India is a thriving and flourishing country which encompasses different cultures, communities, religions, languages, a wide population and attractive sites and structures such as the Golden Temple. The country India gained its independence in 1948 and established its existence as a major part of Asia, also having friendly relations with the likes of US and China. The capital of India is New Delhi and the popularly spoken languages are Hindi and English. Other languages which are not common but are still recognised as regional languages in the country are; Punjabi and Bengali. Also India’s currency is Indian Rupee (INR) and the country is recorded to have a number of about 1.35 billion.
India is known to be a country which develops and advances every day in the technological aspect despite being a developing country also having its own challenges such as working towards the eradication of poverty. It is popular in the world and amongst international students who desire to study abroad in India, for its wonderful cultures waiting to be explored, with regards to the different Indian food such as nanns, vegetable curries and sugar pudding, the Indian style of dressing and lots more. India is also known and loved for the mind blowing stories found in its traditional folktales, about it the Hindu gods. It is not an exaggeration to say that the number of international students studying in India are about 4800.
Table of Contents:
– About Studying in India
– Why Study in India?
– Indian Educational System Compared to Other Countries
– 5 Top Institutions
– Scholarships/Financial Aids/Bursaries
– Student Visa Processing/Procedures
– Post Study Opportunities
Why Study in India?
India is a country which makes a great location for conducive studying for students both natives and international students who would love to study abroad. Although, India originally inherited its education system and structure from UK which had colonized the India before it gains its independence, on these recent times India had been able to gain ground as a developing country and set its own style of education. This is due to the level of its constant development, expansion and growth also quite a number of its educational institutions are recognized and all are accredited by NIRF, with enough room made available for both national students of the country and international students who want to study abroad in India.
The cost of living in the country (which is usually in INR or USD) is also quite reasonable for students and most international students studying abroad in India prefer to stay Mumbai or New Delhi. For example, the monthly rent in these two side of the country costs about 18,300INR for a bedroom apartment. Also, monthly public transport pass cots about 1000INR (£13.50). The average cost of residing or living in the country is 27,265INR ($2,620) for a month. Students can also choose to live in “halls of residence” while the study in any of the county’s educational institution.
It is also important to note that majority of the courses are now being offered in English which make it more convenient for all students, however it remains advisable for students who would like to further their education in India, to have basic knowledge of the Hindi language. Also, there are variety of courses and programmes open and made available to students interested in studying abroad in India. Majority of which are held in English language but it is quite advisable to have a knowledge of the Hindi language it is now common in the Indian Society.
Making applications for international students who want to study abroad in India has been made easy through the country’s national portal with maximum number of three programs to be applied for and some documents provide for registration. This includes; transcripts and evidence of the applicant’s English proficiency and the likes. It is important to note that those who would like to make applications for PhD, what makes it different from the normal application process is the inclusion of an academic CV and proof and completion of RET, that is Research Eligibility Test.
Indian System of Higher Education
In terms of the global higher education network, India has one of the biggest higher education systems, ranking second. In India, higher education refers to the tertiary level instruction that is provided following 12 years of formal education (10 years of primary education and 2 years of secondary education). There are around 42,000 institutions and over 1000 universities that make up India’s whole higher education ecosystem, which offers top-notch instruction. These organizations are all governed by the Ministry of Education.
The educational institutions in India are outfitted with cutting-edge infrastructure, contemporary libraries, and modern amenities in the classrooms (such as smart class, computers, wifi-connectivity, etc). All in all, the students benefit from dynamic, 360-degree learning made possible by these excellent resources. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are three Indian institutes that have been highlighted in lists of the top universities in the world due to these distinguishing characteristics. This supports the idea that India is growing into a significant education hub for both domestic and international students.
With the combined efforts of public and commercial entities throughout the years, Indian higher education has impressively expanded. The top-notch teaching methods used in Indian educational institutions allow pupils to develop their visualization skills and inspire them to think creatively. Students can develop their critical thinking skills throughout their higher education.
