A continuation to my last blog which was a timeline and roadmap for the US application process, this is one for UK and India applicants.

UK & India  Admissions Roadmap

April – June : Begin Strategically!

Research Universities and Courses- Spend this time researching the courses and programs that interest you in India and the UK. The UK Universities very clearly state the marks requirements on their websites, this will give you an idea of how much you need to score to be able to apply. Familiarize yourself with the testing requirements for the UK and India. Many courses in the UK now require an admission test, it’s important for you to understand the test, the deadline and the registration process. Similarly for India, narrow down your choices, research the courses and familiarise yourself with the tests required. Most Indian universities will need an admission test and the summer is a good time to start preparing for that, particularly if you are not a math student.

Profile Building- As overused and cliche as the term is now, it is important to understand that the UK only wants to see subject knowledge. Whichever course you are applying for, your UCAS personal statement must reflect the ways in which you have built skills and knowledge in that area. You can complete online courses, watch videos or job shadowing to strengthen your profile. Private Indian universities also have space in their applications for co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Read Books– It’s good to read books anyway to build your knowledge however, If applying to Ashoka university, reading 5 books is mandatory as the application asks you to mention books.

IELTS- Plan and take the IELTS english exam over the summer and get it out of the way, if you’re applying to the UK.

July – August: Craft Your Application Story

Start Personal Statement- As the summer ends, you should start on your 4000 characters (only) personal statement for UK. Wait till July to do this so that you can now add into it all the things you did over the summer too. Focus on demonstrating your academic interests, your plans for the future and suitability for the course.

Entrance Tests- Register for required Entrance Tests for the UK-  UCAT, BMAT, TMUA, TARA, LNAT and required Oxbridge Tests. India also has entrance tests like the CUET, SET, AAT, FEAT depending on the college you are applying to. Their deadlines however vary depending on which round you choose to apply in.

Letters of Recommendation– Most schools send a brag sheet that you need to fill for the recommendations. If not, identify the teacher you want it from, approach them and give them a detailed list of the activities and projects you’ve done that you would like them to include. The LOR should be as personal and specific as possible.

UCAS– Opens in August and you can make your account! If your school is associated with UCAS, do get the Buzz Word from the school and link your application to them.

September – October: Submit Early if Needed

Predicted Grades- September is a good time to work with your school as one set of exams for Grade 12 is usually over and ask them for your predicted grades. Some schools may not share the grades however you can request them to give you an approximate idea of what that grade is likely to be.

College List– Review your college list, narrow it down to 5 for the UK and finalise where you want to apply early in India (no number limit) – the predicted grades should be able to give you some clarity on this.

Oxbridge applicants– Check supplementary requirements for these applications, ensure your IELTS score has been sent officially to these universities.

October 15- Deadline for Oxbridge/Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Deadline

Ashoka and Krea applications– open in october, it’s good to make your accounts and start working on those essays as you may need time to think and polish what you want to write.

November – January: Submit Regular Applications

Mid November– Ashoka Round 1 usually has one deadline around this time. If applying to Ashoka university, one tip for the essays would be to avoid controversial topics, ensure the essays are unique and a good representation of who you are. You should practice mock tests and timed On-the-Spot essays from past years.

End November– St Andrew’s in Scotland has an unofficial preferred deadline for undergraduate applicants. They do advise to submit the UCAS by November 31 though it is not stated on their website. Most students also generally miss that Azim Premji University also has a first deadline during this time.

Early December– Most Indian curriculums would have a first round of pre-boards at this time. While it’s hard to juggle college applications and pre boards at the same time, you will need to prioritise and work in a focussed way. If you feel that you won’t be able to do justice to the college applications, it is advisable to opt for the next round of applications. Both Flame and Krea have a first round at this time.

CLAT– Those applying for Law in India would have their CLAT exam at the beginning of December.

Interviews– If you have applied in Round 1 for India applications, you may receive interview calls. Practice answering interview questions in 3 categories- Personal questions ( Tell us about yourself, Strengths, Weaknesses), Goals related questions ( Why this subject, Why this college, Future Goals), Subject Matter questions (on the subject you are applying for).

January 14, 2026 – Final UCAS submission deadline! Try to submit before the deadline to avoid any last minute glitches.

Mid January– Many Indian Private Universities round 2 deadlines!

February – April: Conditional Offers & Final Push

Track Responses– Check UCAS hub for your offers. Check the conditions that you need to meet for your offers. Same with India acceptances. India offers will have a payment deadline to confirm your seat. If you are keen to go to that university/ block your seat – you may go ahead and pay for the seat too because by law – they are meant to only cut a small percentage of that amount until a certain date. All dates will be mentioned in the offer too.

Choices– For the UK, choose Firm and Insurance choice. For India, most private universities have final rounds in April/ May – track your deadlines closely and apply.

Entrance Exams- Register for the CUET exam by the declared deadline. April and May are also key months for other India Exams- JEE, NEET and more private university exams (Flame, Christ, Symbiosis, Krea)  too.

Ace your Board Exams!

May – July: Confirm Offers & Transition

Visa– Start working towards your UK Student visa after receiving a confirmed offer from the UK.

Housing– Apply for Housing as accommodation tends to fill up fast!

Its time to pack your bags and you’re ready to go!

The writer is Founder and CEO, Inomi Learning, a Gurugram-based career and college guidance firm. info@inomi.in

The original article was first published in ‘The Hindu’, on May 18th, 2025.

With inputs from Kritika Malhotra, Lead Counsellor at Inomi Learning.

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