Before you ask me for a letter

A recommendation is testimony, not a formality. These are the conditions under which I can give it.

Sarvesh Pandey · Assistant Professor, Computer Science
MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
sarveshpandey@bhu.ac.in

Eligibility

PhD · Master’s

A thesis or dissertation submitted under my guidance, with clear deliverables.

Postdoc · Researcher

At least one project taken through to article submission.

Undergraduate

A minimum three-month internship with me, with clear deliverables.

2 weeksAny new request, measured from your earliest deadline

1 weekAdditions to a cycle I have already agreed to

Prior consent. Take my consent before putting my name down as a referee — for each application, each cycle.
Candid assessment. I write only what I have observed, and I will tell you privately if the letter would be a weak one.
Confidentiality. The letter goes directly to the institution, never to you — before or after the cycle.
One reminder. A nudge near the deadline is welcome; I would rather have it than miss the date.
Right of refusal. I may decline at any point before submission, without stating a reason.

If you don’t meet the threshold yet: go to someone you have actually worked with — or come and work with me.