Key takeaways
- Indian university synopses follow a predictable chapter sequence across most institutions.
- Formatting non-compliance is a common reason for synopsis return without review.
- Include a provisional thesis chapter outline and Gantt chart timeline.
Indian universities publish synopsis format guidelines, but the core structure is remarkably consistent across institutions. This sample structure and writing guide helps you prepare a synopsis that meets research committee expectations at universities following UGC regulations.
Sample synopsis structure
- 1Cover page: title, candidate, enrollment number, supervisor, co-supervisor, department, university.
- 2Certificate by supervisor confirming the synopsis represents proposed research.
- 3Table of contents.
- 4Chapter 1: Introduction (background, problem, objectives, hypothesis, scope, limitations).
- 5Chapter 2: Review of Literature (thematic, not author-by-author).
- 6Chapter 3: Research Methodology (design, population, sampling, tools, analysis).
- 7Chapter 4: Expected Outcomes and Significance.
- 8Chapter 5: Proposed Thesis Chapter Outline.
- 9References.
- 10Appendix: timeline/Gantt chart, questionnaire draft, or instrument outline.
Formatting guidelines
- Length: 3,000–5,000 words (confirm with your university).
- Font: Times New Roman 12pt; 1.5 spacing; justified text.
- Chapter headings: 14pt bold; subheadings 12pt bold.
- Page numbers centred at bottom from introduction onward.
- References: APA or discipline-standard format.