INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY

Rules and Regulations

Master of Science by Research /

Master of Design by Research
Programme

Academic Office

2024-2025
July, 2024
 Introduction:

Rules are classified into three separate categories as follows: (i) those which may be
implemented within a department by DUGC/DPGC, (ii) those that require a decision at the
level of A/Dean AP, or UGAPEC/PGAPEC, based on recommendations from the
departmental bodies (iii) those that need to be discussed in the Senate for a decision

Therefore, rules are colored with one of three colors.

1. The color green indicates that the final authority for the rule is the Convener, DPGC.

2. The color yellow, and underlined means that the final authority is Associate
Dean(AP)/Dean (AP).

3. The color yellow, without an underline means that the Convener, PGAPEC is the
authority.

4. The color pink means that the final authority is the Senate.

5. The rule which is uncolored is to be implemented strictly.

Any application pertaining to the rule may be sent to the appropriate authority.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 1

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 CONTENTS

 General Information
 Background
 Preface
 Academic Programme Committees of the Institute
 Faculty Advisory System
 Programme Structure
MSR 1. General Information
MSR 1.1 : Registration
MSR 1.2 : Course Adjustments
MSR 1.3 : Institute Electives
MSR 2. Rules and Regulations
MSR 2.1 : Admission
MSR 2.1.1(a) : Programme Categories and Financial Support
MSR 2.1.1(b) : Criteria for admission to M.S.R. programme through CEP
MSR 2.1.2 : Change of Categories
MSR 2.1.3 : Conversion
MSR 2.1.3(a) : Conversion from M.S.R. to Ph.D.
MSR 2.1.3(b) : Conversion from MS by Research programme to another PG programme
MSR 2.1.3(c) : Conversion from [Link]. to M.S. by Research programme in CSE for
[Link]. students of CSE
MSR 2.2 : Pattern of Courses and Credits
MSR 2.3 : Communication Skills Course (PP/NP course)
MSR 3. Course Credit Requirement and Registration for Course
MSR 3.1 : Total minimum credit requirement for M.S. by Research programme
MSR 3.2 : Part-time students
MSR 3.3 : Summer Registration
MSR 3.4 : Dropping of course(s)
MSR.3.4 (i) : Course Withdrawn grade
MSR 3.5 : Grade Improvement
MSR 3.6 : Course Relaxation for reserved category students
MSR 3.7 : Transfer of course credits completed under CEP
MSR 3.8 : Minimum number of students required to run a particular coursework
MSR 4. Course Assessment and Award of Grades
MSR 4.1 : Grades
MSR 4.2 : FF and FR grade
MSR 4.3 : Audit Grade
MSR 4.4 : Additional Learning
MSR 4.5 : II grade
MSR 4.6 : Class Attendance Rules
Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 2
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MSR 4.7 : Seminar Grade
MSR 4.8 : Grade for non presentation of seminar
MSR 4.9 : FF grade in Seminar
MSR 4.10 : PP/NP Grade
MSR 4.11 : Compensatory time to PwD students
MSR 4.12 : “Gender in the Workplace” - GC 101 Course (PP/NP cours e)
MSR 4.13 : Teaching Assistant Skill Enhancement & Training (TASET) Program - TA 101
MSR 4.14 : End Semester Examination
MSR 4.15 : Disclosing the Evaluated Answer scripts after Semester-End Examination
MSR 5. Performance Requirement and Re-examination in Courses
MSR 5.1 : Performance requirements
MSR 5.2 : Discontinuation from the programme
MSR 5.3 : Academic Probation to the students having lower SPI/CPI than the
minimum required for continuation of their studies
MSR 6. MS Thesis and Graduation requirements
MSR 6.1 : Thesis Structure
MSR 6.2 : Schedule for Thesis Assessment
MSR 6.3 : Submission of Thesis
MSR 6.4 (A) : Late Completion of Progress Seminar
MSR 6.4 (B) : Guidelines on Extension of Submission of M.S.R. Thesis Report and
Examination
MSR 6.5 : Thesis Evaluation
MSR 6.5.1 : Committee Members for Evaluation
MSR 6.5.2 : Defence procedure
MSR 6.5.3 : Progress Seminar
MSR 6.5.4 : Re-assessment of thesis presentation
MSR 6.6 : Graduation requirements
MSR 6.7 : Regarding taking other assignment
MSR 6.8 : Submission of Electronic form of Dissertation/ Report
MSR 7. Temporary Discontinuation
MSR 8. Option for conversion to External (EX) category
MSR 9. Exit From M.S. by Research
MSR 10. Vacation /Leave Rules
MSR 11. Procedure to be adopted by students for research work involving human
participation

