Nava Nalanda Mahavihara: Courses, Admission, Scholarships,...

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNU), established in 1951 and located in Nalanda, Bihar, is a government-run university approved by UGC and AICTE. It offers a wide range of programs in languages, philosophy, history, and culture to promote academic learning and research. Students can enroll in certificate, diploma, undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs with specialisations such as Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Sanskrit, Hindi, Philosophy, and Ancient History, Culture & Archaeology. Admission is mostly entrance-based, requiring students to clear the university’s entrance or proficiency tests, though some foreign nationals under government scholarship schemes may be exempted. A 15% supernumerary seat quota is available for eligible foreign students who meet visa and eligibility requirements.

The application process involves collecting the form from the university, filling it accurately, submitting required documents with fees and appearing for the entrance test if applicable. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara also offers merit-based scholarships, with foreign scholarship applications processed through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) or Ministry of Education. The university provides modern facilities, including a computer center, library, hostels, sports, conference rooms, medical care, guest house, Wi-Fi, and a Vipassana Meditation Centre to support academic and personal growth. Classes usually begin in July after admissions in March–April.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Highlights 2026

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Courses 2026

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara offers a variety of programs in languages, philosophy, history and culture, designed to promote academic excellence and research. The courses are available at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, with specializations such as Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, Sanskrit, Hindi, Philosophy, and Ancient History, Culture & Archaeology. Admission to each program is based on academic qualifications and performance in the university’s entrance or proficiency tests. The table below provides detailed information on specializations, eligibility criteria, and seat intake for each course offered in 2025.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Admission 2026

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara admits both Indian and foreign students to its various certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Foreign nationals nominated by the Government of India under scholarship schemes or self-financing students can apply directly and may be exempted from entrance tests if they have completed equivalent qualifications from a foreign institution. However, those with qualifications from Indian institutions must clear the entrance test.

A special 15% seat quota is available for foreign students who meet the minimum eligibility, have the required visas and permits, and possess recognized degrees. Applications for scholarship holders must come through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations or the Ministry of Education.

For all students, application forms can be collected from the university office. Each discipline requires a separate form, which must be submitted with required documents and fees before the deadline. Admissions generally open in March–April & classes begin in July.

Application Process For Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Admission 2026

• Collect the application form from the office of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.
• Fill in the form carefully with accurate personal and academic details.
• Attach all required documents and enclosures.
• Pay the prescribed application processing fee.
• If applying for more than one discipline, submit a separate form for each.
• Submit the completed form and documents to the Office of the Registrar before the deadline.
• Appear for the required Entrance/Proficiency Test, if applicable.
• Wait for the admission committee’s decision and complete enrollment after selection.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Scholarships 2026

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara offers scholarships to students based on academic merit. For foreign nationals holding scholarships, applications are processed through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) or the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Facilities

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara offers a range of facilities to create a supportive learning environment & enhance the overall student experience. These facilities cater to academic needs, accommodation, health, recreation and personal growth.

• Computer Center
• Central Library
• Separate Hostels for students
• Sports Facilities
• Conference Room
• Medical Facilities
• Vipassana Meditation Centre
• Guest House
• Campus-wide Wi-Fi
• Library

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara FAQs

When was Nava Nalanda Mahavihara established?

Ans. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara was established in 1951.

What type of institution is Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is a government institution approved by UGC and AICTE.

Which courses are offered by Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in 2025?

Ans. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in languages, philosophy, history, and culture.

What is the eligibility for the B.A. (Hons.) in Pali at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and obtained a valid score in the Undergraduate Entrance Test or Proficiency Test conducted by the university.

How can foreign nationals apply for admission at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Foreign nationals can apply directly, and scholarship holders must route their applications through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) or the Ministry of Education.

What is the seat quota for foreign nationals at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. A 15% supernumerary seat quota is available for eligible foreign nationals.

When does the admission process start at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. The admission process usually starts in March–April, and the academic session begins in July.

What scholarships are available at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Scholarships are offered based on academic merit, and applications for foreign scholarship holders are processed through ICCR or the Ministry of Education.

What facilities are available at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Facilities include a Computer Center, Central Library, hostels, sports facilities, conference room, medical care, Vipassana Meditation Centre, guest house, Wi-Fi, and more.

What is the selection process for admission at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara?

Ans. Admission is entrance-based, and candidates must qualify in the relevant entrance or proficiency test conducted by the university.