Nalanda University was a Buddhist monastic institution in the ancient Indian kingdom of Magadha (modern-day Bihar) that thrived from the 5th to the 12th centuries. It was one of the greatest centers of learning in the world, attracting students from all over Asia and beyond. The university was renowned for its scholarship in a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, religion, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
- Nalanda University Important Dates
- Nalanda University Rankings
- Nalanda University Courses, Fees & Eligibility
- Nalanda University Admission
- Nalanda University Cut Offs
- Nalanda University Result
- Nalanda University Placements
- Nalanda University Scholarships
- Nalanda University Campus
- Nalanda University Affiliated Colleges
- Nalanda University Notable Alumni
- Nalanda University FAQ

The origins of Nalanda University are obscure, but it is believed to have been founded in the 5th century by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. The university was located in the town of Nalanda, which was a major center of Buddhist learning at the time. Nalanda University was initially a Buddhist monastery, but it9 gradually evolved into a university with a more secular curriculum.
The university reached its peak in the 7th and 8th centuries, when it was attended by thousands of students from all over Asia. The university was divided into several colleges, each of which specialized in a particular subject. The most famous college was the Mahavihara, which was the center of Buddhist studies.
Nalanda University Important Dates
Date | Event |
5th century | Nalanda University is founded by the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. |
7th century | Nalanda University reaches its peak, with thousands of students from all over Asia attending. |
8th century | The library at Nalanda University is said to contain over 9 million manuscripts. |
9th century | Nalanda University begins to decline, due to political instability and the rise of Islam in the region. |
1193 | Nalanda University is destroyed by the Muslim invaders of Bihar. |
2006 | The Indian government announces plans to revive Nalanda University. |
2010 | The new Nalanda University is established. |
Present | The new Nalanda University is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to become a major center of learning again. |
Nalanda University Rankings
Nalanda University has been ranked among the top universities in India by a number of ranking agencies. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, Nalanda University was ranked 573rd overall and 154th in Asia. In the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Nalanda University was ranked 9685th overall and 981st in Asia.
Nalanda University Courses, Fees & Eligibility
Courses
Nalanda University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including:
- Arts and Humanities: This includes programs in Buddhist Studies, Indian Studies, Philosophy, and Religion.
- Natural Sciences: This includes programs in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Social Sciences: This includes programs in Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology.
- Management: This includes programs in Business Administration and Public Policy.
Fees
The fees for Nalanda University vary depending on the program and the student’s nationality. For Indian students, the fees for undergraduate programs are around INR 50,000 per year and the fees for postgraduate programs are around INR 60,000 per year. For international students, the fees for undergraduate programs are around USD 10,000 per year and the fees for postgraduate programs are around USD 12,000 per year.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for Nalanda University vary depending on the program. For undergraduate programs, students must have completed their 12th grade with a minimum of 60% marks. For postgraduate programs, students must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks.
Nalanda University Admission
Admission Process
The admission process for Nalanda University is online. Students can apply for admission through the university’s website. The application process includes submitting an application form, paying the application fee, and providing the required documents.
Nalanda University Application Process
Application Process
The application process for Nalanda University is as follows:
- Visit the university’s website and download the application form.
- Complete the application form and submit it online.
- Pay the application fee.
- Provide the required documents.
- Wait for the results of the admission process.
Nalanda University Cut Offs
Cut Offs
The cut-offs for admission to Nalanda University vary depending on the program and the student’s nationality. For Indian students, the cut-offs are typically lower than for international students. The cut-offs are also affected by the number of applicants and the quality of the applications.
Cut-offs for Undergraduate Programs
The cut-offs for undergraduate programs at Nalanda University are typically around 60% for Indian students and 75% for international students. However, the cut-offs can vary depending on the program. For example, the cut-off for the Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies is typically higher than the cut-off for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Cut-offs for Postgraduate Programs
The cut-offs for postgraduate programs at Nalanda University are typically around 65% for Indian students and 80% for international students. However, the cut-offs can vary depending on the program. For example, the cut-off for the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies is typically higher than the cut-off for the Master of Arts in Economics.
Nalanda University Result
Results
The results for admission to Nalanda University are usually announced in July. The results are released online on the university’s website. The results will include the applicant’s name, their application number, and their admission status.
