Nalanda University is a public university which is commanded for being an international institution for intellectual, philosophical, historical & spiritual studies. Nalanda University, originally founded in 427 CE, was revived in 2010 in Nalanda District, Bihar. The university was recognised by UGC and was accredited by the NAAC.
Nalanda University has been ranked 48th under the overall category by IIRF in 2025. The University offers various courses at the PG and Ph.D levels, with MBA in Sustainable Development Management being the flagship program. Admission to the MBA in Sustainable Development Management is based on the scores in CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT. A minimum of 70 percentile is required to apply for admission. The first-year fee for the MBA is INR 1.17 Lakhs.
Nalanda University hasn’t released its 2025 placement report. As per the 2024 placements, MBA SDM got entry-level job profiles like Sustainability Managers/ consultants, Research analysts, Green Finance Managers, Financial Modelling Experts, Project Managers, Business Associates, EHS Officers & many more. Nalanda University's top recruiting companies include NTPC, SIDBI, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, United Nations Global Compact Network India, and many more.
- Nalanda University Highlights
- Nalanda University Important Dates 2026
- Nalanda University Courses & Fees 2026
- Nalanda University Admission 2026
- Nalanda University Placements 2026
- Nalanda University Scholarships 2026
- Nalanda University vs TERI SAS vs IIFM Bhopal
- Nalanda University Campus Facilities
- Nalanda University FAQs
Nalanda University Highlights
The important highlights of Nalanda University are tabulated below-
Nalanda University Highlights | |
---|---|
Established Year | 427 CE |
Campus Size | 455.19 Acres |
MBA Tuition Fees | INR 1.17 Lakhs |
Ranking (2025) | 48 under Overall Category by IIRF |
Popular Courses | MBA Sustainable Development Management, MA, Ph.D |
Admission Criteria | Entrance Exam & Interview |
Scholarships | Need-based financial assistance available |
Top Recruiters | NTPC, SIDBI, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, United Nations Global Compact Network India |
Official Website | nalandauniv.edu.in |
Nalanda University Important Dates 2026
Nalanda University offers admission to the MBA through CAT/XAT/MAT. CAT and XAT 2026 Dates have been released for admission to the MBA program at Nalanda University. The important dates for CAT/XAT 2026 are as follows:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CAT Registration Timeline | Aug 1, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025 |
CAT Admit Card Availability | Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025 |
CAT Exam Date | Nov 30, 2025 |
CAT Result | First week of January, 2026 (Tentative) |
XAT Registration Timeline | Jul 10, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025 |
XAT Admit Card Availability | Dec 20, 2025 |
XAT Exam Date | Jan 04, 2026 |
XAT Result | Jan 15, 2026 |
Nalanda University Courses & Fees 2026
Nalanda University offers PG and doctoral programs with a focus on historical and contemporary knowledge systems, sustainable development, and inter-civilizational dialogue, with MBA in Sustainable Development Management being the flagship course. Nalanda University Courses & Fees are tabulated below-
Course | Course Details | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Criteria |
---|---|---|---|
MBA | Duration: 2 years Course Fee: INR 2,20,000 for 2 Years, & US$3,422 for International Students for 2 Years Specialization: Sustainable Development and Management |
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent GPA) |
CAT/MAT/XAT/GMAT + Statement of Purpose (SOP) + Personal Interview |
MA |
Duration: 2 years |
Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of 55% marks |
CUET PG + academic performance + SOP Personal Interview |
M.Sc | Duration: 2 years Course Fee: INR 1,34,000 for 2 years & US$2,066 for International Students Specializations: Ecology & Environmental Science |
Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of 55% marks |
CUET PG + academic performance + SOP Personal Interview |
Ph.D | Duration: 3-5 years Course Fee: INR 3.67 Lakhs for 4 years & US$5,649 for International Students for 4 Years Specializations: Historical Studies / Buddhist Studies / Ecology / Sustainable Development / Philosophy / Language Studies |
Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 60% marks |
Based on the research proposal, entrance exam, and interview |
Nalanda University Admission 2026
Nalanda University offers admission to its various PG and Ph.D. programs through a combination of academic merit, national-level entrance exams, and personal interviews. For admission to PG programs like MBA, MA, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. Nalanda University Admission for different programs is as follows:
Admission to the MBA in Sustainable Development and Management is based on scores in CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, or CUET-PG, followed by a Personal Interview conducted by Nalanda University.
