Some of the most successful CEOs and industry leaders have a surprising commonality —Liberal Arts Education. Howard Schultz, Susan Wojcicki, and Michael Eisner did not pursue degrees in business administration, engineering, or finance. They studied psychology, history, and communication that shaped their leadership, vision, and ability to drive innovation.

The trend of liberal education has gained significant traction in India. It is possible that at first glance, liberal arts may not seem like an obvious path. However, in reality, this broad, interdisciplinary education equips you with critical thinking, adaptability, and human-centered problem- solving skills that are indispensable in today’s dynamic world.

At Edcosmo, we guide students on how they can gain international study experience while studying their undergrads in India. 

What is Liberal Arts Education? 

Liberal arts education offers a strong basis in a variety of academic areas. Liberal arts studies can help you think critically, solve issues, communicate well, and create compelling arguments. A liberal arts degree will prepare you for a diverse profession because it provides you with a broad knowledge base and other career-related skills. I know this is exciting, and I am sharing the details on the liberal arts colleges, offering uniquely crafted experiential learning programs alongside the academic curriculum. 

Some of the Liberal Arts College in India  

Ashoka University 

Ashoka University is the pioneer in the liberal arts college in India. The university’s primary focus is on teaching students how to learn, ask correct questions, and prepare them for the future to solve problems in the real world. The university has 18 partner institutions worldwide including Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, ENS Lyon, HEC Paris, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, National Taiwan University, and others. 

Ashoka University follows a holistic admission process including three stages:         

Application & Assessments 

• Application: SAT/ACT scores, Personal Essays, LOR.
• Assessments: Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (Mandatory), On the Spot Essay (Mandatory).

Shortlist for Interview

• Interview with Panel (Mandatory)

Ashoka University offers need-based financial aid. Applicants can apply for financial assistance after receiving an offer of admission.

Programs 

The university offers undergraduate, graduate, PHD programs, YIF (Young India Fellowship), Visiting student programme, Global Education.

Fee Structure and Scholarships

Fees begin at approximately INR 8 Lac per year. There are various scholarships available here, and eligible students can get up to 100 % tuition fee waiver. 

Clubs

Clubs and societies at Ashoka are organizations that create their own organizational structures and methods of operation. These “clubs” are concentrated groups pursuing a particular interest in:

• Art and Design Collective  
• Oratory 
• Media 
• Literature 
• Language 
• Gaming 
• Outdoor  
  

FLAME University

Flame University is well-known for its liberal arts education. The university allows students to take courses across cognate areas like Physical and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and others. The core courses include Critical Reasoning, Academic Writing, Digital Literacy, Mental Models, and Financial Literacy equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in their future. The university has international collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, University of Sheffield, University of St Andrews, University of Auckland, and others. All these universities have fantastic infrastructure, and they also provide placements.  

The admission process that FLAME university follows: 

Application Process

• Online Application: Candidates must submit an online application form with academic records, personal statements, and other relevant details.

Test 

• Entrance Test: Applicants may be required to take the FLAME Entrance Aptitude Test (FEAT) or submit SAT scores. The candidate has to write an essay of around 200-250 words. 

Interview 

• Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo a personal interview to assess their suitability for the program.

Programs 

These experiential learning programs are: The Development Activities Program (DAP), the Discover India Program (DIP) and the Summer Internship Program (SIP). 

Fee Structure and Scholarships 

FLAME offers scholarships and financial aid to meritorious and needy students, ensuring inclusivity and diversity within its student body. Even the eligible candidates get 100% scholarships, and the fee begins at INR 7 lakh per year approximately. 

Clubs

The university has more than 40 clubs on campus that help students engage in diverse interests and activities. Some of the clubs are: 

• Zumba  
• Wonders of Wellness
• Mental Health Initiatives 
• Anime Club 
• TAMID at FLAME  
  

OP Jindal Global University 

This university has been designated an award of Institution of Eminence by the Indian Ministry of Education. OP Jindal Global University is renowned for its diversified staff, international curriculum, and emphasis on research. The university has international partners like University of Leeds, Geneva School of Diplomacy, University of California, Riverside (UCR), Macquaire University, and others. It is one of the best liberal arts colleges in India, which has a cutting-edge curriculum. 

Admission Process 

• Online Application: Prospective students must complete an online application form, providing personal details, academic records, and other relevant information.
• Entrance Exam: Applicants are required to take the Jindal Scholastic Aptitude Test (JSAT) or submit standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT.
• Personal Statement: A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s interests and motivations.
• Interview: Some programs may require a personal interview as part of the selection process.