 Glossary
 Course Number Allocation

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 3

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 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Academic Office

Rules for Master of Science by Research Programme

GENERAL INFORMATION

Background

The 2 year M. Tech. programme was conceived many years ago by the government of
India as a research-oriented programme, in place of the then-existing 1.5 year M. Tech.
programme. In recent years, however, it has been the experience that a majority of
students view an M. Tech. as a stepping stone to placement, rather than as a programme
with a focus on research.

The M.S by Research programme is intended as an alternative to [Link]., designed for

students with a research and development (R&D) bent of mind. The M.S. by Research
programme is designed to have a superior stature compared to the M. Tech. programme,
and to prioritize R&D achievements, rather than the amount of time spent, or number of
courses taken. It will also be attractive to students who wish to explore R&D, but are not
sure enough about their interest to commit to a Ph.D. programme. The M.S. by Research
programme can thus serve as a first step towards Ph.D. The R&D experience of these
students will benefit industrial R&D labs, ensuring that graduates have a path to high-end
jobs in the industry.

The M.S. by Research programme at IIT Bombay is designed to be substantially different

from the [Link]. programme in its admission process, its emphasis on research over
courses, and its relative flexibility of programme duration. A student must carry out a
successful programme of research and submit a thesis based on their research work as a
graduation requirement, ensuring students are motivated to carry out research. The
normal duration for fulfilling requirements of this program is 3 years. However, early
graduation (as early as at the end of 1.5 years) is also possible and encouraged; but early
graduation carries a requirement of exceptional quality of research and development.

Several IITs have M.S. by Research programmes; IISc has an equivalent programme,
called M. Tech. by Research. These programmes are differentiated from M. Tech. in that a
student must carry out a successful programme of research and submit a thesis based on
their research work as a graduation requirement, a feature also shared by the IITB M.S. by
Research programme. However, several of the other programs do not have a defined
normal completion time, which has led at times to significant delays in completing the
programme. In contrast, the IITB programme has a defined normal completion time of 3
years, but incentivizes high quality R&D by allowing students whose R&D work is
exceptional to graduate early.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 4

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Preface

Academic Programmes of the Institute are governed by Rules and Regulations as

approved by the Senate, which is the highest Academic body of this Institute. The Senate
continuously monitors these programmes and makes appropriate modifications
/improvements from time to time. This booklet gives comprehensive information on the
Rules & Regulations for M.S. by Research programme.

This programme is semester-based and hence the students are required to follow certain
procedures and meet certain academic requirements for each semester.

It is in the interest of the student that he/she should be fully familiar with the academic
systems of this Institute. Particular attention should be paid to the schedule and structure
of coursework and project work, the assessment procedure and the rules governing
conduct and assessment of these activities.

Academic performance is monitored by the Postgraduate Academic Performance

Evaluation Committee (PGAPEC), which reviews status of individuals after reviewing their
performance.

Academic Programme Committees of the Institute

Following sections provide the details of the programme and set of rules governing them.

