Yoga Certification Board

Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India

Website- www.yogacertificationboard.nic.in

SYLLABUS

Yoga Master

 YOG Certification Board

Syllabus for Yoga Master

(YM)

1. Name of the Certification: Yoga Master (YM)
2. Requirement/ Eligibility:
a. For open candidates there is no eligibility criteria
b. For admission in the course it is suggested/ desired that the candidate should be
graduate in any stream from a recognized University or equivalent. However, the
Yoga Institutions can define their own eligibility.
3. Brief Role Description: Shall act as Master Educator/ Trainer in Yoga Educational
programs. Skilled professionals can teach, evaluate & assess for all categories of
certification under Yoga Training and Education & will be a guiding force.
4. Minimum age: No age limit
5. Personal Attributes: The job requires individual to have good communication skills, time
management skills and ability to understand the body language of the trainees. The job
requires individual to possess key qualities such as self discipline, confidence, maturity,
patience, compassion, active listening, time management, empathy, language proficiency,
engaging with students, dedication to teaching, ability to build caring relationships with
students, friendly and approachable, independent, credibility, analytical skills, etc.
6. Credit points for certificate: 92 credits
7. Duration of course: Not less than 1600 hours.
8. Mark Distribution: Total Marks: 200 (Theory: 120+Practical: 80)

Unit Unit Name Marks

No.
1. Philosophical Foundation of Yoga 30
2. Principles and Practices of Yoga in Traditional Texts 30
Theory
3. Allied Science 30
4. Applied Yoga 30
Total 120

Unit Practical Work Marks

No.
1. Demonstration Skills 15

2. Teaching Skills 15
Practical
3. Evaluation Skills 20
4. Application of knowledge 20
5. Field Experience 10
Total 80

Note: The students who have done PG, M.Sc. in Yoga from the YCB accredited institute, will
be given exemption of 10 marks in field experience work. The candidate will be awarded
field experience marks after producing certified copy of field experience from his/her
institute.

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Theory Syllabus

UNIT 1 Philosophical Foundation of Yoga

1.1 Origin and General history and Development of Yoga( Pre vedic to contemporary
Period) Definitions of Yoga in different Yoga texts, Aim, Objectives and
Misconceptions about Yoga, True Nature and Principles of Yoga.
1.2 Meaning and Objectives of Darshana; Branches of Indian Philosophy; Nature of Yoga
in Bharatiya Darshana(Indian Philosophy); Salient Features of Shad Drashana;
Distinction between Indian Philosophy and Western Philosophy. Essence of Samkhya
Yoga and Vedanta Darshana ; General introduction to Nastika Darshana and their
Practices.
1.3 Introduction to Vedas and Upanishads, Prasthanatrayee & Purushartha Chatushtaya;
Yoga in Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata; Nature of Yoga in Smritis, Puranas, Aagamas
and Tantras; Concept of Pancha-Kosha; concept of Nadi, Prana, Kundalini in Tantra,
Elements of Yoga in Narada Bhakti Sutra.
1.4 Evolution of Yoga: Pre vedic to contemporary Period.
1.5 Yoga in Medieval period: Features of Natha Parampara, Bhakti Yoga of Medieval saints,
Characteristics of Yoga in Narada Bhakti Sutras, Yoga in the Literature of Saints-
Kabirdas, Tulasidas and Surdas.
1.6 Elements of Yoga in Jainism(concept of syadvada, Ratnatrya, Kayotarga
Buddhism(concept of Aryasatyas, Arya-ashtangika-marga & Vipasana)and Sufism, Sufi
Meditation Techniques, Characteristics of Yoga in Sikhism, Elements of Sahaja Yoga or
Nama Yoga of Guru Nanak.
1.7 Yoga in Modern times : Yoga Traditions of Sri Ramakrishna an Swami Vivekananda,
Integral Yoga of Shri Aurbindo, Yoga of Maharishi Raman and Swami Dayanand
Saraswati, Yoga Paramparas from modern to contemporary times, contribution of
different Yoga guru in the development of Yoga.
1.8 Yoga in Contemporary Times: Knowledge of Yoga Parmparas(lineages) of
contemporary times; Yoga Parmpara of Yogacharya Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Swami
Rama of Himalayas, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari and their
contributions for the development and promotion of Yoga.
1.9 Schools of Yoga: Introduction to Schools (Streams) of Yoga.
1.9.1 Yoga Schools with Vedanta Tradition (Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, and Dhyana)
1.9.2 Yoga Schools with Samkhya Yoga Tradition (Patanjali Yoga)
1.9.3 Yoga Schools with Tantric Tradition (Hath Yoga, Swara Yoga and Mantra Yoga)

