🎓 Program and Courses FAQ

1. Where can I find detailed information about the courses offered?
   You can visit the Programs page – Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences to learn about the core and elective courses offered in the MSc Cognitive Science program.
    
2. Is there a PhD program in Cognitive Science at IIT Gandhinagar?
   Yes, we do offer a PhD in Cognitive Science. You can find more information about it under the Programs section of our website.
     
3. Is there a joint or integrated MSc–PhD option available?
   Currently, there is no provision for an integrated MSc–PhD program. However, MSc graduates are encouraged to apply for the PhD program upon completing their master’s degree.
    
4. What facilities are available for students on campus?
   Our campus offers a vibrant environment with numerous facilities, including cultural clubs, sports facilities, and student-run interest groups. For more details, please visit Life on Campus and Clubs at IITGN.
    
5. What kind of financial support or scholarships are available for MSc students?
   Please visit the MSc Admissions page under ‘Financial Support’ for updated information on available scholarships and assistantships.
    
6. Is it mandatory to stay on campus?
   Yes, the MSc Cognitive Science program is residential. However, in special circumstances (for example, pandemic-related situations), classes may be held online as decided by the institute authorities.
    
7. What is the structure of the MSc Cognitive Science program?
   The program is spread over four semesters:
   ● Semester 1: Core foundational courses (typically 5 courses).
   ● Semester 2: Up to 24 credits including electives and possibly an Independent Study (4 credits).
   ● Summer: Research internship (mandatory).
   ● Semester 3: Thesis work (4 credits) + elective courses.
   ● Semester 4: Thesis continuation (16–20 credits).
    

You can find the detailed semester plan on the Advisory Page.

🧠 Admissions and Application FAQ

1. Is a GATE or JAM score required for admission?
   No, admission to the MSc Cognitive Science program is based solely on the written test and interview conducted by IIT Gandhinagar.
    
2. I don’t have a research background. Will that affect my chances?
   Not at all. Research experience is not mandatory. The selection process focuses on your aptitude and motivation for Cognitive Science, as reflected in the written test and interview.
    
3. Is it better to submit the application form early? Are admissions done on a rolling basis?
   No, all applications are checked after the deadline for submission. Therefore, it will not increase your chances of admission if you submit your application early. Admissions also do not happen on a rolling basis, and all applications are checked at the same time.
    
4. I don’t have any work experience. Do I need to have a job to apply?
   Not at all. Cognitive Science as a field is interdisciplinary in nature, and therefore corporate backgrounds are also encouraged. However, it is in no way mandatory, since the selection process will aim to check your aptitude and motivation to do this course.
    
5. What do we have to write in the Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
   The Statement of Purpose acts as a platform for you to elaborate on your interests and motivation to join this course. Use it to communicate your reasons for wanting to be admitted to this course.
    
6. Can I apply for the PhD program with a four-year undergraduate degree (like BTech, MBBS, or BDS)?
   Yes, candidates with a four-year degree are eligible to apply for the PhD program, provided they meet the minimum percentage/CGPA requirement.
    
7. Can I apply for both the MSc in Cognitive Science and the MA in Society and Culture?
   Yes, you can apply to both programs. Each has a separate application portal and entrance procedure. More details about the MA program can be found here.
    
8. I have a bachelor’s degree from a distance education university (like IGNOU). Am I eligible?
   Yes, as long as you meet the minimum eligibility criteria specified on the Admissions page.
    
9. My bachelor’s marks are below 55%, but my master’s are above 55%. Can I still apply?
   No. The minimum eligibility criterion is 55% or above in your bachelor’s degree.
    
10. I have not received my my all my mark sheets / final grades from my current college/university, Can I still apply? What to put for my CGPA/Percentage during application?
    You can insert the results of the CGPA for the semesters you have mark sheet for during registration. However, if selected for the program, you will be required to submit all mark sheets.
     
11. Can I make corrections after submitting my application?
    No, once submitted, the application cannot be edited. If you need to correct any information, please submit a new application with the correct details.
     
12. I’m facing technical issues while submitting my application. What should I do?
    Try using browsers like Firefox or Microsoft Edge. If the problem persists, please email cogs@iitgn.ac.in with your name, application number, date of birth, and screenshots of the issue.
     
13. I submitted multiple applications by mistake. Which one will be considered?
    Only your most recent application will be considered.
     
14. How will I know if I’m shortlisted or selected?
    All updates, including written test and interview shortlists, will be available on the admission portal. Final selection results are communicated via email.
     
15. What is the timeline for shortlisting and admission tests?
    The deadline for application forms will close around the 1st week of January, with the participants that are shortlisted being contacted by the 1st week of February. The admission test will take place in the 1st week of March.
     

📝 Entrance Test and Interview FAQ

1. When do I have to come to the campus for the written test?
   It is recommended that you arrive one day prior to the test, especially if you are coming from farther regions.
    
