Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), established in 1959, is a prestigious deemed-to-be-university located in Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh - 194104. Founded under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this unique institution is dedicated to Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, literature, and Himalayan cultural studies. Spread across a serene campus amidst the majestic Himalayan landscape, the institute holds deemed university status granted by UGC and is recognized as a premier center for Buddhist learning. CIBS is committed to preserving ancient Buddhist wisdom, promoting interfaith dialogue, advancing Tibetan studies, and creating scholars who contribute to spiritual, philosophical, and cultural understanding globally.
The institute offers specialized programs including Shastri (B.A.) in Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Language, Acharya (M.A.), Vidyavaridhi (M.Phil.), Ph.D. in Buddhist studies, Tibetan literature, Buddhist philosophy, and Himalayan culture, alongside certificate and diploma courses in Tibetan language, Buddhist art, meditation studies, and Himalayan cultural heritage. The campus features traditional Tibetan-style academic buildings, meditation halls, Buddhist philosophy classrooms, research centers, well-stocked library with over 20,000 volumes including rare Buddhist manuscripts, Tibetan texts, and scriptures, hostels for monks and students, prayer halls, museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts, cultural center, and basic sports facilities adapted to the high-altitude environment. Students engage in philosophical debates, scriptural studies, meditation practices, thangka painting, and research on Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and ethics.