Guidelines for Admission International Students in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes in Higher Educational Institutions in India. India, which is one of the largest higher education systems in the world, enrolls from 164 different countries . The most common courses students enroll in are arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, technology, medicine, dentistry, law, and commerce/business.

Academic Session of Indian University

The academic year-session for most colleges and central, state and deem universities in India starts in July or August. It ends in May or June.

Indian Universities Academic Programs for International Student

Instruction is in English. India offers a wide range of academic programs. It usually takes 3 years to obtain a bachelor’s degree in India. Specialized courses like engineering, architecture, law, or medicine can take 4–5 years. Many Indian universities accept SAT scores from both domestic and international students in place of their own entrance exams. Here is an overview of the university application process and requirements in India, as well as the role College Board programs and assessments, such as the SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP), can play in the admissions process.

UGC Guideline for Foreigner Students

1. Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) can accept international students based on the equivalency of their entry qualifications. This equivalency will be assessed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or any other UGC-recognized body, as well as the relevant regulatory authorities in the country. HEIs should implement a clear and open admission process for these international applicants.

2. HEIs are allowed to set aside up to 25% of their total enrollment capacity for international students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The decision to allocate these 25% supernumerary seats must be made by the respective institutions, following specific guidelines from regulatory bodies, taking into account their infrastructure, faculty, and other necessary factors.

3. The 25% supernumerary seats for international students do not include those participating in exchange programs or through any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between institutions or between the Government of India and other nations.

4. Depending on the available infrastructure and qualified faculty, efforts should be made to distribute these 25% seats across all departments, schools, centers, or any other academic units within the institution, whenever feasible.

5. These supernumerary seats are exclusively reserved for international students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. If a seat in this category remains unfilled, it cannot be given to anyone other than an international student. For this purpose, an international student is defined as someone holding a foreign passport.

6. The establishment of supernumerary seats for international students must be officially approved by the statutory bodies of the HEIs, in line with the guidelines and regulations set forth by the relevant regulatory authorities.

7. The allocation of supernumerary seats in professional and technical institutes will be subject to their respective regulations.

Indian University Application Process

When you apply to colleges and universities in India, you typically apply to a specific course of study, instead of deciding your course of study or academic major after enrollment.

Indian University Deadlines for Apply

Admission windows for many undergraduate and post-graduation courses begin in April and end the June before the academic year begins. Some institutions and university open their application process as early as October, with entrance exams given as early as December. We recommend that you check your preferred university’s website or contact the admissions office to confirm dates and deadlines for the application process.

International  Student Documentation and Visa Requirements

It’s common for admissions requirements to vary by discipline or academic major. Check for the list of documentation required for your application and post-selection student visa once you receive your letter of acceptance. Visit the India embassy in your country to learn more about student visa requirements.

Type of University In India

In India, there are four types of universities you can apply to. It’s important to understand that the admissions criteria and procedure may differ by each type:

How Foreigner Students can Apply in the Central, State University

If you’re looking to apply to an undergraduate  and postgraduate program at a central, state, or deemed university, you’ll need to meet certain international application requirements.

Equivalence is only granted if the foreign education system requires at least 12 years of full-time schooling, and the school is recognized or accredited by an approved board or organization. Additionally, the graduation certificate must be issued by a board or organization that is recognized or accredited in the respective country.

For those interested in engineering, architecture, and planning programs at the National Institute of Technology and other centrally funded universities (excluding the Indian Institutes of Technology), international students can apply through the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme. Students from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other SAARC countries can receive a 50% tuition fee waiver under this scheme. Be sure to check the DASA website for the latest updates and application deadlines.

How Foreign Students Can Apply to Private Universities

When it comes to private universities, the admissions requirements might differ. Offers are typically based on your high school grades or your performance in entrance exams. It’s a good idea to visit the university’s website to find out their specific admissions requirements and procedures. Indian Universities Accept College Board Test Scores for Foreign Students. While India has many entrance tests for undergraduate programs, the SAT is becoming more popular as an entrance exam at Indian universities. More and more universities are starting to accept it.

Guidelines for Admission International Students in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes in Higher Educational Institutions in India

Click Here to learn about the admission process at the Mahatma Gandhi Central University Motihari, Motihari, Bihar.
Click Here to learn about the admission process at the Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar