Study in India: The Ultimate Guide for Nepali Students
Dreaming of studying in India? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Nepali students cross the border to pursue higher education in India. With globally recognized universities, affordable tuition fees, diverse courses, and generous scholarship schemes, India has become one of the top study destinations for Nepali students. From engineering and medicine to business, IT, and the arts, Indian institutions offer opportunities that prepare students for successful careers both in Nepal and abroad.
This guide covers everything — from courses and universities to scholarships, costs, admissions, and other requirements.
Why Choose India for Higher Studies?
Here are the top reasons why Nepali students are choosing the USA:
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- Affordable Quality Education – Renowned universities and institutes offering globally recognized degrees at lower costs compared to Western countries.
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- Wide Range of Courses – From medicine and engineering to business, IT, agriculture, and arts, with 1,000+ universities and 40,000+ colleges to choose from.
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- Scholarships Oppurtunities – Government schemes like ICCR, COMPEX, SAARC, and merit-based university scholarships for Nepali students.
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- Cultural and Geographical Proximity – Shared history, open border, and cultural familiarity make it easier for Nepali students to adapt.
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- Strong Career Pathways – Growing industries in IT, healthcare, business, and research create employment and internship opportunities.
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- No Student Visa Needed – Under the Indo-Nepal treaty, Nepali students can study in India without requiring a visa.
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- Research & Innovation Hubs – Access to premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and other national institutes known for research excellence.
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- Regional & Global Recognition – Indian degrees are widely accepted in Nepal, South Asia, and across the globe.
Key Facts about Studying in India
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Language spoken | Most programs are taught in English, making it easier for Nepali students to adapt. |
| Cost of study | Annual tuition ranges from INR 2 –12 lakhs depending on university and course, lower than most Western destinations. |
| Scholarship Schemes | ICCR, COMPEX, SAARC, and university merit scholarships widely available for Nepali students. |
| Eligibility | Completion of +2 (Grade 12) is mandatory; entrance exams required for programs like MBBS (NEET) and Engineering (JEE/CUET). |
| Popular Fields | Medicine, Engineering, Business, IT, Agriculture, Arts, and Social Sciences. |
| Academic Calendar | Major intake is June–August; some universities also accept admissions in January. |
| Recognition of Degrees | Indian degrees are recognized by Nepal’s TU, KU, and global accreditation bodies. |
What Makes India Stand Out for International Students?
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- Over 1,000 universities and 40,000+ colleges offering diverse study options.
- Access to IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and other top-ranked professional institutes.
- Most programs are taught in English, reducing language barriers.
- Strong career prospects with growing industries in IT, healthcare, and business.
- Research opportunities with over 1,500 funded projects annually in STEM and healthcare.
Trending Courses in India for Nepali Students
| Field of Study | Example Programs | Avg. Tuition Fee (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | B.Tech in Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical | INR 2–5 lakhs |
| Medicine & Healthcare | MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, Pharmacy | INR 5–12 lakhs |
| Information Technology | BCA, MCA, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning | INR 2–4 lakhs |
| Hospitality & Tourism | BHM (Hotel Management), Travel & Tourism, Culinary Arts | INR 1.5–4 lakhs |
| Arts & Humanities | BA in Literature, Sociology, Political Science | INR 1–3 lakhs |
Leading Universities in India for Nepali Students
| University | Ranking | Key Programs | Avg. Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi) | India #2, QS World Top 200 | Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, AI | INR 2–3 lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM Ahmedabad) | India #1 in Management, QS World Top 100 | MBA, Executive Management, Business Analytics | NR 10–15 lakhs |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi) | India #1 in Medicine | MBBS, Nursing, Public Health, Research Programs | NR 3–7 lakhs |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU Delhi) | India Top 10, QS Asia Top 200 | Arts, Humanities, Political Science, Social Sciences | INR 1–2 lakhs |
| Delhi University (DU) | India Top 15, QS Asia Top 500 | Commerce, Arts, Business, Law | INR 1–3 lakhs |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU Varanasi) | India Top 10 | Agriculture, Ayurveda, Arts, Sciences, Law | INR 1–3 lakhs |
Admission Requirements for India
Step-by-Step Requirements:
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- Academic Qualifications – Completion of +2/Grade 12 or equivalent with required percentage (varies by course).
- Entrance Exams (If Applicable) –
- Medicine: NEET
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Engineering: JEE / CUET
- MBA: CAT / MAT / XAT
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- University-specific exams where required
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- Language Proficiency – Most programs are taught in English; IELTS/TOEFL usually not required, but some private universities may ask for proof.
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- SOP & Recommendation Letters – Compulsory for most universities.
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- Documents Required:
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- Academic transcripts & certificates
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- Passport
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- Bank statements & financial proof
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- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
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- Recommendation letters
Academic Intakes & Application Windows
| Intake | Duration | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | April – June | Dec – Feb (for undergraduate and postgraduate programs) |
| Winter | November–January | July–September (for select courses like MBA) |
| Throughout Year | _ |
Some universities also offer rolling admissions for certain courses throughout the year. |
Education & Living Expenses in India
Tuition Fees
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- Public Universities: INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000/year
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- Private Universities: INR 200,000- INR 600,000
Living Costs (per month)
| Expense | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | INR 8000 – INR 20000 |
| Food | INR 3000 – INR 8000 |
| Transport | INR 1000 – INR 3000 |
| Insurance | INR 2000 – INR 5000 |
| Miscellaneous | INR 2000 – INR 5000 |
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepali Students
Popular Scholarships:
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- COMPEX Scholarship Scheme
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- ICCR Scholarship Scheme
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- SAARC Scholarship Scheme
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- AYUSH Scholarship Scheme
- General Scholarship Scheme (Partial tuition and living expenses)
Real Cost of Living in India (INR vs NPR)
| Expense | INR (Monthly) | NPR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 | NPR 60,000 – 2.4L |
| Accommodation | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 | NPR 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Food | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | NPR 3,800 – 10,000 |
| Transport | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | NPR 1,300 – 3,800 |
| Insurance | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | NPR 2,500 – 6,300 |
Career & Work Options After Graduation
| Job Field | Avg. Salary (per year) | Stay-back Option |
|---|---|---|
| IT & Engineering | ₹6,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | Post-Study Work Visa (1–2 years) |
| Business & Finance | ₹5,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 | Campus Placements, Internships |
| Healthcare | ₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 | Internship Programs, Post-Graduation Jobs |
| Hospitality & Tourism | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | On-campus placements, Internships |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do Nepali students need a visa to study in India?
No, Nepali students do not require a student visa due to the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. However, they may need to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in some cases.
Q2. What is the average cost of living for a Nepali student in India?
The average monthly living costs in India range between INR 12,000 – INR 30,000 depending on the city. Metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai may cost more for accommodation and other expenses.
Q3. Can Nepali students apply for scholarships in India?
Yes, Nepali students can apply for several scholarships like ICCR, COMPEX, and SAARC scholarships, offering full or partial tuition and living expenses.
Q4. What are the eligibility requirements for Nepali students to study in India?
Generally, Nepali students need to have completed +2/Grade 12 with the required percentage (varies by course). Some courses may require entrance exams like JEE, NEET, or university-specific exams.
Q5. Are there job opportunities for Nepali students in India after graduation?
Yes, there are post-graduation work opportunities in India, especially in fields like IT, business, and healthcare, with campus placements and internship opportunities.