Programme Degree in ----- Offered by Dept/ IDP/

Centre/ School

MS By Research Computer Science Computer Sc. & Engg.

and Engineering
Data Science and Centre for Machine Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence in Data Science - CMInDs

Healthcare Informatics Koita Centre for Digital Health

(KCDH)
[Link] by Research
[Link] by Research School of Design – Industrial
School of Design (SD-IDC)

In order to keep pace with the rapid developments in science and technology and also to
keep in view the requirements of the nation and the aspirations of students, it is imperative
that the academic programmes of the Institute are reviewed continuously. The
Postgraduate Programmes Committee (PGPC) is entrusted with this responsibility. It
deliberates upon academic proposals received from the various Departmental
Postgraduate Committees ((DPGCs), Interdisciplinary Programmes Committees (IDPCs),
School Postgraduate Committees (SPGCs) and Postgraduate Committees for Centre
(PGC’s). Based on its deliberations, it makes suitable recommendations to the Senate for
its approval.
Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 5
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Faculty Advisory System

On joining the Institute, each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor or a group of Faculty
Advisors. He/She is expected to consult his/her Faculty Advisor on all matters relating to
his/her in-semester and end-semester academic performance and the course workload
he/she may take in that particular semester. The students are advised to contact the
Faculty Advisor(s) for advice about courses within the framework of the norms laid down
for the purpose. The Faculty Advisor for M.S. by Research students is nominated by the
Convenor, PGC/IDPC.

Students are expected to identify a M.S.R. thesis supervisor within 6 months of joining the
M.S. by Research programme. For students admitted under the Research Assistant
(Project) (RAP) category, their RA project guide will also be their M.S.R. thesis supervisor.
For the student’s project, his/her supervisor automatically becomes a Co-faculty Advisor
and normally takes over most of the role played by the Faculty Advisor, after the
Supervisor-student assignment is made. For further registration of courses, the students
should consult their project supervisor also.

Programme Structure

The total minimum credit requirement for the programme is 58 course credits + 6 credits
for the Communication Skills Course. The total course credits are divided between theory
courses, laboratory courses, seminars, R&D projects, and may include other academic
work like practical training, field visits, etc. as specified by the PCs. Like the Ph.D.
programme, and unlike the [Link]. programme, there are no explicit credits for the thesis.

The normal duration for fulfilling this program is 3 years. However, early completion (as
early as at the end of 1.5 years) is also possible and encouraged, subject to exceptional
quality of R&D work as detailed later in this document. Students are required to complete
all the minimum credits required for the programme, as approved by the Senate from time
to time, and complete the M.S.R. Thesis, within the stipulated duration of the programme.

However, in special cases, the student can be permitted, with an appropriate approval of
the competent authority, to complete his/her programme, within four years from the date
of original registration of the student for the M.S.R. Programme. The maximum duration for
registration in the M.S.R. programme is thus four years.

Table 2 gives, as an example for the TA category, the structure of the [Link].
Programme for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. In the table, a *
indicates mandatory registration for the course in that semester. Students are expected to
register for at least 18 credits in each of Semester I and II. The ** for Communication Skills
indicates that the course credits are counted separately in the total.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 6

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 Table 2: A typical M.S. by Research Programme structure for TA category

Sem I Sem II Sem III Sem IV/V/VI

Courses Credits Courses Credits Courses Credits Total

Credits

MS R&D-1* 8 Seminar 4 Elective V 6 MS Thesis

(CS 694)

CS 699* 8 Elective III* 6 MS -

(Software Lab) Thesis

Elective I* 6 Elective IV* 6

Elective II 6 MS R&D-2* 8
Communicati PP/NP
on Skills 6**

Total-Credits 28 24+6** 6 58+6**

Table 3 gives, as an example for the RAP category, the structure of the [Link]. Programme for
the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. In the table, * indicates mandatory
registration for the course in that semester. Students are expected to register for at least 12 credits
in each of Semester I and II.

