IGCSE Sanskrit

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Summary Description
This is an intensive one year course that prepares all students to take the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Sanskrit exam covering the Cambridge stipulated syllabus. An extract from their current syllabus is:

The Cambridge IGCSE Sanskrit syllabus inspires learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of Sanskrit language and literature. Learners focus on skills of translation as well as appreciating literature which forms some of the foundations of Eastern traditions.
Study of the literature is enriched through the Epic Civilisation element of the IGCSE which places the texts in their philosophical, cultural, social and historical contexts.

Course Entry Prerequisites
Students must be knowledgeable of the Devanagari script and preferably have a basic and beginner’s level of Sanskrit grammar. There will be an ‘open evening for registered students’ on the first Thursday of June to clarify the course contents and set expectations before commencing the course. Students will also be given a home test to evaluate their current level before starting on the course.

Duration and Timings

One year duration. Batches usually start on second Thursday of June
2 sessions per week (attendance required for both sessions)
Thursdays 8-9pm & Saturdays 11-12noon (UK, Zoom-based)

Course Content
The course covers the Cambridge IGCSE Sanskrit syllabus. Full details of the content included is available via syllabus PDF link in the Syllabus published by Cambridge webpage.
Additional information is also available at the ISER webpage Cambridge IGCSE Info & Resources

Course Outcomes
The students are encouraged and recommended to take the IGCSE exams to ensure that sufficient number of students each year take the exams so that Cambridge continues to offer the Sanskrit exams in the future. However, it is not compulsory.

Students who sit the exams will obtain a recognised Cambridge IGCSE. Students will be equipped with the necessary tools to continue their learning further via two progression courses offered by Sanskrut Bhakti:

Higher Level 1 (Sanskrit@StJames Certificate)
Sanskrit and Scriptures

Course Requirements
Please note that this is an intensive course. Students will need to be committed and ensure that they have the time to attend all classes, if possible, and do additional self-study and homework. We will use resources which are freely available on ISER-website. Additional books may also be used.
The medium of instruction is English.
All course communication is via email and WhatsApp using Internet-links to course resources. Hence students must be capable of using these.

Course Costs
There is no course fee. There is an exam registration fee which varies by examination centre. All teaching and administration is on a purely voluntary basis. However, students may make a voluntary contribution to Sanskrut Bhakti to cover their essential administration costs e.g., Zoom, Google Drive etc. Details will be provided at the start of the course.
Online free learning resources are used wherever possible. Requirements for any additional books will be advised during the course e.g. Learn Sanskrit in 30 Days may be purchased from Hindu Sahitya Kendra (about £5 including postage)

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Anonymous

(IGCSE, 2023-24)

"I thoroughly ejoyed learning Sanskrut. The teachers are very helpful and all the sessions are well organised. ”

Ravindra Norman

"Prior to joining this course I had studied the St. James books. This gave me a good foundation , but with the course I got a far better understanding of all the aspects of the language, as well getting regular inspiration and motivation.”

Mandy Slater

"I’ve not looked back since I signed up with Sanskrit Bhakti for the iGCSE course. This is a wonderful community that are very welcoming and supportive with very dedicated (and patient) tutors. I’ve learned so much in a short time and am now addicted to Sanskrit. I can’t wait to take it further at the Higher Level.”

Devina Devalekar

"Namaste… I wanted to learn Sanskrit for many years. I got the opportunity last year, but at the same time I was going through topsy and turvy because of my health issues…I almost lost my self confidence before joining this class. At the beginning I struggled a lot to memorise what I was learning. Missed many classes, but that determination was always there. So never gave up.. To be honest, this course has helped me a lot in finding myself… all the teachers and their selfless support has given me that extra boost to complete my exam…I may not get the good grades this year but I’ve gained the confidence to achieve it better in coming year in new course. Many thanks everyone for your support. I look forward to learn Sanskrit with you all.. many thanks SB team..🙏🙏”

Sanjla Nautiyal

"When my friend mentioned the Sanskrit iGCSE program, I promptly enrolled, and it turned out to be the best choice ever. The sessions have always started well on time, ensuring no time is wasted. Jayeshji has consistently been punctual and very patient in elucidating concepts, rendering this journey much simpler than anticipated. This curriculum has enhanced my Sanskrit comprehension, enunciation, syntax, and interpretation abilities significantly. I extend gratitude to the instructors Jayeshji, Ajitji, Markji, Andal ji, and Dr. Shashi Mehta ji for their dedication, energy, and endeavors in addressing our queries and facilitating the journey. I would like to also extend my heartiest gratitude for providing me an opportunity to recite Gita Shlokas on the Geeta Jayanti Mahotsav and also participating in the annual Sanskrut Bhakti event was great fun!! I intend to persist in my pursuit and excel further. ”

Venkataraman Madhavan

"I am ever grateful to the entire team of Samskrit Bhakti especially Jayeshji, Markji, Ajitji and Lavanyaji for leading us through the journey of learning Sanskrit. With your encouragement I would definitely like to continue my learning. Namaskara and thank you once again!”

