Message from the Principal on SBC Day 2026

Sielmat Bible College Day – 1st April 2026

Every year, the 1st of April is observed as Sielmat Bible College Day. On this occasion, I take the opportunity to create awareness among church members about Sielmat Bible College (SBC). This report has been prepared based on a study of SBC Board minutes, college souvenirs, the ICI Gospel Centenary Souvenir, and other relevant records.

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The Beginning

The first Bible school established by the Independent Church of India was the R. Dala Memorial Bible School, founded in 1940 at Senvon. When the mission headquarters was shifted from Senvon to Sielmat following the formation of the Indo-Burma Pioneer Mission (IBPM), the Bible school was relocated to Kangvai in 1956, and later to Sielmat.

In 1965, when the IBPM and the Independent Church parted ways, the R. Dala Memorial Bible School came under the IBPM and ceased to function under the Independent Church.

As the Independent Church progressed, the need for a Bible school was strongly felt by its leaders. Consequently, on 1st April 1980, Sielmat Bible School was established with 15 students in a mud-walled building.

In 1995, the institution was upgraded to a college and came to be known as Sielmat Bible College. From its humble beginnings in mud-walled structures, the college now stands with concrete buildings. We give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness.

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The First Leaders

• First Principal: Rev. Darsanglien Ruolngul
• First Teachers: Rev. Darsanglien Ruolngul and Rev. Lalngaisang
• First Registrar: Rev. H.B. Hluothang

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College Theme

“Rightly Handling the Word of Truth”
(2 Timothy 2:15)

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Objectives of the College

1. To teach evangelical doctrines based on the truth of the Bible
2. To train students in pastoral ministry, missionary work, and Christian service
3. To nurture spiritual growth, discipline, and Christ-like maturity
4. To equip students with effective methods of ministry in an ever-changing world
5. To facilitate ministry opportunities within and beyond the Independent Church of India

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Academic Programs

• Certificate of Theology
  Introduced in 1980 in the vernacular language (Hmar). Though currently discontinued, it remains part of the college’s vision to provide biblical training to lay members, subject to approval by church authorities.
• Graduate of Theology
  Started in 1990 and later discontinued following the introduction of the B.Th. program in 1994.
• Diploma in Theology
  Previously discontinued but reintroduced from the 2026–2027 academic session.
• Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
  Started in 1994 in English medium and accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA) since its inception.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
  Introduced in 2020 in English medium, with ATA accreditation granted in 2022.

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Student Statistics

To date, Sielmat Bible College has enrolled a total of 642 students. The majority are currently serving as pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in various capacities within the Independent Church of India and other mission agencies.

At present, the college has 43 students, of whom 19 are expected to graduate this year.

The new academic session will commence on 29th May 2026, and admissions are currently open.

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Serving While Studying

Sielmat Bible College provides students with opportunities to serve while pursuing their studies. Weekly outreach programs are conducted in and around Churachandpur, including visits to churches, nursing colleges, orphanages, rehabilitation centres, and other institutions.

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Infrastructure

1. Administrative Block and Classrooms
   The main building houses the administrative offices and classrooms.
2. Taisen Block
   Serves as the boys’ hostel.
3. Thangngur Block
   The ground floor functions as a boys’ hostel, while the upper floor houses the library.
4. Prayer Hall cum Conference Hall
   A newly completed building that serves as the chapel, prayer hall, and conference hall.
5. Staff Quarters
   Two staff quarters were completed in 2023, and two additional quarters have been completed this year.
6. Recreation Hall
   The former conference hall has been converted into a recreation hall equipped with various student facilities.
7. Kitchen and Dining Hall

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Staff

Currently, the college has 14 staff members. The institution is in need of additional lecturers.

We also thank God for the recent achievement of our lecturer, Dr. Carey Inbuon, who received his doctorate from the Senate of Serampore last month.