The latest news on the Study In India (SII) Portal as of September 2025 highlights that the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandated all foreign nationals studying in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to register on the SII portal. 

About Study In India (SII) Portal

The Study In India (SII) Portal is a one-stop digital platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate the entire academic journey for international students. It serves as the official, unified gateway for foreign nationals seeking to pursue higher education in India. 
The portal was jointly launched on August 3, 2023, by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs to position India as a premier, affordable, and high-quality global education hub. 
 
Key features of the SII Portal

• Mandatory registration and SII-ID: All international students must register on the portal and receive a unique SII-ID before they can apply for an Indian student visa. This ID is essential for all academic and visa-related procedures.
• Centralized application system: The portal allows students to explore and apply to over 600 partner institutions and thousands of courses through a single, transparent online process. It is the primary interface for course selection, applications, and communication.
• e-Student visa integration: The portal is integrated with the Indian Visa Portal, allowing for faster and more transparent e-Student visa processing. Students use their SII-ID to apply for their visa online.
• Extensive course offerings: The platform showcases a wide range of programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. It also features courses related to the Indian Knowledge System, such as yoga, Ayurveda, and classical arts.
• Quality assurance: Participating institutions must meet strict eligibility criteria, such as a high ranking by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
• Financial assistance: While the portal itself doesn't offer scholarships, students can explore institute-driven financial aid and tuition fee waivers, which are awarded based on academic merit.
• 24/7 support: The Study in India team offers around-the-clock support to students through a helpdesk and social media channels. 

Benefits for international students

• Simplified process: The portal eliminates the need to navigate multiple institutional websites and complex visa procedures, streamlining the entire journey from application to immigration.
• Transparent and fair admissions: The merit-based, online system removes human intervention from the application process, ensuring fairness and clarity for applicants.
• Access to top institutions: Students gain entry to a curated network of over 600 of India's top universities and colleges, offering world-class education at an affordable price.
• Holistic experience: The program promotes a well-rounded academic and personal experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in India's diverse culture.
• Dedicated support: Students receive comprehensive assistance with their applications, visa procedures, and post-admission support to ensure a smooth transition and study period. 

Download Pdf