Everybody needs access to higher education, and the Indian government is always working to improve it. In order to give the students opportunities for experiential learning, Indian institutions spend a lot of money and time setting up excursions to real-world settings like industrial sites. Such activities, which are not restricted to the traditional classroom education system, aid pupils in expanding their horizons of knowledge. After earning their various degrees, students emerge as self-sufficient, driven, talented, knowledgeable, and responsible people who are prepared to hold professional positions.
Universities, Colleges, and Courses make up the three layers of the Indian higher education pyramid. To provide standardized education, universities and colleges collaborate with regulatory and accreditation agencies. Standard XII years of education are often required for admission to undergraduate programs, and admission to universities is mostly determined by performance on entrance exams.
The majority of bachelor’s degree programs in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and business are three years long. There are diploma programs that last between two and three years, are offered in polytechnics, and are typically in specialized engineering or technology fields, culminating in an Advanced or Post Diploma. Professional Bachelor’s degrees can take anywhere between 4 and 5.5 years to complete, depending on the discipline, in disciplines like law, medicine, and architecture.
Admission into postgraduate studies such as; Master, Post Graduate Diplomas, MBA, etc. is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with a Second Class pass or above (3 or 4 years, depending on the discipline). India is a popular country for non-university management education, with several institutions offering 2-year Post Graduate Diplomas in Management that are typically equivalent to an MBA. Research and a thesis or dissertation are required for doctoral level degrees, which can be earned in as little as two or three years.
Indian Educational System Compared to Other Countries
Considering the historical background of India, it is not surprising that India has grown to have within its territory, top schools or Institutions which can easily compete with other international educational institutions. There has been a tremendous evolvement of the Indian educational system and areas of emphasis, giving Indian educational system a sense of or better recognition in the international world. This includes compulsory education, technological-based system, and extracurricular activities among others.
There are five recognized categories of the Indian educational system which are: preschool education, primary level education, secondary level education, senior secondary level education, and graduate and above level education. Taking a look at the degrees offered in the educational institutions, we have the Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD. For the Bachelor’s degree the period covered, depending on what course, is 3-5 years, For Master’s degree (Professional degree) it takes a year and PhD is between 3-5 years.
Top Institutions In India
There are thousands of universities and colleges from which international students can pick. In truth, the bulk of the Indian Institute of Technology and All India Institute of Medical Sciences are available for students to enrol in on the ranking list. One of the best reasons to study in India is unquestionably the opportunity to study abroad at a prestigious university. Some of the top institutions in India are;
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
This educational institution of India was founded in 1958 funded by UNESCO and has emerged as a top university in the world. It provides for different programs which cover the bachelor’s program, master’s program and doctoral program. It has also gained reputation for its many research, business and academic contribution in the international world.
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is recognized for its various achievement having groomed its students and properly prepare them for life expectations and reality. Hence, a major source of the institution’s attraction to both national students and international students to study abroad in India are the prestigious awards and wins brought home by the institute’s students. Also, for the purpose of convenience, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay makes available accommodations for all its students. There are also academic, research and recreational facilities provided for.
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
The areas delved into by this institute is that of science, technology and research. The instructions aim at academic growth, to build the intellectual capacity and knowledge of its students. This educational institution also concentrates on global aspects of the world that need attention by getting involved with projects and the likes.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore was founded in 1909, a reputable institution with its academic divisions and departments being 6 and 45 in number, respectively. International students are drawn to study abroad in this institution due to the focus given to some fields of studies which includes; science, mechanical engineering, material sciences, research-based programmes and others. In 2022, the institute ranks 186th in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and also ranks 1st in the NIRF University Rankings 2021
Calcutta University
The University of Calcutta located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, was founded 24th of January, 1857. The number of institutions, universities and colleges associated or affiliated with the University of Calcutta are quite numerous. This includes 151 colleges in total and about 21 institutes. Application to the University of Calcutta can also be made online with other requirements met with.