Jayasri Gadepalli

"Namaste ! It was indeed a great experience ! Jayesh ji, thank you so much for teaching us with great dedication and enthusiasm. I'm very grateful for your constant encouragement and support. It is with your encouragement that we appeared for the IGCSE exam. You were always open for ideas and discussions. My second year with Sanskrut Bhakti. Joined as a beginner in Ambi ji's class and followed the path of IGCSE. Cant wait to enroll for Higher level now. Thank you Jayesh ji, Ambi ji, Mark ji, Ajit ji, Lavanya ji and Divya ji for teaching us.”

Mark Ragupathy

"When I registered with Sanskrit Bhakti's IGCSE 2023/24 course, I was skeptical considering my limited Sanskrit Knowledge and the enormity of the syllabus. However attending the lessons, my doubts disappeared and confidence ensued as the online lesson plans were well laid out, and easily accessible with WhatsApp providing all the lesson materials. timetable, exercises, past papers with answers, recordings of the previous lessons, etc. Whilst, Bharatji provided excellent admin support and Jayesji assisted by Mayuk ji conducted twice-per-week tutoring step-by-step learning programs encouraging student participation and individual mentoring. Furthermore, optional tutorials were run by enthusiastic, experienced, and easily approachable tutors which helped with revision and doubt clearance. Sanskrit Bhakti's high calibre enabled me not only to achieve the highest grade on the exam but also progress to Higher Level course. I would strongly recommend it to any aspirant.”

Shivani Dandavate

"I am so overwhelmed and thrilled to say that my sanskrit (Devabhasha) learning journey with Sanskrut Bhakti was so mesmerising and wonderful throughout the year. It has been a fun learning great experience which always reminds me my golden old days of school.The respected teachers from Sanskrut Bhakti are not only knowledgeable, but also very humble, honest and supportive. A big thank to you all Sanskrut Bhakti Group for their valuable time and brilliant support throughout the whole year! No wonder, they got the name “Sanskrut-Bhakti”, a pure devotion towards our ancient DEVABHASHA sanskrit. I would definitely recommend Sanskrut Bhakti to my friends and family ,whoever interested in learning Sanskrit”

Geetha Sathyanarayana

"The teaching staff and support is second to none. I found them excellent, accessible, encouraging, and inspiring to do my best. We all are treated like a family in the Zoom classes which are enjoyable, and you are encouraged to participate fully. Their gentle push was enough to take the plunge and sit for GCSE exams. Glad I did that because it has made me more focussed, and enjoy the learning of this beautiful ancient language with analytical approach that challenges intellectually. All my Gurus work voluntarily with great humility. I am deeply grateful to their dedication in providing very pleasant ‘back to school’ experience for me after a long gap. I am very blessed to be part of the Sanskrit Bhakti Parivaar, who are passionate about learning and promoting the divine language, Sanskrit.”

Shuman Dasgupta

"I can't emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have been given the opportunity to study with Sanskrut Bhakti. The teaching staff are a highly committed and dedicated group of people who have supported me throughout this challenging course. The course also gave me the opportunity to engage in extra curricula activities such as doing recitations and meeting others in person and giving Sanskrit presentations. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. I am so fortunate to study with this group of people. The memory of this experience will stay with me forever.”

"I thoroughly enjoyed attending this course and highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to learn Sanskrit.The Teachers were very helpful as well.”

Harshvardhan Jaiswal

"When I decided to take Sanskrit as a subject for my IGCSE I was really worried as there were no prescribed books and course content. But then I found Sanskrut bhakti while searching on the internet. The support and guidance all through my one year of preparation has been so good. Regular weekly classes which happens without fail. Ability to stay connected with your mentor and have all your doubts and questions answered. This has been one of my greatest learning experiences. Specifically I will like to thank my teachers Jayesh ji and Mark ji, who kept encouraging me and shared with me all the relevant material & knowledge which made my Sanskrit learning so much easier. I have fallen in love with this language and will continue pursuing it.”

Arvind Mistry

"Attending Sanskrit IGCSE CLASS was interesting and educational. Jayeshji, Markji and Ajitji were very good at teaching Sanskrit. They were polite and always helpful. Though they are not professional teachers they fulfilled our needs professionally.”

Anjani Shintre

"Sanskrit Bhakti are doing a stellar job of teaching Sanskrit. I attended most of the biweekly classes on offer. They always began well on time and our teacher Shri Jayeshji slowly and patiently took the whole class from our dithering steps at first to a far more confident walk with our reading, pronunciations, grammar and translations. Thanks to all the teachers, Markji, Ajitji, Jayramji, and many more ,all voluntarily giving up their precious time and efforts to make sure that this language Sanskrit, that forms a bedrock of our culture and civilization, our philosophy and Dharma is passed on to the next generations. My Namaskars and sincere gratitude to everyone in Sanskrit Bhakti. Thank you.”

Sangeeta Krishnan

"I have enjoyed my journey with SB. The teachers are marvelous -- dedicated, involved and ready to help.”