Admission to MA & M.Sc programs is through CUET PG, Statement of Purpose (SOP), followed by a Personal Interview conducted by Nalanda University.
Admission to the Ph.D. programs is granted based on academic performance in PG (minimum 65%), a research proposal, and a Personal Interview. Candidates with valid scores in UGC-NET/JRF or equivalent exams are given preference for Ph.D. admission.
Nalanda University Placements 2026
Nalanda University hasn’t released its 2025 placement report. However, based on 2024 placements, MBA (SDSM) students received opportunities in industries like oil & gas, IT, textiles, cement, agribusiness, environment, and education. Graduates also found roles in departments like sustainability, CSR, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), energy and sustainability consulting, reporting, and green marketing. Apart from sustainability-focused roles, some students opted for conventional domains such as marketing, finance, operations, and IT.
Below are some of the entry-level job roles offered under Nalanda University Placement for MBA (SDSM) students:
Job Role | |
---|---|
Sustainability Manager/Consultant | Research Analyst |
Green Finance Manager | Financial Modelling Expert |
Product/Brand Manager | CSR Manager |
Project Manager | Business Associate |
EHS Officer | Social Entrepreneur |
See what Sumit from MBA General (2020) has to say about the placements in Nalanda University. In his words, “NU does provide internships to its students. Many major companies in the nation know about NU and its students. NU students easily get an internship with them, and they also provide a decent stipend. The stipend varies depending on the position and the firm you are selected for. Everyone knows about the placement history records of NUs. So don't worry about the placement, the placement records are 100% for the last few batches.” Read More> |
Nalanda University Scholarships 2026
Nalanda University offers various scholarships to support meritorious and deserving students from India and abroad. These scholarships are given to students based on academic excellence, financial need, region/country of origin, and program of study. Scholarships may cover tuition fees, residential costs, airfare, and even living expenses. Eligible students can apply through the Nalanda University Admission Portal or respective external scholarship websites (like ICCR, Study in India, etc.).
Scholarship Name | Who Can Apply? | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Merit Scholarship | Class toppers with SGPA 8.0+ | Full tuition fee waiver |
ICCR Scholarship | Students from 140+ countries | Tuition, accommodation, admission fee, and monthly stipend |
ASEAN Scholarship | Students from ASEAN member states | Tuition, accommodation, travel expenses, and stipend |
BIMSTEC Scholarship | Students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand | Tuition, accommodation, airfare, stipend |
NU-Bhutan Scholarship | Students from Bhutan | Tuition, accommodation, meals |
Thailand Scholarship | Thai nationals applying to Buddhist Studies | Tuition, field trip costs, airfare, accommodation, annual allowance |
Study in India Programme | International students via the Study in India portal | Tuition, accommodation, and food expenses |
NU International Scholarship (Developing Countries) | Students from developing countries | Tuition waiver |
Prof. Sunaina Singh Merit Scholarship | Meritorious students from any country | Tuition fee waiver |
Shri Narsingrao Pimple Scholarship | Monk students from any country | Tuition fee waiver |
Smt Saraswati Narsingrao Pimple Scholarship | Students from Tanzania | Tuition fee waiver |
Prof. Pyong Rae Lee Scholarship | Students from developing countries in Buddhist Studies | Tuition fee waiver |
In the following video, Gigi Drukpa explains the Admission and Scholarship processes, which include how to apply, documents required, etc.
Nalanda University vs TERI SAS vs IIFM Bhopal
Nalanda University's tuition fee for two years of MBA is INR 2.22 Lakhs, which is low compared to TERI SAS, Delhi's INR 11.90 Lakhs fee, and IIFM Bhopal's fees of INR 7.08 Lakhs.
