GIA Education FAQs

Gemmology

What is Gemmology and how does one get education in this field?
Gemmology is the study of gemstones (Diamonds, Coloured Stones and Pearls). Education in this field is available through specialised institutes like GIA.

About GIA

I want to know more about GIA.
GIA is the world’s foremost authority in diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. GIA exists to protect all purchasers of gemstones, by providing the education, laboratory services, research and instruments needed to accurately and objectively determine gemstone quality. For more info, see About GIA.

About GIA in India

Does GIA have its operations in India?

GIA has its education and lab services facility at Mumbai, and classrooms in New Delhi and Surat. Additionally, GIA routinely conducts various seminars in additional locations across India. Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

When did GIA start operations in India?

GIA started its education operations in India in 2004 and lab operations in 2008. It’s located in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.

Does GIA offer courses in different cities?

GIA offers its diploma courses in Mumbai, Surat and New Delhi. In addition, GIA also conducts seminars across various locations in India. Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

What is the qualification of GIA trainers in India?

All trainers are duly qualified and trained as per GIA norm practiced worldwide.

Are the courses offered by GIA in India same as those offered in US?
All Diploma and Lab classes offered by GIA in India are same as those offered in US. Same curriculum is taught for these classes at every GIA campus. However, each campus has a different class schedule and the number of students per class may vary from location to location.

Accreditation & Affiliation

Are GIA courses accredited in US?

GIA Carlsbad is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). GIA New York is accredited by the ACCSC as a branch of GIA Carlsbad. ACCSC’s accreditation is institutional in nature and includes GIA on-campus education only. GIA’s Distance Education courses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education Accrediting Council (DEAC). ACCSC and DEAC are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as nationally recognised accrediting agencies.

Are GIA courses accredited in India?

NABET is one of the constituent Boards of Quality Council of India (QCI) and is engaged in Accreditation for Schools and Vocational Training Institutes. GIA is the first vocational training institute in India to have achieved NABET accreditation certificate in 2013. View the certificate here.

Does GIA offer skill development initiative programmes in India?

As a training partner of Gem and Jewellery Skill Sector Council of India (GJSCI), GIA has trained people from the industry under STAR scheme programme in 2013-14.
About Courses

What courses are available at GIA?

GIA in India offers courses in Diamond, Coloured Stones, Pearls, Jewellery Design and Merchandising.

Diploma Courses

1) Graduate Gemologist®
2) Graduate Diamonds
3) Graduate Colored Stones

Certificate Courses

1) Jewelry Design

Professional Development

1) Applied Jewelry ProfessionalTM
2) Introduction to Merchandising
3) SWIFT Jewellery Design
4) Small Diamond Assortment

Lab Classes

1) Diamond Grading Lab class
2) Gem Identification Lab class
3) Colored Stone Grading Lab Class
4) Pearl Grading Lab

For trade, GIA regularly offers seminars at various locations across India. Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

What are Lab classes?

Lab Classes are short-duration practical-oriented programmes. Diamond Grading Lab Class, Gem Identification Lab Class, Colored Stone Grading Lab Class and Pearl Grading Lab Class are ideal for enhancing skills and to be proficient in respective areas.

Where do I get details on GIA courses?

Detailed course contents are available on our website at GIA Programmes.
Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu
Detailed academic policy can be referred to in our catalogue. The catalogue can be viewed / downloaded by visiting our website at https://www.giaindia.in/viewrequest-catalogue
Alternatively please contact us at Toll-Free No. 1800 41 999 14 or send email to eduindia@gia.edu
Eligibility

What is the eligibility criterion for enroling in any GIA course?
The applicant for GIA courses should have higher H.S.C. or equivalent to 10 + 2. Also, all courses are conducted in English language only. Hence, proficiency in English language is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Is there an entrance exam for GIA courses?
There is no entrance exam. However, there are limited seats per class. The seats are allotted on first-come-first-serve basis.

Academic Policies

I want to know more about GIA’s Academic Policies.

Please refer to the Education Catalogue for full details of GIA’s Academic Polices including GIA’s polices on Attendance, Dismissal, and Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Admissions Criteria

What are the admission requirements?
The following documents are required by students from India:

  • 1. Duly filled-up application form
  • 2. Proof of Education (Copy of higher secondary school, college, or university diploma or official transcript showing graduation date)
  • 3. Proof of Identity (Valid Passport copy, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Aadhaar card).
  • 4. One colour passport size photo
  • 5. Copy of PAN card (applicant/sponsor)
  • 6. Copy of cancelled cheque

Please refer to the Education Catalogue for more information on Admission Policies and Procedures.

