Nalanda University is a central university and Institution of National Importance established under the Nalanda University Act, 2010, reviving the ancient Nalanda, which operated as a centre of learning from the 5th to the 12th century CE. The university is located at Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar 803116. Its governance is guided by a Board of Trustees with representation from India and partner nations.
Nalanda University does not appear in the NIRF 2025 University ranked list. As a young institution, it has not yet appeared in major Indian or international ranking frameworks.
The campus in Rajgir is a Net-Zero carbon campus, powered by solar energy and designed to environmental benchmarks. The campus is fully residential. Hostel accommodation is available for all students.
- MA programmes (2 years) across 10 disciplines: Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, History, Ecology and Environmental Studies, International Relations, Economics, World Literature, Hindi, Hindu Studies, and Archaeology
- M.Sc (2 years): Ecology and Environmental Studies, and Mathematics
- MBA (Sustainable Development Management) (2 years): the only management programme at the university, with a focus on sustainability and development policy
- PhD programmes (4 years, fully residential with fellowship) in all six schools
- Certificate and Diploma courses in languages (French, German, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Pali, Spanish) and Yoga
The total academic fees for MA and M.Sc programmes are INR 1.34 Lakhs for two years (Indian students). MBA fees are INR 2.22 Lakhs for two years. PhD fees are INR 3.67 Lakhs for four years, with full-time PhD scholars receiving a stipend of INR 35,000 per month.
Nalanda University does not conduct conventional campus placements. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research institutions, international organisations, NGOs, and policy bodies. The MBA (Sustainable Development Management) cohort has a median placement salary of INR 2.4 LPA, with most roles in the development and sustainability sector.
- Nalanda University Admission Dates 2026
- Nalanda University Courses and Fees
- Nalanda University Admission Process
- Nalanda University Placements and Career Outcomes
- Nalanda University Scholarships
- Nalanda University Campus and Infrastructure
- Nalanda University vs Visva-Bharati vs TERI School of Advanced Studies
- Nalanda University FAQs
Nalanda University Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to Nalanda University for the 2026-27 session have concluded. The application deadline for most programmes was 10 July 2026, with admissions based on CUET PG 2026 scores. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is tentative.
| Event | 2026 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| CUET PG 2026 Exam | March to April 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 Result | May to June 2026 |
| Nalanda University Application Deadline | 10 July 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | July to August 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | August to September 2026 |
The 2027-28 admission cycle is tentative. Dates below are indicative based on previous patterns.
| Event | 2027 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CUET PG 2027 Exam | March to April 2027 |
| CUET PG 2027 Result | May to June 2027 |
| Nalanda University Application Deadline | July 2027 |
| Academic Session Begins | August to September 2027 |
PhD admissions at Nalanda University follow a separate calendar with a written test and interview at the institute. International students applying under ICCR, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN scholarship schemes have separate deadlines governed by the sponsoring body. Candidates should track the official Nalanda University website for notifications.
Nalanda University Courses and Fees
Nalanda University offers postgraduate, doctoral, and short-duration programmes across six Schools. Fee structures are among the most affordable in central universities, reflecting the institution’s mandate for accessible scholarship. International students pay fees in USD.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility (Indian Students) | Total Fees (Indian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA (Buddhist Studies, History, Philosophy, International Relations, Economics, Archaeology, World Literature, Hindi, Hindu Studies) | 2 years | Graduation with 55% in relevant discipline and valid CUET PG score | INR 1.34 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Ecology and Environmental Studies / Mathematics) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant science discipline with 55% and valid CUET PG score | INR 1.34 Lakhs |
| MBA (Sustainable Development Management) | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline with 55% and valid CUET PG score | INR 2.22 Lakhs |
| PhD (all disciplines) | 4 years (fully residential) | Postgraduate degree with 55% in relevant discipline and institute entrance test | INR 3.67 Lakhs |
| Certificate Courses (Languages, Yoga) | 1 semester | Open to all with minimum age 18 | INR 1,000 to 3,000 (nominal) |
Hostel charges are separate. Residential fees per semester range from INR 12,500 (Non-AC Twin) to INR 22,500 (AC Twin). Meals are charged at INR 22,420 per semester. Full-time PhD scholars receive a fellowship of INR 35,000 per month, which offsets hostel and living costs substantially.
Nalanda University Admission Process
MA, M.Sc, and MBA Admission
Admissions to MA, M.Sc, and MBA programmes are conducted through CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programmes), administered by NTA. Nalanda University uses CUET PG scores for initial shortlisting.
