The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), located in Sarnath, Varanasi, is a government-funded, residential, deemed-to-be university under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Established in 1967 and conferred deemed university status in 1988, CIHTS is recognized for its specialized focus on Buddhist and Indo-Tibetan studies. The institute holds a prestigious NAAC 'A' grade (2022) and serves approximately 400–600 students annually across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Key offerings include BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Tibetan Studies, Buddhist Philosophy, and related disciplines, with a lush 29-acre campus situated near the historic Deer Park of Sarnath.
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies Admission Deadlines
CIHTS Varanasi typically opens its admissions for UG, PG, and PhD programs once a year, with the main application window falling between April and June. The entrance test is usually conducted in June, and results are declared by July. For the 2025 cycle, applications are expected to be accepted from April–June 2025, with entrance exams in June 2025. Late applications and spot admissions are rare, and all deadlines are strictly enforced.
|
Event |
UG |
PG |
PhD |
|
Application Start |
April 2025 |
April 2025 |
April 2025 |
|
Application Deadline |
June 2025 |
June 2025 |
June 2025 |
|
Entrance Exam |
June 2025 |
June 2025 |
June 2025 |
|
Result Declaration |
July 2025 |
July 2025 |
July 2025 |
|
Session Start |
August 2025 |
August 2025 |
August 2025 |
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies UG Admission
Undergraduate admissions at CIHTS Varanasi are primarily for the Shastri (BA) in Buddhist Studies, Tibetan Studies, and Sanskrit. The annual intake for UG programs is typically ~70–100 seats. Applicants must pass the CIHTS entrance test, with selection based on merit. The total fee for the UG program is approximately INR 2,000–3,000 per year, making it highly affordable. The application fee is usually INR 200–300, and reserved category relaxations may apply.
|
Program |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Selection Process |
Intake |
Total Fees (INR) |
|
Shastri (BA) Buddhist Studies |
3 years |
10+2 or equivalent with minimum 45% |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
~70–100 |
2,000–3,000/year |
|
Shastri (BA) Tibetan Studies |
3 years |
10+2 or equivalent with Tibetan language |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
Included above |
2,000–3,000/year |
|
Shastri (BA) Sanskrit |
3 years |
10+2 or equivalent |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
Included above |
2,000–3,000/year |
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies PG Admission
CIHTS Varanasi offers postgraduate degrees such as Acharya (MA) in Buddhist Studies, Tibetan Studies, and Sanskrit. The PG intake is typically ~40–60 seats per year. Admission is based on performance in the CIHTS entrance exam, with a minimum requirement of a relevant UG degree and at least 50% aggregate. The total fee for PG programs is around INR 2,500–4,000 per year. Scholarships and hostel facilities are available for meritorious and deserving students.
|
Program |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Selection Process |
Intake |
Total Fees (INR) |
|
Acharya (MA) Buddhist Studies |
2 years |
Shastri/BA or equivalent with 50% |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
~40–60 |
2,500–4,000/year |
|
Acharya (MA) Tibetan Studies |
2 years |
Shastri/BA (Tibetan) with 50% |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
Included above |
2,500–4,000/year |
|
Acharya (MA) Sanskrit |
2 years |
Shastri/BA (Sanskrit) with 50% |
CIHTS Entrance Test |
Included above |
2,500–4,000/year |
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies PhD Admission
PhD admissions at CIHTS Varanasi are offered in fields such as Buddhist Studies, Tibetan Studies, and Sanskrit. The annual PhD intake is generally 10–15 seats. Applicants must hold a relevant PG degree with at least 55% aggregate and qualify through the CIHTS entrance test and interview. The PhD program is research-intensive, and fees are nominal—typically INR 3,000–5,000 per year. Fellowships and stipends are available for selected candidates.
|
Program |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Selection Process |
Intake |
Total Fees (INR) |
|
PhD Buddhist Studies |
Minimum 3 years |
MA/Acharya with 55% |
Entrance Test + Interview |
10–15 |
3,000–5,000/year |
|
PhD Tibetan Studies |
Minimum 3 years |
MA/Acharya (Tibetan) with 55% |
Entrance Test + Interview |
Included above |
3,000–5,000/year |
|
PhD Sanskrit |
Minimum 3 years |
MA/Acharya (Sanskrit) with 55% |
Entrance Test + Interview |
Included above |
3,000–5,000/year |
Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies Application Process
CIHTS Varanasi conducts its application process primarily online through its official portal. The application window for all programs is generally April–June each year. Applicants must register, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee of INR 200–300 (UG/PG) or INR 500 (PhD). Admit cards for the entrance exam are released online, and shortlisted candidates are called for counseling or interviews as required. Reservation policies as per government norms are followed for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.
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Visit the CIHTS official website and register as a new applicant.
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Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and program details.
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Upload required documents (marksheets, certificates, ID proof, photo, etc.).
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Pay the application fee online.
-
Download admit card for the entrance exam after submission.
|
Step |
Details |
|
Mode |
Online |
|
Application Fee (UG/PG) |
INR 200–300 |
|
Application Fee (PhD) |
INR 500 |
|
Documents Required |
Marksheet, Certificate, Photo, ID Proof |
|
Reservation |
As per Govt. of India norms |