UNIT 2 Principles and Practices of Yoga in Traditional Texts

2.1 Principle Upanishads: Introduction to Upanishads, Essence of Principle Upanishads ;

Yogatattva in Principle Upanishads, Concept of Panchkosha, Tri-sharir, Omkara
Upasana; Ashtanga Yoga in Principle Upanishad.
2.2 Yogopanishads : Introduction to Yogopanishads ; Essence of Yogopanishads

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2.3 BhagavadGita: General Introduction to Bhagavad Gita (B.G.) and its traditional
commentaries, their commentators, Essence of Bhagavadgita as a synthesis of karma,
Bhakti and Jnana Yoga; concept of sthitaprajna stages and characteristic of it. Relevance
of Samkhya Yoga and Atman(Purusha), Jivatman in Bhagavadgita and Jnana Yoga in the
context of Bhagavadgita; concept of karma Yoga, Nishkam Karma and Karma Phala;
Concept of Bhakti Yoga; features of Bhakt; Nature of Bhakti, Means and End of
Bhakti-Yoga; Nature of Dhyana as described in Bhagavadgita; concept and classification
of Ahara and Triguna as described in B.G; Importance of Bhagavadgita in day to day life.
2.4 Patanjali Yoga Sutra:
2.4.1 Introduction to Patanjala Yoga Darshana, knowledge of Traditional
commentaries and commentators of Patanjala Yoga Sutra, Metaphysics of
Samkhya and its relationship with Yoga Darshana of Patanjali, Concept of
Purusha Prakrati, twenty-five entities according to Samkhya, Tapatryas;
Relationship between Samkya and Yoga Darshana, concept of Anthakaranas,
Chitta, Chitta-Bhumis.
2.4.2 Concept of, chitta-vritti, chitta-vritti-nirodhopaya, concept of Ishwar and its
relevance in Yogasadhana, Qualities of Ishwar, Ishwaraparidhana. Chitta-
Vikshepas (Antarayas)and concept of chitta-prasadanam, Relevance of Chitta-
prasadanam in Yoga Sadhana. Types and nature of Samadhi in Yoga Sutra,
Ritambharaprajna and Adhyatmaprasada; Difference between Samapatti and
Samadhi.
2.4.3 Kriya Yoga of Patanjali, Concept of Kleshas, Heya, Hetu, Haana and
Hanopaya,Viveka-khyati; Significance of each limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
2.4.4 Concept of Vibhutis, Ashtha Siddhis and their relevance in Yoga Sadhana,
concept of Parinamas and their relevance in Yoga Sadhana, Essence of Kaivalya
in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
2.5 Hatha Yoga Texts:
2.5.1 Knowledge of Hatha Yoga and Hatha Yoga Texts- Siddhasiddhanta paddhati,
Hatha Pradeepika, Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Ratnavali and Shiva
Samhita;Hathayogiparampara;
2.5.2 Importance of Hatha and its secrecy prerequisites of Hatha Yoga (dasha yama
and dasha niyama);
2.5.3 Constructive (Sadhaka) and Destructives (Badhaka) tattvas in Hatha Yoga;
Concept of Mattha, Mitaahara, Pathya and Apathya;
2.5.4 Shatkarma :- Knowledge of shatkarma theirTechniques benefits, precautions
and contraindications mentioned in different Hatha Yogic Texts; Application
and relevance of shatkarma in modern Days;
2.5.5 Yogasana: Knowledge of Yogasana, their Techniques, benefits, precautions and
contraindications mentioned in different Hatha Yogic Texts; Application and
relevance of Yogasana in modern Days;
2.5.6 Pranayama: : Knowledge of Pranayama, their Techniques, benefits, precautions
and contraindications mentioned in different Hatha Yogic Texts; Application
and relevance of Pranayama in modern Days.
2.5.7 Bandha & Mudra: Knowledge of Bandha & Mudra their Techniques, benefits,

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precautions and contraindications mentioned in different Hatha Yogic Texts;

