What is Chinese / Mandarin: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission [Year], Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Jun 6, 2025 11:15 IST

Chinese Language courses can be pursued by students who wish to study Chinese. The official Chinese Language is called Mandarin. Students who choose to study Mandarin courses develop a foundation in the written and spoken Chinese language. 

A student can pursue Chinese Language courses as a regular degree, online, or from distance/correspondence colleges. They can also choose to pursue Languages courses as certification, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in Chinese.

A student should have cleared class 12 from a recognized board with at least 45% marks in order to be considered eligible for this course. Most colleges offer admission based on merit. They may also conduct personal interviews and group discussion rounds in their selection process. CUET, CUET PG, UGC NET, etc., are among the popular entrance exams for Chinese languages which the candidates can prepare for.

Popular colleges that offer Chinese Language courses are Delhi University, Sister Nivedita University, KIIT School of language & Literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, etc. The average course fees for Chinese languages can usually range from INR 10,150 to INR 2.6 Lakh.

Graduating in Chinese Language courses can open up a wide range of career opportunities for the candidates. Students can work for top recruiters like Lenovo, Haier, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, Tencent Holdings Ltd., etc. after completing their Mandarin course. They can expect an average salary between INR 5-7 LPA after completing Chinese Language courses.

Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more details related to Chinese Language courses.

Chinese Language Course Details: Highlights 

Students interested in pursuing a Chinese Language course can take a look at the key details in the table given below:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Chinese Language Course

Chinese Language Course Levels

Certificate, Diploma, Graduation, Postgraduation, Doctoral

Chinese Language Course Duration

Graduation: 3 Years

Post-Graduation: 2 Years

Doctoral: 3 Years

Chinese Language Eligibility Criteria

Graduation: Should have passed class 12 from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 50%

Post-Graduation: Should have graduated from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 45%

Chinese Language Entrance Exams

CUET, CUET PG, UGC NET

Chinese Language Colleges in India

Delhi University, Sister Nivedita University, KIIT School of language & Literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Doon University, etc.

Chinese Language Course Fees

INR 10,150 to INR 2.6 Lakh

Chinese Language Job Profiles

Chinese Translator, Chinese Teacher, Chinese Editor, Chinese Content Writer, etc.

Chinese Language Top Recruiters

Lenovo, Haier, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Chinese Language Salary in India

INR 5-7 LPA

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Q:   What is Mandarin Chinese?
A:

 Mandarin Chinese is the language of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. It is also treated as one of the UN's official languages and one of Singapore's four official languages.

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Q:   What is the Chinese Certificate course duration?
A:

The Chinese Certificate course is a language course through which students can learn about the foundations of the written and spoken Chinese language and grammar. The Chinese certificate course duration varies depending on various universities and their curriculum, but generally, it is a 6-month to 1-year course that you can pursue as a regular degree, a distance degree, or online.

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Table of content
  • Chinese Language Course Eligibility Criteria
  • Chinese Language Course Entrance Exams 2025
  • Types of Chinese Language Courses
  • Chinese Language Course Syllabus 2025
  • Best Chinese Language Courses Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Chinese / Mandarin Colleges in India
  • Chinese Language Course Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Chinese Courses FAQs 2025
  • Popular Chinese / Mandarin PG Courses
  • Popular Chinese / Mandarin UG Courses
View More

Chinese Language Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to pursue Chinese Language (Mandarin) courses depends on the level at which they are being pursued. Some institutes offer admission to Mandarin/ Chinese Language courses based on merit, but most colleges admit students through entrance exams. 

A student who has passed class 12th from a recognized board can pursue a Chinese Language course. 

Colleges might have their own parameters for admitting students. All aspiring candidates are advised to visit the official websites of the colleges they wish to apply to and check their eligibility before they fill out the application forms.

Chinese Language Course

Eligibility Criteria

Chinese Language UG Courses

The candidate should have completed their class 12 from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 50% marks.