What are the admission requirements for International Students?
For guidance, you can send us a brief about you at eduindia@gia.edu and we will respond with details. The following documents are required from International students:

  • 1. Duly filled-up application form
  • 2. Proof of Education (Copy of higher secondary school, college, or university diploma or official transcript showing graduation date)
  • 3. Proof of Identity (Valid Passport copy). For students being sponsored by their employing company, additional requirements include a cover letter from the company and a copy of photo identity card duly issued by a competent authority.
  • 4. One colour passport size photo
  • 5. Copy of valid student VISA to be provided before class start date.
  • 6. On Arrival, the student is required to register at the nearest police station and provide a copy of the same to GIA India Admissions Office.
  • 7. Complete FRRO registration within stipulated time, as per VISA requirement

Please refer to the Education Catalogue for more information on Admission Policies and Procedures.

As a student residing outside Mumbai, what costs may I incur in addition to the tuition fees?
Food, housing, local transportation, insurance, medical services, and entertainment are additional expenses that are not covered by tuition payments. However, as an on-campus student, your books, materials and course-related equipment (for classroom use) are supplied.

Can you help me find accommodation in Mumbai?
Relevant information and assistance will be available at the front office of Mumbai campus of GIA in India. For assistance, please call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu

I am an international student. What kind of VISA is required to attend a class?
Valid Student VISA is required for the same.

Is there any instalment facility available for paying course fees?
Instalment facility is available for Graduate Diamonds, Graduate Colored Stones, Graduate Gemologist® and Jewelry Design programmes. For assistance, please call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu

Is there a fee assistance / scholarship provided?
GIA announces scholarship every year for students. Students can apply between 1 February – 31 March or 1 August – 30 September at GIA.edu/scholarships. For more information, please call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu

Is there a loan facility available from GIA to pursue education?
GIA does not provide any loan facility.

Where do I find refund policies?
Refund policies are applicable in case of cancellation of admission in a class. Please refer to application form for refund policy.

Alumni

I am a Graduate Gemologist® from USA. Can I be a part of alumni group in India ?
After successfully completing a GIA programme or course, students will automatically become part of GIA Alumni Collective. To become a part of Alumni Chapter in India, you can register on collective.GIA.edu. To learn more, please call us on +91-22-40851238 or email alumnindia@gia.edu

Locations/Branches in India

Where does GIA offer its courses?
GIA offers courses in Gujarat, Maharashtra and New Delhi. If you are interested in conducting lab classes or seminars for gems and jewellery fraternity or your organisation’s employees, please call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 for details or to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

Which courses are available in Delhi?
In Delhi, all Lab Classes and Seminars are offered. We also offer the coveted Graduate Gemologist® Diploma Program at the GIA classroom at IIGJ Campus at Jhandewalan, New Delhi.

Which courses are available in Surat?
In Surat, all Lab Classes and Seminars are offered. We also offer the coveted Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program at the GIA classroom at Swastik Universal, Dumas Road, Piplod, Surat.

Corporate Clients

What seminars/training programmes are available for manufacturers or their employees?
GIA programmes are suitable for employees to enhance their skills. Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

Can GIA conduct training at our location?
GIA conducts classes at client’s locations. Call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 to get an appointment with a GIA Representative close to your location.

Career/ Placement

I have industry experience. How does GIA course help to enhance my career?
GIA’s programmes will give you cutting-edge knowledge required to grow in the industry. This knowledge is likely to give you an upper hand wherever you are working.

Does GIA provide placement?
GIA Students Services team provides assistance to GIA Alumni in finding suitable industry placement. Interested companies from the gem and jewellery industry approach GIA with their requirements. The job description of desired candidate is circulated among Alumni. Interested Alumni can directly contact the hiring companies for suitable jobs on offer. Common enquiries are for diamond graders, gemmologists, jewellery designers and sales and marketing professionals.

What are GIA Placement Camps?
GIA Placement Camps are a platform where recruiters and job-seekers from the gem and jewellery industry come together and communicate. GIA organises Placement Camps regularly. For more information, please call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu

Does GIA assure a Job?
GIA does not offer job guarantee. GIA, however, organises Placement Camps regularly to bring together job-seekers and employers through the Student Services team. For more information, students and GIA Alumni can call us Toll Free at 1800 41 999 14 or email eduindia@gia.edu

After my course with GIA, can I get a job in GIA?
Anyone interested to pursue a career with GIA can reach out to the HR department at careersindia@gia.edu. The candidate will be contacted directly depending on requirement and suitability as per GIA’s Employment Policy.

Student Workroom in Mumbai

GIA student workrooms give Distance Education students affordable access to all the equipment and gemstones needed to complete the practical requirement of the Gem Identification course. This self-study room is also available to students who are preparing for the 20-stone final exam, taking a proctored exam, or simply practising their grading and identification skills. Learn more about Student Workroom here.

For more details and registration contact :-
Contact No. : 1800 41 999 14
Mobile : +91750673 2927