Study in India

Unlocking Higher Education in India: Your Guide to Bachelor's & Master's Degrees

India has become an increasingly popular destination for students seeking both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Known for its diverse academic landscape, centuries-old universities, and modern world-class institutions, India offers a vibrant education system that seamlessly blends traditional disciplines with cutting-edge technology and global industry trends. From engineering and medicine to business, humanities, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data science, students can choose from thousands of accredited programs. The country’s universities not only deliver rigorous academics but also nurture critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness — preparing graduates for success in the competitive global job market.

Why Study in India?

Choosing to study in India connects you to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic education ecosystems. India offers over 900 universities and 40,000+ colleges, many of which are internationally recognised for excellence in teaching and research. Students benefit from:

• Globally respected institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and JNU
•  Tuition fees significantly lower than in countries like the UK, USA, or Australia
• Courses across a wide spectrum: engineering, business, computer science, law, medicine, arts, and more
• Exposure to a culturally rich and diverse society that fosters adaptability and global awareness
• A booming economy with rising opportunities in IT, finance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and start-ups

For Indian students, studying at home also offers the chance to stay close to family and cultural roots, while still earning a degree that is valued worldwide.

Is it the Right Choice to Study in India for Indian Students?

For many Indian students, pursuing higher education domestically remains an excellent choice thanks to a blend of academic quality, affordability, and cultural familiarity. India offers high-quality education aligned with global standards, along with a lower cost of living and tuition compared to studying abroad. Students benefit from staying close to family and within a familiar cultural and linguistic environment, while choosing from an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses tailored to evolving industries like technology, healthcare, and finance. Additionally, Indian universities maintain strong industry-academia partnerships, leading to excellent campus placements and internship opportunities. The availability of government scholarships and financial aid further reduces the financial burden, helping students build strong professional networks within the country while staying competitive for global careers.

Popular Courses to Study in India

In India, the cost of studying is an investment in your future, giving students access to a diverse range of courses aligned with the evolving needs of the global and domestic job markets. Here are some of the most sought-after courses to study in India:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science and Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Engineering and Technology
• Medicine and Healthcare Management
• Law (LLM and integrated programs)
• Finance and Accounting
• Digital Marketing and Communications
• Media, Journalism, and Film Studies
• Liberal Arts
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences
• Public Health and Epidemiology
  

These programs are available across public universities, IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, national law universities.

To better understand the cost of studying in India, choose the right course, or plan your academic journey, connect with ACHIVIA for personalised counselling on course selection, budgeting, and application support.

If you are looking for the best study consultant in Bhubaneswar or the best study abroad consultant in Gurgaon to help shape your academic future in India, book an appointment today and get free expert guidance.

CHANGES:

• Class 10 Marksheet & Certificate – Proof of secondary education
• Class 12 Marksheet (or Predicted Scores) – Final or provisional scores depending on availability
• School Leaving Certificate – Issued by your school after completion of Grade 12
• Transcript – A detailed academic record (if available, especially for international curricula like IB, A-Levels)
• SAT/ACT score report (if submitted)
• CUET scorecard (for applicable universities like DU, BHU)
• Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (AAA) – Specific to Ashoka University
• Krea Aptitude Test (KAT) – If opted for Krea University
• JSAT score – For OP Jindal Global University
• Passport-size Photograph – Recent, formal photo (digital and print)
• Valid Government Photo ID – Aadhaar card, Passport, or equivalent
• Passport – For international or NRI applicants
• Proof of Residence/Nationality – Utility bill, passport, or Aadhaar (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay – Why you want to pursue liberal arts, your background, interests, and goals.
• Letters of Recommendation (1–2) – Typically from school teachers or counselors; should speak to your academic performance, leadership, and character
• Extracurricular Resume / CV – Projects, competitions, clubs, volunteering, internships
• Portfolios (Optional) – For applicants interested in design, creative writing, visual/media arts
• Family Income Proof – IT returns, salary slips, etc.
• Bank Statements – Showing financial ability (NRI/International students)
• Scholarship Essays or Declarations – Required for need-based scholarships

 India’s Academic Powerhouses: Top Universities Shaping Future Trailblazers

India is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and diverse universities — institutions that not only offer global-standard education but also open doors to thriving careers across industries. Whether you're pursuing engineering, business, medicine, liberal arts, or design, India's top universities are known for their academic rigor, innovation, and industry linkages.

From the iconic IITs to globally ranked business schools like ISB and XLRI, and from liberal arts leaders like Ashoka University to renowned research hubs like IISc, these institutions continue to nurture the next generation of changemakers.

