Early Stage
In 1926, in order to honour the second founder of Serampore College, Dr. George Howells, Senate recommended Council to institute an honorary degree, Doctor of Divinity (D.D). It was in 1934, Senate decided to award Degree of Doctor of Divinity by thesis as well. In 1959, Senate decided that DD degree, awarded on the basis of thesis, be changed to Doctor of Theology (D.Th), and DD be reserved as an honorary degree.
It is interesting to note that the candidates with first or second class BD (Honours) were eligible for registration for this degree. This BD (Hons) course later changed into Master of Theology course form 1948. It is also to note that minimum age of thirty years, with five years of teaching/ministerial experience, or five years after passing BD degree, was prescribed for admission into the course. Candidates were required to do their own research, and submit the thesis for the award of the degree. There were not many who could succeed in their attempts to complete the course as not much help was provided to the students. An attempt was, then, made to make it an residential degree course.