Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts Pune B.Sc (Hons) Research Liberal Arts: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Pune, MaharashtraEstd 2011NAAC Grade A++ 3.6
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 27, 2026

The Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] {Hons.} (Research) (Liberal Arts) at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA), Pune is a four-year full-time undergraduate programme that combines STEM disciplines with the interdisciplinary breadth of a liberal arts education. Students who major in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Science, Mathematics and Statistics, or Computer Studies, and who complete a mandatory research project while maintaining a CGPA of 7.5 or above at the end of Semester 6, are awarded the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research degree. The programme is offered on-campus at SSLA's Viman Nagar campus in Pune, with an annual academic fee of Rs. 4,90,000 (2026-27 batch), making the total academic fee for the four-year programme Rs. 19,60,000. Admission is primarily through the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET), and the programme is valued for its research-oriented STEM curriculum embedded within a liberal arts framework.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently ongoing via the SET 2026 pathway. The SET registration closed on April 15, 2026, and the exam is scheduled for May 2 and May 10, 2026. SSLA-specific registration and payment deadline is May 27, 2026. A Non-SET Rolling Admission Process (RAP) was also available from September 2025 to November 30, 2025 for the 2026-27 batch, which has now closed.

Key Points

  • The B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research degree is awarded to students who major in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Science, Mathematics and Statistics, or Computer Studies, and successfully complete a research project in their final year.
  • Students who do not meet the CGPA threshold of 7.5 at the end of Semester 6, or who choose not to pursue the research project, can complete an additional internship or two extra courses from their major and receive the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours degree instead.
  • The programme provides access to over 370 courses across 20 disciplines, enabling students to combine a STEM major with humanities or social science minors and electives.
  • A 1:20 faculty-to-student ratio ensures close academic mentorship and personalised guidance throughout the programme.
  • The research component equips students with skills in independent inquiry, data analysis, and academic writing, making them competitive for postgraduate programmes in STEM and interdisciplinary fields globally.
  • Aligned with NEP 2020, the programme supports multiple entry and exit options as per Symbiosis International University's lateral entry rules.

SSLA B.Sc (Hons.) (Research) (Liberal Arts) Fees

Academic Fees

Fee ComponentAmount (Per Annum)Total (4 Years)
Academic FeesRs. 4,90,000Rs. 19,60,000
Institute Deposit (Refundable)Rs. 20,000 (one-time)Rs. 20,000
Total Fees (excluding hostel)Rs. 19,80,000

Hostel Fees (Optional - Viman Nagar Campus, Per Annum, 2026-27)

Hostel TypeHostel Fees (Per Annum)Mess Fees (Per Annum)Hostel Deposit (Refundable)
Twin Sharing - Daffodil HostelRs. 1,75,500Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Three Sharing - Daisy HostelRs. 1,46,900Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Twin Sharing - Orchid HostelRs. 1,93,600Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Three Sharing - Orchid HostelRs. 1,63,400Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Twin Sharing - Tulip HostelRs. 1,93,600Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Three Sharing - Tulip HostelRs. 1,73,300Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
Three Sharing - Kopou HostelRs. 1,73,300Rs. 1,04,000Rs. 20,000
  • The Institute Deposit of Rs. 20,000 is fully refundable at the time of leaving the institution.
  • The Hostel Deposit of Rs. 20,000 is refundable at the time of vacating the hostel.
  • Academic fees are payable in two installments: 1st installment (Rs. 2,65,000 including deposit) at the time of admission, and 2nd installment (Rs. 2,45,000) by November 25 of the academic year.
  • Academic fees may be increased by up to 10% over the duration of the programme. Hostel fees may be increased by up to 15% per year and mess fees by up to 10% per year.
  • Hostel is optional and not mandatory. Hostel and mess fees are charged separately from academic fees.
  • Discretionary Quota seats carry double the academic fees of the open category.
  • Government taxes, if applicable, will be charged additionally.
  • Education loans are available through partner banks; details are on the SSLA website.

SSLA B.Sc (Hons.) (Research) (Liberal Arts) Admission 2026

SSLA-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27 Batch)

EventDate
SET Registration ClosesApril 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
SET Admit Card Live (Test 1)April 24, 2026 (Friday)
SET Admit Card Live (Test 2)April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
SSLA Registration and Payment DeadlineMay 27, 2026 (Wednesday)
Declaration of Shortlisted Candidates for PIJune 2, 2026 (Tuesday)
Slot Booking for PIJune 2-3, 2026 (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Online Personal Interaction (PI) DatesJune 6-10, 2026 (Saturday to Wednesday)
Declaration of 1st Merit ListJune 18, 2026 (Thursday)
Payment Window for 1st Merit ListJune 18 - June 24, 2026
Declaration of 2nd Merit ListJune 25, 2026 (Thursday)
Payment Window for 2nd Merit ListJune 25 - July 1, 2026
Declaration of 3rd Merit ListJuly 2, 2026 (Thursday)
Payment Window for 3rd Merit ListJuly 2 - July 8, 2026
Induction and Orientation WeekJuly 12-18, 2026
Classes BeginJuly 20, 2026 (Monday)

SET 2026 Exam Dates

EventDate
SET Registration StartDecember 25, 2025
SET Registration and Payment ClosesApril 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
SET Admit Card Live - Test 1April 24, 2026 (Friday)
SET Admit Card Live - Test 2April 30, 2026 (Thursday)
SET Computer Based Test (CBT) - Test 1May 2, 2026 (Saturday), 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SET Computer Based Test (CBT) - Test 2May 10, 2026 (Sunday), 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SET Result AnnouncementMay 20, 2026 (Wednesday)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Passed Standard XII (10+2) or equivalent from any recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • IB Diploma/Certificate students: minimum 24 credits with at least three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL); Diploma students must also fulfil core requirements (EE, CAS, TOK).
  • GCE/IGCSE/GCSE students: minimum 5/4 subjects in A, B, C grades including English at Ordinary Level and 2/3 subjects at Advanced Level (total 7 subjects).