How to Check Results
To check your Nalanda University results, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the university’s website.
- Click on the “Admissions” tab.
- Click on the “Results” link.
- Enter your application number and your date of birth.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
Nalanda University Placements
Placements
The placements at Nalanda University are still in their early stages, but they have been steadily improving. In the 2022 placement season, the average salary package offered to Nalanda University graduates was INR 8 lakhs per annum. The highest salary package offered was INR 16 lakhs per annum.
Factors that contribute to good placements
The placements at Nalanda University are affected by a number of factors, including:
- The program: The placements for different programs can vary. For example, the placements for the Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies are typically lower than the placements for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
- The student’s academic performance: Students with good academic performance are more likely to get placed at good companies.
- The student’s extracurricular activities: Students who are involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to get placed at good companies.
- The student’s communication skills: Students with good communication skills are more likely to get placed at good companies.
Nalanda University Scholarships
Scholarships
Nalanda University offers a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to students from all backgrounds. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and other factors.
Types of Scholarships
The scholarships offered by Nalanda University include:
- Full scholarships: These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Partial scholarships: These scholarships cover a portion of the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic performance.
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students with financial need.
- International scholarships: These scholarships are offered to students from outside India.
How to Apply for Scholarship
To apply for scholarships at Nalanda University, you must submit an application form and supporting documents. The application form can be found on the university’s website. The supporting documents may include your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Nalanda University Campus
History of the Campus
The university’s campus was originally the site of the Residency, which was the British headquarters during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. After the rebellion, the Residency was destroyed, and the land was used to build the university’s campus.
The Main Building
The main building of the university is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. It was built in the early 1900s, and it is a Grade I heritage building. The main building houses the university’s administrative offices, as well as several academic departments.
The Library
The university’s library is one of the largest libraries in India. It has a collection of over 2 million books, as well as a number of journals and periodicals. The library is open to all students and faculty members of the university.
The Sports Complex
The university has a well-equipped sports complex. The complex has facilities for a variety of sports, including cricket, football, basketball, and tennis. The complex also has a swimming pool and a gymnasium.
The Hostels
The university has a number of hostels for students. The hostels are located on the campus, and they provide accommodation for students from all over India. The hostels are well-maintained, and they have all the facilities that students need.
The Gardens
The university campus has a number of beautiful gardens. The gardens are a great place to relax and unwind. They are also a popular spot for students to study.
Nalanda University Affiliated Colleges
Some of the top affiliated colleges of the University of Nalanda University include:
- Isabella Thoburn College
- Lucknow Christian College
- Avadh Girls Degree College
- Charuchandra Mishra Institute of Technology
- Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University
- Lucknow University Institute of Engineering and Technology
Nalanda University Notable Alumni
Some of the most notable alumni of the University of Nalanda include:
- Arif Mohammed Khan: A former Indian politician who served as the Governor of Kerala from 2019 to 2022. He is also a former Union Minister of Minority Affairs and a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Suresh Raina: A former Indian cricketer who is considered one of the best batsmen in the world. He played for the Indian national team for over a decade and was a member of the team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
- Dimple Yadav: An Indian politician who is the wife of Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She is a member of the Samajwadi Party and has served as a Member of Parliament.
- Shankar Dayal Sharma: The 9th President of India who served from 1992 to 1997. He was a lawyer and politician who was a member of the Indian National Congress.
- Adarsh Sein Anand: A former Chief Justice of India who served from 2010 to 2012. He is a jurist who is known for his work on human rights and constitutional law.
- Prafulla Chandra Pant: A former Judge of the Supreme Court of India who served from 1982 to 1993. He is a jurist who is known for his work on environmental law.
Nalanda University FAQ
The eligibility criteria for admission to Nalanda University vary depending on the course you are applying for. However, in general, you will need to have a minimum of 55% marks in your 10+2 examination and Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
The average salary offered to graduates from Nalanda University varies depending on the course and the specialization. However, in general, the average salary for a graduate from Nalanda University is around 8 LPA.
Whether or not it is worth joining Nalanda University depends on your individual circumstances and goals. However, Nalanda University is a prestigious university with a good reputation for placement. The university also offers a number of scholarships and financial aid options, which can make it more affordable for students.