Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR—recognized as an Institution of Eminence—has launched India’s first B.A. (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (IHS), a pioneering four-year undergraduate programme designed to help students understand and tackle complex real-world challenges by drawing from multiple academic fields. The launch event brought together senior educators, academicians, policymakers and school leaders, highlighting the growing demand for flexible and interdisciplinary higher education in India.
The new programme blends natural sciences, social sciences, geopolitics, business, artificial intelligence, culture and technology, offering students a broad academic foundation before they select their specialized track.
BA (Research) IHS Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
| Programme Name | B.A. (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities & Social Sciences |
| University | Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility | Class 12 (any stream) |
| Specialisations Offered | Sustainability Studies; Archaeology, Heritage & Historical Studies; Society, Culture & Technology |
| Scholarships | 10 full scholarships per batch + additional financial aid |
| Key Feature | Mandatory AI literacy module & Innovation Hub |
This innovative programme is built to address emerging global themes such as climate change, geopolitics, AI and ethics, technological disruption and cultural transformation.
Specialisations Offered
After completing a foundational first-year curriculum, students can choose from three interdisciplinary pathways:
- Sustainability Studies
- Archaeology, Heritage and Historical Studies
- Society, Culture and Technology
These tracks allow learners to tailor their academic journey to future-focused domains with strong global relevance.
Course Structure & Learning Experience
The curriculum includes:
- A broad interdisciplinary foundation in Year 1
- Specialisation-focused learning from Year 2 onwards
- AI literacy module, culminating in work at an Innovation Hub
- Hands-on projects
- Fieldwork and site visits
- Internships and industry-linked assignments
- International exchange and immersive programmes
Students also have flexibility to graduate with:
- B.A. (Research)
- B.A. (Honours)
- B.A. (Research) with a Minor
Scholarships & Financial Aid
To support meritorious students, the university has announced:
- 10 full scholarships per batch, covering 100% of tuition fees for all four years
- Additional merit-based scholarships
- Need-based financial assistance
- Aid for high-performing students in each specialisation
This ensures access to interdisciplinary education for deserving aspirants across India.
Academic Leadership & Faculty
The programme is headed by Professor Rajat Kathuria, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and is supported by an experienced interdisciplinary faculty drawn from across the university’s schools. The faculty expertise spans humanities, social sciences, environment, technology, AI ethics, global studies and cultural research.
Career Opportunities After BA (Research) IHS
Graduates can pursue careers across diverse and emerging sectors such as:
- Public policy & governance
- Media, journalism & digital content
- Research & think tanks
- Education & academia
- Design & cultural studies
- International organisations
- Start-ups & social enterprises
- Sustainability & environmental consulting
- Heritage management & archaeology
- Technology ethics and human-centered AI
The interdisciplinary training equips students to think critically, work across domains and contribute meaningfully to complex societal challenges.
Why This Programme Matters
With global conversations shifting towards sustainability, heritage preservation, technology ethics, AI integration and social change, Shiv Nadar University’s new programme positions students at the intersection of humanities, technology, culture and environment. It strengthens the university’s vision of creating future-ready graduates capable of innovation, leadership and cross-disciplinary thinking.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| What is the new programme launched by Shiv Nadar University? |
| It is India’s first B.A. (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (IHS). |
| Who can apply for the BA (Research) IHS programme? |
| Students from any Class 12 stream are eligible. |
| What specialisations are offered? |
| Sustainability Studies, Archaeology & Heritage Studies, and Society, Culture & Technology. |
| How long is the programme? |
| It is a four-year undergraduate degree. |
| Are scholarships available? |
| Yes, 10 full scholarships per batch and additional financial aid options are offered. |
| Does the programme include AI learning? |
| Yes, it includes a mandatory AI literacy module culminating in an Innovation Hub project. |
| What are the career prospects after this programme? |
| Graduates can work in policy, research, international organisations, media, design, sustainability and more. |
| Who leads the programme? |
| Professor Rajat Kathuria, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. |
The introduction of India’s first B.A. (Research) in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences marks a major milestone in forward-looking undergraduate education. With deep academic breadth, hands-on learning, AI literacy, global exposure and strong scholarship support, the programme prepares students to engage with the world’s most pressing challenges. For more information and updates, students should visit the official Shiv Nadar University website and bookmark this page for future announcements, for more details CLICK HERE