Application and relevance of Bandha & Mudra in modern Days.
2.5.8 Concept of Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi in different Hatha Yoga
Texts. Concept and importance of Nada and Nadanusandhana in
HathaPradeepika, Four stages of Nadanusandhana; Relationship between
Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga.
2.6 Yoga Vasishtha
2.6.1 Introduction and Highlights of Yoga Vasishtha, Definitions of Yoga and their
relevance. Concept of Mind: World is the projection of Mind; Manah
Prashamanah upayah Yoga: Mind control through abhyasa (practice) and
vairagya (detachment).
2.6.2 Concept of Jnana: Jnana Saptabhumika, importance of knowledge and types
of knowledge, Management of Mind and emotions-enhancing the power of
discrimination (Viveka).
2.6.3 Prana and Pranayama: Control of breathing; the story of Kakabhushanda,
Understanding of the Concept of Adhi and Vyadhi;
2.6.4 Concept of Samadhi and Moksha: Good Association; Self Enquiry;
Development of Satvaguna (Good virtues), Eight Limbs of Meditation.

UNIT 3 Allied Science:

3.1 Anatomy & Physiology of Human body and Human Psychology

3.1.1 Introduction to cell, tissue, organs and organ systems; Basic physiology and
functions of organelles of cell ; Osmosis Process across the cell; Mechanism of
Homeostasis; Blood Composition; structure and Functions of component of
blood; Immunity and body defence mechanism, Platelets and Blood clotting.
Blood groups and their importance. Macrophage. Lymphatic system and
lymph.
3.1.2 Musculoskeletal systems: Skeleton - Structure and functions of bone; name of
bone of different skeleton; Classification of Bone and Joints; Definition of
joints and muscles, cartilage, tendon and ligaments; structure of spine, muscles
and their functions; classification of Skeletal muscles - Properties of skeletal
muscles, Mechanism of Muscular contraction and relaxation, Neuromuscular
junction, Sarcotubular system, Smooth muscle- mechanism of contraction
3.1.3 Digestive and Excretory system: Anatomy and Physiology of digestive &
excretory system- structural organization of digestive & excretory system,
mechanism of digestive & excretory system digestive system, Functions of
digestive & excretory system; Dialysis
3.1.4 Cardiovascular and respiratory system: : Anatomy and Physiology of
Cardiovascular and respiratory system- structural organization of
Cardiovascular and respiratory system , mechanism of Cardiovascular and
respiratory system, Functions of Cardiovascular and respiratory system.
3.1.5 Nervous system: Anatomy and Physiology of Nervous system; structural
organization of Nervous system, mechanism of Nervous system, Functions of

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Nervous system.
3.1.6 Endocrine system: Location, functions of Endocrine hor mones
(Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Pancreas, gonads).
3.1.7 Immune system and special sense: Component organs of immune system,
Functions of immune system; Special senses:- Structure and function of eye, ear,
nose, tongue and skin.
3.1.8 Reproductive system: Anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive
systems; functions of Reproductive System.

3.2 Dietetics and Nutrition

3.2.1 Definition of nutrition and food, Functions of Food; Components of Food &
their Classification; Macro and Micro Nutrients –Sources, Functions and effects
on the Body; Significance of Carbohydrate, Proteins, Lipids, Vitamins, Minerals
and Water in the body;
3.2.2 Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Its definition, Normal values, factor affecting BMR
Special dynamic action of food. Concept of Metabolism, Anabolism,
Catabolism and Calorie Requirement.
3.2.3 Definition of Energy, Components of Energy Requirement, Factors affecting
Energy Requirement and Expenditure.
3.2.4 Definition of Balanced diet; Role of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, Vitamins and
Minerals in diet, Recommended dietary allowances
3.3 Yoga and Ayurveda:
Meaning, definition, Aim and Objectives of Ayurveda; Basic Principles of Ayurveda-
Tridosha, Triguna, Saptadhatu, trimala, Pancha Mahabhuta, Prakruti and Manas;
Concept of Health and Disease according to Ayurveda, Relationship between Ayurveda
and Yoga.

3.4 Yoga and Naturopathy :

3.4.1 Definition of Nature Cure; Fundamentals and Principles of Naturopathy;
Arogya Rakshaka Panchatantras and their importance in maintaining good
health and prevention of Disease;significance of Physical and Mental Hygiene in
Personal Life and Prevention of Diseases.
3.4.2 Importance of Detoxification in Naturopathy. Relationship between Yoga and
Nisargopachar; Role of Yoga and Nisargopachar in the management of life style
related Disorders.
3.4.3 Concept of Health and Disease in Indian Systems of Medicine Naturopathy.