Table 3: A typical M.S. by Research Programme structure for RAP category

Sem I Sem II Sem III Sem IV Sem V/VI

Courses Credit Courses Credits Courses Credits Courses Credits Total

s Credits

MS 8 Seminar 4 Elective III 6 MS MS

R&D-1* (CS 694) Thesis Thesis

CS 699* 8 Elective II 6 Elective IV 6 Elective V 6

(Software
Lab)

Elective 1* 6 MS 8 MS Thesis
R&D-2*

Communi PP/NP
cation 6**
Skills

Total- 22 18+6** 12 6 58+6**

Credits

For all categories of students in CSE the Seminar, M.S. R&D-1 and M.S. R&D-2 are prerequisites
for registration for M.S. Thesis. Students must register for the M.S. Thesis starting from Semester
III, for a minimum of one semester and each semester subsequently till submission of thesis.

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 Table 4: A typical M.S. by Research Programme structure in AI and Data Science For
TA Category students (Ref. 251st Senate )

Total Credits

Semester-I Semester-2 Semester Semester-4 to 6

-3
Between 16 to 28 Between Between 0 and 12
Between 18 credits credits
and 30 credits 12 to

18 credits

Computing 6 Seminar 4 Elective IV 6 MS

(Core)
Thesis
Institute
elective
Probability 6 6 6
& statistics Optimization
(Core)
(Core)
Linear 6 Elective II 6 MS Thesis
Algebra
(Core)
AI/ML Core 6 Elective 6
(Core) III

Elective I 6 MS R&D 6

Communicat
ion skill

Total 30 28 12 70

Core courses can be taken in either of the two semesters.

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 Table 5: A typical M.S. by Research Programme structure in AI and Data Science For
RA Category students

Total Credits

Semester-I Semester-2 Semester-3 Semester-4 to 6

Between 10 to 28 credits Between 6 Between 0 and 12

Between 12 credits
and 30 to
credits
18 credits

Computing 6 Seminar 4 Elective IV 6 MS

(Core)
Thesis
Institute elective

Probability 6 6 6
& Optimization
(Core)
statistics
(Core)
Linear 6 Elective II 6 MS Thesis
Algebra
(Core)
AI/ML 6 Elective 6
Core III
(Core)
Elective I 6 MS R&D 6

Communic
ation skill

Total 30 28 12 70

Core courses can be taken in either of the two semesters. Only difference with the TA category is
that the minimum credits per semester has been reduced.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 9

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 Table 6: A Typical credit structure ( AI and Ds)

Course types Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semesters

4-6
Total
Credits
Core courses 24 16 50

Communi 6 (PP/NP -
cation Skill course course)

Electives 6 12 6 24

Institute 6 6
Elective

MS thesis 0

Total credits 30 28 12 70

Table 7: A Typical [Link] by Research program structure for

SD-IDC

Semester (4–
Semester (1) Semester (2) Semester (3) 6) Total
18 to 32 credits 16 to 28 credits 10 to 18 credits 0 to 12 credits
Quantitative Design Seminar Relevant IDC [Link] Thesis
Research Methods (4 Credits) courses
(Core) (6 Credits) (6 Credits)
Qualitative Design Design Research Project Institute Elective
Research Methods 2 (Project) (18 Credits) (6 Credits)
(Core) (6 Credits)
Design Research Relevant IDC courses [Link] Thesis
Project 1 (Project) (12 (6 Credits)
Credits)
Relevant IDC courses
(6 Credits)

Communication skill
Gender in the
Workplace
Total (70
Total (30 Credits) Total (28 Credits) Total (12 Credits) Credits)

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 Course Type Semester Semester Semester (4– Total
(1) Semester (2) (3) 6) Credits

Core 12 4

Project 12 18

Communication & (P/NP)

Gender

Departmental 6 6 6
courses

Institute Electives 6

[Link] Thesis

Total Credits 30 28 12 70

MSR 1. General Information

MSR 1.1 A) Registration

1.1.1 On joining the Institute every student is required to plan his/her academic programme
in consultation with a Faculty Advisory Group of the Department/ IDP/ School/
Centre in which the student is admitted. Details of the academic requirements of
this programme and details of courses available are given in the bulletin. The
bulletins are available on the website of each Department .

1.1.2 The registration for each semester is carried out through the computerized “Online
Registration” programme. This registration is mandatory for all students, and they
must register themselves on the prescribed dates announced from time to time.
Every student must register in each semester until he/she completes the
programme.

