga for children and elderly, Practical application of Kriyas |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-401 | Value Education and Social Awareness | Core | 4 | Concept of Values and Ethics, Yoga and Ethical Living (Yamas, Niyamas), Importance of Social Responsibility, Role of Yoga in fostering peace, Yoga for holistic development, Contemporary social issues and yoga''''s role |
| Paper-402 | Management of Yoga Centres | Core | 4 | Planning a Yoga Centre, Marketing and Promotion of Yoga Services, Financial Management for Yoga Institutions, Human Resource Management in Yoga, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Yoga Practice, Client Management and Retention |
| Paper-403 | Yoga and Sports | Core | 4 | Role of Yoga in Sports Performance, Yoga for physical conditioning in sports, Yoga for mental focus and concentration in sports, Injury prevention and recovery through Yoga, Specific Yoga techniques for athletes, Integration of Yoga into sports training |
| Paper-404 | Yoga and Human Consciousness | Core | 4 | Different States of Consciousness, Kundalini and Chakras, Subtle Body Anatomy, Yoga and Transpersonal Psychology, Near-Death Experiences and Yoga, Scientific perspectives on consciousness and Yoga |
| Paper-405 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Presentation and Defense |




