π΄ Latest Update:
Nalanda University Admission 2026-27 is now open for PG (MA, MSc, MBA) and PhD programmes. Applications are being accepted online at nalandauniv.edu.in. Last Date to Apply: June 15, 2026. The university has introduced 3 NEW courses for academic session 2026 – MA in Hindu Studies (SanΔtana Dharma), MA in World Literature, and MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Application Fee: βΉ500. Scholarships available up to 100% of tuition fee for eligible candidates.
Nalanda University Admission 2026 is open now. One of India’s most unique institutions β a Central University under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and recognised as an Institution of National Importance β Nalanda University is accepting applications for its PG and PhD programmes for the academic year 2026-27. Students can apply online at nalandauniv.edu.in till June 15, 2026.
What makes Nalanda University unlike any other β it is a fully residential international university built on the site of the ancient Nalanda University (5thβ12th century CE), once the world’s first residential university with over 10,000 students and 2,000 scholars from across Asia. The modern Nalanda University, established by an Act of Parliament in 2010 and operational since 2014, carries forward that legacy of interdisciplinary, global learning with a focus on sustainability, Buddhist studies, historical studies, ecology, and management.
For 2026, the university has introduced three brand new master’s programmes β MA in Hindu Studies (SanΔtana Dharma), MA in World Literature, and MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence β making the 2026-27 session particularly significant for applican
Also Read: Patna University Admission 2026 β Check Eligibility, Dates & Apply at patnauniversity.ac.in
Nalanda University Admission 2026 β Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University Name | Nalanda University |
| Type | Central University β Institution of National Importance |
| Under | Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |
| Established | 2010 (Act of Parliament); Operational since 2014 |
| Location | Rajgir, District Nalanda, Bihar |
| Campus Type | Fully Residential (International) |
| Official Website | nalandauniv.edu.in |
| Admission Portal | online.nalandauniv.edu.in |
| Admission Open For | MA, MSc, MBA, PhD (Session 2026-27) |
| Application Start Date | February 2026 (Ongoing) |
| Last Date to Apply | June 15, 2026 |
| Application Fee | βΉ500 (Online Payment) |
| Medium of Instruction | English (All Courses) |
| New Courses 2026 | MA Hindu Studies, MA World Literature, MSc Data Science & AI |
| Scholarships Available | Yes β Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| NAAC Grade | A++ |
| Contact β Admission | 7033291552 / admissions@nalandauniv.edu.in |
| Contact β General | 06112255330 / vcoffice@nalandauniv.edu.in |
Nalanda University Admission 2026 β Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission 2026-27 Process Started | February 2026 |
| Applications Currently Open | Ongoing |
| Nalanda University admission 2026 last date to Apply Online | June 15, 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 Exam (for MA/MSc) | March 6 β March 27, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 Application Last Date | May 25, 2026 |
| Shortlisting & Interview | After application deadline |
| Session Begins | August β September 2026 (Expected) |
Apply Before June 15, 2026. Nalanda University receives applications from students across India and 20+ countries. Apply early – seats are limited and competition is high.
Nalanda University Courses 2026 β Complete List (Including 3 New Courses)
NEW Courses Introduced for 2026 β Not Available Earlier
| New Course | Duration | School |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Hindu Studies (SanΔtana Dharma) | 2 Years | School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions |
| MA in World Literature | 2 Years | School of Language & Literature/Humanities |
| MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 2 Years | School of Ecology & Environment Studies |
All PG Courses β Nalanda University 2026-27
| Course | Duration | School |
|---|---|---|
| MBA in Sustainable Development and Management | 2 Years (Exit option after 1 year with Diploma) | School of Management Studies |
| MA in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions | 2 Years | School of Buddhist Studies |
| MA in Historical Studies | 2 Years | School of Historical Studies |
| MA in International Relations and Peace Studies | 2 Years | School of Historical Studies |
| MA in Archaeology | 2 Years | School of Historical Studies |
| MA in Economics | 2 Years | School of Management Studies |
| MA in Philosophy | 2 Years | School of Buddhist Studies |
| MA in Hindi | 2 Years | School of Language & Literature |
| MA in Sanskrit | 2 Years | School of Language & Literature |
| MA/MSc in Mathematics | 2 Years | Interdisciplinary |
| MA in Hindu Studies (SanΔtana Dharma) | 2 Years | School of Buddhist Studies |
| MA in World Literature | 2 Years | School of Language & Literature |
| MSc in Ecology and Environment Studies | 2 Years | School of Ecology & Environment Studies |
| MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 2 Years | School of Ecology & Environment Studies |
PhD Programmes β Nalanda University 2026-27
| PhD Programme | Duration |
|---|---|
| PhD in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions | 4 Years |
| PhD in Historical Studies (Archaeology / International Relations) | 4 Years |
| PhD in Ecology and Environment Studies | 4 Years |
| PhD in Sustainable Development and Management | 4 Years |
| PhD in Hindu Studies (SanΔtana Dharma) | 4 Years |
| PhD in World Literature (English) | 4 Years |
Note: All courses are conducted in English only. Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds must submit TOEFL / IELTS / TOEIC / PTE / STEP scores.