The University of Calcutta has a recorded number of 19,004 students both national and international students in all programmes made available, they include, bachelor’s, masters and doctorate programmes. The advanced teaching learning process of the university has been a reason for the proper dispensation of quality education to its students both natives and international students studying abroad in India.
Banaras Hindu University
The university is focused on the rapt development of its students, that includes both national students of India and international students studying abroad in India; academically and mental with a conducive environment with enough studying space, technological and research and recreational facilities available. Also, activities are made open for participation and opportunities provided for its students such as internship opportunities. As for accommodation, the students of Banaras Hindu University have access to more than sixty-five (65) hostels. Several programmes are offered. There are Undergraduate and Postgraduate and PhD courses which includes Science, Technology, Humanities, Physics, Medicine, Geophysics and so many more.
Scholarships/Financial Aids/Bursaries
In order to support students interested in studying abroad in India different opportunities of financial aids are made accessible to these students provided the needed requirements are met. Attempts are also being made with backings given by the Indian government. Some of the scholarships for international students are;
- Nalanda University Master Fellowship for Foreign Students
- Indian School of Business International Scholarships (ISB)
- KIIT University International Scholarship Program (KUISP)
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Scholarship
- ITEC/SCAAP Government of India Fully Funded Scholarships
- General Scholarship Scheme (GSS) for Foreign Students
- A prestigious scholarship is The Study in Indian Scholarship which is fully funded and made to students with Pakistani passports.
- Doctoral Fellowship in India for ASEAN- This scholarship is by the Indian Institutes of Technology.
- SIU-ICCR Joint Scholarships for Developing Countries
Student Visa Processing/Procedures
Persons who are citizens of India do not have to go through the stress of collection of visa to study abroad in India. Same applies for persons holding overseas citizen of India status or persons holding Indian Original card. Also it is very important that the type of passport brought for entry to India, be machine readable. Study visas in India last for a maximum year of 5 and the fee is paid in USD, preferably card payment. Apart from the country’s border with China or with the country’s border with Pakistan, any part of the country can be a point of entry for any student with a valid visa. Alternatives to visa for those apart from the above mentioned are; Bhutanese or Nepalese passport and the passports must be machines-readable.
In applying for visa there is a need to provide proof of confirmation of acceptance to an India school which can be in Hindi and English language, the most recommended of the two still remains the English version of the written confirmation of the student’s admission. There is a need to make available proof of financial capacity or sustainability without working for the study period in India. There must be an obtainance of a “No Objection Certificate” which is provided for at the Ministry of health to ascertain the student’s health condition, and other documents requested for must be made available to secure a student’s study abroad in India.
Post Study Opportunities
The India laws and regulations does not permit international students studying in India to take up jobs while studying, excluding internships based on their field of study in an Indian educational institution. However, there is no restriction placed on these qualified and skilled international students, on working or exploring work opportunities in India after their studies are completed. Also, many young organizations and international brands in having offices India are more than ready to provide employment opportunities to qualified graduates from educational institutions of India.
The condition attached to this is the need for an EMPLOYMENT VISA which is issued for one year or term of the visa applicant’s contract with the employer. The form is made avail on the country’s visa platform; Indian Visa Online Platform. Some of the documents which are required for an employment visa are; passport, copy of online filled form, tax liability letter, organization registration, project details, appointment letter, justification letter from employer, amongst others. Many international students also stay back due to economic reasons and consider the easy ability to adjust to the country with no language complications, the access to diverse attractive culture and many more.
Final Thoughts
India’s inexpensive cost of education is a steal when compared to several of the best universities in the world. There are also a number of financial aid programs, loans, and scholarships available to help with the expense. Additionally, India has a low cost of living. The US and UK have rents that are respectively 509 percent and 456 percent more than those in India, according to Numbeo.
Apart from its fascinating cultures, breathtaking natural beauty, and varied history, the nation has a lot more to offer students. India, the second-most populated nation in the world, has experienced rapid growth in a variety of industries, with education being one of them. Numerous international universities and colleges are available to international students who wish to study abroad in India.