The Indian government has reduced the number of visa types to nine to make the visa process simpler and quicker for foreign nationals. At the same time, visa subcategories have been cut from 49 to 23. Visas will be issued under the new classification by the end of this year.
The Indian newspaper The Statesman reported this last Wednesday (11 November).
According to the report, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decided on 27 August to cut the main visa categories from 13 to nine and the subcategories from 49 to 23. Earlier, in October 2025, the main categories had been reduced from 22 to 13 and the subcategories from 63 to 49.
To carry out the decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs is updating its information technology systems. Visas will be issued under the revised classification by the end of this year.
The Indian government said the decision was taken after reviewing the visa systems of developed countries and international standards. The aim is to give a clear idea of the visa types by merging similar purposes of travel, and to make it easier for foreign nationals to choose the right visa.
At present, e-visas are issued in 13 subcategories under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. The facility is available to citizens of 172 countries.
Under the new system, the former tourist visa has been renamed the visitor visa, to allow for travel for purposes beyond ordinary tourism. It is divided into two subcategories, V-1 and V-2, so that applicants can choose the visa that suits the purpose and length of their trip.
Medical visas have separate provisions for conventional treatment and AYUSH treatment. M-1 visas will be issued for treatment other than AYUSH, and M-3 visas for AYUSH treatment. M-1 and M-3 visas and their e-visa versions will generally be issued for one year and will allow multiple entries into India.
Student visas have also been cut to two subcategories. The S-1 visa covers students at school, undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The S-2 visa is for PhD and research students, guest faculty working at Indian universities, foreign students coming to India for research, participants in scientific and anthropological research expeditions, interns and exchange programme students.
Business visas have also been split into two subcategories. The B-1 visa covers long-term and licence-based business activities. Foreign nationals who want to set up an industry or business in India will also fall under this visa.
The B-2 visa will be issued for short-term and contract-based business activities. It covers manufacturing and investment-related business, conferences, sport, stage performances and film-related work.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report