About Nalanda University Situated besides the Rajgir hills, the rejuvenated Nalanda University calls-out “Learning is being here.” The experience of being in this intellectual landscape is empowering with its seamless co-existence between nature and man, and between living and learning. The region vibrates with the positivity endowed by spiritual divines like Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira who meditated in this region and with the scholarly traditions developed by great masters such as Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, Dharmakirti who discoursed at the ancient Nalanda. Ancient Magadha was characterized by an intellectual ferment rarely known to humanity. The opportunity to comprehend multiple discourses and embrace knowledge in its entirety is what made Nalanda academics unique and attractive for all seekers. The first residential university of the world founded at Nalanda by the magnanimity of Emperor Kumaragupta in 427CE and sustained by the conscientiousness of the learned monks and teachers, flourished for over 800 years till the end in 12th century CE. It is believed to possess 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. Nalanda had attracted scholars to its campus from places as distant as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. Those scholars have left records about the ambience, architecture, and learning at Nalanda, as well as, about the profound knowledge of Nalanda teachers. The most detailed accounts have come from Chinese scholars and the best known of these is Xuan Zang, who carried back many hundred scriptures which were later translated into Chinese. In March 2006, while addressing a joint session of Bihar State Legislative Assembly, the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam proposed the revival of the ancient Nalanda. Concurring ideas came simultaneously seeking the re-establishment of ancient Nalanda: from the Singapore government; the leaders of sixteen member states of the East Asia Summit (EAS) in January 2007 in the Philippines; and in the fourth EA Summit, in October 2009 in Thailand. The Parliament of India passed the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and in September 2014, the first batch of students were enrolled. The State Government of Bihar under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar was quick to allocate 455 acres of land for the University campus at a significant location. Thus, marked the establishment of Nalanda University and the infrastructural constructions were done in the new campus during 2017 to 2023. The celebrated architect Padam-Vibhushan [late] Ar. B.V. Doshi designed the eco-friendly architecture reflecting the Vaastu of the ancient Nalanda, while integrating all modern amenities that match world standards. It is a large carbon footprint-free Net-zero campus, sprawling over acres of greens and 100 acres of water-bodies, truly an abode for learning. Nalanda is at once futuristic, for the ideals and standards of the ancient seat of learning have proven to be universal in their relevance as the feasible solutions to a shared and sustainable future for all, not just Asia. No wonder, the initiative for the revival of Nalanda University has been unanimously and enthusiastically welcomed the world over. Vision Establishment of an international institution for pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto The revival of the Nalanda university to improve regional understanding and the appreciation of one another’s heritage and history To build a community of learning where students, scholars, researchers and academicians can work together symbolizing the spirituality that unites all mankind Objectives The declared objectives of Nalanda University include improvement of educational system; research for greater interaction between Asian countries; bringing together future leaders of east Asia for regional peace; education, research and capacity building; training in various arts, crafts and skills. The focus of the academics is on ancient sciences, language, history, philosophy for improving the quality of life. Admissions 2026 Nalanda University offers 4 year doctoral programme for national and international students For full time students, it’s a fully residential programme For part-time students, residence will not be provided (baring contact programmes / workshops for a period of not exceeding more than seven days) Currently, the University is offering the following Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs: Course Duration (Years) Ph.D. in World Literature (English) 4 Ph.D. in Sustainable Development and Management 4 Ph.D. in Ecology and Environment Studies 4 Ph.D. in Historical Studies Archaeology International Relations and Peace Studies 4 Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions Hindu Studies (Sanātana Dharma) 4 Essential Eligibility Criteria Eligibility Criteria for Full Time Students Applicant should have a Master’s degree with at least 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA), preferably with dissertation at Masters’ level or M.Phil. Degree with 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA). Applicant to submit a Letter of Self Introduction, and 2 Letters of Recommendation/ References. Applicant to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP). The SoP should