Candidates can check the detailed comparison of different aspects across Nalanda University, Bihar, TERI SAS, Delhi, and Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.
Particulars | Nalanda University | TERI SAS | IIFM Bhopal |
---|---|---|---|
Established Year | 427 CE | 1998 | 1983 |
Type | Public | Private | Public |
Campus size | 455.19 Acres | 2 Acres | 217 Acres |
Popular Course | MBA Sustainable Development & Management | MBA Sustainability Management | MBA Sustainability Management |
Admission Criteria | Based on CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT scores, followed by a PI conducted by Nalanda University | Based on CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT scores | Based on CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT scores, followed by a PI conducted by IIFM |
Total Fees (2025) | INR 2.22 Lakhs | INR 11.90 Lakhs | INR 7.08 Lakhs |
Scholarships | Limited merit-based and need-based scholarships | Limited merit-based scholarships | Extensive need-based scholarships |
Rankings 2025 | 48 by IIRF under Overall Category | NA | 45 by IIRF under MBA Category |
Nalanda University Campus Facilities
- Library: The university has a library that is automated by KOHA. The library is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a Wifi connection. To archive e-resources, the university has implemented an open source library that can be accessed by the students and also by the faculty members. The library facilities are intended to help students in their academics and research work.
- Sports: Nalanda University has arrangements for recreation, sports, and games for the students' refreshment.
- Laboratory: The university has a well-equipped laboratory with all the required apparatus.
Other Facilities:
- Medical Facilities
- On-campus shuttle
Nalanda University Hostel
Nalanda University provides fully air-conditioned hostel accommodations on a twin-sharing basis for master’s students and single occupancy for PhD scholars. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and students are also provided with affordable and nutritious meals at campus dining facilities.
Here's a consolidated table of the Nalanda University Hostel and meal Fees (per semester - 4.5 months):
Category | Accommodation Type | Residence Charges | Meal Charges (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Indian Students (MA, MSc, MBA) | Twin-sharing (AC) | INR 22,500 | INR 22,420 |
International Students (MA, MSc, MBA) | Twin-sharing (AC) | USD 347 | INR 22,420 |
Indian PhD Students | Single Room (AC) | INR 31,000 | INR 22,420 |
International PhD Students | Single Room (AC) | USD 480 | INR 22,420 |
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Nalanda University FAQs
Ques. What courses are offered by Nalanda University?
Ans. Nalanda University offers MBA in Sustainable Development Management, MA (in 7 specializations), M.Sc (Ecology & Environmental Science), and Ph.D. programs in various fields such as Historical Studies, Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, and Sustainable Development.
Ques. What is the minimum cutoff percentile for MBA admission at Nalanda University?
Ans. The minimum cutoff percentile required to apply for the MBA program is 70 percentile in CAT, XAT, MAT, or GMAT.
Ques. What is the fee for MBA at Nalanda University?
Ans. The total fee for the MBA program at Nalanda University is INR 2.20 Lakhs for Indian students and USD 3,422 for international students for 2 years.
Ques. Are internships provided at Nalanda University?
Ans. Yes, internships are offered to MBA students. Top companies across sectors offer internships with stipends, depending on the profile and company.
Ques. Does Nalanda University offer scholarships to Indian students?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can apply for merit-based and need-based scholarships. Class toppers with SGPA above 8.0 are eligible for full tuition waivers under the Merit Scholarship scheme. Students can directly apply through the Nalanda University website.
Ques. How much are the hostel and meal charges at Nalanda University?
Ans. Nalanda University charges hostel and mess fees on a per-semester basis (4.5 months). For Indian PG students (MA, MBA, M.Sc.), the hostel fee is INR 22,500 (twin-sharing AC), and mess charges are INR 22,420. For international PG students, the hostel fee is USD 347, with the same mess charges. Indian Ph.D. students pay INR 31,000 for a single AC room, while international Ph.D. students pay USD 480, with INR 22,420 as mess charges for both.
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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.