Research work is an essential requirement at postgraduate (MS/MPhil) level. It is observed that in Pakistan many postgraduate students remain unable to get their degree within their stipulated time. Most of them complete their degree with a certain delay; however some of them have to leave their degree unfinished. There may be different factors responsible for this delay. For the researchers it is important as well as interesting to identify those factors. Purpose of this study was to identify the factors causing delay in research work completion at postgraduate level. Sample of the study comprised 40 supervisees and 16 supervisors from four public sector universities of central Punjab, Pakistan. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the respondents' perception of the factors responsible for delay in the completion of research work. These factors included three aspects, namely, supervisee related factors, supervisor related factors; and institution related factors. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique. The factors related to supervise involved: lack of motivation, their job related assignments and duties, post-marriage domestic responsibilities, poor language skills, and financial constraints. The factors related to supervisor included: busy schedule of the supervisors, lack of experience in supervision, lack of knowledge in the relevant field, less positive attitude towards quality research work, and inability to use modern tools of communication. The factors related to the institution (university) comprised procedural delays, non-alignment of the functioning of different administrative bodies, irrelevant rules and regulations in thesis submission process, lack of research infrastructure, and poor research culture. On the basis of the findings, it was suggested that the job holder researchers may obtain study leave from their respective departments and need to be actively engaged in research related activities for in time completion to their research projects. On the other hand, supervisors may acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills regarding research, and the use of modern tools of communication. The universities may improve the existing research related infrastructure and introduce measures to overcome factors causing delay therein. The study is likely to sensitize supervisees, supervisors, and the management to eliminate or, at least, reduce the factors causing delay in thesis completion at postgraduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]