Eligibility Criteria β Nalanda University Admission 2026
| Programme | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| MA (all specializations) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 55% (or equivalent CGPA) |
| MSc Ecology & Environment Studies | Bachelor’s in Science / relevant field | 55% |
| MSc Data Science & AI | Bachelor’s in Science / Engineering / Maths / CS | 55% |
| MBA Sustainable Development & Management | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 55% + minimum 70 percentile in CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT |
| PhD (all disciplines) | Master’s degree in relevant field | 65% (or equivalent CGPA) |
Common Requirements for All Programmes:
- To get into any of the programmes you need to be good at English because all the classes are taught in English.
- You also need to write a Statement of Purpose for all the programmes.
- If English is not your language you have to take a test like TOEFL or IELTS or TOEIC or PTE or STEP to prove your English skills.
- When it comes to the decision the programme people will talk to you in person this is called a Personal Interview and it is necessary, for all the programmes.
Nalanda University Admission 2026 β Entrance Exams Accepted
| Programme | Accepted Entrance Exams |
|---|---|
| MA programmes | CUET PG 2026 |
| MSc programmes | CUET PG 2026 |
| MBA | CAT / XAT / MAT / GMAT / CUET PG (minimum 70 percentile) |
| PhD | UGC-NET / GATE / University-level entrance + Interview |
For MBA: The minimum score you need to get in the CAT or XAT or MAT is 70 percent. You also have to send in a statement of purpose and go for an interview. They pick the candidates based on how good your statement of purpose is, what your academic record looks like your score, in the entrance exam and how you do in the interview. They consider all these things when they decide who to select for the program like your CAT or XAT or MAT score.
Nalanda University Fees 2026 β Course-wise Fee Structure
| Programme | Total Fee (Full Course) |
|---|---|
| MBA in Sustainable Development & Management | βΉ2.22 Lakhs (2 Years) |
| MA (all specializations) | βΉ1.34 Lakhs (2 Years) |
| MSc Ecology & Environment Studies | βΉ1.34 Lakhs (2 Years) |
| MSc Data Science & AI | To be announced |
| PhD (all disciplines) | βΉ3.67 Lakhs (4 Years) |
| Diploma courses | βΉ3,000 (full duration) |
| Application Fee | βΉ500 (non-refundable) |
Fees are paid semester-wise. Note – The Nalanda University MBA has a fee of βΉ2.22 Lakhs. This is a lot lower than similar programmes. For example the TERI SAS Delhi Nalanda University MBA alternative costs βΉ11.90 Lakhs.
The IIFM Bhopal Nalanda University MBA alternative costs βΉ7.08 Lakhs. So the Nalanda University MBA is one of the affordable Nalanda University MBA programmes that focus on sustainability in India. The Nalanda University MBA is really good, for people who want to study sustainability without spending much money.