- Eligibility: Graduation in relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC and ST candidates)
- Exam: Valid CUET PG score in the relevant subject
- Selection: Shortlisted candidates are called for a university-level selection round. Final admission is merit-based.
PhD Admission
PhD admissions at Nalanda University follow a separate two-stage process with a written test and interview.
- Eligibility: Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks in the relevant discipline. UGC-NET or GATE qualified candidates may be given preference.
- Fellowship: Full-time residential PhD scholars receive INR 35,000 per month for the duration of the programme.
- International PhD: International scholars may apply through ICCR, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, and bilateral scholarship programmes.
International Students
Nalanda University actively admits students from ASEAN, SAARC, and East Asian countries. International admissions are routed through ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) and bilateral scholarship schemes. International students pay fees in USD and follow separate application deadlines.
Nalanda University Placements and Career Outcomes
Nalanda University does not conduct conventional campus placements in the engineering or B-school model. Graduates from MA, M.Sc, and PhD programmes pursue careers in academia, research institutions, international organisations, civil services, NGOs, and policy advisory roles.
The MBA (Sustainable Development Management) cohort is the only programme with measurable placement outcomes in the conventional sense. The median salary for MBA graduates was INR 2.4 LPA as reported in the NIRF 2024 data, with most roles in sustainability consulting, development finance, and environmental policy organisations.
| Programme | Typical Career Pathways |
|---|---|
| MA (Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, Comparative Religions) | Research fellowships, university faculty, monasteries and Buddhist institutions, cultural organisations |
| MA (International Relations, Peace Studies) | UPSC and IFS civil services, think tanks, international organisations (UN, SAARC), NGOs, journalism |
| MA (History, Archaeology) | ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), state archaeology departments, research fellowships, university faculty |
| M.Sc (Ecology and Environment) | Environmental consultancy, forest departments, ENVIS centres, research labs, sustainability roles |
| MBA (Sustainable Development Management) | Development finance institutions, CSR departments, NGOs, international development agencies |
| PhD (all disciplines) | Post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, policy research, international fellowships |
The university’s international character and its partnerships with ASEAN and East Asian institutions open post-study pathways in Asia-Pacific academic and research networks that are not available at most Indian central universities.
Nalanda University Scholarships
Nalanda University offers institutional merit scholarships and facilitates international and government-sponsored scholarship schemes. The Study in India Scholarship is the most comprehensive, covering full fees and accommodation for eligible international students.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| NU Excellence in Academics Scholarship | Meritorious incoming students with outstanding academic record | Partial to full tuition waiver |
| ICCR Scholarship (International) | International students from ICCR partner countries | Tuition, accommodation, and living allowance |
| BIMSTEC and ASEAN Scholarship | Students from BIMSTEC and ASEAN member nations | Partial to full fee coverage |
| Prof. Pyong Rae Lee Scholarship (South Korea) | South Korean applicants with strong academic credentials | As per scholarship terms |
| Thai Endowment Scholarship (Thailand) | Thai applicants with academic merit | As per scholarship terms |
| Study in India Scholarship | International students admitted under the Ministry of Education scheme | Admission fee, tuition, accommodation, and food |
| NSP Post Matric Scholarship (SC / ST Indian students) | SC or ST Indian students with valid NSP registration | Central share credited directly to student account |
PhD scholars receive a research fellowship of INR 35,000 per month for the duration of the programme. This covers hostel and living expenses for most scholars. Applications for external scholarships should be submitted directly to the sponsoring body.
Nalanda University Campus and Infrastructure
The Nalanda University campus is located in Rajgir, Nalanda District, Bihar 803116, adjacent to the site of the ancient Nalanda ruins and the Rajgir hills. The campus is a Net-Zero carbon campus, powered by solar energy and designed to environmental sustainability benchmarks, reflecting the university’s own Ecology and Environment Studies mandate.
The campus is fully residential. All students are required to stay on campus. Hostel blocks are available for both Indian and international students. Non-AC twin rooms are available at INR 12,500 per semester, AC twin rooms at INR 22,500 per semester, and meals are charged at INR 22,420 per semester. The academic block includes school-specific libraries, seminar rooms, computing facilities, and a central library with access to international research databases.
The university is located 2 km from Rajgir town and 115 km from Patna. Regular transport connects the campus to Rajgir railway station. The Nalanda ruins and Rajgir fort are accessible for field study, which forms part of the Historical Studies and Archaeology curriculum.