clearly state: The reason for opting the course/programme. The reason for choosing Nalanda University. Applicant to submit a detailed Research Proposal (A Plagiarism check report with similarity of 10% or less from Turnitin must be attached to the proposal). Applicant to submit evidence of any research such as writing samples or published papers (at least 2 to 3). International applicants have to submit a language proficiency proof such as: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Any other standard English test on international platform Or, completed a full-time degree-level course taught and assessed entirely in English NET/CSIRNET Qualified is a mandatory eligibility for Indian candidates. Assessment will be done on the basis of online interaction, document verification and Interview before final shortlisting for admission. Eligibility Criteria for Employed Applicants (Part-time) Applicant should have a Master’s degree with at least 65% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA), preferably with dissertation at Masters’ level or M.Phil. Degree with 60% marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA). Applicant must have a minimum of 8-10 years of work experience. Applicant to submit a Letter of Self Introduction, and 2 Letters of Recommendation/ References Applicant to submit a Statement of Purpose (SoP) (The SoP should clearly state the reason for opting the course/programme and choosing Nalanda University) Applicant to submit a detailed Research Proposal (A Plagiarism check report with similarity of 10% or less from turnitin must be attached to the proposal). Applicant to submit evidence of any research such as writing samples or published papers (at least 2 to 3). Application should be forwarded through proper channel along with a NOC from the present employer International applicants have to submit language proficiency proof such as: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Any other standard English test on international platform Or, completed a full-time degree-level course taught and assessed entirely in English Admission Process The entire application process for admissions is paperless and online in keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability. The Application form has to be filled in entirety, and submitted along with the Statement of Purpose (SoP), self-introductory note, and the documents mentioned therein. For Indian Students The candidate has to visit the University website for filling the online Application Form using online portal. The duly-filled Application Form and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) along with all the documents should be submitted to admission@nalandauniv.edu.in. The candidate has to pay an Application Fee of INR 500 (Rupees Five Hundred only) towards the processing of the application through RTGS/NEFT using the details given below: PAYEE NAME: NALANDA UNIVERSITYBANK NAME: HDFC BANK Ltd.BRANCH NAME: DHARAMSHALA ROAD, RAJGIRBANK ACCOUNT NUMBER: 550100079546912IFSC CODE: HDFC0002059 The transaction ID/payment/transfer details must be submitted to Admissions Office at the following email address: admission@nalandauniv.edu.in. The candidate has to appear in the interview through video conferencing using Skype as per the schedule intimated to the candidate. For International Students International students have to visit the University website for filling the online Application Form using online portal. The duly-filled Application Form and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) along with all the documents should be submitted to foreignstudents@nalandauniv.edu.in. The candidate has to pay an Application Fee of USD 08 (Eight US Dollars only or equivalent in Indian currency) towards the processing of the Application through RTGS/NEFT using the details given below: PAYEE NAME: NALANDA UNIVERSITYBANK NAME: HDFC BANK Ltd.BRANCH NAME: DHARAMSHALA ROAD, RAJGIRBANK ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50100079546912IFSC CODE: HDFCINBBXXX The transaction ID/payment/transfer details must be submitted to Admissions Office at foreignstudents@nalandauniv.edu.in Selection of Candidates Shortlisted applicants will be called for an Interview in person or through video conferencing as per the intimated schedule. Selection will be purely on merit. Selected candidates will be recommended for the provisional admission for the academic year 2026-27. University reserves the right to admit/not admit without specifying any reason. The University reserves the right to evolve the criteria for short-listing candidates based on the norms and regulations of the University amended from time to time. It is not guaranteed that all the applicants who have filled the Application Form and appeared in the entrance test/interview would be selected for admission at the University. Selected candidates will be intimated through email. Related Links Admission Brochure Online Registration Admission Helpdesk Admission Help Line: +91-6112-255330, +91-70332 91552For specific queries visit us: www.nalandauniv.edu.in Email: admissions2025@nalandauniv.edu.in (Indian Students)Email: foreignstudents@nalandauniv.edu.in (International Students) Note: Candidates are advised to visit the official website https://nalandauniv.edu.in/ for further information and updates. Source: https://nalandauniv.edu.in/