UNIT 4 Allied Yoga:

4.1 Yoga as an Education:

4.1.1 Education- Definition of Education, Salient features of Yoga Education;

Factors of Yoga Education; Teacher, Student and Curriculum, Guru-shishya
parampara and its importance in Yoga Education.
4.1.2 Value Education, its meaning and definitions, types of values, value-oriented
education and modes of living, role of value oriented education; contribution of
Yoga towards development of values;

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4.1.3 Salient features of ideal Yoga teacher, role of Yoga teacher in value-oriented
education, role of Yoga in development of human society; Yogic Concepts for
the Development of Four Fold Consciousness - Civic Sense, Patriotic Urge,
Service Zeal and Spiritual Growth.
4.1.4 Teaching and Learning: Concept and Relationship between the two.
4.1.5 Physio-psychology
4.2 Yoga for Health & Well Being
4.2.1 Definition & Importance of Health according to WHO; Dimensions of
Health: Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual level.
4.2.2 Concepts of Trigunas, Pancha-mahabhutas, Pancha-prana and their role in
Health and Healing; Concept of Pancha-koshas & Shat-chakra and their role in
Health and Healing.
4.2.3 Heyamdukhamanagatam; Potential causes of Ill-health: Tapatrayas and
Kleshas, Physical and Physiological manifestation of Disease (Vyadhi, Alasya,
Angamejayatva and Ssvasa-prashvasa); Role of Yoga in preventive health care.
4.2.4 Mental and Emotional ill Health: Concept of Antarayas (Styana, Samshaya,
Pramada, Avirati, Bhranti-darsana, Alabdha-bhumikatva, Anavasthitatva,
Duhkha and Daurmanasya); Role of Yoga in Mental and Emotional Health.
4.2.5 Yogic Diet - General Introduction of Ahara; Concept of Mitahara; Pathya and
Apathya according to Gheranda Samhita, Hathapradeepika and Bhagavad
Gita;Importance of Yogic Diet in Yog Sadhana and its role in healthy living;
Diet according to the body constitution (Prakriti) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha as also
Gunas.
4.2.6 Yogic Principles of Healthy Living: Ahara, Vihara, Achara and Vichara; Role of
Yogic Positive Attitudes (Maitri, Karuna, Mudita and Upeksha) for Healthy
Living, Concept of Bhavas and Bhavanas with its relevance in Health and well-
being.
4.3 Yoga and Psychology:
Concept of Psychology, Meaning, definition and nature of consciousness as described
in Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagwad Gita, Yogasutra and Yogavashishtha; Spiritual and
scientific approach to human consciousness. Yogic Method of elevation of human
consciousness: Bhaktiyoga, Jnanyoga, Karmayoga, Mantrayoga, Ashtangayoga,
Hathayoga.
4.4 Yoga for Stress Management:
Knowledge of Stress and its consequences; Yogic Perspective of Stress; Yogic
principles for the management of Stress and its consequences; Concepts and
Techniques of Stress Management in Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali and Bhagavad Gita,
specific practices for stress management, breath awareness, shavasana, Yoganidra,
pranayama and meditation, impact of yogic lifestyle on stress management.
4.5 Yoga and Sports:
Significance of Yoga in Physical Education & Sports, Dimensions of Physical Fitness:
Strength, Endurance and Flexibility; Indicators of Mental Fitness: Concentration, Will-
Power and Mental Strength and Cognitive abilities; Role of Yoga Practices for Physical
and Mental Health: Shatkriyas, Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra and Dhyana;
Importance of Yogic lifestyle in improving efficacy in sports personnel.