Admission Process

  • Register on the SET portal (www.set-test.org) and pay the SET registration fee of Rs. 1,750 and SSLA institute registration fee of Rs. 1,000.
  • Alternatively, apply via the Non-SET Rolling Admission Process (RAP) on the SSLA portal (available September to November each year).
  • Appear for the SET Computer Based Test (CBT) or submit SAT scores through the College Board platform (DI Code: 7840 for SSLA).
  • After SET results, SSLA shortlists candidates for the Personal Interaction and Writing Ability Test (PI-WAT), conducted online.
  • Merit lists are published based on combined SET/SAT and PI-WAT scores; selected candidates must pay fees within the stipulated window to confirm admission.
  • International students (FN, PIO, NRI) must apply through the Symbiosis Centre for International Education (SCIE) at www.scie.ac.in.

SSLA B.Sc (Hons.) (Research) (Liberal Arts) Scholarships 2026

Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount / Benefit
Symbiosis Society Foundation University Merit ScholarshipTopper of Semester I; must maintain a minimum GPA of 8.75 in subsequent semesters with no backlogs50% of annual academic fees (1 scholarship per batch for BA/B.Sc. Liberal Arts)
Late Jayatee Deshmukh ScholarshipFemale student securing the highest percentage in SET and admitted to any Symbiosis UG instituteRs. 25,000 (adjusted against first installment of fees)
Merit Scholarship for NER StudentsStudents from North-East Region (Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim)Varies; awarded by Symbiosis Ishanya Cultural and Educational Centre (SICEC)
EBC Scholarship for Girl Students from Adopted VillagesMeritorious female students from low-income families in SIU-identified villages near Lavale, PuneFinancial assistance towards higher education expenses
Central Government Scholarships (NSP)As per respective scheme eligibility (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Differently-abled)As per scheme; available on National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
NHFDC ScholarshipStudents with disabilitiesAs per NHFDC scheme norms
  • The Symbiosis Merit Scholarship amount is not paid directly to the student; it is adjusted against the academic fee by the university and the cheque is given to the student in the final semester.
  • A student eligible for more than one SIU scholarship can avail only one as per their preference.
  • Students receiving any external stipend or financial assistance must inform the institute.
  • Application for government scholarships must be made through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Table of Contents

SSLA B.Sc (Hons.) (Research) (Liberal Arts) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours and B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research at SSLA?

Ans. Both are awarded under the same four-year programme. The Honours with Research designation is given to students who maintain a CGPA of 7.5 or above at the end of Semester 6 and successfully complete a research project in their final year. Students who do not meet the CGPA threshold or choose not to pursue the research project can instead complete an additional internship or two extra courses from their major, and receive the Honours degree. Both designations are equally valid and recognised by Symbiosis International University.

Ques. Which STEM majors are available under the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) programme at SSLA?

Ans. The B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) degree is awarded to students who choose one of three STEM-oriented major specialisations: Applied Environmental and Sustainability Science, Mathematics and Statistics, or Computer Studies. These majors are offered within the liberal arts framework, meaning students also take core courses, a minor from another discipline, and interdisciplinary electives. This combination makes the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) particularly suited for students who want STEM depth alongside strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Ques. Can a student from a non-science background in Class 12 apply for the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) at SSLA?

Ans. Yes. SSLA does not impose any stream restriction for admission. Students from Arts, Commerce, or any other stream who have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) are eligible to apply. The liberal arts model at SSLA is intentionally stream-agnostic. However, students choosing STEM majors such as Mathematics and Statistics or Computer Studies should be aware that these courses require a reasonable aptitude for quantitative reasoning, even if prior formal study in these subjects is not mandatory.

Ques. How does the research project work in the Honours with Research programme, and when does it take place?

Ans. The research project is undertaken in the final year of the four-year programme. To be eligible, students must have a CGPA of 7.5 or above at the end of Semester 6. The project involves independent academic inquiry under faculty supervision, culminating in a research thesis or dissertation. The research component is designed to prepare students for postgraduate study and careers in research-intensive fields. Students who do not meet the CGPA requirement or opt out of the research project complete an additional internship or two extra major courses instead.

Ques. What are the career prospects for B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research graduates, particularly in STEM fields?

Ans. Graduates with a B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research degree from SSLA are well-positioned for careers in data science, environmental consulting, sustainability management, software development, academic research, and policy analysis. The research component is particularly valued by universities offering master's and doctoral programmes in STEM and interdisciplinary fields. Many SSLA alumni have pursued postgraduate studies at reputed institutions in India and abroad, while others have entered the workforce in technology, analytics, and sustainability sectors.

Ques. Is the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) degree from SSLA recognised for higher studies abroad, and does it have any international equivalence?

Ans. Yes, the B.Sc. (Liberal Arts) Honours with Research degree from SSLA is a four-year undergraduate degree awarded by Symbiosis International (Deemed University), which is a UGC-recognised institution. The four-year structure aligns with international undergraduate degree norms, making it directly comparable to bachelor's degrees from universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. SSLA also has international partnerships that allow students to pursue accelerated master's programmes with partner universities abroad, further enhancing the global recognition of the degree.

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