Nalanda University: About Us

Nalanda University, located in Rajgir, Bihar, is a postgraduate, research-intensive international university established on November 25, 2010, by an Act of the Indian Parliament. It aims to revive the ancient Nalanda, the world’s first residential university from the 5th to 12th century CE. Supported by East Asia Summit countries, it’s recognized as an “institution of national importance.” The university embodies a new Asian renaissance, fostering inter-civilizational dialogue and setting global academic and research standards.

Nalanda University Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

To establish an international institution for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and spiritual studies.

Revival of the ancient Nalanda University to enhance regional understanding and appreciation of shared heritage and history.

Building a community of learning symbolizing the spirituality that unites humanity.

Mission:

Cultivating each individual’s academic, emotional, social, physical, creative, and spiritual potentials.

Aspiring to create leaders of the 21st century with a foundation in traditional values of love, compassion, discipline, and deference.

Objectives:

Improvement of the educational system and greater interaction between Asian countries.

Bringing together future leaders of East Asia for regional peace.

Education, research, and capacity building in various arts, crafts, and skills.

Contributing to the promotion of regional peace and sharing that understanding globally.

Nalanda University Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria, and Fee Structure

Program	Duration	Eligibility Criteria	Fee Structure (Indian Students)	Fee Structure (International Students)
MA in Hindu Studies (Sanātana Dharma)	2 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 1,34,000 for Two Years	US $2,066 for Two Years
MA in World Literature	2 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 1,34,000 for Two Years	US $2,066 for Two Years
MBA in Sustainable Development and Management	2 Years (Diploma after 1 Year)	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 2,22,000 for Two Years	US $3,422 for Two Years
MSc in Ecology and Environment Studies	2 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 1,34,000 for Two Years	US $2,066 for Two Years
MA in Historical Studies	2 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 1,34,000 for Two Years	US $2,066 for Two Years
MA in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions	2 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 1,34,000 for Two Years	US $2,066 for Two Years
PhD Programs (Various Disciplines)	4 Years	55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in Undergraduate Degree	INR 3,67,000 for Four Years	US $5,649 for Four Years

How do I apply for admission to Nalanda University?

To apply for admission to Nalanda University, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of Nalanda University.

2. Navigate to the ‘Admissions’ section.

3. Fill out the application form with the required details.

4. Submit the application form along with a statement of purpose and other necessary documents as specified on the website.

5. Pay the application fee. For Indian students, the fee is INR 500, and for international students, it’s USD 8 or equivalent in Indian currency.

6. The payment can be made through RTGS/NEFT to the university’s bank account.

7. After the payment, email the transaction ID/payment/transfer details to the admissions office.

8. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview, which may be conducted in person or through video conferencing.

Nalanda University Facilities

Nalanda University offers a range of facilities to support its academic environment and campus life. Here’s an overview:

Campus: The interim campus is spread across 4.5 acres, surrounded by greenery, and includes academic offices, classrooms, a library, faculty housing, and an administration center. The campus also features a cafeteria and a laboratory for the School of Ecology and Environment Studies.

Library: The university library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and has extended hours on weekends. It’s fully air-conditioned, offers Wi-Fi connectivity, and is automated with KOHA ILM software. The library also provides locker facilities for students.

Residence Halls: On-campus housing is available for students, with amenities like indoor and outdoor games, TV, common hall, computer lab, Wi-Fi, and a student pantry. The residence halls are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Dining and Cafeteria: The dining area serves balanced meals considering varied cultural backgrounds and food habits. The campus also has a cafeteria that offers tea, coffee, soft drinks, and healthy food items.

Transportation: Shuttle services are provided for students between residence halls and the academic block. Special transport services are available for nearby airports and railway stations upon request.

Medical Facility: A primary health care center with doctors, staff, ambulances, and beds is available on campus. Specialist doctors visit the medical center twice a week, and services are free of charge.

Auditorium: The university has a 300-seater Sushma Swaraj Auditorium and a 100-seater Mini Auditorium with modern audio-visual facilities, including video conferencing.

These facilities are designed to create a conducive learning environment and a comfortable living experience for students and faculty alike.

Career Opportunities after Nalanda University

Graduates from Nalanda University have a variety of career opportunities depending on their field of study. Here are some prospects across different disciplines:

School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions (SBS-PCR): Graduates can pursue careers in Indology, Philology, Linguistics, Philosophy, and professional avenues as Archivists/Librarians, Commentators on Tantra and Yoga, Peace Activists, Yoga instructors, Cultural Administrators, Art curators, and more.

School of Ecology and Environment Studies (SEES): This field opens up job opportunities for ecologists, environmental scientists, energy scientists, environmental biologists, environmental modellers, environmental engineers, and environmental journalists. Specific roles include environmental health practitioner, landscape architect, town planner, toxicologist, transport planner, and renewable energy planner.

School of Management Studies (SMS): Students of the MBA program in Sustainable Development and Management have opportunities to work in industries such as Oil & Gas, information technology, textile, cement, agribusiness, environment, and education.