Explore the top universities in India — handpicked across disciplines — that attract the brightest minds and leading global recruiters:

        1.       Engineering & Technology

•   Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) – Ranked among the top engineering institutes in India and globally known for innovation, tech entrepreneurship, and research.
• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani)
• Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Hyderabad)
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT Vellore)
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST)
• AMITY School Of Engineering and Technology

       2. Management & Business      

• Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) – India’s most prestigious B-school with global accreditations and a consistent top performer in placements and academic rigor.
• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore)
• Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta)
• Indian School of Business (ISB Hyderabad/Mohali)
• XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University

       3. Management & Business     

• Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) – India’s most prestigious B-school with global accreditations and a consistent top performer in placements and academic rigor.
• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore)
• Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta)
• Indian School of Business (ISB Hyderabad/Mohali)
• XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University
• SP Jain School of Global Management 

       4. Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

• University of Delhi (DU) – A historical academic leader with top departments in arts, literature, political science, and sociology.
• Ashoka University, Sonipat
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
• Ambedkar University, Delhi
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• Krea University, Andhra Pradesh
• Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh
• OP Jindal Global University, Haryana
• FLAME University, Pune

       5. Medical & Health Sciences 

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi) – India’s most competitive and reputed medical institute with international collaborations and leading-edge healthcare research.
• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
• Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
• Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

      6. Law & Legal Studies 

• National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore – India’s first and highest-ranked National Law University, setting benchmarks in legal education and research.
• National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
• National Law University (NLU), Delhi
• Symbiosis Law School, Pune

      7. Design, Architecture & Media 

• National Institute of Design (NID), —Globally acclaimed for its excellence in industrial, communication, and strategic design.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee – Department of Architecture
• Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
• Pearl Academy, Delhi/Mumbai

Cost of Studying in India

India is known for offering affordable, high-quality education, making it an attractive option for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Tuition fees at public universities typically range from ₹50,000–₹2 lakh per year for bachelor's and master's programs, while top private universities and business schools may charge between ₹5–25 lakh annually, depending on the course and reputation. In addition to tuition, students should budget around ₹8,000–₹20,000 per month for living expenses, which cover accommodation, food, transport, and daily needs. Other costs, such as books, health insurance, and exam fees, may also apply. Even with these expenses, the overall investment remains substantially lower than studying in many Western countries, offering excellent value and strong career outcomes for graduates.

From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Breakthroughs 

Studying in India isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about immersing yourself in a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation that few countries can offer. Students learn in institutions that combine global academic standards with deep cultural roots, while living in vibrant cities filled with start-ups, research hubs, and multinational companies. Beyond the classroom, they experience India’s rich diversity through its food, festivals, languages, and heritage, all of which broaden perspectives and build adaptability. Studying here also means connecting with peers from across the country and around the world, creating lifelong friendships and professional networks. Ultimately, choosing India equips students for careers that are globally competitive yet grounded in local insights and cultural understanding — a rare and valuable combination in today’s interconnected world.

EDUCATION SYSTEM OF INDIA

India’s higher education system is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, offering diverse programs designed to meet both domestic and global career demands. From traditional disciplines to emerging fields, the education system of India combines academic depth, industry relevance, and affordability.

a) Qualifications Offered

Indian universities and colleges offer a wide range of qualifications recognised nationally and internationally, including:

• Bachelor’s Degrees: BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Tech, BBA, BBM, etc.
• Postgraduate Degrees: MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MBA, M.Tech, etc.
• Doctorate Degrees: Ph.D, D.Litt, etc.
• Diplomas & Certificates: Professional diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and short-term certificate courses in fields like digital marketing, AI, and data science.

These qualifications align with global academic frameworks, making Indian graduates competitive worldwide.

b) Eligibility for Admission

Eligibility criteria for admission typically depend on the level and type of course:

• For undergraduate programs: completion of 12 years of schooling (10+2 system) with relevant subjects.
• For postgraduate programs: a bachelor’s degree in a related field, often with a minimum aggregate score (usually 50–60%).
• For doctorate programs: a master’s degree with high academic performance and, in some cases, qualifying entrance exams or interviews.

