Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Courses, Fees, Admission, Placements 2025

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), located in Leh, Ladakh, is a deemed-to-be university specializing in Buddhist studies and Himalayan culture. Established in 1959, CIBS is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is recognized by the UGC. The institute has grown from 10 students to over 2,000 students as of recent years, with a cumulative enrollment of 17,299 students since inception. CIBS offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma, and certificate programs in Buddhist philosophy, literature, arts, astrology, and traditional medicine, with a focus on the Panchmahavidya (Five Major Buddhist Sciences).

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Highlights

Founded in 1959, CIBS Leh is a deemed-to-be university with NAAC ‘A’ grade accreditation and operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The campus spans 30 acres in Choglamsar, Leh, and offers a range of programs from UG to PhD. With 148 faculty members and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, the institute emphasizes Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan studies. The flagship programs include Shastri (UG), Acharya (PG), and Vidyavaridhi (PhD), with admissions primarily merit-based and supplemented by entrance tests for select courses.

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Courses & Fees

CIBS Leh offers a comprehensive curriculum in Buddhist studies, Himalayan art, literature, astrology, and traditional medicine. The institute provides Shastri (UG), Acharya (PG), Vidyavaridhi (PhD), diploma, and certificate programs. The medium of instruction is primarily Bhoti, with Sanskrit, Hindi, English, and Pali also taught. Fees are kept minimal to promote accessibility, typically ranging from INR 1,000 to 5,000 per year depending on the program.

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Admission Process

Admissions at CIBS Leh are primarily merit-based, with entrance tests for select programs. The application window typically opens in May–June each year. Selection is based on marks in the qualifying examination, and may include a written test or interview for higher degrees. Required documents include academic transcripts, proof of age, and relevant certificates.

• Application Window: May–June (annual)

• Entrance Exams (if any): Institute-level test for select PG/PhD programs

• Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Written Test and/or Interview for PG/PhD

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Scholarships

CIBS Leh provides several scholarships and stipends to promote Buddhist education and support meritorious as well as economically disadvantaged students. Scholarships are mainly awarded based on academic merit, socio-economic background, and reserved categories. The institute also supports students from affiliated feeder schools and monastic backgrounds.

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Campus & Facilities

The CIBS Leh campus spans 30 acres and is equipped with specialized facilities for Buddhist studies and Himalayan research. The campus includes a well-stocked library, digital resources, hostels, and dedicated spaces for art, craft, and traditional medicine. The institute also manages feeder schools and high schools across Ladakh, supporting monastic education and outreach.

• Library / Digital Resources: Extensive library with Buddhist texts, digital archives, and research journals

• Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Sowa Rigpa (traditional medicine) labs, Himalayan art and craft studios

• Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Modern classrooms, seminar halls, and an auditorium for lectures and events

• Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for boys and girls, dining facilities, and staff quarters

• Sports / Gym / Grounds: Basic sports facilities, open grounds

• Connectivity / Transport: Located 8 km from Leh town, accessible by road, institute transport for students

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Placements

CIBS Leh graduates are primarily placed in education, research, and cultural sectors, with many joining government departments, schools, and universities. Top recruiters include the Education Department of J&K, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Akashwani, Doordarshan, and reputed universities. Placement packages are modest, reflecting the specialized academic focus of the institute.

Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Notable Alumni

Graduates of CIBS Leh have contributed significantly to Buddhist scholarship, education, and cultural preservation in Ladakh and beyond. Alumni include scholars, educators, and leaders in monastic and academic circles.