For those interested in becoming Yoga Instructors or pursue research on the subject of Yoga, there is a 1 year diploma program in Yoga offered by a few colleges and universities. This program is open to any student who has passed 12th (in any stream) and is fluent in English. To secure admission to this program, the candidate has to be medically fit (a medical fitness certificate is required).
The curriculum
The curriculum of the diploma program includes both the theoretical and the practical aspects of yoga. As part of the theory, student learn the history and benefits of yoga in. They are also taught basics of Naturopathy and the human anatomy. As part of the practical training, students are taught to do various yoga exercises and their benefits explained. Students are also provided ample practical sessions where they practice the various asanas. The program not just imparts students with a detailed understanding of the subject of yoga but also helps in improving their overall personality.
Career opportunities
After completion of this course, students either start their independent yoga training sessions or seek jobs as yoga instructors at fitness centers, spas, hospitals and so on. Students may also continue their education in the subject and carry out further research in yoga.
Where to study Yoga
Here are some of the colleges that offer diploma courses in Yoga
- D.Y Patil School of Ayurveda, Mumbai
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune
- Indira Gandhi National Open University
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University
- Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
- Nalanda Open University
- Kurukshetra University
and a few others.
There are also BA, MA and PhD programs in yoga that are offered by some universities in India.
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.