The revised visa framework significantly curtails procedural friction by slashing visa sub-categories from 49 down to 23 and eliminating up to 70 percent of form fields. Academic categories have been reorganized, introducing specific designations for higher education, research, internships, and educational exchanges. Additionally, international students applying through the Study in India portal can now secure multi-year entry documentation valid for up to five years. The comprehensive system update builds on an earlier rationalisation initiative carried out in October 2025.
Key points
The standard Tourist Visa classification has officially been restructured and renamed as…: The standard Tourist Visa classification has officially been restructured and renamed as the Visitor Visa.
Student visas are now systematically divided into S-1 for standard schooling and S-2 for…: Student visas are now systematically divided into S-1 for standard schooling and S-2 for research, internships, and faculty exchanges.
Authorities plan to start issuing the newly revised visa formats by the end of 2026 once…: Authorities plan to start issuing the newly revised visa formats by the end of 2026 once IT updates conclude.
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NEW DELHI: The Centre has simplified India's visa regime, reducing the number of main visa categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23, in a move aimed at making travel, education and medical treatment in the country easier for foreign nationals.The ministry of home affairs (MHA), in a press release on Wednesday, said the number of fields to be filled in visa application forms across all 23 sub-categories has been reduced by 65-70%, making the process easier, faster and more applicant-friendly.This follows an earlier rationalisation in October 2025, when the number of main visa categories was reduced from 22 to 13 and sub-categories from 63 to 49.Student visa category reorganisedAs part of the changes, the Student Visa category has been consolidated into two broad sub-categories — S-1 and S-2.The S-1 Visa covers school, graduate and post-graduate education, while the S-2 Visa covers PhD scholars and research students in Indian universities, visiting faculty, foreign research students visiting India, scientific and anthropological expeditions, internships and exchange programmes, among other specified academic activities.
Foreign students enrolled in Indian educational institutions…
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