The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced two special category visas aimed at facilitating international students who wish to pursue higher education in India. These visas, the e-student visa and e-student-x visa, are designed to streamline the visa application process for foreign students.
The ‘Study in India’ (SII) Portal
To apply for these visas, students must use the Study in India (SII) portal, a government initiative that simplifies the admission process for international students. The portal is designed to assist students in enrolling in both long-term and short-term courses at Indian educational institutions.
Eligibility for e-Student and e-Student-X Visas
- e-student visa: This visa is available to international students who are registered on the SII portal and have received an admission offer from one of SII’s partner institutions.
- e-student-x visa: This visa is for the dependents of e-student visa holders.
Application Process
Students must apply for their visa through the Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). They will need to have an SII ID, which is issued upon registration on the SII portal. The SII ID ensures the authenticity of their application.
Note: Students can only apply for a visa after receiving an admission offer from an SII partner institution.
Visa Duration and Extension
The e-student visa is issued for durations of up to five years, depending on the length of the course, and it can be extended. Students holding a valid e-student visa can enter India through any immigration check post.
Study in India (SII) Portal Details
The SII portal is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, featuring:
- Over 600 partner institutions.
- More than 8,000 courses across various disciplines, including engineering, management, agriculture, sciences, arts, humanities, law, paramedical sciences, and specialized fields like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.
Course Offerings
Programs are available at different levels, including:
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Doctoral
- Certification
This flexibility allows students to choose courses that align with their interests at some of India’s premier educational institutions.
Registration Process on the SII Portal
To register on the SII portal, students need to:
- Click on the “Register Now” tab.
- Provide basic details such as:
- Name
- Country
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Obtain a unique SII ID, which is essential for accessing their dashboard, tracking admission and visa processes, and managing their educational journey in India.
Key Points to Remember
- Students must have an SII ID to apply for admission and a visa.
- Without an SII ID, students cannot pursue studies or travel to India.
- The application process is done online via the SII portal.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main purpose of the e-student and e-student-x visas introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs?
- A) To allow students to work in India
- B) To facilitate international students pursuing higher education in India
- C) To offer tourist visas for students
- D) To allow students to attend short-term courses only
Answer: B) To facilitate international students pursuing higher education in India
- Which portal must international students use to apply for the e-student visa?
- A) IndianVisaOnline.gov.in
- B) StudyInIndia.gov.in
- C) SIIportal.gov.in
- D) StudyinIndia.in
Answer: B) StudyInIndia.gov.in
- What is required for students to apply for an e-student visa?
- A) A valid passport
- B) An SII ID obtained through the Study in India portal
- C) Proof of financial support
- D) An invitation letter from an Indian institution
Answer: B) An SII ID obtained through the Study in India portal
- How long can an e-student visa be issued for?
- A) 1 year
- B) 3 years
- C) Up to 5 years
- D) 10 years
Answer: C) Up to 5 years
- Which of the following is NOT a field of study available through the Study in India portal?
- A) Engineering
- B) Management
- C) Aviation
- D) Buddhist Studies
Answer: C) Aviation
- What must students do before applying for a visa through the SII portal?
- A) Pay the visa fee
- B) Receive an admission offer from an SII partner institution
- C) Submit a medical certificate
- D) Complete a language proficiency test
Answer: B) Receive an admission offer from an SII partner institution