India launches 2 special category visas for international students; check eligibility, application process

The e-student visa is for those who want to pursue education in India, while the e-student-x visa is for the dependents of the e-student visa holders.

Updated on: Jan 6, 2025, 11:48:30 IST

By HT Education Desk

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India has launched two special category visas for international students intending to study in India – the ‘e-student visa’ and the ‘e-student-x visa’.

India has launched ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa’ for international students (HT Photo for representation)

The e-student visa is for those who want to pursue education in India, while the e-student-x visa is for the dependents of the e-student visa holders.

Students can apply for a visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in, but the authenticity of their application will be checked using the SII (Study in India) ID.

Also read: Indian tech companies take a fifth of all US H-1B visas: Infosys, TCS, Cognizant lead the pack

The SII portal facilitates the admission process of international students who wish to pursue either long-term or short-term courses in India.

A unique SII ID is mandatory for all students applying to study in India. This will enable them to track their college applications, apply for visas or e-visas and complete other higher education in India-related processes.

An Indian student visa is issued for up to five years, depending on the duration of the course and it can also be extended.

The e-student visa will be granted to foreign nationals who get admission to study in India and those who want to pursue regular, full-time courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral (PhD) levels and other formal programmes.

Also read: H-1B visa: Here's how much it will cost you in 2025

About the SII portal

SII is a project of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The portal facilitates application to 600 institutes offering 8,00 courses in disciplines such as engineering & technology, management, agriculture, sciences, arts and humanities, language studies, commerce, law, paramedical sciences covering pharmacy, nursing, and select niche courses like Buddhist Studies, and Yoga.

These courses are available at different levels, including Undergraduate (Bachelor's), Postgraduate (Master's), Doctoral (PhD), and certification-based courses.

Students can register on the SII portal by providing simple details such as name, country, date of birth, mobile number and email ID.

Once on board, they can log in to the account using the SII ID or email address and password and fill out the online application form.

(With inputs from PTI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT Education Desk
For over a decade, the Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk has been a trusted source for accurate, in-depth, and timely news on education and careers. We bring the latest updates on board exams, competitive exams, results, employment news, study abroad, scholarships, and school and college admissions, helping students, job seekers, and educators make informed decisions. Our Coverage Areas 1. Board Exams & Results: Comprehensive reporting on CBSE, CISCE, and state board exams (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and others), including schedules, admit cards, answer keys, results, and career opportunities. 2. Competitive Exams: Insights into major exams like UPSC, JEE, NEET, GATE, CAT, SAT, and state and central government services. Exam Results: Timely updates on UPSC, SSC, SBI, IBPS, NTA, IIMs, and other competitive exam results. 3. Employment News: Notifications on government and private sector jobs, vacancies, eligibility, application processes, and results. 4. Study Abroad: Information on top universities, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, visa regulations, and career prospects for international students. Features & Analysis: Opinion pieces, expert explainers, deep-dive reports, and interviews with key figures in education. 5. Breaking Education News: Real-time updates on major policy changes, institutional reforms, and trends shaping the education sector. 6. With a commitment to factual, unbiased journalism, HT Digital’s Education Desk has seen continuous growth in readership, offering credible and engaging content tailored for students, parents, and professionals. Meet the Team 1. Nilesh Mathur – News Editor A journalist with 24 years of experience, including 18+ years at Hindustan Times, Nilesh leads editorial planning, ensures factual accuracy, and enhances audience engagement through strategic content. 2. Papri Chanda – Deputy Chief Content Producer With over a decade of experience in education journalism, Papri specializes in exam-related content, study abroad insights, and education trends. She also explores new opportunities in education that benefit students. 3. Bishal – Senior Content Producer Active in the education and jobs sector since 2019, Bishal focuses on tracking developments, analyzing trends, and crafting informative content for students and job aspirants. 4. Gaurav Sarma – Deputy Chief Content Producer A multimedia journalist with 9+ years of experience, Gaurav is skilled in research-based storytelling, feature writing, and reporting on competitive exams, online courses, and education trends. At Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk, we strive to be the go-to platform for students and professionals navigating the dynamic world of education and careers.Read More

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