latest updates 2025-2027 📢
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies - [CIBS], Leh
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), formerly known as the School of Buddhist Philosophy, is accredited with ‘A’ grade by NAAC. The institute is one of the top-rated centers for Buddhist Studies in India. CIBS operates under the administrative charge of the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. The institute awards Degrees and Diplomas in Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, Traditional Arts, Astrology and Medicines.
CIBS has enrolled 17,299 students since its inception and awarded 215 different courses to date. The total number of sanctioned faculty positions at the institute is 148 and the student to faculty ratio is 12:1. Admission to the institute is done on the basis of marks secured in the previous qualifying examinations.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Highlights
| Established | Institute Type | 1959 | Deemed-to-be University |
| Approved by | MHRD, UGC |
| Campus Area | 30 acres |
| Courses Offered | Graduation, Post-Graduation, Doctoral, Diploma, and Certificates |
| Admission Criteria | Merit-based & Entrance Test |
| Total Students | UG: 2795 | PG: 150: PG | Ph.D: 121 |
| Top Recruiters | Education Department of J&K, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Department of Akashwani and Doordarshan, eminent universities like VBU, JNU, etc., State and Central Government Services. |
| Facilities Available | Library, Auditorium, Museum, Hostel |
| Official Website | https://cibs.ac.in/ |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Courses
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies conducts programs at school, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. All qualifications awarded by CIBS is recognized by other Indian Universities as well as the State Board of Jammu & Kashmir for appointment in Govt. Service and to take admission in other universities. Tabulated below is a brief regarding the courses offered by the institute:
| Courses | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. Shastri | 3 years | Intermediate graduate from CIBS or equivalent |
| M.A. Acharya | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree from CIBS or equivalent |
| Ph.D. | 3-5 years | Acharya/ M.A./M. Phil Qualified |
| Diploma in Buddhism | 6 months | Certificate Course from CIBS/ equivalent |
| Diploma in Bhoti/ Tibetan | 6 months | Certificate Course from CIBS/ equivalent |
| Certificate Course in Buddhism | 6 months | Matric Passed |
| Certificate Course in Bhoti/ Tibetan | 6 months |
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Admissions
Being a premier establishment for Buddhist Studies in the Ladakh region, aspirants who wish to pursue a career in Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, and traditions start early, right at the school level. Admission for UG and PG programs is done on the basis of the successful completion of the qualifying exam. The Ph.D. program requires applicants to clear an admission test and Interview with the CBS before being granted admission. Traditional Buddhist Arts and Skill Development programs, as well as the certificate and diploma programs, require applicants to clear an interview round before being accepted in the respective programs.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Placements
Owing to the wide general acceptance of CIBS qualifications among Indian Universities, the State Board of Jammu & Kashmir for appointment in Govt. Service, degree/ diploma holders of the institute get employed quite easily. The major recruiters of CIBS graduates include the Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya and other private schools in the region. Listed below are the organizations wherein students have got an employment opportunity:
- Good knowledge of the local language opens up opportunities for students of CIBS at the Department of Akashwani and Doordarshan.
- CIBS alumni have also bagged lucrative State and Central Government positions through the Kashmir PSC and UPSC.
- Scholars have also found employment with eminent Universities like Vishva Bharati University, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, etc.
- Several CIBS students having a diploma in Sowa Rigpa (Baudh Medical Science) have been recruited by the State Health Department under the centrally sponsored National Health Mission.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Scholarships
CIBS is fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and was allocated a budget of 2585.75 lakhs for the financial year 2018-19 to carry out various projects.
- Most students studying at CIBS or in one of its branches or feeder Gonpa/Nunnery schools come from remote areas of the region and belong to the Scheduled Tribe community. As such, the Institute, under the Tribunal Sub-Plan, distributes free Text/ Note Books to all its students as well as a monthly stipend.
- During the year 2018 – 19, books worth INR 22.77 lakhs were distributed free-of-cost among the students of CIBS and its branches and feeder schools.
- Moreover, 675 students at CIBS currently receive a monthly stipend ranging from INR 820 to INR 1010. Apart from this, the students of the branch and feeder schools of CIBS also receive a stipend.
- The institute annually disburses INR 161.62 lakhs towards student stipend, merit scholarship and research fellowship.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Facilities
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies is located in Choglamsar, 8 km south of Leh town, on the bank of the Indus River. The institute operates out of two campuses: the new and the old. The old campus that houses the classes for the junior wing, is spread across 23 Kanals. The new campus, built over an expanse of 232 Kanals, half a kilometer away from the old campus, and houses separate blocks for Teaching, Administration, Library and Campus Residence. The new campus has the following facilities:
- Hostels: Three separate hostels for monks, boy and girl students with a capacity of one hundred students in each. The institute also has a staff residential quarters and a guest house to accommodate guests.
- Library: A computerized Library spread across 3 stories with a total collection of 33160 books in different subjects, 51 annual Indian and foreign research journals/periodicals, several magazines and newspapers in different languages, etc. The library has a dedicated Tibetan section for the benefit of scholars.
- Museum: A unique archaeological Museum with a collection of antiquities and regional objects-de-art, including antique artifacts and replicas brought from historical places across India.
Central Institute of Buddhist Studies FAQs
Ques. Does CIBS conduct any campus placement?
Ans. No, CIBS being a completely Arts oriented institute, does not offer any campus placement services. However, CIBS graduates are accomplished and have gained employment with various reputable organizations.
Ques. What kind of teaching aid is used by the faculty at CIBS?
Ans. Teaching at CIBS is primarily conducted in the traditional lecture mode, though in recent times, some amounts of audio-visual techniques, e-learning methodologies are being deployed by faculties. Student engagement tools like group discussion, role-play, debate, etc. are also being used increasingly.
Ques. How are students evaluated at CIBS?
Ans. Prior to the “Deemed to be University” status in 2016, part of the examination was conducted annually by the affiliating body – Sampurnananda Sanskrit University and the evaluation and declaration of results were also done by the same body. Since 2016, CIBS has introduced the semester system and conducts the exams as well as declares the results accordingly.
Ques. Does the CIBS have any branch in any other cities in India or does it offer programs in the distance learning mode?
Ans. One of the conditions of the Deemed to be University status of CIBS is that it will neither open a branch anywhere else nor will it offer programs in the distance learning mode. So, to answer your question, you will have to be present physically at CIBS, Leh (Ladakh) to pursue a program of your choice.