2. Are hostels allowed for accommodation? Are there hotels nearby?
   Hostels are open to accommodate students on paid basis appearing for the written test, but only in a very limited capacity on a first-come first-served basis. So if shortlisted, please mail hostel.office@iitgn.ac.in in order to apply to stay at the hostel. There are no hotels nearby, however hotels can be booked in the Kudasan area for reasonable prices, and applicants can travel to the campus.
    
3. How much does the accommodation cost? Is food available on campus?
   Hostels charge a daily fixed rate of 504 Rupees per day. In comparison, hotels in the Kudasan area can go up to 1000-2000 Rupees per night. Food is available on the campus, both through the Mess halls, and the eateries around the campus. It is not included in the hostel cost, and you will have to pay walk-in rates for the mess, or the normal costs of the eateries.
    
4. What is the format of the entrance test?
   The test is offline, consisting of comprehension-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to assess your aptitude for Cognitive Science.
    
5. Is there a syllabus for the entrance test?
   There is no fixed syllabus. The exam is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds. However, you may expect general questions related to:
   ● Basic psychology and Neuroscience
   ● Language and Cognition
   ● Logic and Reasoning
   ● Quantitative and Analytical Thinking
   ● Research Aptitude
    
6. How long is the entrance test?
   The test duration is typically 1.5 to 2 hours. The exact timing will be mentioned in your call letter if you are shortlisted.
    
7. Is the entrance exam the same as GATE, COGJET or UGC-NET?
   No, IIT Gandhinagar conducts an independent entrance examination for its MSc Cognitive Science program. GATE, COGJET or UGC-NET scores are not considered for admission.
    
8. What happens after qualifying the entrance test?
   If you qualify, you will be invited for an interview. During the interview, panelists (usually 2–3 faculty members) may ask questions about your:
   ● Undergraduate subjects
   ● Research motivation and areas of interest
   ● Conceptual understanding of Cognitive Science
   ● Any additional readings or projects you’ve undertaken
    
9. Are there multiple rounds of interviews?
   No, there is only one round of interviews after the written test.
    
10. When are the interviews conducted?
    The interviews are conducted either on the same day as the entrance test or the next day, depending on the panel and time slot given to you. The time slot itself will occur between 7am-8pm on either day.
     
11. What ID card should I bring for the entrance exam?
    You may bring any valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, or Driver’s License).
     
12. Will there be an admit card for the entrance exam?
    There is no separate admit card. Please keep your application form and call letter for reference during the exam.
     
13. What if I am shortlisted for both the MSc Cognitive Science and MA in Society and Culture exams?
    The two programs follow independent admission processes. Please check the MA in Society and Culture page for details regarding their exam schedule.
     

💡 Other Common Questions

1. Does prior knowledge of Cognitive Science give an advantage in the entrance test?
   The test is designed to assess aptitude, not prior specialization. Familiarity with basic concepts helps, but the focus is on reasoning and comprehension.
    
2. What kind of students usually apply for this program?
   Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds — including psychology, neuroscience, engineering, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and the arts. Diversity of academic perspectives is one of the program’s strengths.
    
3. What is the fee structure for the program?
   The total fee including tuition, hostel, mess, and other facilities will be within the range of 2-2.4 lakh INR. There are scholarships and fee waivers available, on a need-based basis.
    
4. How is the hostel accommodation? What facilities are available?
   There are both triple-sharing and double-sharing facilities available that will be allotted by the hostel office. The room will consist of a cupboard, single bed, a table and chair, and also will have an air-conditioner. The hostels themselves have a common pantry and fridge on every floor, along with common washroom facilities.
    
5. How is the curriculum structured?
   The curriculum is divided into a set of 6 core courses and electives, totalling 80 credits over the span of 4 semesters, including a compulsory summer internship. You are free to choose any elective across any department within the university to fulfill your credit requirements, and thus can build your own path.
    
6. Should I have any prior knowledge of Cognitive Science before coming?
   The core courses are foundational in nature, such that even those with no prior experience or knowledge of concepts in cognitive science can grasp and learn from these courses. There is no prerequisite knowledge that you need to come with, however it will be helpful to do so.
    
7. Are there any campus placements for Cognitive Science?
   There are no specific placements for cognitive science, however you are free to sit for any company that visits the campus during placement season.
    
8. Should I come with a structured plan on what I want to study beforehand?
   It is not a requirement, you are allowed to explore different fields and ideas within your first 2 semesters. You can pick and choose your interests on the basis of what you like throughout the course.
    
9. What kinds of job prospects exist after this course?
   Due to the nature of cognitive science being an interdisciplinary field, it finds applicability within any and every field. These can range from sports, medicine, design, finance, policy-making, AI, robotics, to even niche interests like music and sleep.
    
10. What is the marking criteria followed across the course?
    Each course makes use of different methods to grade, which can include written pen-paper tests, online MCQ quizzes, in-class assignments, take-home assignments, end-term projects and research papers.