About this guide
This is an educational overview, not a ranking or a list of paid listings. Yoga Management is not affiliated with these institutions. Courses, fees, admission rules and schedules change, so always check each institute's official website before applying. Yoga centers and teachers that list with us appear on our city pages.
The pioneers
| Institute | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| The Yoga Institute (1918) | Santacruz, Mumbai | Founded by Shri Yogendra; often called the oldest organised yoga centre in the world. Yoga for householders, short courses and teacher training. |
| Kaivalyadhama (1924) | Lonavala, near Pune | Founded by Swami Kuvalayananda; among the first to study yoga with scientific methods. Research, a yoga college and residential programs. |
| Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (1975) | Pune | Opened by B.K.S. Iyengar; the home of Iyengar yoga, with its focus on alignment and props. |
| Bihar School of Yoga (1964) | Munger, Bihar | Founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati; known for Satyananda yoga and Yoga Nidra, with a related university, Bihar Yoga Bharati. |
| Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (1976) | Mandaveli, Chennai | Founded by T.K.V. Desikachar; yoga adapted to each person, chanting and yoga therapy. |
| The Divine Life Society (1936) | Rishikesh | Founded by Swami Sivananda; his students spread Sivananda yoga worldwide. |
Read more about these places in our guides to Maharashtra, Pune, Chennai and Rishikesh.
Yoga universities
- S-VYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana)A yoga university with a residential campus at Prashanti Kutiram near Jigani, south of Bengaluru, known for yoga therapy research and degree courses. See our Bengaluru guide.
- Lakulish Yoga UniversitySet up in 2013 at Chharodi, near Ahmedabad, offering degree and certificate courses in yoga. See our Ahmedabad guide.
- Bihar Yoga BharatiLinked to the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, offering academic yoga studies.
Many state and central universities also offer diplomas, bachelor's and master's degrees in yoga.
Yoga institutes
Alongside the universities, independent institutes and affiliated colleges teach yoga degrees, diplomas and teacher training.
- Yogaarthi School of Indic StudiesA college with campuses in Thane West and Chinchwad, Pune, affiliated to Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek. It teaches B.A. and M.A. in Yogashastra, M.A. in Sanskrit, a diploma in yoga therapy and teacher training, and is a Ministry of Ayush study and exam centre for yoga certification. Visit yogaarthi.org, or see our Pune and Maharashtra guides.
Government bodies
- Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY)An autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush on Ashok Road, New Delhi, running courses, training and public programs. See our Delhi guide.
- Yoga Certification Board (YCB)Certifies yoga professionals in India at several levels. Useful for anyone planning to teach. See our teacher training guide.
- Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN)A research council under the Ministry of Ayush.
Ashrams and centres people travel to
- Rishikesh: Parmarth Niketan, which hosts the International Yoga Festival each March, and many ashrams and schools along the Ganga. See Rishikesh.
- Mysore: Ashtanga shalas in Gokulam and nearby areas. See Mysore.
- Igatpuri: Dhamma Giri, the main centre of Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka, established in 1976.
- Hyderabad: Kanha Shanti Vanam, headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute, with a very large meditation hall opened in 2020. See Hyderabad.
- Coimbatore: Isha Yoga Center, at the foothills of the Velliangiri mountains.
- Haridwar: Patanjali Yogpeeth, associated with Swami Ramdev.
How to choose an institute
- Decide your goalPersonal practice, a short course, teacher training, a degree or yoga therapy.
- Check recognitionFor teaching in India, YCB certification; for abroad, Yoga Alliance registration; for degrees, UGC-recognised universities. Verify on official websites.
- Look at the methodIyengar, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Satyananda and Viniyoga feel very different. Try a class first if you can.
- Consider format and stayResidential, part-time or online, and whether food and accommodation are included.
- Read the fine printFees, refund policy, and what the certificate actually says.
Yoga institutes: common questions
Which is the oldest yoga institute in India?
The Yoga Institute in Santacruz, Mumbai, founded by Shri Yogendra in 1918, is often described as the oldest organised yoga centre in the world.
Which institute is best for yoga teacher training in India?
It depends on your goal, style and budget. Compare teachers, recognition, syllabus and format. Our teacher training guide has a checklist.
Is there a government yoga institute in India?
Yes. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in New Delhi is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush.
Can I get a degree in yoga in India?
Yes. Yoga universities such as S-VYASA and Lakulish Yoga University, and many other universities, offer diplomas and degrees in yoga.
Where is the home of Iyengar yoga?
The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, opened by B.K.S. Iyengar in 1975.
How can my institute be listed on Yoga Management?
Submit your details through the List your service page. After we confirm them, your listing appears on your city page.
Last updated 26 October 2026.