The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) was envisaged by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and H.H. 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.

Address	:	Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (Deemed University), Sarnath, Varanasi, 221 007, U.P. India
Type	:	Demeed University
Website	:	www.smith.edu/cihts
Director	:	0091-542-2586337
Registrar	:	0091-542-2585148
Dy. Registrar	:	0091-542-2585148
Asstt. Registrar	:	0091-542-2585242
Librarian	:	0091-542-2586515
Publication	:	0091-542-2587754
Computer Section	:	0091-542-2587756

Courses Offered by the University

Admission Scenario