India is home to one of the largest higher education systems in the world. Indian institutions are globally recognized and respected, especially in fields such as engineering, sciences, liberal arts, management, design, and technology. India has contributed greatly to the global workforce, with graduates of Indian universities excelling in their fields.
In addition to a top-tier educational experience, India has a vibrant and unique culture that attracts many international students. Study in India partner institutions offer more than 8,000 courses across 600+ institutes, including niche courses such as Yoga, Buddhist Studies, Indian Music, and vocational and certificate courses.
India is a gateway to completing a degree at a respected institution while exploring South Asia and nearby regions of Asia. India is the seventh-largest country in the world and shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. India is also well connected to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.
Some globally ranked universities and institutions in India include the University of Delhi, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, IIT Bombay is ranked #134, IIT Kanpur is ranked #=221, and the University of Delhi is ranked #322 globally. Let’s take a look at the requirements and application processes for studying a bachelor in India!
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Just like most countries, India requires international students who want to study a bachelor’s degree in the country to have the appropriate student visa before entry and final enrollment. Under the Study in India process, students should register on the Study in India portal, receive a Study in India ID, apply to institutions, receive an offer letter, and then apply for a visa through the Indian Visa Online portal. The validity of a student visa is generally the duration of the course or five years, whichever is less.
Transcripts of records and other educational certificates will be required when applying for admission to an Indian university. For undergraduate courses, Study in India states that the minimum requirement is 10+2 years of schooling. Specific eligibility criteria vary by institution, program, and discipline, so applicants should check the official university or Study in India course page before applying.
Entrance exams may be required for applicants, especially for highly competitive degree programs and prestigious Indian institutions. Some institutions also accept international or national entrance exams for foreign applicants. For example, the Indian Institute of Science lists SAT/ACT and IAT/JEE Advanced modes for eligible Foreign National and OCI (F) candidates applying to its Bachelor of Science (Research) program.
The Ministry of Education in India provides an official Study in India website that contains information, application steps, course search tools, visa guidance, and preparation resources for international students.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
Many Indian institutions use English as the primary language of instruction, and Study in India states that English is the medium of instruction at its partner institutes. There is no pressure for international students to learn Hindi to pursue an undergraduate degree in India. However, applicants may need to show English language proficiency depending on the institution and program.
Widely accepted English proficiency tests in India include IELTS and TOEFL, but accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution. Some universities may also accept their own English aptitude test or exempt applicants who meet specific English-medium education criteria. Because minimum scores are not the same across all Indian universities, applicants should check the official admission page of the institution and program they plan to apply to.
It is best to coordinate directly with the institution you intend to apply to so you are informed of the accepted English language proficiency exams, possible exemptions, and minimum score required for the degree program you are interested in.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Universities in India have comprehensive guides for international applicants available on their official websites. Delhi University has a Foreign Students’ Registry page where international students can access admission information, programs of study, deadlines, and online admission links. Similarly, many Indian Institutes of Technology and other public institutions have international relations or admissions pages that include important information, downloadable forms, and FAQs to assist international students.
The requirements and steps may vary for every Indian institution. The following steps are standard requirements when applying for an undergraduate degree in India.
Step 1. Completing Application Form
International applicants should begin by registering on the Study in India portal and obtaining a Study in India ID, especially if they are applying through the Study in India system. The portal allows students to explore courses, submit applications to selected institutes, receive offer letters, and use the Study in India ID when applying for a student visa.
The Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore also provides an official online admissions process for eligible international applicants. For its Bachelor of Science (Research) program, IISc states that applicants must submit the online application through the admissions portal and upload scanned documents such as a passport-size photograph, passport details, and an OCI card if applicable.
Similarly, the University of Delhi has a Foreign Students’ Registry where international students can find relevant links and information on online applications. This is the step-by-step guide for applying for admission to the University of Delhi.
Most universities have an admissions portal where applicants can complete their application forms and submit their required documents.
Step 2. Submission of Required Documents
Required documents may vary by institution. With this said, an official document supporting that the applicant has completed 10+2 years of schooling is generally required for undergraduate admission in India. Official transcripts and academic credentials are also required.
Aside from educational transcripts, a valid certificate from an English proficiency exam might also be required for international students. As mentioned above, TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted, but some institutions may accept other evidence of English proficiency or an institution-level English aptitude test.
Additional materials such as artistic portfolios might be required depending on the course the applicant is applying for.
Some universities may require a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, passport, passport-size photograph, medical insurance, or other program-specific documents.
Step 3. Getting Accepted and Securing a Student Visa
After submitting the necessary documents and application form, the applicant must wait to hear back from the admissions office regarding the result of their application. After international students receive an official offer or letter of acceptance, they should begin the visa application process. Acquiring a student visa is one of the most important parts of applying for a bachelor’s degree in India. Visa requirements can be found on the official Government of India visa page.
With this said, these are some of the documents that you may need to process a student visa. Exact requirements can vary by the Indian mission, embassy, or consulate where you apply.
- Valid passport and photocopy or scanned copy of the passport information page
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed online visa application form
- Official offer or acceptance letter from a recognized Indian institution
- Study in India ID, when applying through the Study in India process
- Proof of residence or address, if required by the Indian mission or visa application center
Step 4. Enrollment
As mentioned above, securing the appropriate student visa is necessary before entering India and completing final enrollment or registration at an Indian institution. After landing in India, international students should also follow the required E-FRRO or FRRO registration process through the Study in India system, generally within 14 days of arrival.
Admission formalities in most universities often require visa verification, passport verification, verification of original academic documents, medical insurance, English proficiency documents when applicable, and other required documents.
We hope that this article on studying for a bachelor’s degree in India was helpful. Feel free to check out the available bachelor’s programs for international students!
