Correction to outdated online advice — The official foreign student discount at ASI monuments was discontinued around 2018. However, some ticket counter staff at Agra Fort and Taj Mahal still honor it if you're polite and persistent with valid international student ID.

I managed to get the discount at Agra Fort (dropped from ₹650 to ₹325) but struck out completely at the Taj Mahal East Gate. When it works, Taj entry drops from ₹1,100 to ₹550 — Significant savings but absolutely not guaranteed.

Most guards are onto this game now, so don't base your budget on getting student rates. Worth asking once politely at the official ticket counters, but prepare to pay full price. The combo ticket for Taj, Agra Fort, and Mehtab Bagh might be better value anyway if you're visiting all three sites within the 3-day validity period.