Which Indian States Send the Most Students Overseas?

Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 18:41 IST

According to comprehensive mobility data compiled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NITI Aayog, India's robust outbound student migration patterns show significant regional variance. Globally, India remains a top sender of international scholars, with over 13.35 lakh individuals pursuing higher education overseas.

Which Indian States Send the Most Students Overseas?
Which Indian States Send the Most Students Overseas?

Andhra Pradesh is consistently leading the way in Indian states sending students overseas education. According to Ministry of External Affairs data, 35,614 students were sent abroad by the state in 2020.

Punjab had the largest number of students with 33412 followed by Maharashtra with 29079. Gujarat also made huge effort with 23,156 students going abroad in the same year.

Major States which Send the Most Students Overseas

Other top contributors to India's study abroad numbers are also the cities of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chandigarh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. This demonstrates that there is a demand for overseas education in various parts of the country and not only in one region.

These states tend to be more aware of and committed to international education, have well-developed networks of students, and families willing to pay for overseas degrees. The trend is also reported to have been steady for several years, particularly in states such as Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

Per-Capita Picture

A population-based perspective yields a different answer. Chandigarh was the best region on a per capita basis with a very high proportion of students going abroad.

The primary lesson that students have learned is that location fosters a culture of study abroad, but selecting a course, taking tests, planning finances, and getting visas remain important keys to success. Students from all States can avail the opportunity to study abroad.


 


Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. Apart from writing, she's a baking enthusiast and home baker. As a Content Writer at Jagran New Media, she writes for the General Knowledge section of JagranJosh.com.

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First Published: May 20, 2026, 18:41 IST

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