Certain professional courses (like MBA, engineering, or law) may also require national entrance tests such as CAT, GATE, NEET, or CLAT.

c) Postgraduate (Master's & Doctorate Level)

At the postgraduate level, India offers diverse and specialised degrees tailored to modern industry needs:

• Master’s degrees (M.Tech, MBA, MA, M.Sc, M.Com) typically last 2 years; some MBA programs, like ISB Hyderabad, are 1 year
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) programs extend 3–5 years, focusing on original research, publications, and dissertations

Top institutions for postgraduate programs: IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIMs, JNU, Ashoka University, XLRI, DU, Institute of Public Health (AIIMS)

d) Undergraduate (Bachelor’s & Professional UG Courses)

India’s undergraduate education system is large and varied, offering degrees in almost every imaginable discipline. Popular bachelor’s degrees include:

• B.Tech / B.E. — offered by IITs, NITs, BPSC, and reputed universities like Delhi University, BITS Pilani, Anna University, and PES University
• B.Sc (Hons.) in Computer Science, Data Analytics, AI — available at institutions like St. Xavier’s College Kolkata, Christ University Bangalore, VIT Vellore and MIT
• BBA — available at IIM Rohtak, Christ University, Symbiosis
• Integrated LLB / LLB & LLB (Hons.) — offered at NLUs, Symbiosis Law School, Jamia Millia Islamia
• MBBS / BDS — offered by AIIMS, CMC Vellore, AFMC Pune, Amrita
• B.Com, BA (Journalism, Humanities, Design) — prominent in FMS Delhi, Lady Shri Ram College, Pearl Academy
• Other professional degrees in media, hospitality, biotechnology, public health, etc., at institutions like IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad, XLRI Jamshedpur

Most programs last 3–5 years, combining classroom instruction with hands-on projects, labs, and internships.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applying to study in India is straightforward but competitive, especially for top-ranked institutions. Early planning ensures better preparation and higher chances of admission.

a) When to Apply?

Most Indian universities admit students in June–August for the academic year starting in July or August. Some programs, particularly in private universities or MBA institutes, may also have a second intake in January or February.

To secure your seat, it’s recommended to start preparing at least 6–12 months before the intended start date.

b) Application Requirements

Common application requirements to study in India include:

• Completed application form (usually available online)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecards (if applicable)
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
• Letters of Recommendation from faculty or employers
• Professional achievements

For doctoral programs, candidates may also need to submit a research proposal.

COST OF STUDY

a) Average Course Fees (INR)

The average course fees in India vary depending on the type of institution, programme, and city:

• Public universities: Generally range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per year for master’s degrees and professional courses.
• Top private universities and business schools: Can range from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh per year, especially for highly sought-after courses like MBA, medicine, or specialised technology programmes.
• Diploma and certificate programmes: Often more affordable, typically starting from ₹30,000 upwards depending on duration and field.

Accommodation & Other Living Expenses

Beyond tuition, students planning to study in India should consider day-to-day living expenses, which remain relatively affordable by global standards.

 a) How Much You Should Expect to Pay for Your Main Needs:

• Accommodation: ₹5,000–₹15,000 per month, depending on city, university hostel, or private rental.
• Food & daily necessities: Around ₹3,000–₹6,000 per month.
• Local transport: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per month, with costs higher in metro cities.
• Internet & mobile: ₹500–₹1,000 per month.
• Books, study materials & miscellaneous: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per month.
  
  

Overall, the cost of living in India for students typically ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 per month, making it significantly more affordable than studying in countries such as the UK, USA, or Australia.

With careful budgeting, students can comfortably cover tuition and living expenses, making studying in India a practical and financially sustainable choice.

EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS IN INDIA

Studying in India isn’t just about earning a degree — it also offers opportunities to gain valuable work experience during and after your course. Here’s what you need to know about employment options in India for students:

a) Student Working Regulation

While pursuing full-time study in India, Indian students often explore part-time work opportunities to gain experience and support living costs. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Part-time work is generally allowed on campus or as internships.
• Work should not conflict with academic schedules and is typically limited to around 20+ hours per week during semesters (depending on university policies).
• Many universities have dedicated placement cells and career services that help students find internships, freelance projects, or campus jobs related to their field.

Part-time work helps students develop professional skills, network with industry contacts, and apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.

b) Working Post-study

After completing your degree, graduates can explore post-study employment opportunities in India’s dynamic job market. Some highlights include:

• Large-scale recruitment drives by IT firms, consulting companies, banks, and start-ups.
• Eligibility for graduate trainee programs, management positions, and industry-specific roles.
• Growing demand in sectors like AI, software development, data science, fintech, marketing, and healthcare.
• Some professional courses (like MBA) have campus placement programmes with high placement rates and competitive starting salaries.

Indian graduates can also leverage networking, internships, and university career services to secure full-time roles aligned with their skills and interests.