Shashidhar Kadaba Biligiri

"I'm thankful for Sanskrut Bhakti for making it possible to embark on my journey in Samskritam. Whether it's for the beginner who's looking to make a start Sanskrit learning or someone with more than a basic knowledge of Sanskrit, this is the course for one to be taking. Jayeshji has been so fabulous and patient in handling a group of people who were at different levels in their Sanskrit learning. It was a very fruitful and enjoyable experience overall. I'd definitely like to contribute in my own little way in future. जयतु संस्कृतं जयतु संस्कृति ”

Valli Venkayamma Puppala

"All teachers at SB provided dedicated service with patience to teach and answer all the doubts. ”

Dr. Chirag Parikh

(IGCSE, 2022-23)

"The IGCSE curriculum was well structured and all the teachers were helpful and supportive in helping us prepare for the examination.The peer learning was also very helpful.”

(IGCSE, 2021-22)

"I cannot believe that I was a complete beginner and total stranger to this great language up until 2 years ago. Thanks to the knowledge , commitment and dedication of the SB team of volunteer teachers and administrators I had a very inspiring and rewarding journey and continues to enjoy every session however challenging.”

"Joining Sanskrit Bhakti in order to learn Sanskrit has given me a great opportunity in getting involved in reading some of the most Divine & ancient texts of our Bharatvansh. So far, this has been an absolutely enjoyable journey not only into our Scriptures, but also back into the fun-filled childhood days at school. The unwavering support of all the teachers with continuous encouragement and patience helpes me to understand the language, taking me into our rich herritage. The journey goes on.....”

Aarti Sethia

"The dedication of the Gurus & support team is exemplary. This Sanskrit family inspires and educates in a patient, accessible and ultimately soulful experience. Whether you are good at studies or not, this team enables its students to flourish. A wonderful and uplifting experience!”

Shaila Pai

"I joined Sanskrut Bhakti classes as an absolute beginner with a great amount of trepidation. I need not have worried. My teachers were very kind, patient, encouraging and were very knowledgeable and motivated. I have made lifelong friendships and the Sanskrut Bhakti team feels like a big happy family. I am very grateful to all my teachers for all the help I got.”

Rashmi Shah

"This is wonderful course and all the gurus were very helpful. Apart from regular lessons the school had organised support classes who needed extra help and also created study groups towards exams for revision and help everyone. ”

Anjali Joshi

"I was in the first batch of Sanskrut Bhakti classes 2021. Online Classes with Sanskrut Bhakti have been so worthwhile! It has made a huge impact on my understanding of the Sanskrit language. It was a fun learning experience with our respected teachers. I have experienced a memorable journey of our classes and discussions with everyone which I am grateful for. A big thank you to all my respected teachers.”

Vimi Woodun

"I have started learning Sanskrit through the Sanskrut Bhakti team right in the middle of the pandemic! From the outset, it has been a wonderful experience. I am indebted to the Teachers/Gurujis for their hard work, dedication, understanding and for putting all their efforts in ensuring everyone is happy learning our divine language. Knowing each other only through Zoom classes & WhatsApp groups can only be defined as a deep soul connection, where we all have the same core values and beliefs.”

Dr Mayukh Gayen

"I attended the 2021-22 batch of the Sanskrit classes in preparation for the IGCSE exam in 2022. The teaching was absolutely brilliant and supportive with the teachers, extremely devoted and approachable, taught and addressed all queries from all students with utmost care and patience. It was a steep learning curve in the beginning, later focused on strengthening the foundations of the Sanskrit language. It was interesting to get different perspectives of a single topic from various teachers. Overall it resulted in a lifelong relationship with the teachers and fellow students, all in their quest of achieving excellence in Sanskrit together.”

Dr Indira Anand

"The deep interest, total dedication, and personal attention with which our teachers help us learn Sanskrit is nothing short of ‘Bhakti’. No wonder they call it Sanskrut Bhakti. We are deeply indebted to them for their voluntary and willing service.”

Dr Chandra Thanki

"I attended the Sanskrut Bhakti IGCSE Zoom classes and also managed to attempt the IGSCE exam covering Sanskrit Grammar and Epic Civilisation.I found the style of teaching, the brilliant support and the subsequent help with preparation for the exam really admirable. The teachers ( our Gurus) were very professional , supportive, and patient. I can not thank them enough for inspiring me to do my best, together with the help and attention they gave me. I would certainly recommend Sanskrut Bhakti classes to all interested in learning this beautiful ancient but grammatically precise language and Epic Civilisation of India.“

Dr Prameswara Iyer Ambikapathy

"My year of IGCSE Studentship was a very pleasant experience – with lots of fun and fears (which were negated by the Bhaktiful teachers!)”

Harsha Somiaya

"Best style of teaching by the most learned & friendly teachers with noble intentions. Thoroughly enjoyed the IGCSE course. Now I, a complete beginner, can fully write & actually read & understand some sanskrit & slokas. Absolutely recommend to anyone interested in learning Sanskrit”.

संस्कृत भक्ति

~ जयतु संस्कृतम् ~

संस्कृत भक्ति

~ जयतु संस्कृतम् ~

IGCSE Sanskrit