Fees and Scholarships

The fee for Liberal Art begins at INR 3 Lac per year. JGU offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring financial constraints do not hinder education.

Programs

The university offers a BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities with 13 majors and various interdisciplinary pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests.

Clubs

At JGU, the university has a diverse range of clubs and societies that help students develop new skills, and interests. Some of the clubs: 

• Debate 
• Photography
• Entrepreneurship
• Community Service
  

Symbiosis International University 

This university is rapidly establishing a reputation for providing high-quality education. The SSLA wants to build a community that encourages everyone to participate in the learning process. The university’s focus is on emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to combine majors and minors in the fields like arts, science, and humanities. The university has wide collaboration with international universities like University of Cologne, University of Adelaide, Aston University, Ritsumeikan University, University of Hamburg, and others.

Admission Process

• Entrance Test: Applicants are required to take the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) which assesses aptitude in various domains.
• Selection procedure: The selection process includes the SOP, an assessment of academic performance, and a personal interview.
• Personal Interaction: Shortlisted candidates participate in personal interaction and writing ability tests to evaluate their fit for the program.

Program 

SSLA offers a Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts) Honours degree with a choice of majors and minors across humanities, social sciences, and performing arts.

Fees and Scholarships

The university has a fee of around ₹5 lakhs per annum. They offer various scholarships to students in need. They offer sports scholarships as well. 

Clubs

The university has student clubs which students can explore while their undergraduate studies: 

• The Academy 
• Drammebaaz 
• PR’ISM 
• Encore 
• Raahi
• Lit & Deb Club 
  

KREA University 

Krea University places a strong emphasis on interwoven learning, a multifaceted approach to knowledge that fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, reflection, cross-disciplinary perspectives, practical application, and the capacity to navigate unresolved issues. The university has international collaborations with University of Bristol, Northeastern University, Yale University, University of Chicago, University of Cambridge, and more. The university aims to follow a cutting-edge curriculum that is intended to equip students for the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Admission Process

Online Application & Assessment

• Fill out the online form with personal details, academic scores (Grades 9-12), and extracurricular activities.
• Take the Krea Assessment Test (80 min) covering:
  ✔ Problem-Solving
  ✔ Critical Thinking & Verbal Ability
  ✔ Numeric Reasoning
  ✔ Writing Skills
• This step evaluates students’ ability to analyze and articulate thoughts effectively.

Personal Interaction

• Shortlisted applicants will have a one-on-one interview with faculty members.

Programs 

Krea offers BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) degrees in interdisciplinary studies, combining sciences with liberal arts to prepare students for a dynamic world.

Fees and Scholarships 

Fees for Liberal Arts range from INR 7-8 Lac per year. Eligible students can get up to 100% scholarships here under the SIAS programme.

Clubs

A huge list of clubs and societies is available at Krea university. Some of these clubs are: 

• Connect Club
• Gaming Club 
• Rangasthala
• Psychology Society 
• Symmetry 
• Finance Club 
  

FAQs

1. Are there student exchange programs? 

• Ashoka & JGU: Strong international collaborations with top universities for exchange programs.
• Krea & FLAME: Global exposure initiatives with select foreign institutions.
• Symbiosis: Offers semester exchange programs with global partner universities.

2. What kind of jobs can I get after a Liberal Arts degree?

Graduates work in diverse sectors:

• Consulting & Business (McKinsey, Deloitte, BCG)
• Media & Journalism (Times of India, Bloomberg, Reuters)
• Public Policy & NGOs (UNICEF, World Bank, Think Tanks)
• Finance & Analytics (Goldman Sachs, HDFC, Paytm)
• Technology & AI (Google, Microsoft, TCS, Startups)

3. What soft skills do students gain from a Liberal Arts degree?

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
• Communication & Leadership
• Research & Analytical Thinking
• Creativity & Adaptability

These skills prepare graduates for fast-changing industries and leadership roles.

4. Does the university have industry tie-ups for internships? 

• Ashoka: Career Development Office (CDO) connects students with top recruiters.
• JGU & Symbiosis: Extensive corporate tie-ups for internships & placements.
• Krea & FLAME: Focus on experiential learning, real-world projects & startup collaboration

Conclusion

Are you ready to hone your skills with an interdisciplinary approach and quality education? 
To gain the first-mover advantage connect with Edcomo today on Instagram or call us at: 075280 02828.