Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Admissions – Frequently Asked Questions.

1. Application Form and Admission Process.
   Q1: When are graduate admissions announced?
   Ans: Graduate Admissions are announced twice a year – for the Fall (May–June) and Spring
   (October–November) semesters. Exact dates are posted on the GIKI website.
   Q2: How can I apply for MS or PhD admission?
   Ans: Applications must be submitted online through the GIKI Admission Portal and send
   printed copy of the admission form along with required documents to the Institute.
   Q3: Is it mandatory to send the printed admission form and supporting documents?
   Ans: Yes. It is mandatory to send the printed admission form along with all required
   supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions Office before the deadline.
   Q4: What format should be used for the Letter of Recommendation?
   Ans: The prescribed GIKI format available on the admissions webpage should be used.
   However, if a recommendation in another format is already available, it will also be accepted.
   Q5: Can students whose final semester result is awaited apply?
   Ans: They may apply with a 7th semester transcript and a provisional certificate, but must
   submit the final degree and transcript at the time of admission.
2. Eligibility Criteria, Test and Interviews
   Q1: What is the eligibility criteria for MS admission?
   Ans: A four-year BS/BE or equivalent degree in the relevant discipline with a total of 16 years
   of education, earned with the specified grades/CGPA.
   Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for PhD admission?
   Ans: A two-year MS/MPhil or equivalent degree in the relevant discipline with a total of 18
   years of education, earned with the specified grades/CGPA.
   Q3: If both the CGPA and percentage marks are mentioned on the transcript, which one is
   considered for evaluation?
   Ans: In the case of semester system programs, the CGPA is considered, whereas for annual
   system programs, percentage marks are used for evaluation.
   Q4: Can students from intra-disciplinary programs apply?
   Ans: Candidates from related disciplines may apply; however, they must also pass a
   subject-type test and complete the deficiency courses at the concerned faculty.
   Q5: Does GIK Institute conduct its own admission test?
   Ans: Yes. GIKI conducts a GRE General-type test for both MS and PhD admissions.
   Q6: What is the format of the GIKI admission test?
   Ans: The GIKI admission test is similar to GRE General-type test.
   Q7: Are candidates who have already qualified GRE or HAT required to take the GIKI test?
   Ans: Candidates who have already qualified ETS-GRE (General) or HEC-HAT test are
   exempted from the GIKI admission test.
   Q8: Is the NTS GAT (General) test score acceptable for admission at GIK Institute?
   Ans: The NTS GAT (General) test score is not acceptable for admission at the Institute.
   Q9: What is the passing score for MS and PhD admission tests?
   Ans: The minimum passing score in the GIKI Admission Test, GRE (General), or HEC HAT
   Test is 50% for MS and 60% for PhD admission.
   Q10: Do all applicants need to appear in the interview?
   Ans: All shortlisted candidates who qualify any of the required test are required to appear in
   an interview.
   Q11: How is the interview conducted?
   Ans: The interview is usually conducted online via Skype. However, in some cases, candidates
   may be called for a physical (on-campus) interview.
   Q12: Is the GIKI Graduate Admission Test conducted at multiple centers?
   A: No. The Admission Test is conducted only at GIK Institute. Candidates who opt for the
   GIKI Admission Test option are required to appear physically at GIK Institute for the test.
3. Credit Transfer
   Q1: Can I transfer credits from another institution?
   Ans: After securing admission, credit transfer from another HEC-recognized and PECaccredited institution may be allowed with committee approval.
   Q2: What is the maximum number of credits that can be transferred?
   Ans: Up to 9 credits for MS and 6 for PhD may be transferred, provided the courses have at
   least grade B and fit within the program.
4. Graduate Assistantship (GA) Scheme.
   Q1: Are Graduate Assistantships available in all disciplines?
   Ans: A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available across all disciplines of the
   Institute.
   Q2: What is the selection criteria for the award Graduate Assistantship?
   Ans: Graduate Assistantships are awarded on merit, based on performance in the admission
   test, interview, and previous academic record.
   Q3: What financial benefits are provided under the Graduate Assistantship Scheme?
   Ans: Graduate Assistants receive free hostel accommodation, a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000
   for MS and Rs. 50,000 for PhD fellows, and are exempted from tuition fees.
   Q4: Are there any charges payable at the time of admission?
   Ans: Graduate Assistants have to pay admission fee and security deposit at the time of
   admission.
   Q5: What duties are assigned to Graduate Assistants?
   Ans: Graduate Assistants assist the faculty in teaching and research activities for up to 20
   hours per week. PhD fellows may also be assigned to teach course(s).
   Q6: Is there any service obligation for Graduate Assistants after degree completion?
   Ans: Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, Graduate Assistants may be
   asked to serve the GIK Institute, if required by the Institute.
   Q7: What type of service is required from MS and PhD fellows after degree completion?
   Ans: If required by the Institute, MS fellows shall serve the Institute for two years and PhD
   fellows for five years in suitable positions, with full salary and benefits as per Institute rules.
   Q8: Can fellows undertake employment elsewhere during this period?
   Ans: Fellows are not allowed to engage in employment elsewhere during their assistantship
   or the service period without prior approval from the Institute.
   Q9: Under what circumstances can a fellow be expelled from the program?
   Ans: A Fellow may be expelled if they:

• Fail in courses or do not maintain the required CGPA of 3.00.
• Have attendance below 75%.
• Display poor performance in courses or research.
• Engage in activities detrimental to the Institute’s reputation.
  Q10: What happens if an applicant applies for admission under the Graduate Assistantship
  but does not secure the GA position?
  Ans: An applicant who applies for a Graduate Assistantship but is not selected due to limited
  positions, and still qualifies for admission, is automatically considered under the Day Scholar
  scheme.

1. Schedule of Classes and Accommodation.
   Q1: Is on-campus accommodation available for Day Scholars?
   Ans: On-campus accommodation is provided only to Graduate Assistants. Day Scholars must
   arrange their own residence off-campus.
   Q2: When are classes scheduled for graduate students?
   Ans: Classes for graduate students are usually scheduled on Fridays after 2:00 pm and
   throughout the day on Saturdays, allowing flexibility for working professionals.