Understanding the New Visa Categories

1. e-Student Visa 
This visa is intended for international students who have registered on the ‘Study in India’ (SII) portal. It is specifically for students admitted to full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs at accredited Indian institutions.

2. e-Student-X Visa 
This category is for the dependents of students holding an e-student visa. It allows families to accompany their loved ones while they pursue studies in India.

How to Apply

International students wishing to study in India must follow a structured process to secure these visas:

1. Register on the SII Portal
Students must first register on the ‘Study in India’ portal ([studyinindia.gov.in](https://studyinindia.gov.in)), providing essential details such as name, nationality, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. After registering, they receive a unique SII ID, which is necessary for tracking applications and visa progress.

2. Secure Admission 
Students must be accepted into a course at a participating institution listed on the SII portal. More than 600 institutions are part of this initiative, offering over 8,000 courses in fields like engineering, management, humanities, agriculture, and yoga.

3. Apply for the Visa
Once admitted, students can apply for the appropriate visa through the official Indian visa portal ([indianvisaonline.gov.in](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in)). The SII ID is required during the application process.

4. Visa Validity and Extensions  
The e-student visa is typically valid for up to five years, aligning with the length of the course. It is possible to extend the visa while in India if necessary. Visa holders can enter India through any authorized immigration checkpoint.

Benefits of the Initiative

These visas aim to simplify and expedite the process for international students, addressing long-standing concerns about bureaucratic hurdles. The inclusion of the e-student-x visa further highlights India’s commitment to supporting the families of international students, ensuring a smoother transition for all parties involved.

The Study in India Program

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, the Study in India program plays a central role in this initiative. The program aims to position India as a preferred destination for global education, offering a wide range of academic opportunities. It collaborates with leading institutions to provide quality education in fields such as technology, law, sciences, arts, and niche areas like Buddhist Studies and yoga.

Global Vision for Indian Education

Through these new visa categories and a comprehensive framework for international education, India is reinforcing its commitment to becoming a top global education destination. The streamlined processes and welcoming environment aim to attract international talent, offering both students and their families a smoother path to academic success in India.