A Master’s degree is an excellent way to level up your career. It can also be a necessary step if you’re looking to pursue research or academic work. India is a good option for this purpose for many reasons.
Besides its quality education, the use of English makes it more convenient for many international students to finish a degree here. English is used as the medium of instruction in Study in India partner institutions, and many Indian institutions use English as a primary language of instruction.
When it comes to economic reasons, many universities in India have comparatively affordable tuition fees, although exact fees vary by course and institution. Couple that with a relatively affordable cost of living, and you may find it easier to manage your finances during your stay in India. You will also have opportunities to explore a 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!
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
To study for a Master’s in India, make sure to prepare documents that prove your competencies and educational background. For example, you may need to submit copies of diplomas or degree certificates from previous education, transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, a study plan, or recommendation letters. Exact requirements vary by university and program.
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 current information for international applicants to its M.Tech., M.Des., M.Mgt., and M.Sc. course programs here. IISc also has a separate page for international applicants to its M.Tech. (Research) and Ph.D. programs.
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 minimum academic performance from your previous education level. For M.Sc. programs offered through the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM), such as those at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, applicants must qualify for JAM and meet the program-specific Minimum Educational Qualifications, which may include required undergraduate subjects and minimum duration of study. Always check the current JAM admission brochure and the university’s program page before applying.
Another requirement you should consider when applying for a Master’s program in India is the entrance examination. Some universities require applicants to pass an entrance exam or submit a valid national test score. For example, regular two-year postgraduate admissions at the University of Delhi are currently based on CUET(PG), followed by the university’s Common Seat Allocation System for postgraduate admissions. Foreign nationals applying to Delhi University should apply through the Foreign Students’ Registry and are exempt from CUET(PG), with admission based on merit.
Additionally, you may need to submit proof of your study plan or English-language ability. In other cases, a university requires an application letter, statement, or self-declaration, like at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. You may also need to provide the names of referees who can submit recommendation letters highlighting your proficiency, potential in your chosen field, English skills, and overall aptitude.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
Many Master’s programs at universities in India use English as the medium of instruction. English proficiency requirements vary by university and program, so applicants should check the specific eligibility criteria before applying. Commonly accepted proof may include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, a certificate showing that previous education was taught in English, or another form of English proficiency documentation accepted by the university.
For example, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay’s International Relations office lists several ways for visiting international students to prove English fluency. If a TOEFL iBT score is used, the listed requirement is at least 95 overall, with a minimum score of 20 in writing.
IELTS is another examination you can take to show English language proficiency. In the same IIT Bombay example, the listed IELTS requirement is an overall score of 6.5, with scores of 6.0 or more in each section. Test scores more than two years old are generally not accepted for consideration.
Master’s Degree Application Process
After learning about the application and language requirements for Master’s programs in India, it’s time to look over the steps you’ll take.
Step 1. Fill Out the Online Application Form
Many universities in India open the application process through an online portal. Typically, applicants for master’s degrees in India can visit the university admission portal and create an account. To give you an idea, here is the postgraduate admission portal of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. International applicants to IIT Delhi can also use the international postgraduate admissions portal.
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 may also need to verify your email through the confirmation link you receive.
After creating an account, you’ll need to provide more details about yourself, such as your educational and professional background. If the university requires supporting documents, you will likely need to upload them to your admission account.
Step 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, for example, the research admission portal for M.S., Direct Ph.D., and Ph.D. programs lists application fees by category and indicates that online payment can be made by net banking, credit card, or debit card.
The mode of payment for the application fee differs across universities. Generally, online payment portals accept several payment modes. For example, the ePay service of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi accepts net banking, debit cards, credit cards, and other online payment modes supported by SBI Collect.
After paying the application fee, save your receipt, application number, or payment details so you can track your application or payment status. Before submitting your online application, make sure to double-check all the information you entered. Once you’re done, click the submit button and proceed to the next steps indicated on the university website.
Step 3. Screening and Selection
Depending on the program you’re applying for, the screening process may consider program-specific aptitude tests, national entrance exams, interviews, written tests, or previous academic performance. For example, applicants to M.Tech. programs at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru generally need a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score.
Meanwhile, applicants for IISc’s M.Des. program should have a valid GATE, CEED, or CAT score, depending on the route. Applicants to IISc’s Master of Management program need a BE/B.Tech degree with first class and a valid GATE, CAT, or GMAT score. Some IISc programs also include interviews or written tests as part of selection. These steps help universities screen the best candidates for each program.
Step 4. Admission and Visa Processing
After successfully completing the application process, you’ll get a letter or email confirming your admission to the university. International students should also check the Study in India portal requirements. The Study in India portal states that every foreign student must have a unique SII ID and that no foreign student will be granted a visa without it.
A student visa is one of the major requirements for international students applying for graduate studies in India. Students generally apply after receiving an admission offer letter, and the Indian student visa is intended for regular, full-time programs at recognized educational institutions. The Indian Visa Online portal lists the regular visa process as applying online, submitting documents at the Indian Visa Application Center or Indian Mission, and receiving the passport or visa.
Student visas may be granted for the period of the course or up to five years, and proof of admission in an Indian institution is required. After arriving in India, Study in India instructs students to register for E-FRRO/FRRO within 14 days using their SII ID. At this point, the university may also help you with visa and immigration steps through its International Student Office. To have an idea, you can also check the visa application process on the official Study in India website and the Indian Visa Online portal.
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.