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Practical Syllabus
A. Demonstration Skills
1 Prayer
1.1 Concept of Pranav and hymns
1.2 Recitation of Pranav and Soham japa
1.3 Selected universal prayers & invocations and Nishpatti Bhava.
2 Shatkarmas
2.1 Dhauti (Kunjal and Vastra dhauti,
2.2 Neti (Sutra and Jala),
2.3 Kapalbhati( Vatkrama, Vyutkarma and Sheetkrama)
2.4 Nauli
2.5 Trataka
2.6 Laghoo and Poorna sankhaprakshalana
3 Sukshma Vyayama, Sthula Vyayama and Suryanamaskar-
3.1 Ucharan-sthal-tathtavishudhichakrashudhi
3.2 Budhitathadritishakivikasaka
3.3 Medhashaktivikasaka
3.4 Kapolshaktivikasaka
3.5 Grivashakti vikasak
3.6 Vakshasthalshaktivikasaka (i and ii)
3.7 Katishaktivikasaka (i,ii,iv,v)
3.8 Janghaskativikasaka (i,ii)
3.9 Pindalishkativikasaka
3.10 Hridgati and sarvangpushti.
3.11 Yogic Surya Namaskar of BSY, Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari and its
Variations.
4. Yogasana (yogic postures)
4.1 Standing Postures: Tadasana, Ardhakati chakrasana, Hastapadasana,
Ardhachakrasana, Trikonasana, Parivritta trikonasana, Parsvakanasana,
Veersana,
4.2 Sitting postures: Paschimottanasana, Suptavajrasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana,
Vakrasana, Marichasana, Malasana, Badhakanasana, Merudandasana,
Akarna dhanurasana, Gumukhasana,
4.3 P r o n e p o s t u r e s : B h u j a n g a s a n a , S a l a b h a s a n a , D h a n u r a s a n a ,
Urdhvamukhosvanasana, Makarasana,
4.4 Supine postures: Halasana, Chakrasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana,
Shavasana, Setubandhasana,
4.5 Balancing postures: Vrikshasana, Garudasana, Namaskarasana, Tittibhasana,
Natrajasana
5. Pranayama Knowledge and Demonstrated ability to perform following practices
and Pranyama(with Antar & Bahya Kumbhaka)
5.1 Breath awareness,
5.2 Sectional breathing,
5.3 Nadishodhan Pranayama
5.4 Bhastrika Pranayama, Ujjai Pranayama,
5.5 SuryaBhedi and Chandrabhedi Pranayama
5.6 Sitali Pranayama, Sitkari Pranayama
5.7 Bhramari Pranayama (with Antar & Bahya Kumbhaka)

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6. Practices leading to Meditation:

6.1
Pranav and Soham Japa,
6.2
Yoga Nidra,
6.3
Antarmauna,
6.4
Ajapa Dharana
6.5
Practices leading to Breath Meditation, Practices leading to Om Meditation,
Practices leading to Vipassana Meditation, Practices leading to Preksha
Meditation
7. Bandhas and Mudras:
7.1 Jivha Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Mula Bandha, Maha
Bandha,
7.2 Yoga Mudra, Maha Mudra, Shanmukhi Mudra, shambhavi mudra, Vipareet
Karni Mudra
B. Teaching Skills (Methods of Teaching Yoga)
1. Concept and Principles of Teaching and Learning; Teaching Levels; Qualities
of Yoga Guru; Yogic Levels of learning, Vidyarthi, Shishya, Mumukshu;
Meaning and scope of Teaching Methods and Factors influencing them;
sources of Teaching Methods; Role of Yoga Teachers and Teacher Training
Techniques of Individualized; Teaching Techniques of group teaching;
Techniques of mass instructions; Organization of teaching(Time
Management, Discipline, etc).
2. Education: Meaning, Definition, Aim, Objectives and Imporatnce; Salient
Features of Yoga Education.
3. Essentials of Good Lesson Plan: concepts, needs, planning of teaching Yoga
(Shodhanakriya, Asana, Mudra, Pranayama & Meditation); use of the
Teaching Aid.
4. Models of Lesson Plan; need for a lesson plan and content of the lesson plan.
5. Presentation of the Yoga classroom: Essential features, Area, Sitting
arrangement in Yoga class, Student's approach to the teacher: Pranipaata;
Pariprashna; Seva.
C. Assessment Skills:
Concept of Measurement, Assessment, Test and Evaluation; Evaluation: its meaning,
Definition, Need, Scope and Purpose; Principles of Evaluation, Assessment and
knowledge of conducting exams; Characteristics of Evaluation: Validity and Reliability;
Types of Assessment: Formative and Summative; Process and Advantages of
Assessment; Assessment Devices: Examination, Interview, Group Discussion,
Questionnaire; etc. Assessment of Feedback Forms; Assessment of Programmes,
Institutions, Yoga Centres.
D. Administrative /Mentoring Skills
Interpersonal relationship between teacher and student (guru and shishya); role and
responsibilities of Yoga Guru.