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Understanding Course Preferences and Major Declaration at Ashoka University

  • BachelorsDegreeXpert
  • May 17
  • 3 min read

Ashoka University offers one of the most flexible undergraduate academic systems in India. Unlike traditional Indian colleges where you lock into a degree stream from day one, Ashoka allows you to explore, experiment, and then choose.


But during the application, you’re asked to indicate your course preferences — and many applicants wonder:Does this affect my chances of getting in? Is it binding? What if I change my mind later?


In this blog, we explain:

  • What “course preference” means in the application

  • How and when you actually declare a major

  • Competitive majors and GPA thresholds

  • What to keep in mind while filling this section


Ashoka University Majors


What Are Course Preferences in the Ashoka Application?

Ashoka asks applicants to list three majors in order of preference during the application process.

This is not a binding commitment — it simply helps the admissions team understand:

  • Your academic interests

  • Your motivation for applying

  • Your future goals and fit with Ashoka’s offerings

The preferences you select will not affect your chances negatively. You won’t be judged for picking an “easy” or “popular” major — Ashoka looks at your entire profile holistically.


What Happens After You Get In?

Once admitted, you enter the Foundational Courses phase — a set of interdisciplinary core subjects that all undergraduates must complete during their first three semesters. These include:

  • Literature & the World

  • Principles of Science

  • Introduction to Critical Thinking

  • Environmental Studies

  • Mathematical Thinking

You don’t need to declare your major until the third semester (typically midway through your second year).

This means you have over a year to:

  • Explore new subjects

  • Discover hidden interests

  • Understand what major fits you best academically and professionally


How Many Majors or Minors Can You Take at Ashoka University?

Ashoka offers the following options:

Track

What It Means

Single Major

One primary discipline (e.g., Economics)

Major + Minor

Primary + one additional subject

Double Major

Two full majors (more credits required)

Interdisciplinary Major

Combined programs like PPE (Politics, Philosophy, Economics)

ASP (Ashoka Scholars Programme)

An optional 4th year for advanced study or research

Many students start with one major and add a minor or switch based on what they discover in their early semesters.

What Are Competitive Majors at Ashoka University?

Some majors — especially Economics and Computer Science — are high in demand and have GPA eligibility requirements for declaration.

For example:

  • To major in Economics, students must meet a minimum GPA in the required Economics and Math gateway courses.

  • For Computer Science, there may be prerequisites in Calculus, Logic, and Programming.

These criteria are published every year. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a seat if demand exceeds capacity.

Tip: If you're applying to a competitive major, show your readiness and motivation through your essays, book list, and academic history.

How to Fill the Course Preference Section (Application Form Tips)

  1. List Three PreferencesYou can include both pure and interdisciplinary majors. For example:

  2. 1st: Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE)

  3. 2nd: Computer Science

  4. 3rd: English & Creative Writing

  5. Write a Short ExplanationAshoka may ask you to explain your interest in each preference. Be concise, authentic, and specific — mention:

  6. Why this field excites you

  7. A book, project, or life experience that sparked your interest

  8. How Ashoka’s program will support your goals

  9. Don’t Overthink StrategyThis section is not scored or used to restrict your options later. Be honest.


Can I Change My Major After Admission?

Yes. You are not bound to the preferences you mention in your application. You can:

  • Explore different departments during your first year

  • Attend major info sessions and speak to faculty

  • Declare a different major than what you listed

  • Even switch majors after declaring, within academic guidelines


Final Thoughts

The course preference section in Ashoka’s application is not a test — it’s an invitation to reflect on your interests and aspirations.

Take the time to think about what excites you. But know that Ashoka's structure gives you the freedom to change, grow, and even be surprised by where your intellectual journey takes you.

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