Nalanda University vs Visva-Bharati vs TERI School of Advanced Studies
Candidates applying to Nalanda University often also consider Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan (a central university with a long humanities tradition) and TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi (for environment and sustainability programmes). All three are central or autonomous institutions with a humanistic and interdisciplinary focus.
| Parameter | Nalanda University | Visva-Bharati | TERI SAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Rajgir, Bihar | Santiniketan, West Bengal | Vasant Kunj, New Delhi |
| Type | Central University (IoNI) | Central University | Deemed University (Private) |
| Focus Areas | Buddhist Studies, History, International Relations, Ecology, MBA (Sustainability) | Arts, Humanities, Rural Development, Sangit Bhavana | Energy, Environment, Sustainability, Policy |
| MA / M.Sc Fees (Indian) | INR 1.34 Lakhs (2 years) | INR 1 to 2 Lakhs (varies) | INR 3 to 7 Lakhs (2 years) |
| PhD Fellowship | INR 35,000 per month | UGC JRF or institute fellowship | As per institute norms |
| International Focus | High (ASEAN, BIMSTEC, East Asia) | Moderate (Tagore legacy) | Moderate (UN and global sustainability links) |
| Residential Campus | Fully residential (mandatory) | Partially residential | Not residential |
Nalanda University is distinctly more international in character than Visva-Bharati, with active scholarships from South Korea, Thailand, and ASEAN nations. TERI SAS is better suited for candidates targeting energy policy and corporate sustainability roles with higher CTC expectations. Visva-Bharati has a longer heritage and larger alumni network in arts and humanities. Nalanda’s Net-Zero campus and Buddhist-Asian studies depth are unmatched in the Indian university system.
Nalanda University FAQs
Ques. What is the admission process for Nalanda University?
Ans. MA, M.Sc, and MBA admissions are through CUET PG scores. Nalanda University uses CUET PG for shortlisting and then conducts a selection round. Minimum eligibility is graduation with 55% marks in the relevant discipline (50% for SC and ST). PhD admissions are through a separate written test and interview at the institute.
Ques. What is the fee for MA programmes at Nalanda University?
Ans. The total academic fee for MA and M.Sc programmes is INR 1.34 Lakhs for two years (Indian students). This includes tuition of INR 28,000 per semester, a one-time admission fee of INR 6,000, and a refundable security deposit of INR 6,000. Hostel and meal charges are separate.
Ques. Is Nalanda University a government or private university?
Ans. Nalanda University is a central university and Institution of National Importance, established by an Act of Parliament (Nalanda University Act, 2010). It is funded by the Government of India and governed by a Board of Trustees with international representation.
Ques. Does Nalanda University offer a PhD fellowship?
Ans. Yes. Full-time residential PhD scholars at Nalanda University receive a fellowship of INR 35,000 per month for the duration of the 4-year programme. This fellowship covers hostel and living expenses for most scholars. The PhD is fully residential and based at the Rajgir campus.
Ques. Can international students apply to Nalanda University?
Ans. Yes. Nalanda University actively admits international students from ASEAN, SAARC, and East Asian countries. International students may apply through ICCR scholarships, BIMSTEC and ASEAN schemes, and bilateral programmes such as the Prof. Pyong Rae Lee Scholarship (South Korea) and the Thai Endowment Scholarship. International fees are charged in USD.
Ques. Is Nalanda University NIRF ranked?
Ans. Nalanda University does not appear in the NIRF 2025 University ranked list. As a young institution established in 2010, it has not yet appeared in major Indian ranking frameworks.
Ques. What are the hostel charges at Nalanda University?
Ans. The campus is fully residential and all students are required to stay on campus. Hostel charges per semester are INR 12,500 for Non-AC Twin rooms, INR 16,000 for Non-AC Single rooms, and INR 22,500 for AC Twin rooms. Meal charges are INR 22,420 per semester for all students.
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The first-year fee is INR 1.17 Lakhs, and the 2nd year is INR 1.05 Lakhs for the MBA course at the Nalanda University, Nalanda. A Graduate degree with 55% marks is the minimum requirement to become eligible for MBA admission. Selection is done on the basis of the CAT, MAT, or XAT score followed by an interview.
Distance courses are not available in Nalanda University for either PG courses or UG courses. There are only regular-mode courses available in the university.
Unfortunately, Nalanda University doesn’t offer online or distance learning courses to its candidates.
The admission to Nalanda University will be based on entrance exam and the exam will be held during July first week 2023.