Indian students' enrolment in US drops 6.9 pc: Govt tells Rajya Sabha

The number of Indian students enrolled in educational institutions in the United States has declined by about 6.9 per cent over the past year, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on 2 April.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that over 3.5 lakh Indian students are currently pursuing various programmes in the US as of February 2026.

Citing data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Mapping Tool of the US Department of Homeland Security, Singh said the number of Indian students stood at 378,787 in February 2025 and declined to 352,644 in February 2026.

The figures indicate a drop of around 6.9 per cent in overall enrolments across categories ranging from school education to doctoral programmes.

Visa scrutiny cited as factor

Responding to queries on visa availability and rejection rates, Singh said recent changes in US visa policies have contributed to the decline.

He referred to a June 2025 announcement by the US government on expanded screening and vetting of visa applicants.

Under the revised framework, applicants in F, M and J visa categories are subject to enhanced checks, including scrutiny of their online presence.

“The new US guidance mentions that every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” Singh said, adding that applicants must establish eligibility and intent consistent with visa conditions.

The US has also required applicants to make their social media profiles publicly accessible for review as part of the vetting process.

The minister said US authorities have also emphasised that a visa does not guarantee continued stay and that monitoring continues after issuance.

Violations such as discontinuing academic programmes, minor legal infractions, driving under the influence, overstaying visa validity or engaging in activities inconsistent with visa conditions can lead to revocation and deportation, he said.

Sharp drop in F-1 visas

The government also cited a significant decline in the issuance of F-1 student visas.

According to data from the US Department of State, the number of F-1 visas issued to Indian students during June–July 2025 dropped by 69 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

F-1 visas are required for international students pursuing academic programmes in the US.

Singh said visa policies remain the sovereign prerogative of the United States, but the Centre has been raising concerns faced by Indian students with US authorities at various levels.

He said efforts are ongoing to promote “mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks” to facilitate legal movement of students and professionals.

The data was shared in response to questions on whether visa constraints and increased scrutiny were affecting Indian students seeking education in the United States.