Chinese Language PG Courses

The candidate should have completed their graduation in any discipline and secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. It is preferable if students have completed their undergraduate in Chinese Language or some other relevant course.

Chinese Language PhD Courses

The candidate should have completed their postgraduate degree in Chinese Language or a relevant field from a recognized university with at least a 50% aggregate.

Chinese Language  (Mandarin) Certificate Courses

Students who have passed class 12th can also go for one-year certificate courses related to Chinese Language courses

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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Chinese Language Course Admission 2025

Admission to Mandarin/Chinese Language courses will differ from college to college, but here is a general overview of the steps that a student will have to follow to get admitted to Chinese Language courses:

  • Check Eligibility: Complete class 12 from a recognized board with at least a 50% aggregate. Check other eligibility and make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Students wishing to pursue Chinese Language postgraduate degrees must complete their undergraduate with at least a 45% aggregate. Students aspiring to a Ph.D Chinese Language (Mandarin) degree must complete their UG and PG from recognized institutes. 
  • Entrance Exams (if required): Appear for national/state-level entrance exams for Chinese Language courses.
  • Application: Submit applications to Chinese Language colleges/universities with required documents.
  • Counseling: Participate in counseling based on entrance exam scores or merit.
  • Admission: Complete the admission process by paying fees and verifying documents.

Note: The admission process may vary from university to university.

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Q:   Can I still pursue a Chinese course after completing my BA?
A:

Hi,

Yes, you can definitely pursue a Chinese course after completing your BA degree. Students who have already completed their BA degree but wish to learn a new language like Chinese for personal or professional reasons generally opt for a certificate course where they can learn about the basics of the language and build a strong foundation. Students who already know the foundational Chinese Language can choose to go for a UG degree, after which they can pursue a PG degree as well. Generally, students are admitted to Chinese language colleges based on merit.

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Q:   How can I get a Certificate in Chinese language from IGNOU?
A:

Chinese admission in IGNOU is a simple procedure. The students first have to make sure that they fulfill the basic Chinese admission eligibility criteria, after which they can fill out the online application form on the official website of IGNOU. Aspirants must select the certification course level and choose Chinese as their specialization. They will also have to pay a nominal application fee. IGNOU releases its list of selected candidates based on academic performance and merit. Generally, students do not have to take Chinese entrance exams to gain IGNOU admission. Once selected, they can pay their admission fees of around INR 3,600–12,000 to secure their admission. 

Hope this helps you secure Chinese certificate admission in IGNOU.

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Chinese Language Course Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to various Chinese Language (Mandarin) courses can be obtained through entrance examinations. Universities generally admit students based on their academic qualifications, rank and score in entrance exams, and sometimes, other additional criteria like Personal Interviews and Group Discussion rounds.

Here is a quick overview of the popular entrance exams for Chinese Language (Mandarin)  courses, their exam dates, and details:

Entrance Exam

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Schedule

CUET 2025

May 13 - June 3 ‘25

CUET Exam Date 2025

CUET PG 2025

March 13 - Apr 1 ‘25

CUET PG Exam Date 2025 

UGC NET 2025

June 21 - 30 ‘25 

UGC NET Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

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Q:   What are the entrance exams for admission to Chinese courses?
A:

A. The entrance exams for Mandarin Chinese course are:

  • Delhi University Entrance Test
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam
  • Andhra Pradesh Research Common Entrance Test
  • Presidency University Bachelor Degree Entrance Test
  • Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam
  • Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test
Q:   What was the CUET PG 2025 exam difficulty level?
A:

As per the information gathered from the YouTube channels, and candidates' exam video reactions, so far CUET PG 2025 overall exam difficulty level is found to be moderate. However it has been observed that the test takers have found this year's CUET PG question paper to be more difficult compared to the last years. Also, candidates found the time shortage in the examination due to the demand of the question paper to use more conceptual and analytical skills than theoretical ones. 
The change in the CUET PG 2025 time duration has given test takers a disadvantage in subjects like Mathematics, Statistics and many more.