Nalanda University Hostel Fees 2026
Nalanda University is a place where students have to live on the campus. The Nalanda University has hostels where all the students of Nalanda University must stay. The Nalanda University gives rooms in the hostel, to students who apply first. If you want to stay in the hostel of Nalanda University you have to apply because the rooms are given on a first-come first-served basis.
| Category | Hostel Type | Hostel Fee (Per Semester) | Mess Fee (Per Semester) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian PG Students (MA, MBA, MSc) | Twin-Sharing AC Room | βΉ22,500 | βΉ22,420 |
| Indian PhD Students | Single Occupancy AC Room | βΉ31,000 | βΉ22,420 |
| International PG Students | Twin-Sharing AC Room | USD 347 | βΉ22,420 |
| International PhD Students | Single Occupancy AC Room | USD 476 | βΉ22,420 |
Hostel rooms have air conditioning. The university provides meals that’re both affordable and good for you at the campus dining facility. As this university is an one students must stay in the university hostel.
Nalanda University Scholarship 2026 β Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver
Nalanda University offers several scholarships for both Indian and International students:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Sunaina Singh Merit Scholarship | Top academic performers | Tuition fee waiver |
| Prof. Pyong Rae Lee Scholarship | Meritorious students | Tuition fee waiver |
| Merit Scholarship (Class Topper) | SGPA above 8.0 | Full tuition fee waiver |
| Means-cum-Merit Scholarship | Family income below βΉ4.5 LPA + merit | Tuition + hostel + mess fee exemption |
| PhD Fellowship | All regular PhD scholars | Monthly fellowship as per university norms |
| ICCR Scholarships | International students | Available through ICCR portal |
| Study in India Scholarships | International students | Available through Study in India programme |
Government Scholarships also applicable:
- These include the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students. This scholarship covers up to 100 percent of the fees for Government Scholarships like these.
- The Bihar Student Credit Card is another Government Scholarship option. It gives students a loan of up to βΉ4 Lakhs at an interest rate but only for people who live in Bihar.
- You can apply for Government Scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal, which is found at scholarships.gov.in.
- The deadline to apply for a Government Scholarship is usually, in July every year.
- So you should apply for Government Scholarships soon as you get your admission confirmation.
- Do not wait to apply for Government Scholarships.
Documents Required β Nalanda University Admission 2026
- Class 10 Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12 Marksheet & Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree Marksheet & Certificate (all semesters)
- Master’s Degree (for PhD applicants) β all semester marksheets
- CAT / XAT / MAT / CUET PG Scorecard (as applicable)
- TOEFL / IELTS / TOEIC / PTE score (for non-English medium applicants)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) β typed, in English
- Referee’s Recommendation Letter(s)
- Writing Sample / Research Proposal (for PhD)
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC reservation)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card / Passport (for international students)
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
How to Apply Online Nalanda University Admission 2026
To apply online for Nalanda University Admission 2026 you need to do a things.
- First you have to go to the admission portal which is online.nalandauniv.edu.in.

- You will see a button that says “Apply or “New Registrationβ. Just click on it.
- Next you have to enter your Email ID and Mobile Number. Then you verify these details using a special code called OTP.
- Now you can fill the application form for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
- You have to give your details academic qualifications and the programme you want to apply for at Nalanda University.
- Then you have to upload some documents like your photograph, marksheets, a document called SOP and scorecard for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
- You also need to enter your score from the entrance exam, which could be CUET PG or CAT or XAT or MAT depending on what’s required for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
- After that you pay a fee of βΉ500 for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
- Finally you submit the form. Download a confirmation page, which you should keep for future reference for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
SOP Tip:
Your Statement of Purpose for Nalanda University Admission 2026 is an important part of your application.
You should write clearly about your background, why you want to go to Nalanda University specifically what you are interested in researching and what you want to achieve in the future for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
If your Statement of Purpose is too general it might get rejected when they are selecting applicants, for Nalanda University Admission 2026.
Nalanda University Admission 2026 Selection Process
To get into Nalanda University you have to go through a steps for the Nalanda University Admission 2026.
Step 1 – is to submit your application. You need to do this at online.nalandauniv.edu.in. Make sure you do it before June 15 2026.
Step 2 – is the shortlisting. For this Nalanda University looks at a things about the Nalanda University Admission 2026 applicants.
- They check if you are eligible which means they look at your degree and percentage.
- They also look at how you did in school which is your academic performance and your overall marks.
- They want to make sure you filled out the application completely.
Step 3– is the shortlisting for the Nalanda University Admission 2026.
