New Delhi: The government on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that there are currently 72,218 foreign students from around 200 countries in India. Replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour, Minister of State for Education Sukant Majumdar said that since the inception of the scheme of world-class institutions, Rs 6,198.99 crore has been sanctioned for 8 public institutions for conferring 'Institution of Eminence' status.
He also stressed that 54 higher education institutions have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while in 2014-15, when the BJP came to power at the Centre, there were only 11 institutions. The minister said, “Now, 54 Indian institutions have been ranked in QS WUR 2026, this is the highest representation of India in QS WUR till date.” Majumdar said, “There are around 72,218 foreign students in India. They are from 200 countries studying various courses.” He said that the Centre is taking various steps to enhance ties with foreign universities and foreign students.