Q:   What is a good score in CUET PG 2025 exam?
A:

CUET PG Good Score will also enable candidates to strategically allocate time and resources for different subjects based on their difficulty level and weightage. Many of the top NIRF Ranking institutes like JNU, University of Delhi, BHU, TISS, and Central University of Hyderabad will require a score higher than the average score in CUET PG, due to the high competition level for these universities. On average 180-195 will be considered to be a good score in CUET PG 2025 exam. 

  • General- 180-190
  • OBC- 170-180
  • SC/ST- 155-170

Types of Chinese Language Courses

Chinese Language courses are available in various modes of education. Students can choose the mode based on their accessibility and preferences. Here are some types of Chinese Language  (Mandarin) courses classified based on their mode of education, along with a brief description:

Types of Chinese Language Courses

Chinese Language Course Details

Full-Time Chinese Language (Mandarin) Courses

Regular or full-time Chinese Language courses are among the most popular options opted by students. Students attend the lectures and seminars in the college premises. It aids students in their holistic development. There is a lot of scope for extracurricular activities at the college or inter-college level.

Distance Chinese Language (Mandarin) Courses

The students do not attend regular college in the Distance mode of Chinese Language courses. They receive study materials and get access to the student portal. They would only have to appear in person for seminars and final examinations.

Online Chinese Language (Mandarin)  Courses

An Online Chinese Language Programme can be pursued by candidates who wish to pursue Chinese Language courses without attending regular college or appearing for offline exams. The admission process, lecture delivery, submission of assignments, and semester exams are conducted online.

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Q:   Should I pursue a part-time Chinese course?
A:

Yes! There are many part-time courses available across India. Part-time courses are flexible in nature and are a convenient, preferable option for many students who pursue a language course as they do not have to devote all their time towards classes, rather they can balance their education with personal life. Students looking to change careers or advance professionally also opt for Chinese part-time courses. Others may study part-time courses to learn a new language and acquire a skill. 

Q:   What are the levels of Chinese certification courses?
A:

Hello,

The Chinese certification courses are primarily available at three levels. Students first pursue the Basic Chinese course, where they can learn about the basic structures of the language. After this course, students who wish to continue their education in the Chinese Language can move on to the Intermediate Level Language Certification where they can enhance their knowledge of Chinese grammar and sentence formation. Further, students can choose to pursue an Advanced level Chinese Language course where they will learn to use the Language in an academic context and give critical analysis of texts. The advanced level is the hardest among the certification courses and can only be taken up after the student has developed a satisfactory knowledge of written and spoken Chinese Language.

Chinese Language Course Syllabus 2025

The curriculum of a Chinese Language degree is vast and well-structured to include texts from different eras. The general Chinese Language course syllabus has been mentioned below:

Chinese Language Courses Syllabus Semester 1

Selected Short Stories In Chinese

Selected Poems In Chinese

Literary Chinese

History Of Chinese Literature

Chinese Language Courses Syllabus Semester 2

Advanced Readings In Business And Scientific Documents In Chinese

The Literature Of The People’s Republic Of China

Political And Cultural History Pre-Modern China

Chinese Oration

Chinese Language Courses Syllabus Semester 3

Translation

Modern Literary Trends And Criticism

Sino-Indian Interaction

Twentieth-Century China

Chinese Language Syllabus Semester 4

Women In Chinese Literature

Interpretation And Methods Of Teaching

Advanced Study In Chinese Grammar

Modern Chinese Poetry

Note: The syllabus has been taken from sources across the web and may vary for different institutions.

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Q:   What will I learn in a Chinese course in India?
A:

Hi! There is a lot to learn in a Chinese language course. The official language of China is Mandarin, and it is generally what students will learn in India. A Mandarin course will first of all, introduce you to the general history and culture of China, to help acquaint you with the background for the evolution of Chinese. In a Chinese course, you will learn about the basic grammar, sentence formation, and oration. You will develop both spoken and written skills in Chinese with the help of a foundational course that lasts between 6 months and 1 year. In an advanced course, UG and PG degrees, you will be introduced to Chinese literature and mythology, which will help you develop reading and writing skills and learn about a new culture.

