Before you email

A Note to Students (and Prospective Students)

Last updated: September 2026

Email: I can be reached via Email but please read below information before you email.

Basics

I receive a large number of emails every week, and I'm not able to reply to all of them. This page is meant to help you find answers quickly, and to help you decide whether (and how) to write to me. If your question is answered here, I may not reply. Please don't take that personally.

Importantly, please address me by "Siddharth". I appreciate this, trust me. It also lets me know you read this note before emailing me.
My preferred way to connect is via email rather than WhatsApp or calls.
I definitely appreciate a nudge if you haven't heard back, but please give me about three business days before checking in.
Also, I truly unplug on the weekends, so I won't be replying to emails or hopping on work calls until the new week starts.

If you are a current BITS Pilani student

Course logistics (deadlines, syllabus, evaluation, room changes): please check the course page / LMS / Google Classroom first, then ask the TA or post on the course forum.
Grades and re-evaluation: please talk to the TAs first. If it's still unresolved, email me with your ID, the specific question or component, and your reasoning.
Extensions, make-ups, or medical/personal issues: email me with the course code in the subject line and the necessary documentation. Please write to me as early as you can.
Recommendation letters: I'm happy to write for students who have taken my courses or worked with me on a project and did exceptionally well. Please ask at least 4 weeks before the deadline and include your CV, transcript, statement of purpose draft, and a list of programs with deadlines. I may decline if I can't write a strong, specific letter.

Projects, theses, and research (SOP / DOP / thesis / practice school)

I take on a limited number of students each semester, so I may not have openings.
Before emailing, please read my research page and at least two or three of my recent papers.
In your email, tell me:
- What specifically interests you in my work (be concrete, not generic).
- Relevant courses, projects, or code you've done (links to GitHub/reports help).
- How much time you can commit and for how long.
Emails that are clearly mass-mailed or generic will not get a response.
If I'm interested, I'll reply to set up a short chat. If you don't hear back within [2 weeks], assume I don't have capacity.

If you are a prospective student (outside BITS)

Admissions to BITS Pilani

I'm not involved in admissions decisions. Please refer to the official BITS Pilani admissions website for eligibility, deadlines, and process. I can't comment on or influence your application.

PhD applications

I am currently NOT recruiting PhD students.

Internships and visiting students

I only accept interns/visiting students through the Visiting Summer Research Internship (ViSRI) at BITS Pilani.
I generally do not offer remote internships unless they emerge from an existing collaboration.

What I'm unlikely to respond to

Emails beginning with "Dear Sir/Madam" that don't mention my work or a specific request
Requests for "any opportunity" or "any project"
Questions that are answered on my website, the course page, or the official BITS website
Requests to review a CV, SOP, or research idea without prior interaction
Follow-ups sent within a few days of a first email

Tips for writing an email that gets a reply

Use a clear subject line
Include your name, ID number, and program/year.
Be specific and brief. A few short paragraphs is ideal.
Show you've done your homework before asking.
Attach or link only what's needed (CV, transcript, code).
Be patient. I usually reply within 3-4 business days, sometimes longer during exams and deadlines.

What to include in your email

Tell me about your interests, your background, and your skills, and how they connect to the work we do. Please attach your CV and transcripts (unofficial copies works).

My advising style

Advising students is a privilege, and I take the responsibility seriously. I see it as my job to support your growth and to look out for your long-term career interests.

When you're starting out, I'm closely involved in every stage of the research cycle: formulating the problem, generating and refining ideas, going over your weekly experiments with you, and writing. I also give detailed feedback on talks and posters (occasionally more than you asked for).
As you grow, I step back and give you room to propose and lead projects and to make decisions yourself.
Beyond the research, I like getting to know the people I work with. I enjoy lab dinners, celebrating festivals, and taking group trips whenever we can.

Thank you for reading this. I genuinely want to help students who are curious and motivated, and this page helps me do that better. Good luck!