India launches 2 special category visas for international students

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’.

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.

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.