Q:   What are the main subjects in Mandarin Chinese syllabus?
A:

A. The main subjects covered in Mandarin Chinese are:

  • Reading Chinese
  • Writing Chinese
  • Introduction to Chinese culture
  • Composition
  • Newspaper Reading

Best Chinese Language Courses Colleges in India

Chinese Language (Mandarin) courses can be pursued by both the government and private colleges. There are 38 government and 9 private Chinese Language course colleges in India. Chinese Language courses are available in different modes all over India. Candidates can choose a Chinese Language course in college according to their suitability and convenience. 

For detailed information, you can refer to the tables given below:

Best Government Chinese Language Courses Colleges in India

Here are some of the best government colleges in India for Chinese language courses which the candidates can refer to:

Best Government College

Tuition Fees

Ramjas College, University of Delhi

INR 17,000

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR 432 - INR 648

Banaras Hindu University

INR 5,160 - INR 57,200

Visva Bharati University

INR 2,400 - INR 3,360

Panjab University

INR 10,630

CSJM Kanpur

INR 16,000

Doon University

INR 15,000 - INR 60,000

University of Mysore

INR 5,570

Guru Nanak Dev University

INR 13,430 - INR 14,600

Tezpur University

INR 23,390

Note: The fees have been taken from the official website and may change.

Best Private Chinese Language Courses Colleges in India

Here are some of the best private colleges in India for Chinese language courses which the candidates can refer to:

Best Private College

Tuition Fees

Sister Nivedita University

INR 12,000 - INR 48,000

New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Career Studies 

INR 50,340

KIIT School of Language & Literature

INR 10,000

S K Somaiya College

INR 10,000

Vidya Prasarak Mandal

INR 10,000 - INR 17,000

University of Technology, Jaipur

INR 10,000

Sri Balaji University, Pune

INR 2.6 Lakh

Institute for Career Growth

INR 20,700 - INR 41,400

Note: The fees have been taken from the official website and may change.

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#15 Outlook

2 Courses
17 K

#11 Outlook

17 K

#28 Outlook

2 Courses
432 - 648
8 - 9.5 LPA
2 Courses
2.4 K - 3.36 K
5 - 6 LPA
Q:   Can I learn Chinese in Delhi/NCR?
A:

Hello! Yes, there are many Chinese courses that are available in the Delhi/NCR area. Here are some options that are popular among students:

Q:   Which are the top colleges for admission to Chinese courses?
A:

A. The popular colleges that offer courses in Mandarin Chinese are JNU, YMCA, Vishva Bharti University, Ramjas College, Banaras Hindu University, and Calcutta University.

Popular Private Chinese / Mandarin Colleges in India

10 K

Chinese / Mandarin Applications open. Apply Now

12 K - 48 K
2.6 L

Chinese / Mandarin Applications open. Apply Now

#15 Outlook

2 Courses
17 K

#11 Outlook

17 K

#28 Outlook

Chinese Language Course Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Chinese Language course graduates have an exceptionally wide range of professional options because of the flexible skill set that is cultivated through Mandarin courses. Some students choose a more conventional career in fields like academics and translation, but students also find success in a variety of other sectors that value analytical ability, communication skills, and critical thinking.

Chinese Language Courses: Job Profiles and Salary 

Chinese Language course graduates are welcomed by the government, private, and business sectors, which value their capacity for problem-solving and place them in positions that have been mentioned below:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary

Chinese Translator & Interpreter

A Chinese translator will be responsible for reading, interpreting, and translating a document to and from Chinese.

INR 4.6 LPA

Chinese Teacher

A Chinese teacher is responsible for devising lesson plans that will impart knowledge of the Chinese language and culture to the students. They help the students hone their written and spoken skills in Chinese. 

