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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