A Diploma in folklore is a one-year specialized program that focuses on exploring, understanding, and the traditional belief systems, histories, traditions, cultures, customs, music, festivals, arts, and practices of various communities, by blending the principles from the field of anthropology, literature, history, and sociology.
The eligibility criteria for a Diploma in Folklore is that the candiates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with an aggregate of 50% marks. Admission to this course is based on the merit of the candidate.
A diploma in folklore is offered across colleges, which include Kalyani University, Nagaland University, and University of Mysore, where the total course fee ranges from INR 8000- 3,40,000.
A diploma in folklore is associated with various jobs and career profiles like Folklorist / Cultural Researcher, Museum Curator / Assistant, Heritage Manager, Academic Researcher, Tour Guide, Content Writer (Culture & Heritage). The students receive job opportunities in Universities, Cultural NGOs, Heritage Foundations, Govt. Culture Departments, Museums, Cultural Trusts, ASI, INTACH, State Tourism & Heritage Boards, Colleges, and research Institutes, Tourism Companies, Cultural Tours, Publishing Houses, and Media Outlets, receiving annual salary packages that range from INR 3-6 LPA.
Table of Contents
- Diploma in Folklore Key Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Folklore?
- Why Study a Diploma in Folklore?
- Who should study for the Diploma in Folklore course?
- Diploma in Folklore Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma in Folklore Colleges in India
- Diploma in Folklore Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Folklore Syllabus
- Diploma in Folklore Job Opportunities in India
- Diploma in Folklore Vs Diploma in Cultural Anthropology Comparison
- Diploma in Folklore FAQs
Diploma in Folklore Key Highlights
Given below are some of the Diploma in Folklore key highlights:
What is a Diploma in Folklore?
A Diploma in folklore is a one-year specialized program that focuses on exploring and studying the traditional belof systems, histories, traditions, cultures, customs, music, festivals, arts, and practices of various communities.
The course lays a strong foundational understanding of cultural heritages, which are passed from one generation to the next. As a one-year program, the course combines theoretical concepts with practical fieldwork, which includes visits, interviews, cultural mapping, and project-based activities, enabling and helping students in areas of research and careers in social, historical, and cultural contexts.
Why Study a Diploma in Folklore?
The Diploma in Folklore is a niche program among students interested in learning and studying about customs, music, festivals, art, and cultural practices; hence, it is offered in different colleges and universities in India. The reasons to opt for a Diploma in Folklore are given below:
- Preserving heritage- With the help of a diploma in folklore, the students learn how to document, analyze, and preserve their traditions and cultures. Such actions and initiatives are much needed due to the cultures and traditions vanishing due to modernization.
- Interdisciplinary knowledge- The course gathers information from the fields of anthropology, literature, history, and sociology. Thus, offering excellent academic knowledge of cultural education.
- Development of research skills- With the help of a diploma in folklore, the students develop research and fieldwork skills. The students gain hands-on experience through interviews, case studies, folklore mapping, documentations, real-life projects, etc. enhancing the skills of the student..
- Foundation for higher studies- A diploma in folklore acts as an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies in folklore, anthropology, and heritage studies, hence making it ideal for those wanting to pursue higher studies.
Who should study for the Diploma in Folklore course?
Reasons, which include individuals who might be a good choice for pursuing a Diploma in Folklore in different colleges in India, are mentioned below:
- Aspiring cultural researchers- Students who are interested in exploring everyday life, traditions, cultures, and narratives of different communities should opt for a diploma in folklore.
- Students with a background in social sciences- Students who have a background in social sciences, literature, sociology, anthropology, and history should choose to pursue a diploma in folklore. These students will find the diploma course much more compelling and complementary.
- Artists and storytellers- Those are creative individuals who wish to refine their work on authentic traditional tales, symbols, and performances should choose to opt for a diploma in folklore. The course is ideal for those who are natural artists and have a knack for storytelling.
- Students passionate about culture and traditions- Students who are passionate about and are naturally drawn towards culture, traditions, festivals, and heritage should opt for a diploma in folklore.
Diploma in Folklore Eligibility Criteria
To secure a seat in the top colleges and institutes in India for a Diploma in Folklore course, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be selected for further application and the admission process. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
- The student must have passed his/her 10+2 with a minimum score in aggregate subjects from a recognized board.
- The student must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, with a minimum aggregate score.
- The admission to a diploma in folklore, the admission is generally based on the merit score of the candidate. Hence, no specific entrance exam is required.
- Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories are often given relaxation during the admission process.
Diploma in Folklore Colleges in India
A Diploma in Folklore is a course opted for by students interested in learning about folklore, culture, and history. Hence, it is offered by a few colleges and universities across India. Colleges offering this course are listed in the table below:
Diploma in Folklore Admission Process 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges for the Diploma in Folklore in India, the student must follow a few steps first. Initially, the student must meet the eligibility criteria of the course and then fill out the application form. The detailed procedure for securing a seat at the University of Mysore is given below:
Step 1- The students must apply on the official website of the college, and then proceed with the filling of their personal and academic details.
Step 2- The students then need to upload all the relevant documents and proceed with the payment of the application fee.
Step 3- The student must make sure that the information details and the documents that they are submitting are true, without any discrepancies.
Step 4- After successfully submitting the application form, the students will be selected based on their merit scores.
Step 5- The selected students will be informed by the college through mail.
Step 6- The final selected students will be required to submit their original documents and get them verified by the college.
Step 7- The selected students will be required to confirm their admission by paying the admission fee.
Documents Required:
- Marksheet
- Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Bank details
- Migration certificate
- Domicile certificate
Diploma in Folklore Syllabus
A Diploma in Folklore is a one-year full-time course offered across different colleges and universities in India. The papers taught during the entire course at Nagaland University are mentioned below:
Diploma in Folklore Job Opportunities in India
Multiple job opportunities and careers are associated with a Diploma in Folklore in India, which are mentioned below in the table:
Diploma in Folklore Vs Diploma in Cultural Anthropology Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison between a diploma in folklore and a Diploma in cultural anthropology. Students who are unsure about which program to pursue can refer to the table to make an informed decision.
Diploma in Folklore FAQs
After completing the course of a diploma in folklore, what skills will the students learn?
After completing the course of a diploma in folklore, the students learn and develop skills like ethnographic research, oral history collection, cultural documentation, fieldwork techniques, storytelling analysis, and community engagement. Such skills are highly useful and valuable for building careers in the fields of heritage, media, and academics.
Can someone from a science or commerce background pursue a diploma in folklore?
Yes. Students from any field can choose to pursue a diploma in folklore. The students have to apply on the official website of the college, meet the eligibility criteria, and then submit their application form by paying the application fee. Since admission to a diploma in folklore is usually based on merit, the students do not have to appear for any specific entrance examination.
What are the modules and practical aspects that the students will learn after completing a diploma in folklore?
During a diploma in folklore curriculum, the students learn topics like Introductions to Folkloristics, Genres of Folklore, Theories of Folklore, Translation Theory & Practice, and Semiotic Approaches. With the help of visits, interviews, cultural mapping, and project-based activities, which are guided by skilled mentors, the students get detailed insights and knowledge of the field of folklore studies.
Is it possible to land international roles in different global companies?
Yes. Graduates with a diploma in folklore, the students can opt to work in non-governmental organizations. They can also seek top roles in heritage organizations and cultural exchange programs, when combined with advanced studies, educational background, or specialization.
