India has introduced two special category visas aimed at facilitating the entry of international students into the country’s higher educational institutions. These visas, named the e-student visa and e-student-x visa, are part of the government’s initiative to attract more foreign students and improve the country’s standing as an educational hub.
Key Features of the Visas
- e-Student Visa
- This visa is designed for international students who have been admitted to recognized Indian educational institutions.
- Eligible foreign students can apply for the visa through the Study in India (SII) portal.
- The e-student visa allows students to pursue full-time, regular undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and other formal programs at approved educational institutes in India.
- The visa is typically issued for up to five years, depending on the course duration, and can be extended while in India.
- Students holding the e-student visa can enter India from any immigration check-post.
- e-Student-X Visa
- The e-student-x visa is provided to the dependents of students holding the e-student visa, ensuring that family members can join them during their studies.
Study in India Portal
- The SII portal, a flagship project of the Ministry of Education, plays a crucial role in the admission process.
- It helps international students apply for a wide range of programs in over 600 partner institutions across India.
- To apply for the visa, students must first apply to Indian higher educational institutions through the SII portal. Once the application is authenticated, they can submit their visa application via the Indian government’s visa portal.
Courses and Programs Offered
The SII portal connects students to over 8000 courses in diverse fields, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Management
- Agriculture and Sciences
- Arts, Humanities, and Language Studies
- Commerce, Law, and Paramedical Sciences
- Niche courses like Buddhist Studies, Yoga, etc.
These programs are available at various levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certification-based courses.
Simplified Process for Students
- The process for applying through the SII portal is straightforward and entirely online. Students can begin by registering on the portal, providing essential details such as their name, country, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
- Students will be assigned a unique SII ID, which will serve as their key to tracking applications, managing course choices, and processing visa applications. The SII ID is mandatory for students wishing to study in India.
Additional Information
Indian Students Surpass Chinese Students in the US for the First Time Since 2009
In the 2023-24 academic year, the number of Indian students in the US reached 3.31 lakh, making up 29.4% of the total international student population of 11 lakh. This marks a significant increase from 25.4% in the previous academic year. Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the US saw an 18% rise in 2023-24 compared to the previous year.
In comparison, the number of Chinese students in the US for the same period stood at 2.77 lakh, with their share declining to 24.6% from 27.4% in the prior year. This shift makes Indians the largest group of international students in the US, a first since 2009, as per the latest Open Doors 2024 report.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes, focusing on the relevance of the topic for UPSC aspirants. Students should stay updated on further developments and refer to official sources for comprehensive preparation.
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