About Nalanda University

Reviving an Ancient Legacy for the Modern World Nalanda University, located in Rajgir, Bihar, India, is a postgraduate, research-intensive international institution that revives the spirit of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara—the world's first residential university, which flourished from the 5th to 12th century CE and attracted scholars from across Asia and beyond. Established on November 25, 2010, by a special Act of the Indian Parliament (No. 39 of 2010) as an institution of national importance, the modern university was proposed by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and endorsed at East Asia Summits (2007 and 2009) to foster regional educational cooperation and civilizational dialogue.

Vision and Mission

• Motto: "Ā no bhadrāḥ kratavo yantu viśvataḥ" (Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions).
• Vision: To be an icon of Asian renaissance, a center for inter-faith understanding, regional peace, and global knowledge sharing, embodying spirituality that unites humanity.
• Mission: Build world-class faculty, attract top global talent (especially from East Asia Summit countries), promote interdisciplinary research, and enhance capacity for sustainable development and quality of life.

Campus and Location

Spanning a serene 455-acre eco-friendly campus at the foothills of Rajgir (ancient Rajagriha), with administrative headquarters in Rajgir and an outreach office in Delhi. The net-zero, green campus features modern facilities, solar power, and proximity to historical sites like the ancient Nalanda ruins (UNESCO World Heritage).

Academic Structure

Nalanda emphasizes experiential learning, original research, and interdisciplinarity aligned with NEP 2020 and the Indian Knowledge System. Key schools include:

• School of Historical Studies
• School of Ecology and Environment Studies (SEES)
• School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, and Comparative Religions (SBSPCR)
• Others in Sustainable Development, Management, and more.

Programs Offered (2025-26)

Master's (M.A./M.Sc./M.B.A.), Ph.D., fellowships, and short courses in areas like Buddhist Studies, Hindu Studies, Ecology, Sustainable Development & Management, Historical Studies, and emerging fields (e.g., AI ethics, forestry). New expansions include host of Master's programs and global MoUs.

International Focus

Supported by 17+ East Asia Summit member states and intergovernmental MoUs. Attracts diverse students (e.g., from Vietnam, Ivory Coast) via ICCR scholarships. Leads the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU) for inter-university exchanges. Hosts global events like EAS Conclave (September 17-19, 2025) on energy efficiency and Mission LiFE.

Rankings and Achievements

• NIRF 2025: Rank-band 151-200 (Universities category).
• Global: 9735th worldwide (EduRank 2025); recognized for sustainability and research.
• Recent Highlights: Expanded academic offerings (June 2025), cultural events with ICCR, BIMSTEC colloquium, and praise for green model by Bihar CM (July 2025).

Admissions and Opportunities

• 2025-26 Session: Admissions closed for Fall; Spring 2026 opens December 2025. Merit + entrance-based (e.g., CAT/MAT/XAT for MBA); English proficiency required.
• Fees: Composite tuition; scholarships available.
• Career Edge: Focus on research, global peace, and sustainability; alumni in international organizations. Placements emerging with median ~₹2.4 LPA (PG, 2023 data).

Governance and Leadership

• Chancellor: Prof. Arvind Panagariya.
• Interim Vice Chancellor: Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh.