Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, or SSUS, is a state university set up in 1993 at Kalady, Kerala, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. Unlike regular universities, SSUS is special because it focuses on Sanskrit, Indian philosophy, cultural studies, and traditional art forms, while also offering modern programs. It is one of the few universities in India where students can study subjects like Sanskrit grammar, Ayurveda manuscripts, theatre, fine arts, dance, music, and painting under one roof.
The university has its main campus in Kalady and regional centres in Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirur, Payyannur, and Koyilandy, making it accessible across Kerala. It is well known for preserving ancient manuscripts, rare palm-leaf texts, and cultural heritage research. At the same time, it provides practical training in performing arts, stagecraft, and visual arts, which makes it unique among Indian universities.
SSUS is also recognised for its research output in Sanskrit and Indology, attracting scholars from across India and abroad. Students here not only learn through books but also by hands-on practice in art studios, theatre halls, and music rooms.
SSUS Highlights 2027
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute Name | SSUS |
| Established Year | 1993 |
| Institute Type | Public |
| Location | Ernakulam, Kerala |
| Recognitions | UGC |
| Top Courses Offered | BA |
| Admission Criteria | Merit and Entrance-Based |
| Entrance Exams Accepted | URET, UGC NET |
| Alumni | 5,000+ |
| Official Website | https://ssus.ac.in/ |
SSUS Courses and Fees 2027
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, offers BFA, BA, MA and MSW courses. Also, candidates with a mark of 45% in 10+2 are eligible for admission.
| Course | Specialisation | Eligibility | Duration | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | Music, Sanskrit | 10+2 with 45% marks | 3 Years | Merit-Based |
| BFA | Painting, Sculpture | 10+2 passed candidates | 4 Years | Merit-Based |
| MSW | General | Graduation with 50% | 3 Years | Merit-Based |
| MA | Music, Sanskrit, History, Dance, Theatre | BA with 50% marks | 2 Years | Merit-Based |
| M.Sc | Geography | B.Sc with a 50% score | 2 Years | Merit-Based |
| Ph.D. | Physical Education, Hindi, Geography, Dance, Theatre | Master’s degree | 3-5 Years | UGC NET/URET |
SSUS Admissions 2027
Admissions at SSUS are done mainly through entrance tests conducted by the university itself. For undergraduate courses like B.A. in Sanskrit, Dance, or Music, students need to have passed Class 12 with minimum marks fixed by SSUS. For postgraduate courses such as M.A. in Sanskrit, Fine Arts, or Theatre, admission is based on the entrance test performance plus academic record. For Ph.D. and M.Phil programs, candidates must clear the university research entrance test (U-RET) or have a valid UGC-NET/JRF score.
Application Process for Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala Admission 2027
- Visit the official website of the institute.
- Press the ‘Admission’ button at https://ssus.ac.in.
- Fill in the required details, such as name, mobile number, and secured marks, and select the course.
- Submit the application form.
SSUS Ranking 2026
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, was ranked between 151 and 200 under the ‘Overall’ category by the NIRF Rankings 2021. However, the institute’s 2025 rankings are unavailable.
| Year | Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NIRF | Overall | #151-200 |
SSUS Scholarship 2026
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, offers institute-level and government scholarships, such as the Merit Scholarships.
| Endowment Name | Awarded For |
|---|---|
| Sri. P.S. Subbarama Bhattar Memorial Endowment | Top mark in the 5th Sem. BA exam (Sanskrit Sahitya, Vyakarana, Nyaya, Vedanta, Skt. General) |
| Sri. V.R. Venkateswaran Memorial Endowment | Best student in B.A. and M.A. Sanskrit classes |
| Prof. N. Gopala Pillai Memorial Endowment | Best B.A. Sanskrit student continuing to M.A. Sahitya at the university |
| Prof. A. Balakrishna Warrier Memorial Endowment | The student who stands first in the M.A. Malayalam Final Examination |
SSUS Facilities
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, offers various campus facilities, such as classrooms, a library, canteens, labs and a health centre.
- Central Library – A large collection of Sanskrit manuscripts, rare texts, journals, and e-resources for research and academics.
- Regional Centres – Multiple campuses across Kerala to make education accessible to students from different regions.
- Hostels – Separate hostels for male and female students with a safe and student-friendly environment.
- Auditoriums & Seminar Halls – Used for cultural programs, performances, seminars, and academic events.
- Fine Arts Studios & Practice Halls – For students pursuing Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
- Computer & Language Labs – Equipped with modern tools for language learning, research, and digital studies.
- Sports & Recreation – Grounds and facilities for indoor and outdoor games, promoting student well-being.
- Canteen & Health Centre – Hygienic food services and basic medical care available on campus.
SSUS Faculty
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala, has the best core faculty. Candidates should check the detailed faculty of the SSUS, as mentioned below:
| Name | Designation | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. G. Sreevidya | Assistant Professor | Sanskrit General |
| Dr. H. Poornima | Professor | Sanskrit General |
| Dr. Padma Das K.L. | Assistant Professor | Sanskrit Sahitya |
| Dr. P.V. Narayan | Professor | Sanskrit Sahitya |
| Dr. K. Ramadevi Amma | Professor | Sanskrit Vedanta |
| Dr. S. Sheeba | Professor | Sanskrit Vedanta |
| Dr. K.G. Kumary | Professor | Sanskrit Nyaya |
| Dr. V. Vasudevann | Professor | Sanskrit Nyaya |
| Dr. S. Sivakumar | Assistant Professor | Sanskrit Nyaya |