Study in India

Study in India

ABOUT INDIA 

Located in the heart of South Asia, India has always been an ancient centre of academic excellence and educational prowess. With its unique educational structure designed to uphold the principles of its traditional values, its stories of academic innovation goes way back to the days when children were sent to Gurukuls where they would reside in the teacher’s home or in close proximity for the entirety of their period of schooling. This allowed a basis of mutual trust and bond between both the student and teacher as the mode of education was never strictly based on books and memorised information. There was rather focus on a well rounded and holistic development of the child which included mental, cognitive, physical and spiritual awareness. Although subjects such as administration, warfare, religion, astrology and medicine were widely taught, the system led to a student’s better understanding of self-reliance, creativity, empathy, moral principles and ethical values. Such a system of education led to various ancient universities like Nalanda, Takshahila, Ujjain and Vikramshila becoming a centre of academic excellence where students from all around the continent would travel to study. Such a history in academic excellence explains the very rich diversity that the country has to offer when it comes to pursuing higher education. With one of the largest educational systems in the world, India is said to host around 30 million international students from 164 countries who have come to pursue their higher education in arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, medicine, law and business in most major cities such Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.  Geographically, India stands in a perfect position for students to enjoy the full extent of the country’s natural diversity. With the Himalayas in the North, the rocks of Kanyakumari to the South, the great Rann of Kutch in the West and the holy Ganges in the East, India becomes a great place to be in for travellers looking to find their perfect story. As one of the 7th largest countries in the world, India shares a variety of climate conditions that go from the North to South. However, the country mostly experiences mild to pleasant winters and hot summers.  Another reason why India has always been a great place for travellers is its rich history. It’s stories since the start of early civilisation have made Indian architecture and monuments like Taj Mahal, The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Meenakshi Temple and Sanchi Stupa have been the world’s most prized attraction.

 

STUDY IN INDIA 

The Indian Education System is mostly inspired by the British Education System which structures twelve years of primary and secondary education, and then the opportunity to pursue higher education in the field of one’s choice. Such an opportunity is usually divided into three phases:

  • UG Diploma Courses

Along with the three academic cycles, the country also offers short courses and diplomas to students in professional fields that will help them become a lot more employable in their fields of interest. Such courses usually range from business management to technical skills such as computer and polytechnic, and are of three academic years. However, a student must note that a degree holds a lot more value to a diploma in a professional career. Therefore incoming students should ideally be focussed on receiving a degree even if they enrol themselves for a diploma during that period.

Basic requirements to pursue UG Diploma Courses 

The basic requirement to pursue a UG Diploma in India are:

  • Successful completion of class 10
  • Good English proficiency
  • Bachelors 

For students graduating fresh out of school with a variety of ideas, India offers a primary undergraduate degree called the Bachelors in a field that they wish to pursue. The Bachelor’s degree opens up a variety of avenues for students who wish to pursue courses in different streams. For instance, a bachelor’s degree in commerce introduces the students to areas such as accountancy, economics, business studies, taxation, corporate law, etc. Similar degrees like management, engineering, medical, science and arts are offered in a variety of universities that the nation holds.

Basic requirements to pursue bachelor’s in India

The basic requirement to study bachelor’s in India are:

  • Successful completion of class 12/ Diploma course for 3 years
  • Good English proficiency
  • Master’s

A master’s degree in India is usually upto one or two years, depending upon the course. A reason why most international and national students opt to pursue their master’s in India is because of the start of the art academic facility that most universities in the country share. From QS World Ranking Universities to affordable fees structures, pursuing master’s in India lets any student utilise the full extent of the country’s academic capacity.

Basic requirements to pursue Master’s in India

The basic requirement to study Master’s in India are:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from any affiliated University
  • Good English proficiency

PhD

In addition, if a student wishes to pursue their choice of research through a PhD, the country holds a variety of funding mechanisms to help them. While the Government and specific institutions have their own set of funding systems, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations is also seen to  provide scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their PhD in India.

Basic requirements to pursue PhD in India

The basic requirement to study PhD in India are:

  • Successful completion of a Master’s degree with research
  • A research proposal that student intends to work on
  • Good English proficiency

 

Cost of Studying in India 

The cost of studying in India is quite affordable when compared to other countries. This is usually because most universities in the country are funded by the central and state governments. Therefore, studying in India will most likely cost around INR 350,000 yearly (around $ 5000). Universities in the country also provide residential facilities to students with almost every amenity they might need. However, if a student does wish to live outside in his own accommodation, the average monthly rent would usually be upto INR 10,000 ( around $143). Along with that, students will most like be able to cover accommodation, travel, food and utilities within INR 18,500 to 20,000 (around $ 265 – 287)

 

WORK IN INDIA: 

Unlike most countries, India does not allow international students to work while they are studying in the country. While Overseas Citizens of India and Persons of Indian Origin are exempted from this rule, international students are only allowed to participate in internships or training programs with prior permission from the university. However, after the successful completion of their study and an offer for a job, international students can apply for a work permit in the country.

Interestingly, with a rising economic capacity and ever growing skill diversity, India has been home to some of the major fortune 500 companies such as Indian Oil, Reliance Industries, Tata and State Bank of India (SBI) and also start-ups such as Flipkart, Ola and PayTM which have been  innovating normal lives and pushing for India’s incredible growth potential in the world stage. In fact, it seems that the country does not wish to settle here and has been pushing forward to acquire investors and business to the country’s huge market opportunity. Its recent ties with countries like Israel, the newest start-up hub of the world, UAE, the rich oil producing country looking to expand business investments and the ASEAN, south east hub for maritime trade in Asia, the country is looking forward to utilising every aspect of diplomacy in the effort to provide a variety of professional opportunities to its nationals and immigrants. Not only this but, some of its major initiatives such as Invest India, Make in India and Skill India have been particularly brought in to encourage all young entrepreneurial minds in the country to invest their ideas in making this country a better place to be.

 

VISA REQUIREMENT FOR INDIA 

An international student, originating from countries other than Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, will require a student visa to pursue their education in India. The most unique part about the Indian student visa is that it allows multiple entries and exits to the international student in the country. Such visas are also issued for a maximum of 5 years which allows to the student to even pursue their course of interest in the remaining days after their graduation.

While applying for a Indian student visa, the applicant must have:

  • A valid passport that should not expire within 6 months
  • A letter of acceptance from the University
  • Details of the study program
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of financial sustainability

 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN INDIA 

Although the cost of living in India is quite cheap and affordable, students are still given the opportunity to avail scholarships if need be. While each university has their own set of scholarship programs, the government often sponsors students through programs such as the General Cultural Scholarships, the Reciprocal Scholarships and the Commonwealth fellowship. The most interesting thing about Indian scholarship is the fact that not only do they help reduce tuition fees but are also symbols of great academic potential to students who are awarded. Such scholarships can later always be used to portray their sense of academic excellence in the professional life.