India Visa Rule Simplified: 9 Main Categories, 23 Subcategories, and Application Form Fields Reduced by 70%

As of 11 November 2026, India’s visa system stands rationalised to 9 main categories and 23 sub-categories, down from 22 and 63 before October 2025. Form fields have been cut by 65–70%. The changes aim to boost tourism, medical value travel, foreign student arrivals and business engagement through clear, purpose-based visa options.

Main categories for visas reduced from 13 to 09 and subcategories from 49 to 23

On 27 August 2026, the MHA reduced the main visa categories from 13 to 9 and the sub-categories from 49 to 23. This is the second round of simplification. In October 2025, categories had already come down from 22 to 13, and sub-categories from 63 to 49. The government studied the visa systems of developed countries before making these changes. Currently, e-visa is available to citizens of 172 countries.

Here is the list of main categories and subcategory changes in visa rule:

How do the main visas work?

1. Visitor Visa: This replaces the old Tourist Visa. V-1 is valid for 30 days with multiple entries. V-2 is valid for 1, 5, or 10 years and also covers mountaineering, for which a six-month multiple-entry visa is given.
2. Medical Visa: M-1 covers regular treatment, and M-3 covers AYUSH treatment. Both are given for one year with multiple entries by default. M-2 and M-4 are for attendants of M-1 and M-3 holders.
3. Student Visa: S-1 is for school, graduate, and postgraduate courses. S-2 is for PhD scholars, researchers, visiting faculty, and interns. The e-S1 visa can be valid for up to five years or the course duration, whichever is shorter.
4. Business Visa: B-1 is for long-term, licence-based business. B-2 is for short-term, contract-based work, and technical experts hired by Indian companies can get a Production Investment Business Visa under it.

Number of Fields to Be Filled in the Application Forms for All 23 Visa Sub-Categories Reduced by 65%–70%

The MHA has also simplified application forms for all 23 sub-categories. The fields to be filled have been cut by 65% to 70%, while the details needed for processing are kept. Applicants will spend less time on forms, and officials can scrutinise applications in a more focused way. The MHA is updating its IT systems, and the new framework is expected to be in use by the end of the year.

Indian Visa Regime Rationalization to Boost Foreign Tourist Arrivals, Enhance Medical Value of Travel and Foreign Student Arrival

1. Tourism: A single Visitor Visa lets travellers combine leisure with business meetings, wellness retreats or short yoga courses.
2. Medical travel: Multiple-entry validity and attendant visas help patients who need repeat visits. This supports the Prime Minister’s “Heal in India” vision.
3. Education: Longer student visas linked to course duration reduce paperwork for foreign students, especially those enrolled through the Study in India portal.
4. Business: Clear B-1 and B-2 options help companies plan long-term investments separately from short contracts.