About Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies
CIHTS in Sarnath, Varanasi is a deemed university funded by the Ministry of Culture that teaches Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, Sowa-Rigpa medicine and teacher education.
The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies started in 1967 as a special wing of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University and became a deemed university in 1988. It is fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and its campus is at Sarnath near Varanasi. Students can begin as early as the Purva Madhyama (Class 9 level) stage and go on to Shastri (BA), Acharya and doctoral study. The institute also runs a two-year B.Ed, a four-year integrated BA B.Ed, fine arts courses and a five-year Bachelor of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine and Surgery. It holds an A grade from NAAC.
Courses and fees
| Course | Mode | Duration | Seats | Fee per year | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Full-time | — | — | — | — |
| Bachelor of Education | Full-time | 2 yrs | — | — | — |
| Doctor of Philosophy Accepts: CIHTS PhD Entrance Test |
Full-time | — | — | — | — |
Tuition fees as published by the college for the fee year shown. Hostel, mess and exam fees are extra unless stated.
Admission
Admission through: Entrance test, Direct
Most school-level, UG and PG programmes take students directly or through the institute's own written entrance test, with selection on merit within category quotas. Admission stays provisional until original certificates and a medical fitness check are completed. PhD seats are filled through a separate entrance test and interview, and Sowa-Rigpa medicine seats are filled through NEET.
Typical eligibility
- Bachelor of Arts: Studying in: Class 12; any stream; universities set their own minimum marks
- Bachelor of Education: Studying in: UG; At least 50% marks in UG; bachelor's and/or master's degree in a relevant discipline
- Doctor of Philosophy: Studying in: PG; At least 55% marks in PG
The college may set higher cut-offs. Check its prospectus.
Rankings and accreditation
Accreditation
- NAAC A
Where these courses lead
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Professor
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Lawyer
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Chartered Accountant
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Research Scientist
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Agricultural Scientist
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Data Scientist
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Other colleges in Varanasi
Rajarshi School of Management and Technology
Kashi Institute of Technology
Shri Agrasen Kanya PG College
Harish Chandra Post Graduate College
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith
Banaras Institute of Teacher’s Education
Frequently asked questions
Who funds CIHTS Sarnath?
The institute is a deemed university fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Does CIHTS offer a B.Ed?
Yes. It runs a two-year B.Ed (Shiksha Shastri) and a four-year integrated BA B.Ed.
How are PhD students selected?
Through a PhD entrance test followed by an interview, as notified on the admissions page.
What NAAC grade does CIHTS hold?
The institute states it received an A grade from NAAC in 2022.
Sources
Information verified on 11 Oct 2026
- Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies · Official site, accessed 11 Oct 2026
- Contact Us - CIHTS · Official site, accessed 11 Oct 2026
- Admission - CIHTS · Official site, accessed 11 Oct 2026
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