My family is based in Chicago, and I'm considering sending my children to India for their higher education. What are some of the best universities for NRI students. My son wants to study engineering and our daughter wants to pursue a career in medicine. What is the admission process like?

Ans: India has several prestigious universities that offer excellent programs in engineering and medicine. Here are some of the top institutions for each field, along with an overview of the admission process for NRI (Non-Resident Indian) students:

Top Universities for Engineering:

1. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Popular IITs: IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur.
- Admission Process: NRI students can apply through the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme or the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Advanced if they have completed their schooling in India.

2. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
- Campuses: Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Dubai.
- Admission Process: Admission is primarily through the BITSAT (BITS Admission Test). NRIs are required to take the same exam, but there are a few seats reserved under the international student category.

3. National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Popular NITs: NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal.
- Admission Process: NRI students can apply through the DASA scheme.

4. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
- Admission Process: Admission is through the VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Examination). There are provisions for NRI students as well.

Top Universities for Medicine:

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Campuses: New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh.
- Admission Process: Admission is through the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate). AIIMS has a few seats reserved for foreign nationals and NRIs.

2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Admission Process: Admission is through NEET-UG, followed by an assessment of merit and an interview. There are a few seats reserved for NRIs.

3. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- Admission Process: Admission is through NEET-UG, followed by an interview and medical test. There are seats reserved for NRIs/PIOs.

4. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- Campus: Manipal.
- Admission Process: Admission is through the NEET-UG. There are special provisions for NRI/foreign students.

Admission Process for NRIs:

1. Eligibility: Ensure that your children meet the eligibility criteria, such as having completed 10+2 or equivalent education with the required subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology).

2. Entrance Exams:
- Engineering: JEE Main/Advanced, BITSAT, VITEEE, etc.
- Medicine: NEET-UG.

3. Application Process:
- Register and apply for the relevant entrance exams.
- Prepare the necessary documentation, including proof of NRI status, academic records, and other required certificates.

4. Counseling and Seat Allocation:
- For most institutions, there will be a counseling process where students are allocated seats based on their entrance exam scores and preferences.
- Specific institutions may have additional interviews or assessments for final admission.

5. Scholarships and Quotas:
- Some universities offer scholarships or reserved seats for NRI students. Check the specific university websites for detailed information.

6. Accommodation and Facilities:
- Many universities provide hostel facilities and other support services for NRI students to help them adjust to life in India.

By considering these top institutions and understanding the admission processes, your children can have a smooth transition to pursuing higher education in India.