Parliament data Indian students US decline was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs in a Rajya Sabha reply on April 2, 2026 . The figures show enrolment fell 6.9% , from 3,78,787 in February 2025 to 3,52,644 in February 2026 .
Parliament data Indian students US decline: the numbers
The MEA used US Department of Homeland Security SEVIS counts to report the drop. Key figures:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Indian students in US (Feb 2025) | 3,78,787 |
| Indian students in US (Feb 2026) | 3,52,644 |
| Year-on-year change | −6.9% (− 26,143 ) |
| F‑1 visa rejection rate (2025) | 41% |
| SEVIS records terminated (early 2026) | >4,700 (Indians ≈ 50% affected) |
The MEA quoted the US State Department’s June 18, 2025 directive on expanded vetting as a primary policy change behind the decline. The ministry also noted the US stance that "a visa is a privilege, not a right."
Parliament data Indian students US decline: costs and currency impact
Exchange-rate shifts amplified the effect. On April 17, 2026 the rate was $1 = ₹93.06 . Example conversions used in the MEA briefing:
| Cost item | USD | INR (@ ₹93.06) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-tier tuition (annual) | $35,000 | ₹32.6 lakh |
| On-campus accommodation (annual) | $15,000 | ₹14.0 lakh |
| Typical total annual cost | $50,000 | ₹46.5 lakh |
| Four‑year UG total (2026 est.) | — | ₹1.86 crore |
Higher rupee costs plus visa risk are listed together as drivers of lower applications and enrolments.
Parliament data Indian students US decline: policy and vetting changes
The US State Department’s expanded screening requires enhanced review of all F, M and J visa applicants, including consular checks of online presence and social media. The MEA also reported a rise in administrative processing and higher refusal rates.
Verified requirements and practical facts for applicants:
- All F, M, J applicants are subject to enhanced vetting and social-media screening.
- Consular officers may review applicants’ public online profiles.
- Maintain a documented financial trail of 6–12 months ; one-off deposits are weak evidence.
- Build a minimum 12‑week buffer for visa processing and expect possible administrative delays.
- Undergraduate and community-college applicants face higher scrutiny; applicants from Tier 2/3 cities show higher refusal rates in consular data.
What the MEA data does not show
The Rajya Sabha reply does not include regional US breakdowns, detailed demographics, or long-run historical trends before 2021. The MEA figures cover enrolments through February 2026 and predate some SEVIS enforcement peaks in March–April 2026 .