Frequently Asked Questions


1 General.

1.1 Should I take a post-graduate degree in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur?

Absolutely, yes. See why

1.2 How to apply?

We have an online application process through which you should apply.

1.3 I am a foreign national. How do I apply?

Application procedure for foreign applicants is different. Foreign applicants should send the applications (on plain paper) together with all supporting documents directly to

The Dean of Academic Affairs (DOAA),
IIT Kanpur,
Kanpur 208016,
INDIA.
For more information see the International Students page. For any clarifications, write to doaa@iitk.ac.in.

1.4 I would like to do an M.Tech/Ph.D as a sponsored candidate. What do I need?

The requirements can be summarised as follows (Details check the Sponsored Candidates page on DoAA website)

  1. At least 2 years of experience with the current employer.

  2. A written letter from your employer agreeing to relieve you for the duration of your stay at IIT Kanpur.

  3. You need a written letter from your employer agreeing to sponsor you by providing you full salary during your period of study. This is very important, and we will not consider applications without this.

Candidates will have to still pass the test/interview at IITK. Only the GATE requirement is waived for sponsored candidates.

1.5 When are the tests/interviews?

M.Tech admissions:

For selection to our M.Tech program, the interviews and tests are usually held in the beginning~mid of May.

Ph.D admissions:

Ph.D selections happens twice an year, once in the month of December and once in May. In addition, for exceptional Ph.D candidates, we conduct walk-in interviews all through the year. You have to arrange for the dates in advance.

Look out for announcements on our homepage

2 M.Tech admissions

2.1 Should I have a valid GATE score for M.Tech admission?

There are two aspects where GATE score is considered - Admissions and Financial Assistantship. This question can further be clarified with following two sub questions:

2.1.1 Is GATE required for admission to M.Tech?

Usually yes. But the requirement of GATE score is waived off for the B.Tech. graduates from IITs with a minimum overall CPI of 6.5 and a minimum CPI of 8.0 in the last two years in B.Tech.

If you have your qualifying degree in non-CSE department, then it is strongly recommended to have GATE score in CSE.

2.1.2 Is GATE required for scholarship for M.Tech?

Usually yes. But the GATE requirement is waived for those who are B.Tech. graduates from IITs with a minimum CPI of 8.0.

GATE requirement is also waived if you are a sponsored or part-time student as you will not be getting scholarship from Institute.

2.3 What is the syllabus for the entrance test/interview at IITK?

All candidates have to appear for written test and programming test. Based upon the result of written and programming tests, shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.

You can go to the following link to find the syllabus : Syllabus for the Tests. The tests have the syllabus similar to as that of GATE and involves basics in computer science and engineering.

2.4 Is there a fixed number of candidates who are selected?

No. We have usually 30-40 students joining the M.Tech programme every year. However, we will select more candidates if we find them suitable, and likely to succeed in our PG programme.

2.5 Can I do a part-time M. Tech?

We rarely select part-time M. Tech students. We do not run special evening classes we feel it will be difficult for such candidates to succeed in our program.

2.6 Is an M.C.A. eligible to apply for M.Tech?

Yes. The same qualification criteria as B.Tech students apply.

2.7 I am working as a teacher. How do I apply for an M.Tech?

Please apply through the QIP programme. The eligibility criteria mentioned there, apply.

2.8 When will I know the results?

We release the results typically within a week of the interview. The selected candidates will be listed one our website. We will also mail the candidates individually.

Please look out for announcements on our main page

3 Ph.D admissions

3.1 Should I have a GATE score for a Ph.D?

There are two aspects where GATE score is considered - Admissions and Financial Assistantship. This question can further be clarified with following two sub questions:

3.1.1 Is GATE required for admission to Ph.D.?

Usually yes. But GATE is waived in following cases:

  • Applicant has a master's degree in engineering with marks/CPI not below the specified minimum (55 percent marks or 5.5 on 10 point scale)
  • Applicant who has bachelor's degree in engineering from CFTIs

3.1.1 Is GATE required for sponsorship?

Usually yes. But this requirement is waived for those with bachelor's degree in engineering from CFTIs. GATE requirement is also waived if applicant has M.Tech/M.S. by Research degree.

3.4 What is the syllabus/format for the written test/ programming test /interview for Ph.D candidates?

All candidates have to appear for written test and programming test. Based upon the result of written and programming tests, shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.

You can go to the following link to find the syllabus : Syllabus for the Tests.

The tests have the syllabus similar to as that of GATE and involves basics in computer science and engineering. Although the interview is also based on the same syllabus, we would like to gauge the depth of understanding of the candidate. Often, you would be asked questions in specific topics which you are comfortable with or in areas that you want to work on for your Ph.D.

3.5 Is there a fixed number of candidates who will be selected?

No. We will select all able candidates. What we are looking for are competent, motivated students who are highly likely to succeed our Ph.D programme.

3.6 Can I do a part-time Ph.D?

There is a provision for a part-time Ph.D. You can go through the guidelines for part-time programme and section 2.9 of the PG manual.

If you’re selected after the test/interview, and want to do a part-time Ph.D, you have to do the following. There are 3 components for a Ph.D - coursework for about 2 years and a qualifying exam, and thesis work after that. During the time you take coursework and the qualifier, you have to attend classes during normal hours. (There are no evening classes, weekend classes etc. solely for part-time students.) This means that you will have to be on Campus during these 2 years.

Afterwards, during the thesis requirements, the institute specifies that the students be “local”. This is vague, and we will liberally interpret it — you can make an arrangement with your Ph.D guide about this.

3.7 Can I do an external Ph.D?

Yes. You need to be working at your current institution for more than 2 years. You also need a written consent from your employer, relieving you from duties. Moreover, you need a person who can supervise you at your location outside IITK campus. If you don’t have someone of that sort, then you could try for a part-time Ph.D.

Such students are selected through our test/interview. External Ph.D students need not have a GATE score.

You can go through the Guidelines for Admission to External Registration Programme further details.

3.8 What is the difference between external and part-time Ph.D?

External Ph.D was designed to be able to do a Ph.D from another academic, scientific or research institution. In effect, it means that you should be working at a location where at least one person is willing and able to supervise your Ph.D work.

Part-time Ph.D can be done by a person who is currently working in a setting where (s)he need not have any Ph.D guide - for example, in the industry.

3.9 Is an M.C.A. eligible to apply for Ph.D?

Yes, subjected to satisfying each of the following three criteria:

  • (a) a minimum of 65 percent marks/6.5 CPI in the master's degree,
  • (b) first division in bachelor's degree, and
  • (c) JRF/95 percentile or higher in GATE score.
For full details see here: http://www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/DOAA/pg-eligibility-criteria.htm

3.10 How long does a Ph.D take?

It really depends. You have to spend time to finish the coursework and qualifiers, which takes about 2 years.

The typical duration for a Ph.D degree is about 5 years. But students have graduated with a Ph.D degree from the CSE department in around 3 years.

Unlike any other degree that you do, a Ph.D degree does not have a fixed duration, or a predefined outcome. It depends on a willingness to explore, and to do research at the highest level. There is no minimum period you have to spend, just a level of quality and productivity that you have to meet.

4 Travel and Accommodation.

4.1 How do I reach IIT Kanpur.

See the travel info page

4.2 Where do I stay?

We will arrange the accommodation for you.

4.3 Do I need to bring anything with me other than the certificates?

For the test/interviews held during winter consider bringing warm clothes, blankets etc. Kanpur can get quite cold during the month of December.