Nalanda University Placements

Total Recruiters: The university saw participation from 13 domestic and international firms.

Students Placed: A total of 14 students from the MBA in Sustainable Development and Management (SDM) program were placed, and 2 students received dissertation offers.

Top Recruiters: Some of the major recruiters included Social Enterprises International Ltd. (SEi), GIZ (German Development Agency), World Resources Institute (WRI), and others.

Summer Internship Placements: For the summer internship placements of 2024, a total of 21 students were placed from the MBA SDM batch 2022-24, with most offers made by Dhan Foundation, India.

Nalanda University Activities

Nalanda University offers a vibrant array of activities that cater to a wide range of student interests. Here are some of the activities and clubs you can engage in:

Field Trips: Students have opportunities to explore and learn outside the classroom through various field trips, such as visits to the weavers village ‘Nepura’, Nalanda World Heritage Site, and other significant locations to study environmental and societal interactions.

Lectures and Workshops: The university organizes distinguished lectures and workshops on topics like building ecological civilization, waste management practices, and the interplay of environment, technology, and society.

Clubs and Societies: There are several clubs and societies, including the Sports Club, Awareness Society, Literary Society, Environment Club, Society for Culture and Arts, and the Career Resource Cell. These clubs provide platforms for students to pursue their hobbies, raise awareness on various issues, and enhance their career prospects.

Cultural Events: The university celebrates various cultural events that allow students to showcase their talents and learn about different cultures.

Academic Conferences: Students and faculty often participate in academic conferences, presenting papers and engaging in scholarly discussions.

These activities are designed to complement the academic experience at Nalanda University, fostering a holistic development of students. They encourage students to broaden their horizons, develop new skills, and engage with the community and environment around them.

Nalanda University Scholarships Program

Nalanda University offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially during their studies. Here’s an overview of the scholarship programs available:

Merit Scholarships: Awarded to class toppers based on academic excellence. Toppers with a semester grade point average (SGPA) of 8.0 and above are eligible. This scholarship covers the tuition fee.

ICCR Scholarships: Provided by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for students from 140 countries. It covers admission fees, tuition fees, and other compulsory fees.

ASEAN Scholarship: For students from ASEAN countries.

BIMSTEC Scholarship: For students from BIMSTEC countries.

NU-Bhutan Scholarship: For students from Bhutan.

Thailand Scholarship: For Thai students, particularly to study Buddhist Studies.

Study in India Programme: Various scholarships under this program.

Prof. Sunaina Singh Merit Scholarship: For students from all countries.

Shri Narsingrao Pimple Scholarship and Smt Saraswati Narsingrao Pimple Scholarship: Specific scholarships with varying criteria.

Prof. Pyong Rae Lee Scholarship: For students pursuing Buddhist Studies.

Nalanda University Affiliation and Accreditation

Institute of National Importance: Recognized by the Indian Parliament.

UGC Accredited: Accredited by the University Grants Commission of India.

Established: Act of Parliament in 2010, academic session began in 2014.

Supported: Backed by East Asia Summit member countries.

Nalanda University's FAQs

1. How can I apply for admission to Nalanda University?

To apply for admission, visit the official website and navigate to the 'Admissions' section. Fill out the application form with required details, submit it along with necessary documents, pay the application fee, and email the transaction details to the admissions office. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the program. Generally, applicants must have a minimum of 55% or 2.2/4.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree. Specific requirements for each program are listed on the university's website.

3. What is the fee structure for Indian and international students?

The fee structure varies for different programs. For Indian students, fees range from INR 1,34,000 to INR 3,67,000 for various programs. For international students, fees range from US $2,066 to US $5,649 for the same programs.

4. What facilities does Nalanda University offer to students?

Nalanda University offers various facilities including campus infrastructure, library services, residence halls, dining options, transportation services, medical facilities, and auditoriums. These facilities are designed to support academic and campus life.

5. What career opportunities are available after graduating from Nalanda University?

Graduates from Nalanda University have diverse career prospects depending on their field of study. Opportunities include roles in academia, research, environmental management, sustainable development, cultural administration, and more.

6. Does Nalanda University offer scholarships?

Yes, Nalanda University offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially during their studies. These include merit scholarships, ICCR scholarships, ASEAN scholarships, BIMSTEC scholarships, NU-Bhutan scholarships, and others. Specific criteria and application processes are available on the university's website.

7. Is Nalanda University accredited?

Yes, Nalanda University is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Indian Parliament and is accredited by the University Grants Commission of India. It is also supported by East Asia Summit member countries.

8. What extracurricular activities are available at Nalanda University?

Nalanda University offers a range of extracurricular activities including field trips, lectures, workshops, clubs, cultural events, and academic conferences. These activities are designed to complement the academic experience and foster holistic development.

9. How is the placement scenario at Nalanda University?

Nalanda University has seen participation from domestic and international firms for placements. Students from various programs have been placed in organizations such as Social Enterprises International Ltd., GIZ, World Resources Institute, and others. Summer internship placements are also available for students.