Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Admissions 2025
"Reviving the Ancient Seat of Buddhist Learning"
A Deemed University of National Importance
Established to revive the ancient glory of Nalanda, the Mahavihara is a premier center for higher studies in Pali, Buddhist Studies, and allied languages, fostering global cultural and academic exchange.
About the Institute
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM) stands as a modern revival of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, a great seat of Buddhist education for nearly 700 years. The vision to re-establish this center of learning was initiated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, with the foundation stone laid on November 20, 1951.
At the insistence of the venerable Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap, its Founder-Director, the institute was established to be a premier center for higher studies in Pali and Buddhism. In 2006, it was granted the status of a Deemed to be University by the UGC and operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its mission is to develop an international center of education for the promotion of Pali, Buddhist studies, and other Asian languages.
Key Highlights
- ✔ Established: 1951 (Deemed University since 2006)
- ✔ Type: Deemed to be University (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)
- ✔ Campus: 90 kms from Patna, beside the historic Indrapushkarani lake
- ✔ Admissions: Based on Merit / Proficiency Test
- ✔ Degrees Offered: B.A., M.A., Ph.D., P.G. Diploma, Diploma & Certificate
- ✔ Focus Areas: Pali, Buddhist Studies, Philosophy, Ancient History & Asian Languages
Admission Process & Documents
How to Get In?
- Online Application: Apply through the official admission portal (online.nnm.ac.in) before the deadline of 30th May 2025. An application fee of ₹500 is required.
- Proficiency Test (for M.A.): M.A. admissions are based on a common offline entrance examination comprising 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Merit-Based Admission: Admission to B.A., P.G. Diplomas, Diplomas, and Certificate courses is based on marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
- Merit List Publication: The Mahavihara will publish a merit list for all courses on its official website.
- Counselling & Admission: Selected candidates must attend counselling and complete the admission formalities by paying fees and submitting required documents.
Required Documents
- Self-attested photocopies of all previous pass certificates and mark sheets
- Original College Leaving Certificate (CLC) / Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Original Migration Certificate
- Admit Card (for M.A. entrance test)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwD Certificate, if applicable
- Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Passport-size Photographs
Programmes Offered & Intake
4-Year B.A. & 2-Year M.A. Programmes
| Programme Name | Eligibility | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. (Hons.) in Pali, Sanskrit, English, Hindi, Philosophy, Ancient History, & Buddhist Studies | 10+2 or equivalent examination | 40 each |
| M.A. in Pali, Philosophy, Ancient History, Buddhist Studies, Sanskrit, Hindi, English, & Tibetan Studies | Bachelor's Degree (10+2+3) with min. 45% marks | 40 each |
Diploma & Certificate Courses
| Programme Name | Duration | Eligibility | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| P.G. Diploma in Vipassana & Yoga | 1 Year | Any Graduate Degree | 40 |
| P.G. Diploma in Buddhist Heritage & Tourism Management | 1 Year | Any Graduate Degree | 40 |
| Diploma in Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan Studies | 2 Years | 10+2 & Certificate in the respective language | 40 each |
| Certificate in Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan Studies | 1 Year | 10+2 or equivalent examination | 40 each |
Detailed Fee Structure (Per Year)
Institute Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹500 (One-time) |
| Admission Fee | ₹200 |
| Development Charge | ₹500 (One-time) |
| Tuition Fee | ₹600 |
| Examination Fee | ₹1,000 (₹500 per semester) |
| Library Fee | ₹50 |
| Identity Card Fee | ₹100 (One-time) |
| Registration Fee | ₹200 (One-time) |
| Library Caution Money (Refundable) | ₹200 (One-time) |
| Approx. Total First Year | ₹3,350 |
Hostel & Mess Fees (Optional)
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | ₹100 (One-time) |
| Caution Money (Refundable) | ₹1,000 (One-time) |
| Room Rent (Double Seated) | ₹4,800 (₹400 per month) |
| Mess Fee (Advance) | ₹27,300 (per semester, adjustable) |
| Approx. Total First Year | ₹33,200 + Mess |
Note: Mess fees are paid half-yearly. Room rent varies for single/dormitory accommodation. Fees are subject to revision.
Download Official Prospectus
For complete details on all courses, reservation policies, faculty, and regulations, please download the official prospectus for the 2025-26 academic session.
Download Prospectus 2025-26 PDFCampus Life & Facilities
Rich Indological Library
Access a notable collection of over 67,000 books, rare Tibetan manuscripts, and the personal collections of renowned Buddhist scholars.
Dhamma Nalanda Vipassana Center
Participate in 10-day residential Vipassana meditation courses to learn self-purification through self-observation, as taught by Gautama Buddha.
Global Cultural Hub
Engage with a diverse community of Indian and international students and scholars, fostering a rich cross-cultural environment.
Sānskṛtika Grāma (Cultural Village)
Experience a sprawling 50-acre cultural village designed to promote the art, craft, and heritage of Nalanda, including workshops and an open-air theatre.
Hostel & Campus Amenities
Residential facilities include separate hostels for boys and girls, a campus-wide Wi-Fi network, a computer lab, a cafeteria, and an open gym.
Xuan Zang Memorial Hall
Visit the memorial dedicated to the great Chinese scholar, symbolizing the age-old cultural ties between India and China.
Career Prospects
While NNM is primarily an institution for advanced academic and research pursuits, graduates find opportunities in various specialized fields. The rigorous training in languages, philosophy, and history equips students for careers in academia, research, translation, cultural heritage management, and tourism. Many alumni pursue higher studies (Ph.D.) and join universities and research institutions in India and abroad.
Potential Career Paths
Ready to Apply for 2025?
Admissions for the academic session 2025-26 are now open. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your application online through the official portal before the deadline.
Visit Official Admission PortalContact & Location
Get in Touch
Address: Bhikshu Jagdish Kashyap Marg, Nalanda - 803111, Bihar, India.
Admission Contact: +91 8986426478
Official Website: www.nnm.ac.in
Important Dates 2025
- Online Application Opens: 23rd April 2025
- Application Deadline: 30th May 2025
- Entrance Exam & Merit List: To be announced on the website