India visa categories have fallen from 13 to nine under a Centre-led rationalisation for foreign nationals. The changes are relevant to national governance and administration.
Quick answer: India visa categories now number nine, down from 13, while sub-categories have fallen from 49 to 23. The Ministry of Home Affairs also cut information sought in forms by 65–70%. Officials expect issuance under the revised framework to begin by the end of 2026.
How have India visa categories changed?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) rationalised the categories in two stages. The latest reduction took place on 27 August 2026; officials expect revised visa issuance by year-end.
| Stage | Main categories | Sub-categories |
|---|---|---|
| Before October 2025 | 22 | 63 |
| October 2025 rationalisation | 13 | 49 |
| 27 August 2026 reduction | 9 | 23 |
In addition, the MHA shortened forms across all 23 sub-categories while retaining essential processing information. The existing electronic visa, or e-Visa, facility covers nationals of 172 countries under 13 sub-categories.
What are the new visitor visa rules?
The former Tourist Visa is now the Visitor Visa, divided into V-1 and V-2. V-1 permits multiple entries over 30 days for eligible activities, including business meetings, medical consultations, wellness retreats and short courses in Indian languages, music, art and craft.
Meanwhile, V-2 has a specified validity of one, five or 10 years. Mountaineering visitors will receive a six-month, multiple-entry visa.
Which medical, student and business visas matter?
The revised framework distinguishes applicants by treatment, educational activity and business purpose.
| Visa | Purpose |
|---|---|
| M-1 and M-3 | Treatment outside AYUSH systems and AYUSH treatment, respectively |
| M-2 and M-4 | Attendants accompanying M-1 and M-3 applicants, respectively |
| S-1 | School, undergraduate and postgraduate education |
| S-2 | Research and specified activities, including doctoral programmes, internships and exchanges |
| B-1 | Long-term, licence-based business activities |
| B-2 | Short-term, contract-based activities, including production investment |
AYUSH refers to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. M-1 and M-3 visas, including electronic variants, will ordinarily allow multiple entries for one year.
Also, eligible students enrolled through the Study in India portal may receive an e-S1 visa for up to five years or their course duration, whichever is shorter. Under B-2, the Production Investment Business Visa replaces the earlier e-B4 nomenclature.
Why does the simplification matter?
The reform aims to make visa selection clearer by grouping similar travel purposes. It also seeks to facilitate legitimate foreign arrivals while retaining essential application details.
For wider administrative context, see CBL’s explainer on foreigners’ registration offices. In contrast, the H-1B visa discussion concerns United States policy, not Indian entry visas.
Source: The Indian Express, 12 November 2026
- H-1B visa fee: UPSC notes on US protectionism (29 Aug 2026)
State PCS General Studies may test the responsible Union ministry and the revised visa classifications. Also, distinguish visitor, student and medical visa purposes in objective questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many main visa categories does India have under the revised framework?
Nine main categories remain under the revised framework. In addition, the number of sub-categories has fallen from 49 to 23.
What is the validity of the V-1 visitor visa?
V-1 permits multiple entries over 30 days. For example, eligible activities include business meetings and medical consultations.
Which visa covers research and doctoral programmes?
S-2 covers research and doctoral programmes. It also covers specified academic activities such as internships and student exchanges.
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