MA Yoga is a 2-year postgraduate degree that is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of yogic philosophy, techniques, and therapeutic applications. If you wish to pursue your career in teaching, therapy, wellness, or research in the field of yoga, this course is Ideal.
The course eligibility is that the candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Admission to this course is based on both merit and the entrance exam. Some universities like AAFT, Maharishi University, and Kaivalyadhama take direct admission based on the merit of the candidate. However, for some universities, student need to appear for the entrance exams such as CUET PG, AP PGECET, KIITEE, etc.
The course fees range from INR 25,000 – 1,50,000 depending on the institute type. AAFT, Sri Sri University, Maharishi University, Nirwan University, Kaivalyadhama, OM Sterling Global University, Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute, Himachal Pradesh University, NIILM University are some of the best colleges that offer the course Yoga course.
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Yoga can pursue various roles such as Yoga Instructor, Wellness Consultant, Yoga Therapist, Research Associate, and Assistant Professor. Furthermore, the average salary of the graduates ranges between INR 3,00,000 – 6,00,000 per annum.
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MA in Yoga Key Highlights
Below are some of the key highlights of the Master of Arts in Yoga program:
What is MA in Yoga?
MA Yoga is a 2-year postgraduate degree that focuses on the in-depth study of Yoga. The course also focuses on its philosophy, techniques, therapy, and practical application. The course is perfect for candidates who want to promote the science of Yoga in academic, therapeutic, and wellness sectors.
The curriculum integrates traditional yogic texts like Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika with modern scientific approaches to health and lifestyle. Students can gain through practical sessions, fieldwork, and research projects to build a well-rounded understanding of the subject. Those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in yoga are eligible to apply for this course.
Why Study MA in Yoga?
MA Yoga is a great choice for those who want to dive deeper into the science and practice of yoga, beyond just physical postures. This course teaches you about yoga therapy, mental health, philosophy, anatomy, and how yoga can be used to manage lifestyle disorders. It also helps you understand how yoga works at the body and mind level through both theory and practice.
The course opens up various career opportunities in both the health and education fields, as the demand for certified Yoga Professionals is rising in schools, hospitals, wellness centres, and even abroad. Whether you want to become a yoga teacher, therapist, researcher, or even start your own wellness studio, a masters degree in Yoga gives you the right skills and knowledge to build a serious career in the field.
Also read about PG Diploma in Yoga
Who Pursue MA in Yoga?
If you're someone who sees yoga as more than just physical exercise and wants to explore its deep-rooted science, this course can open new paths for you. An MA Yoga isn’t just for teachers—it's for anyone who wants to make a real impact in health, wellness, and community development through yogic knowledge.
- Individuals who are passionate about holistic wellness and natural healing methods.
- Graduates from fields like Physical Education, Ayurveda, Psychology, or Science who want to specialize in yoga therapy.
- Fitness trainers or yoga instructors aiming to deepen their academic and practical understanding of yoga.
- Professionals in healthcare are looking to integrate yogic practices into rehabilitation or preventive care.
- Social workers or NGO professionals focused on mental health and lifestyle improvement in rural or urban communities.
- Individuals who wish to open their own yoga centres or wellness studios with formal training.
- Spiritual seekers interested in exploring yogic philosophy, meditation, and ancient scriptures in a structured way.
MA in Yoga Eligibility Criteria
Listed below is the detailed MA Yoga eligibility criteria. The candidates must meet the criteria before applying for the course.
- Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university.
- Students from a background of Yoga, Naturopathy, Physical Education, or a relevant discipline will be preferred.
- A minimum of 45%–50% marks in the undergraduate degree is usually required.
- Some universities prefer candidates with prior practical training or certifications in Yoga.
- Admission may involve university-level entrance exams or merit-based selection..
MA in Yoga Entrance Exams
Here are some popular entrance exams accepted by institutions offering the MA Yoga course:
MA in Yoga Colleges in India
Given below are some of the best MA Yoga colleges in India. Let’s have a look at them:
MA in Yoga Admission Process 2025
The admission to Master of Arts in Yoga program is based on the institute type. Some universities offer direct admission on the basis of merit of the student. Given below is the detailed step by step admission process for the AAFT.
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the AAFT. Click on programs and then navigate to the Master of Arts Yoga program. The website will then redirect you to the program information page.
