Learn Sanskrit in 40 lessons to IGCSE level - Batch 1, Lessons 1-4 (1)

Sanskrit lessons are held every Monday, 1930-2100. This 40-lesson course from May 2025 to February 2026 is suitable for beginners. This is followed by two months of revision classes in preparation for the IGCSE exam at the end of April should one decide by the end of January 2026 to sit it.

Lessons are £15 each and paid for four lessons in advance.

The Zoom link will be found at the bottom of the confirmation email you receive on payment.

The teacher of the course, Dr Rishi Handa, an experienced teacher of Sanskrit and other Indian languages, as well as mathematics, religious studies, and philosophy.

His extensive experience has enabled him to streamline the Sanskrit course content to teach this beautiful and elegant language in such an efficient and enjoyable manner that prepares one to sit the IGCSE exam after just 12 months should they wish (decided by the end of January 2026). Students get to learn Sanskrit quickly and easily and make a lot of progress, even to look at translating verses from the Bhagavad Gita in October/November and Panchatantra stories in December. This current course is the sixth of Rishi's online Sanskrit courses since 2020.

Enquiries at rishi.elearning@gmail.com

A few testimonials from previous cohorts:

Sanskrit with Rishi has been a genuine pleasure. He wields some pedagogical sorcery to diminish the rote learning usually associated with learning Sanskrit. A veritable polyglot, Rishi often helps to explain grammatical concepts using examples from learners’ native languages. This, along with his boundless patience, makes Sanskrit accessible to all. Preparing for the IGSCE exam with Rishi makes me wish I had language teachers like him when I was in school!

- Dr Gaurav Prinja (Attained 179/180 in the IGCSE 2024 receiving the exam board's certificate of the highest mark in the world)

The best introductory Sanskrit course in English I was able to find (having tried others). A must for those who want to be able to read and write the language up to the level of understanding shlokas from the Bhagavadgītā and pass the IGCSE examination which has a well-balanced and sound syllabus.

Rishi is interested in the optimal ways to learn language, and this is reflected in the large amount of active in-class translation work by which students become familiar with using the grammatical rules. He is excellent in supplying all the necessary tables, texts, and revision materials at the appropriate time.

I found the lessons very enjoyable and replete with entertaining and relevant digressions.

- S.H.P. Steadman

Rare. Professional. Challenging at times. Effective. Rishi's Sanskrit course brings you from level 0 to a good understanding of the oldest language in the world, weaving in Indian philosophy and spirituality for a deeper comprehension of the wider setting it evolved in.

In less than a year, I learned to read and write Devanagari and understand basic Sanskrit texts. This requires commitment and regular work on the side, but the results are tangible. As a yoga teacher, this has deepened my understanding of the practice, its mantras and sutras, and the overarching Eastern philosophy that embraces it.

Thank you, Rishi, for your kind and professional academic guidance. Can't wait to learn more!

- Windy M.

Learning Sanskrit with Rishi has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience. Rishi's teaching style is exceptional, and it has made learning this elegant language an absolute delight. His passion for the language shines through in every session, and the enthusiasm he brings is infectious, inspiring you to want to know more. Anyone who joins will find themselves in capable hands and will thoroughly enjoy the journey of learning this beautiful language.

- Sumit Mistry

Dr Rishi Handa is an excellent Sanskrit teacher—knowledgeable, engaging, and patient. He explains complex ideas clearly and creates a supportive learning environment. His innovative teaching methods, using music and stories, make learning both fun and effective. I’ve also really appreciated Rishi’s understanding and compassion around my personal circumstances. It’s been a real privilege to learn from him.

- Sandeep Sood

I am very glad to have signed up for Rishi’s Sanskrit classes in May 2024 and they have exceeded my expectations to be able to read and understand Sanskrit to IGCSE level. While Sanskrit can be a very challenging language, Rishi tactfully and patiently takes his students on the journey and skilfully breaks down the complexity of the language to make it easier to grasp. I highly recommend the Sanskrit classes offered by Rishi to anyone who is keen to invest in a lifelong understanding of the Sanskrit language.

- Asmeeta B