Here’s a clearer overview of institutions in India offering Pali language courses, at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels:
🎓 Major Universities & Institutes
1. University of Mumbai (Department of Pali)
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Courses:
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M.A. Pali & Buddhist Studies under NEP 2020 syllabus
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Five‑year Integrated BA–MA in Pali
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One-year Diploma and Certificate programmes in Pali language, literature, Pariyatti & Patipatti, and Advanced Diploma in Buddhist studies sanchiuniv.edu.in+12University of Mumbai+12rskslucknowcampus.org+12
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Ph.D. programme in Pali also offered.
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Facilities: Department library with ~2,800 volumes including original Pali texts and scholarly journals University of Mumbai
2. Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda, Bihar)
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Offers Certificate, Diploma, M.A., and Ph.D. in Pali, Buddhist Studies, and related disciplines WikipediaTarget Study
3. Sanskrit College and University (Kolkata, West Bengal)
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Provides B.A. Honours (Pali) and M.A. in Pali; also Ph.D. programs.
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Well-established Pali department within a strong tradition of Indic studies The Times of India+15Wikipedia+15Target Study+15
4. Sanchi University of Buddhist‑Indic Studies (Bhopal, MP)
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Offers 6‑month Certificate Course in Pali Language & Literature (~₹5,950 fee; ~30 seats) sanchiuniv.edu.in+2Shiksha+2Wikipedia+2
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Also offers PG Diploma and Advanced Certificate courses in Pali language and literature sanchiuniv.edu.in
5. Kurukshetra University (Haryana); Magadh University (Bodh Gaya, Bihar); Maharshi Dayanand University (Rohtak, Haryana); Patliputra University (Patna)
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All offer M.A. in Pali, some also B.A. (Honours)‑level programs The Times of India+15Target Study+15K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma+15
6. Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (Varanasi, UP)
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Department of Pali & Theravāda offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs in Pali and related disciplines Wikipedia
7. Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (Leh, Ladakh)
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Deemed University recognized by the Ministry of Culture, offers courses in Pali language along with Buddhist philosophy and Sanskrit Wikipedia+1nagarjunatraininginstitute.org+1
8. K.J. Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies (Mumbai)
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Offers a 2‑year M.A. (Pali) programme (starting July 2025), focusing on grammar, translation and Pali literature, with elective exposure to Prakrit, Sanskrit, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma
🏛️ Emerging and Planned Offerings
– Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University (KMCLU), Lucknow
Starting 2025–26, KMCLU will roll out Pali courses (alongside Chinese and Japanese) at UG level; includes training in grammar, translation, vocabulary, and interpretation, supported by modern language labs The Times of India
– Goa University (SSPIS)
Plans are underway to launch Pali programmes at postgraduate level within its School of Sanskrit, Philosophy & Indic Studies, pending recruitment of faculty The Times of India
📊 Summary Table
| Institution | Level(s) Offered | Location | Typical Fee / Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mumbai | Cert, Dip, BA–MA Int, M.A., Ph.D. | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Standard university fees |
| Nava Nalanda Mahavihara | Cert, Dip, M.A., Ph.D. | Nalanda, Bihar | Residential deemed‑univ format |
| Sanskrit College & University (Kolkata) | B.A., M.A., Ph.D. | Kolkata, WB | Traditional hon. and research focus |
| Kurukshetra Univ., Magadh Univ., MDU, Patliputra Univ. | M.A. (many with B.A.) | Haryana / Bihar | Regular UG/PG university fees |
| Sanchi University (SUBIS) | Cert, Diploma, Advanced Certificate | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | ₹6,000 for certificate (~6 mo) |
| Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya | UG, PG, Ph.D. in Pali | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Central Sanskrit university rates |
| CIBS (Leh) | Pali language with Buddhist studies | Leh, Ladakh | Deemed UGC-accredited institution |
| Somaiya (KJSIDS) | M.A. Pali (2‑yr) | Mumbai | Full-time residential programme |
| KMCLU (Lucknow) | UG level Pali from 2025‑26 | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Undergrad component in labs |
| Goa University (SSPIS) | Planned postgraduate Pali | Goa | Planning stage |
📚 Additional Learning Resources (Outside Formal Colleges)
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Vipassana Research Institute (VRI), via University of Mumbai collaboration, provides residential Diploma courses in Pali & Teachings of the Buddha. These are recognized and integrated into university syllabi Wikipedia+11Vipassana Research Institute+11Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11University of Mumbai+11Reddit+11WikipediaReddit+4Wikipedia+4Reddit+4The Times of IndiaTarget StudyReddit+1Reddit+1Shiksha+1sanchiuniv.edu.in+1Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1The Indian ExpressTarget Study+3K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma+3The Times of India+3WikipediaThe Times of India.
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Digital/online resources widely recommended:
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“Learn Pali” YouTube channel and the Pāḷi Primer text for foundational grammar
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Practical Grammar for Pali by Charles Duroiselle, Ven. Bodhi’s sutta lectures, and the Digital Pali Dictionary Reddit+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
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✅ Choosing the Right Program
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Certificate / Diploma Level: Ideal for beginners or those enriching existing studies. Look at Sanchi University or VRI-related programs.
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Undergraduate (B.A.): Available in Kolkata, Bihar, Haryana universities; suitable for students focusing early on Pali.
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Postgraduate (M.A.): Offered in Mumbai, Nalanda, Kolkata, Somaiya, Kurukshetra, and others. Mumbai’s integrated BA–MA and Somaiya’s well‑resourced M.A. are robust options.
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Ph.D.: Available at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, University of Mumbai, etc.
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Planned new programs: KMCLU (Lucknow) and Goa University are expanding offerings soon—great to monitor if applying in 2025–26.