- Here they look closely at the people who are still in the running.
- They want to see how good your Statement of Purpose is, which is like a letter that says why you want to go to Nalanda University.
- They also want to see what the people who recommended you have to say about you which’s your Referees Recommendation Letter.
- If you are applying for a PhD they want to see some of your writing or research work.
- They look at how well you did on the entrance exam, which could be the CAT or the XAT or the MAT or the CUET PG for the Nalanda University Admission 2026.
Step 4 – is the Personal Interview for the Nalanda University Admission 2026.
This is where the people who are still in the running get to talk to the people at Nalanda University.
Step 5 – is the Admission Offer for the Nalanda University Admission 2026.
After the interviews Nalanda University makes a list of who they want to let in. They send out offers, to those people.
International Students Nalanda University Admission 2026
Nalanda University is a truly international institution – it has students from 20+ countries. International students can apply through the same portal:
- Application Portal: online.nalandauniv.edu.in
- English Proficiency: TOEFL / IELTS / TOEIC / PTE / STEP score required
- Scholarship: ICCR Scholarships and Study in India Scholarships available for international applicants
- Hostel: International students get the same fully air-conditioned residential facilities
- Contact: admissions@nalandauniv.edu.in
International students from countries with MOUs with Nalanda University – including China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Sri Lanka – may be eligible for additional scholarship support.
About Nalanda University
Bihar Nalanda University is an important institution in India. It was set up by the Indian Parliament through the Nalanda University Act in 2010. Nalanda University works under the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India. It is located at Rajgir, Bihar which’s near the old Nalanda University. The old Nalanda University was one of the universities in the world. It was open from the 5th to the century. A lot of students over 10,000 and scholars around 2,000 came to the Nalanda University from all over Asia.. It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century.
The new Nalanda University started in 2014. It has a good rating, NAAC A++. Many countries, including India, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia supported the idea of starting Nalanda University at the East Asia Summit in 2006. Now Nalanda University offers different postgraduate and PhD programs. These programs are available, in six schools: Buddhist Studies, Historical Studies, Ecology and Environment Studies, Language and Literature Management Studies and Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Nalanda University has all these schools.
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FAQ β Nalanda University Admission 2026
What is the last date to apply for Nalanda University Admission 2026?
The last date to apply online for Nalanda University Admission 2026-27 is June 15 2026.
What is the application fee for Nalanda University 2026?
The application fee for Nalanda University 2026 is βΉ500. You pay it online when you submit your form.
What are the new courses at Nalanda University in 2026?
Nalanda University has introduced courses for 2026. These courses are:
MA in Hindu Studies
MA in World Literature
MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
What entrance exam do I need for Nalanda University MA admission 2026?
For MA and MSc admissions at Nalanda University you need CUET PG score.
What about MBA?
For MBA you need least 70 percentile in exams like CAT, XAT, MAT or GMAT.
Is Nalanda University MBA good?
Yes Nalanda University MBA in Sustainable Development Management is an option. It is one of the affordable sustainability-focused MBA programmes in India at βΉ2.22 Lakhs total. Many good companies like GIZ India, World Resources Institute, Social Enterprises International (UK) and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme offer placements here.
Does Nalanda University offer 100% scholarship?
Yes Nalanda University offers 100% scholarship. If you are a class topper with SGPA above 8.0 you can get a tuition fee waiver. Also if your family income is below βΉ4.5 LPA you can apply for Means-cum-Merit scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition, hostel and mess fees.
Is Nalanda University residential?
Yes Nalanda University is a residential campus located at Rajgir, Bihar. All students must stay in university hostels.
Can international students apply to Nalanda University 2026?
Yes international students can apply to Nalanda University 2026. Nalanda University welcomes students from around the world. If you are not a medium student you need to provide TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores. There are scholarships like ICCR and Study in India for international students.
Is Nalanda University a Central University?
Yes Nalanda University is a Central University. It was established by an Act of Parliament. Recognised as an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India.
What is the minimum percentage for Nalanda University admission?
Most PG programmes at Nalanda University require least 55% in your qualifying degree. For PhD programmes you need 65%. If you are applying for MBA you need 55% in graduation. 70 Percentile in exams, like CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT.
