About the Institute
A seat of learning where Nalanda and the Himalaya meet
Founded on 23rd October 1959 on the inspiration of Ven. Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (1917–2003), CIBS is a Deemed to be University under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
1959
Established
04
Faculties of study
Deemed
University status
NEP-2020
Aligned curriculum
Historical Background
From the monasteries of Ladakh
In the early thirteenth century, King Morup of Ladakh made it mandatory for young monks and novices to travel to Tibet for higher studies. For centuries thereafter, scholars from Ladakh pursued advanced monastic learning in the great Mahāvihāras of Drepung, Sera, Gaden, Tashi Lhunpo, Sakya and others.
When that tradition of study in Tibet came to an abrupt end in 1959 due to political instability, the saint Venerable Kushok Bakula Rinpoche (1917–2003) took up the leadership of upholding the glory of Buddhism in Ladakh — above all by establishing Buddhist higher education within Ladakh itself. Leh was chosen as the centre for the dissemination of Buddhist culture and philosophy in view of its geophysical suitability and traditional matrix.
Accordingly, ten major monasteries of Ladakh joined hands and, on 23rd October 1959, founded the School of Buddhist Philosophy (SBP) with their financial support. Ven. Ling Rinpoche, senior tutor of H.H. the XIV Dalai Lama, performed the consecration rituals. The School began with two teachers and ten students — one drawn from each of the ten major monasteries of Ladakh.
From those beginnings the institution grew into the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, and in due course was declared a Deemed to be University under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India — today advancing philosophy, language, the traditional medical science of Sowa Rigpa, and modern disciplines under NEP-2020.
Our Vision
To be a pre-eminent seat of Buddhist learning that preserves, transmits and revitalises the philosophical, literary and medical heritage of the trans-Himalaya, in the living tradition of Nalanda.
Our Mission
- Preserve and promote the study of Buddhist philosophy, logic and the classical languages of the Himalaya.
- Advance the traditional medical science of Sowa Rigpa through rigorous academic and clinical training.
- Integrate classical scholarship with modern disciplines in line with NEP-2020.
- Foster research, translation and publication that serve scholarship and society alike.
- Nurture ethical, compassionate and skilled citizens rooted in cultural heritage.
Accreditation & Compliance
Recognised, accountable, quality-assured
As a Government of India institution, CIBS maintains transparency and quality through statutory recognition and accreditation frameworks.