The Study In India (SII) initiative was officially launched by the government on Wednesday, introducing a unified platform to streamline the experience of international students studying in the country. The inauguration ceremony featured Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as key figures.

The primary goal behind this portal's launch is to position India as a global education hub that warmly welcomes students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This move is envisioned to not only strengthen India's international presence in the field of education but also to simplify the entire journey for international students, right from the registration process to obtaining their visas. Jaishankar, during the launch event, praised the portal's holistic approach, highlighting its user-friendly application processes that guide international students through every step. This approach, he emphasized, eases their entire educational journey, aiding them in selecting desired courses and receiving offers from relevant educational institutions.

Examining the impact from an Indian perspective, the presence of international students is poised to bring significant advantages to domestic learners. It will foster closer connections between students and a rapidly globalizing world, better equipping them for the international job market. Exposure to fellow students from different countries will facilitate a deeper understanding of various cultures, customs, traditions, and even diverse ways of thinking. Jaishankar went on to note that these students often become powerful ambassadors of goodwill for India upon returning to their home countries.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that the Study In India portal's vision aligns with the principles of the new National Education Policy (NEP). With the NEP as a guiding force, the SII portal represents India's unwavering commitment to establishing itself as a preferred educational destination and transcending traditional academic boundaries to shape a prosperous future. This initiative is anticipated to be a crucial stride towards making India a top-choice global destination for higher education.

The SII program was first introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2018 as a flagship initiative. It aims to position India as a premier educational hub, inviting international students to pursue higher education opportunities offered by esteemed Indian universities. The Study in India Portal serves as a dedicated website, offering comprehensive information about Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India. This platform showcases a wide array of academic programs, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, alongside courses rooted in the Indian Knowledge System, such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and classical arts. The website further presents details about academic facilities, research support, and related resources. Notably, the new version of the website allows students to apply to multiple institutes or courses of their preference, enhancing flexibility.

Ultimately, the newly launched portal serves as an integrated, one-stop solution, streamlining student registration and visa application processes, and bolstering India's standing as a global educational haven.