Foreign nationals and non-resident Indians can undertake research programmes in an Indian University / Institution of Higher Learning . For this purpose intending scholars would be required to obtain a specific Research Visa (not student or other categories of visa). However while in India on a tourist visa a scholar can exchange ideas on academic matters or consult libraries.

A foreign national who has completed Post Graduation in India can seek extension of Student Visa up to six months to make arrangements and to complete formalities, with the Indian Universities and Institution of higher Learning for submission of application for Research Visa.

For obtaining a Research Visa, an application in prescribed form (attached below) may be submitted to the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education. Research Visa will be given by the concerned Indian Missions abroad on advice from Union Ministry of Human Resource Development ( Department of  Higher Education).

Approval takes approximately three months after the submission of application.