India’s undergraduate applications to US colleges fall sharply as Common App data shows 14 percent decline
India’s undergraduate applications to US institutions have fallen markedly, according to new figures released in the Common App’s Deadline Update for the 2025–26 admissions cycle. The report shows a 14 percent decline in applicants from India through the November 1 deadline, marking one of the steepest drops among major international source countries.The reduction forms part of a broader downturn in international applications documented by the Common App. The organisation reported that international applicant numbers fell by 9 percent, in contrast to domestic applicants, who grew by 7 percent during the same period.Decline driven by shifts across Asia and AfricaAccording to the Common App, the fall in applicants from India contributed significantly to a regional contraction, with Asia recording a 9 percent decrease overall. The report stated that “this decline was driven by a substantial 14% drop in applicants from India,” as quoted by the Common App. Africa saw an even sharper fall of 18 percent, including a 43 percent decline from Ghana.Only two of the ten highest-volume international countries—Vietnam and Uzbekistan—recorded growth in applicant numbers. Other major international sources, including China, showed decreases, although China remained the largest contributor of international applications.The report also noted that international applications decreased across all institutional selectivity bands. The biggest falls were observed at institutions with 50–74 percent admit rates and those above 75 percent.Domestic applicants continue to riseWhile international numbers declined, the overall Common App platform recorded increases in usage. The report found that 962,284 distinct first-year applicants had applied to 916 returning members, representing a 5 percent year-over-year increase. Total applications submitted to returning members rose by 10 percent, reaching 4,716,352. The average number of applications per applicant increased to 4.90, up 5 percent from the previous cycle.The report also highlighted growth among several demographic groups. Applicants identifying as Black or African American grew by 16 percent, while those identifying as Two or More Races increased by 11 percent. First-generation applicants rose by 12 percent, compared with a 2 percent increase in continuing-generation applicants. Applicants eligible for a Common App fee waiver increased by 10 percent.Growth was particularly marked among rural areas, where applicant numbers rose by 15 percent, compared with 6 percent from metropolitan regions.Patterns in test score reportingTest score reporting patterns also shifted. The number of applicants reporting test scores rose by 11 percent, while those not reporting scores fell by 1 percent. The Common App noted that first-generation students, underrepresented minority applicants and fee-waiver-eligible students remained less likely to submit test scores, although reporting increased across all groups.International declines in contextA summary of key international changes appears below:
The Common App indicated that international applicant declines accelerated relative to the previous cycle, during which a 5 percent increase had been observed through the same deadline.Read the complete report here.