INR 6.1 LPA

Embassy & Government Jobs

Students who are familiar with the Chinese language and culture can serve embassies and government jobs between India and China, as it will give them an upper hand.

INR 16 LPA

Travel, Hospitality & Tour Manager

Students can choose to work in travel, hospitality, and tour management and host Indian and Chinese tourists who wish to travel to the other country. 

INR 6.1 LPA

Chinese Content Writer

Students can also assist in the content curation and production of movies, plays, documentaries, books, and newspaper/magazine editorials.

INR 4.8 LPA

Chinese Proofreader/Editor

Reviews, edits, and proofreads written content for accuracy, clarity, and style.

INR 6.2 LPA

Note: The salaries given above have been taken from ambitionbox.com and may vary depending on the companies offering the jobs.

Chinese Language Courses: Top Recruiters

Chinese Language course graduates can explore career options in various sectors such as the government sector, media and publishing houses, corporations, and community service organizations. 

Here are some of the top companies after Chinese Language courses that recruit graduates in various job profiles:

Chinese Language Courses Top Recruiters

Huawei

Alibaba

Xiaomi

Lenovo

Haier

Bank of China

KPMG

McKinsey & Company

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

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Q:   What are the job profiles after completing the Mandarin Chinese course?
A:

A. The common job positions after Mandarin Chinese are: 

  • Translators
  • Professors
  • Language Experts
  • Chef
  • Cook
  • Tourist Guide
Q:   What are the different fields where Chinese graduates can find work?
A:

A. The different areas of employment for Chinese graduates are:

  • Language Departments
  • Content Writing
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Data Offices
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Publishing Houses
  • Embassies
  • International Organisations
  • Translators

Chinese Courses FAQs 2025

Here are some Chinese Courses FAQs 2025

Q:   What are the skills required to pursue Mandarin Chinese?
A:

Some of the skills required to pursue Mandarin Chinese are commitment, determination, interest, awareness, confidence and patience.

Q:   What is the admission process for Mandarin Chinese course?
A:

A. The students need to explore the colleges offering courses in the Chinese language. Then they need to fulfill their eligibility criteria and apply for the course. Some of the colleges offer admissions according to the merit of the students, while some others grant admissions on the basis of the scores of the entrance exams. 

Q:   What are the various courses for Mandarin Chinese?
A:

A. Students can pursue BA, MA, MPhil, PhD, and Certification courses in Mandarin Chinese.

Q:   Are Chinese courses expensive?
A:

No, not at all. Chinese courses can be pursued by students at an affordable price. There are many online courses and resources too that can help you learn about the foundations of Chinese, that too for free. But most of these do not provide free certification.

Some affordable colleges and institutes where students can learn Chinese and get a certification are mentioned below:

Mandarin Institutes

Average Fees

Jawaharlal Nehru University

INR  432 - 648

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University

INR 1,350

Banaras Hindu University

INR 2,400-5,160

Visva Bharati University

INR 2,400-3,360

Sikkim University of Gujarat

INR 2,400-4,800

Sikkim University

INR 2,930 - 4,390

Q:   Can I learn Chinese with certification courses?
A:

Yes! You can surely learn the foundations of the Chinese language, script, grammar, and culture through a certificate-level course, as it allows you to explore the language in a comprehensive manner. The Chinese Language courses are structured such that it is easy for students to learn about foundational Chinese Language.

Q:   What is the scope of a Chinese course?
A:

There is vast scope after Chinese courses. China is among the biggest economies in the world. The knowledge of Chinese has emerged as a great skill that can be used by students in many sectors like media, trade, sales, corporations, etc. Learning Chinese can be helpful for students in many ways. Recently, many companies give more importance to employees who can converse in languages like Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Hindi, etc., as it allows the companies to expand their businesses to these countries.

Popular Chinese / Mandarin PG Courses

Following are the most popular Chinese / Mandarin PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Chinese / Mandarin UG Courses

Following are the most popular Chinese / Mandarin UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

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