A Master’s degree is an excellent way to level up your career. It’s also a necessary step if you’re looking to pursue research or academic work. And, India is a great place for this purpose due to many reasons.
Besides its quality education, the lack of language barriers makes it more convenient to finish your degree here. After all, English is among the most widely spoken in the country and is often used as the language of instruction in Indian universities. When it comes to economic reasons, you’ll find that universities in India have relatively low tuition fees.
Couple that with an affordable cost of living and you surely won’t worry about your finances during your stay in India. For sure, you’ll have the resources to explore the country with one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world. So, here’s what you need to know to study for a Master’s in India!
Application Requirements for Applying for Master’s in India
To study for a Master’s in India, make sure to prepare several documents that prove your competencies and educational background. For example, you might need to submit copies of your diplomas from previous education. Other institutes also require a curriculum vitae for your professional background.
Normally, you’ll find an extensive list of all paperwork and qualifications you need to complete on the university’s website. For example, the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore lists here all the qualifications you should meet before you can apply to their master’s program.
Generally, most universities in India require applicants to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. In many cases, universities also require a minimum overall grade from your previous education level. At the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, applicants for Master’s of Science programs need to have an aggregate mark of at least 55%.
Another requirement you should consider when applying for a Master’s program in India is the entrance examination. In some universities, you’ll need to successfully pass the entrance exam, such as the Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET) for the University of Delhi. Other universities, on the other hand, consider admission based on Merit.
Additionally, you’ll need to submit proof of your study plan. In other cases, a university requires an application letter, or a statement or self-declaration, like at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. You might also need to submit recommendation letters from two referees, highlighting your proficiency and potential in your chosen field, English skills, and overall aptitude.
Master’s Degree Language Requirements for India
Most Master’s programs at universities in India use the English language as a medium of instruction. Applicants are required to meet specific proficiency levels, as measured through internationally recognized tests, such as TOEFL and IELTS.
For example, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay requires international students of at least 95 overall, with a minimum of 20 for writing.
IELTS is another examination you can take to gauge your English language proficiency. Your International English Language Testing Service score must be 6.5 overall and 6.0 for each section.
Check Also: Master’s Programs for International Students
How to Apply for Master’s Programs in India
After knowing the application and language requirements to apply for Master’s programs in India, it’s time to look over the steps you’ll take.
1. Fill Out the Online Application Form
Many universities in India open the application process through an online portal. Typically, applicants for bachelor’s degrees in India can visit the university admission portal and create an account. To give you an idea, here is the admission portal of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. You’ll find here the option to register as a new user.
The online application typically requires applicants to enter basic information about themselves, such as first and last names, country, date of birth, and full address. You’ll also need an active email account to register in the admission portal. This way, you can receive updates on your application through email. You also need to verify your email through the confirmation link you’ll receive there.
After creating an account, you’ll need to provide more details about yourself, such as your educational and professional background. If the university requires some documents, you likely need to upload those to your admission account.
2. Pay the Application Fee
Often, the next step after filling out your online application form is paying the application fee. At the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, you’ll need to settle the application fee to finish the online application process.
The mode of payment for the Application Fee differs across universities. Generally, online kiosks where you can process payments accept most payment modes. For example, the ePay service of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi accepts debit and credit cards and internet banking.
After paying the application fee, you’ll get a referral code that you can use to proceed in the online process. The code also allows you to keep track of your payment status. Before submitting your online application, make sure to double-check all information you entered. Once you’re done, click the submit button and proceed to the next steps indicated on the university website.
3. Screening and Selection
Depending on the program you’re applying for, the screening process might consider program-specific aptitude tests. For example, students applying for Engineering programs at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru should take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Meanwhile, applicants for Design programs must qualify for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED). Finally, if you’re taking Masters in Management, you need to pass the GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test. On top of these, applicants also go through written tests and interviews. These help universities screen the best candidates.
4. Admission and Visa Processing
After successfully completing the application process, you’ll get a letter or email confirming your admission to the university. A visa is one of the major requirements when applying for graduate studies in India. At this point, the university may help you in processing your visa through its International Student Office. But to have an idea, you can also check out the visa application process at the official website of the Indian government.
We hope that this article will encourage you to pursue a master’s degree in India. Check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.
