Is Nalanda University the Oldest University in the World?
Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, stands as a modern revival of the world's first residential university, connecting India’s ancient academic legacy with global, future-ready education in 2025. Recognised as an Institute of National Importance, Nalanda University offers premier postgraduate, MBA, and doctoral programmes with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and international collaborations.
University Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2010 |
| Campus Location | Rajgir, Bihar |
| Institution Type | Institute of National Importance / Central University |
| Approved By | UGC, Ministry of HRD |
| Entrance Exams Accepted | CAT, XAT, MAT |
| Degrees Offered | M.Sc, MA, MBA, PGD, Ph.D |
| Faculty Count | 31 |
| Total Courses | 20+ |
| Campus Size | 5 acres |
Ranking Highlights – 2025
| Ranking Body | Year | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS Rankings | 2024 | Universities (Global, Top 3%) | Top 3% |
Academic Divisions and Specializations at Nalanda University
Academic innovation at Nalanda University is driven by its five schools, offering unique courses and research opportunities:
- School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions: MA Buddhist Studies, MA Philosophy, MA Comparative Religions, Ph.D specializations
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies: M.Sc Ecology and Environment, Ph.D
- School of Historical Studies: MA Historical Studies, Ph.D in related areas
- School of Language and Literature/Humanities
- School of Management Studies: MBA (Sustainable Development and Management), PGD
Nalanda University Admissions – Key Steps & 2025 Deadlines
MBA admission: CAT/XAT/MAT scores are mandatory (minimum 70 percentile). Candidates further submit a statement of purpose and self-introduction, then appear for a personal interview.
MA/M.Sc/PGD: Selection is based on academic background (minimum 55% at graduation), SOP, and interview performance. Application last date is May 15, 2025.
Ph.D: Candidates must have a master's or M.Phil with at least 65%. The process includes SOP, research proposal, writing sample, introduction, two references, and a final interview.
International students may require TOEFL/IELTS scores. Application is entirely online with a fee of Rs 500.
Complete List of Courses and Fee Structure for 2025
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Entrance Exam | Key Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Ecology and Environment Studies | 2 Years | Graduation (55%) | NA | SOP & Interview |
| MA Buddhist Studies, Philosophy & Comparative Religions | 2 Years | Graduation (55%) | NA | SOP & Interview |
| MA Historical Studies | 2 Years | Graduation (55%) | NA | SOP & Interview |
| MBA Sustainable Development & Management | 2 Years | Graduation (55%) | CAT/XAT/MAT | 70 percentile, SOP, Interview |
| PG Diploma (various streams) | 1 Year | Bachelor’s Degree (min. 3 yrs) | NA | SOP & Interview |
| Ph.D (multiple disciplines) | 6 Years | Master’s/M.Phil (65%) | NA | Proposal, SOP, Interview, LORs |
For detailed fee information and specific seat intake per programme, candidates should directly refer to official Nalanda University communications for 2025.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
Students at Nalanda University can avail a wide range of government and UGC scholarships. Popular schemes include:
- Pragati Scholarship for Girls (Technical Degree)
- Saksham Scholarship for Differently Abled
- Ishan Uday for North Eastern Region students
- PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research
Eligibility, benefits, and application deadlines are governed by respective scholarship agencies and programs.
Placement Snapshot and Alumni Outcomes (2024-25)
Placement details for 2025 are yet to be released by the university.
Across past years, Nalanda University’s innovative programmes, industry partnerships, and global collaborations have empowered students for research, policy, academic, and management careers. Explore how other leading universities like MIT-WPU Pune structure placements.
Campus Infrastructure and Facilities at Nalanda – 2025
The university operates from a modern, eco-friendly 5-acre campus near Rajgir. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, fully equipped research labs, digital libraries, and five residence halls acquired from the Bihar government. Social and sports clubs also form an active part of student life.
Notable institutional tie-ups exist with international bodies such as the Max Weber Centre (Germany), Peking University (China), and the Borlaug Institute of South Asia, broadening learning and research opportunities for all Nalanda students.
Thinking of applying to more top government universities in India? Check the latest university rankings on Vedantu. For candidates interested in alternative postgraduate options, you may also want to review Delhi University’s 2025 admission details.
Nalanda University in 2025 offers a blend of India’s historical education legacy and forward-thinking, internationalised postgraduate learning. With UGC approval, inclusive scholarships, and research-driven academics, Nalanda remains a top destination for those seeking excellence in humanities, environment, management, and cross-cultural studies in India.
FAQs on The Legacy of Nalanda University: History and World Influence
1. Did Jesus go to Nalanda University?
There is no historical evidence that Jesus Christ visited or attended Nalanda University. This idea is based on some legends and theories, but it is not supported by credible historical sources or mainstream scholarship.
2. Is Nalanda the oldest university in the world?
Nalanda University is one of the oldest universities in the world, established in the 5th century CE in India. However, the title of the oldest continuously operating university is generally given to the University of al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 859 CE, Morocco), according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records.
3. Why is Nalanda University so famous?
Nalanda University is famous for being an ancient center of higher learning, attracting students from across Asia. It is renowned for:
- Its vast library and rich collection of manuscripts
- Diverse subjects like Buddhism, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine
- International scholars from countries like China, Tibet, Japan, Korea, and Sri Lanka
- Being one of the oldest universities offering residential education
4. What is the oldest university in the world?
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, founded in 859 CE, is widely recognized as the oldest existing and continuously operating educational institution in the world by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records.
5. Who destroyed Nalanda University?
Nalanda University was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turkish Muslim invader, in the late 12th century CE. The attack led to the burning of the library and mass destruction of the campus, ending centuries of academic excellence.
6. Who was the founder of Nalanda University?
Nalanda University was founded during the reign of Kumara Gupta I (Shakraditya) of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE, around 427 CE.
7. Where is Nalanda University located?
Nalanda University is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India, about 95 km southeast of Patna, the capital city of Bihar.
8. What is the significance of the Nalanda University library?
The library at Nalanda University, known as Dharmaganja, was famed for its vast collection, with thousands of manuscripts covering subjects like religion, science, philosophy, and mathematics. Its destruction by fire reportedly continued for months, representing a huge loss to world heritage.
9. What courses were taught at Nalanda University?
At ancient Nalanda University, students studied diverse subjects including:
- Buddhist philosophy and logic
- Mathematics
- Astronomy
- Medicine
- Vedas and other scriptures
- Grammar and Arts
10. What is the history of Nalanda University?
Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century CE under the Gupta Empire and became a major center for Buddhist learning. It attracted international students and scholars for over 700 years before its destruction in the 12th century. Excavations have uncovered its impressive monasteries, temples, and library ruins.
11. What is New Nalanda University?
New Nalanda University (formally Nalanda University) is a modern international university initiated in 2010 near the original ancient site, aiming to revive the glory of ancient Nalanda. It offers postgraduate and research courses in subjects like history, ecology, Buddhist studies, and philosophy.
12. What are the admission criteria for Nalanda University?
For the modern Nalanda University, admissions are based on:
- Academic merit
- Personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Entrance tests or interviews for some courses
- Eligibility for postgraduate courses includes a relevant bachelor's degree