Step 2: For you to apply at AAFT, the candidate must be eligible for the course first. After checking your eligibility criteria, you can download the application form from the official website.
Step 3: Fill in the required details and then submit the application form. The form can also be collected in person from the campus counselors.
Step 4: The form can only be submitted after paying a registration fee which is INR 20,600 for a degree course. After the application submission, you’ll be required to give a AAFT GEE exam. It will be an online aptitude test, and after completing the online test, the student will need to go through a personal interview test.
Step 5: After getting selected in the interview, the student will need to submit a nominal booking amount in order to confirm their seat. After paying the booking fee, the student will be given an official admission letter from the institution.
Step 6: Now, student need to submit the first semester fees, along with their other educational certificates and documents.
Documents Required
- 10th and 12th Marksheets
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate
- Government-issued ID (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
- Transfer and Migration Certificates
- Entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
MA in Yoga Syllabus
The Master of Arts in Yoga syllabus dives deeper into the studies and science behind yoga. For your reference, given below is the MA Yoga Syllabus followed at University of Patanjali, Haridwar.
MA in Yoga Vs MSc in Yoga
Here is the comparison between 2 similar courses i.e. MA in Yoga and MSc in Yoga. The table below highlights the difference between the two courses:
MA in Yoga Jobs & Careers
After completing the MA Yoga course, students can explore various career paths in health, wellness, and education sectors:
After completion of the course, the graduates can also pursue higher studies. They can pursue a doctorate in yoga to enter the field of research or academia. Check PhD Yoga course.
MA in Yoga FAQs
Is an M.A Yoga helpful for becoming a certified yoga therapist in India?
Yes, an M.A Yoga is a great step if you want to become a certified yoga therapist. During the duration of the course you can learn about the Yoga therapy, anatomy, human biology, and mental health practices. You'll learn how to use yoga techniques to support people dealing with chronic illnesses, stress, anxiety, and other lifestyle disorders. Some universities even provide practicum-based training and clinical exposure that helps you apply yoga therapeutically. After completing the program, you can also go for additional certification if required by specific organizations or hospitals.
Can I open my own yoga studio after completing an M.A in Yoga?
Absolutely. After completing your course in M.A in Yoga, your practical skills improves and you get a deeper understanding of the theory and the science behind yoga. Majority of the programs cover teaching methodology, class planning, therapy models, and communication skills which are kind of important while starting your own studio. Also, during this you can also cater to different groups like children with medical conditions. With a degree like this, you can easily be confident and you build a professional setup, offer workshops, and even design your own wellness programs.
Does the MA Yoga course equip you for worldwide yoga teaching opportunities?
Yes, it does. A master's degree in yoga gives academic credibility to your resume, which is frequently a prerequisite for instruction at worldwide wellness centers, resorts, or yoga schools. The program enhances your proficiency in classical yogic scriptures, holistic health systems, and hands-on training, all highly sought after around the world. Most MA Yoga graduates end up teaching internationally or with global yoga communities, particularly if they pair their degree with English language proficiency or globally recognized certifications (such as Yoga Alliance or IAYT).
Is the MA Yoga program based on actual teaching experience or is it predominantly theoretical?
The majority of MA Yoga courses include an even combination of theory and practical training. You won't be reading from books alone—you'll be leading yoga classes, creating lesson plans, doing practicum modules, and even interning at health clinics some times. This practical aspect of the course will prepare you to teach in actual settings before you graduate. You’ll also gain experience in therapeutic yoga applications, posture corrections, and group instruction, which are vital if you’re planning a teaching or therapy career.
Can M.A. in Yoga help me start a career in online yoga or wellness content creation?
Yes, by availing digital wellness platforms you can begin creating your online content on yoga or wellness. An M.A. in Yoga provides you with a deeper understanding of yogic philosophy, anatomy, therapeutic practices, and teaching skills. Through this you can develop reliable and professional content for channels like YouTube, social media, online courses, or wellness apps.
Do I need to be an expert in yoga before joining the M.A. in Yoga course?
It's not necessary, while having background in yoga will help you in the long run but it's not mandatory for you to take admission in university. There are many institutions which start the course with basic topics like basic postures, fundamentals of yoga, etc, so even a begineer can learn. As long as you're passionate for the course your background doesn't matter, you just need to be physically fit and need to have a genuine interest.
