Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Varanasi

The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) envisioned by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and his holyness, the 14th Dalai Lama with a purpose to provide education to Tibetan youths and youths living near Himalayan border. The institute was established in 1967 and started functioning as special wing of Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, Varanasi. Later the government of India reviewed the institute and took it under Department of Culture, Ministry of Education in 1977. The institute received full financial support from the Government of India.

On 5 April 1988 the Government of India declared the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) a deemed to be University. Now CIHTS is a Deemed University. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accredited CIHTS with 5 Stars. The CIHTS also works as a Research Institute. The institute presents a platform for interaction between Buddhist and non-Buddhist Indian philosophical schools; between Buddhist and Western Philosophers; and between Buddhist scholars and scientists. The location of CIHTS is approximately 10km (6mi) from the city of Varanasi (Benares) in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The campus of CIHTS is spread over 22 acres of land and houses Shantarakshita Library, hostels for students, classrooms, assembly halls, quarters for staff and many other facilities. The objectives of CIHTS are mentioned underneath.

1. To preserve the Tibetan culture and tradition (via CIHTS Educational System)

2. To restore ancient Indian sciences and literature reserved in the Tibetan Language, but lost in the original (via Research Department)

3. To offer an alternative educational facility to students of Indian border areas who formerly availed the opportunity of receiving higher education in Tibet.

4. To accomplish gains of teaching and scope of research in traditional subjects in a framework of the modern university system of education with the provision for award of degrees in Tibetan studies.

Faculties

• Faculty of Language and Literature
• Faculty of Philosophy
• Faculty of Social Science
• Faculty of Tibetan Medicine and Astrology
• Faculty of Tibetan fine Arts

General Admission Criteria

Admission criteria for admission into First Year of Purva Madhyama in Bhot Bauddha Darshana (for two academic sessions only)

1. Candidates seeking admission in this course shall be minimum 8th standard pass from a recognized school. Knowledge of Tibetan of 8th class standard is a must. Candidates also require knowledge of English or Hindi.

2. Admission to this course shall be made on the basis of written entrance test.

3. There shall be two papers of 100 marks and 3 hours duration each in Tibetan Language. Candidates require choosing English or Hindi language.

Information for Foreign Research Students

The CIHTS invites students from abroad as non-degree casual researchers given the research projects on which they wish to work are approved from Government of India and Parent University. CIHTS also invites foreign scholars under various Cultural Exchange Programs through the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and University Grants Commission (UGC) of India India. The Affiliated scholars are provided library facilities and expert guidance in the field of Tibetology and Buddhology. The CIHTS also offers a Diploma program in Tibetan Buddhism for interested foreign students.

For further information related to CIHTS, click on the links provided below:

• Exam Results
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