Depending on the study, recommendations can be made by,

1. For admission at Bachelor’s level -

   Lecturers, who has taught the student in key subjects or specializations and has a good insight on the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant.

2. For admission at Master’s level -

   Professors/Teachers could provide their insights into the academic performance, co and extra-curricular activities of the applicant. Guides, who have supervised the student in their project work, within the college or an institution could also provide an effective recommendation since that reflects on the practical skills of the applicant in a perceived work-place. In case of applicants who have work experience, it is best to seek at least one or two academic recommendations from the college/university and one from either the immediate supervisor or the overall ‘boss’ in the work place. However, if there is a huge gap between college and the present application, most appropriate recommenders could be the supervisors and the applicant’s peers, who will have the opportunity of observing the applicant as a team member within the organization.

Any recommendation must logically cover the following seven points, in order to make them effective and 'good'.

1. How the applicant is known to the recommender and in what capacity. For example – As a student of his/her 4th semester electronics class’ etc.
2. Observation of academic and non-academic skills of the applicant with a critical acclaim – to show that the recommendation is unbiased.
3. Ranking the applicant comparatively, within his class or college, amongst his/her fellow-students.
4. Indicating strengths and weaknesses of the applicant in any area – academic or non-academic – and how that could be overcome by the student.
5. Finally, recommending the applicant for admission into the chosen program, with or without aid. This is crucial, since some universities are known to make decisions on financial aid, based on strong recommendations (of course, after considering several other factors!). It would be best to provide the recommendation on the letter-head of the person concerned or at least of the college/organization of the recommender.
6. Please ask your recommender to include his/her contact details (email, phone and mailing address) within the recommendation itself. Some universities might verify if the records are 'truly' made.
7. Ensure that the recommendations are placed in envelopes, sealed properly and signed by the recommender across the flap. Also, it would be appropriate to indicate the name of the Department and the University for whom the reco letter has been prepared.