Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), located in Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh, is a government-funded deemed-to-be university under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Established in 1959, CIBS was conferred deemed university status in 2016 and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The institute has an approximate student strength of 2,094 and offers a range of programs in Buddhist Studies, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Pali, and traditional arts. Its campus is situated about 8 km southeast of Leh town, serving as a key center for Buddhist higher education in the Himalayan region.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Admission Deadlines
Admissions at CIBS Leh typically follow an annual cycle, with applications for most programs opening in April and closing by June each year. Entrance tests for select UG and PG courses are usually held in June–July, while PhD interviews may be scheduled in July–August. The academic session generally commences in August. Application deadlines and entrance dates may vary by program and are announced on the official CIBS website each year.
|
Event |
Typical Timeline |
|
Application Start |
April |
|
Application End |
June |
|
Entrance Exam (UG/PG) |
June–July |
|
PhD Interview/Entrance |
July–August |
|
Session Start |
August |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies UG Admission
CIBS Leh offers undergraduate programs in Buddhist Studies, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and related fields, with an annual intake of approximately 100–120 seats across all UG courses. Admissions are generally based on merit in the qualifying examination (Class 12) and, for some courses, a written entrance test. The application fee for UG programs is typically INR 200–300. The total annual fee for most UG programs ranges from INR 3,000–8,000. Reservation policies as per Government of India norms are applicable.
|
Program |
Eligibility |
Selection Criteria |
Seats |
Total Fee (Annual) |
|
Shastri (BA) in Buddhist Studies |
10+2 or equivalent |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~40 |
INR 3,000–5,000 |
|
Shastri (BA) in Sanskrit |
10+2 or equivalent |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~30 |
INR 3,000–5,000 |
|
BA in Tibetan Language |
10+2 or equivalent |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~20 |
INR 3,000–8,000 |
|
BA in Pali/Traditional Arts |
10+2 or equivalent |
Merit |
~10–20 |
INR 3,000–8,000 |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies PG Admission
Postgraduate programs at CIBS Leh include MA/MSc in Buddhist Studies, Sanskrit, and related disciplines, with a total intake of around 50–60 seats per year. Eligibility requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate. Selection is based on merit and/or a written entrance test conducted by the institute. The annual fee for PG courses typically ranges from INR 4,000–10,000. Application fees for PG programs are usually INR 300–400.
|
Program |
Eligibility |
Selection Criteria |
Seats |
Total Fee (Annual) |
|
Acharya (MA) in Buddhist Studies |
BA/Bachelor’s in relevant field, 50%+ |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~20 |
INR 4,000–8,000 |
|
Acharya (MA) in Sanskrit |
BA/Bachelor’s in relevant field, 50%+ |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~15 |
INR 4,000–8,000 |
|
MA in Tibetan Language |
BA/Bachelor’s in relevant field, 50%+ |
Merit/Entrance Test |
~10 |
INR 4,000–10,000 |
|
MA in Pali/Traditional Arts |
BA/Bachelor’s in relevant field, 50%+ |
Merit |
~5–10 |
INR 4,000–10,000 |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies PhD Admission
CIBS Leh offers research programs (PhD) in Buddhist Studies and allied subjects, with an annual intake of 8–12 scholars. Applicants must have a relevant master’s degree with at least 55% marks. Admission is based on a written entrance test followed by an interview. The PhD program is recognized by UGC, and the annual fee is approximately INR 10,000–12,000. Scholarships and fellowships may be available for eligible candidates.
|
Program |
Eligibility |
Selection Criteria |
Seats |
Total Fee (Annual) |
|
PhD in Buddhist Studies |
MA/MPhil in relevant field, 55%+ |
Entrance Test + Interview |
~8–12 |
INR 10,000–12,000 |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Application Process
Applications to CIBS Leh are accepted both online and offline, with forms typically released in April each year. The application fee ranges from INR 200–400 depending on the program. Required documents include mark sheets, certificates, ID proof, and passport-size photographs. Entrance exams are conducted for select UG, PG, and PhD programs, and shortlisted candidates are called for interviews where applicable. Final selection lists are published on the official website.
-
Application forms available online and at the campus from April
-
Submit filled form with required documents and fee (INR 200–400)
-
Appear for entrance test (if applicable) in June–July
-
Shortlisted candidates attend interview (for PhD and some PG)
-
Admission confirmation and fee payment upon selection
|
Step |
Details |
|
Application Mode |
Online/Offline |
|
Application Fee |
INR 200–400 |
|
Documents Required |
10th & 12th Mark Sheets, Degree Certificates, ID Proof, Photos |
|
Entrance Exam |
UG/PG/PhD (as per program) |
|
Interview |
PhD and select PG programs |
|
Result Announcement |
July–August |