1.1.3 All students have to clear the Institute and Hostel dues before Registration .
1.1.4 IIT Bombay follows a semester system, hence registration at the beginning of each
semester is mandatory for every student till he/she completes his/her programme of
study. If a student does not register in a particular semester without prior permission
of the PGAPEC, he/she ceases to be a student and the admission is liable to be
cancelled.
Further, if a student does not register for TWO consecutive regular semesters, the
admission will be cancelled by the PGAPEC suo moto.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 11

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1.1.5 The Faculty Advisory Group is authorized to carry out the course registration and
also adjustments as specified later. However, once the student is registered for the
thesis work, the thesis supervisor also acts as a Co-faculty Advisor and assumes
most of the responsibilities of the Faculty Advisor. A student is to register for
courses in the beginning of the semester, which is to be done on the dates
announced for the purpose. The Faculty Advisor shall be competent authority to
approve the course registration in all cases.

1.1.6 Along with the credit courses, a student is normally allowed to take a maximum of
Two Audit courses per semester, with the consent of the Project Guide/Faculty
Advisor, as appropriate.

1.1.7 A student is not permitted to re-register for a course, which he has undergone and in
which he has secured AU, DD or higher grades, except for students who are under
Academic probation and opt for grade improvement. (Ref. Rule MSR 3.5)

1.1.8 Any student who registers concurrently for more than one regular fulltime
programmes at IIT Bombay OR registers concurrently for a regular fulltime
programme at IITB and at any another Institute/organisation, shall be automatically
de-registered from all the registered programmes at IIT Bombay. (262 nd Senate).

B) Submission of final year mark sheets/provisional certificates of their

qualifying degree by the Master's students

1. All Postgraduate students should ordinarily submit their certificates latest by

September / February respectively when admitted in the Autumn / Spring Semester
of a given academic year, after joining the Institute.
2. The students who are unable to submit their certificate by these dates, should apply
for extension along with an undertaking stating the due date for submission, giving
proper reasons on a prescribed from developed for the purpose.
3. Even if a student does not submit the certificate until the commencement of the
Semester end examination, he /she would be allowed to appear in the examination.
However, the results of such a student shall be withheld until the required
documents are produced.
4. Cases of students who do not submit the certificates after the first semester will be
reported to the Dean (AP) and the Director for further consideration and
decisions/actions.

MSR 1.2 : Course Adjustments

Within the period prescribed in the Academic Calendar, a student can substitute one or
more courses by others. For this purpose the student has to carry out Course
Adjustment in consultation with his/ her Faculty Advisory Group.

MSR 1.3 : Institute Electives

The M.S.R programme does not include an Institute Elective course in the curriculum.

Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 12

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MSR 2. Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations governing the M.S. by Research programmes are given :

MSR 2.1 : Admission

MSR 2.1.1 (a) : Programme Categories and Financial Support

The Institute admits M.S. by Research candidates under the following categories :
i. Teaching Assistantship (TA)/Fellowship Award
(FA) ii. Institute Research Assistantship (RA)
iii. Research Assistantship through Project (RAP)
iv. Project Staff (PS), for Project staff of IIT Bombay
v. Institute Staff (IS), for faculty/staff of IIT Bombay
vi. Sponsored candidates (SW)

Admissions to all categories are subject to availability of seats which may vary by
category/department/specialization/year. The continuation of the financial support and the
registration for the selected programme will be subject to satisfactory performance of the
duties assigned by the Academic Unit as well as satisfactory academic performance and
fulfillment of the other academic and non-academic requirements, as per rules.

The financial support to TA/RA shall be as per the MHRD/CSIR/UGC norms, and are the
same as for [Link]. students. The TA scholarship shall be for 2 years. Further financial
support, for a maximum period upto 1 year may be given from the respective academic
units and concerned faculty driven projects. RA/FA/RAP scholarship shall be for 3 years.

For more details regarding the above categories, kindly refer information brochure on
Institute portal. ([Link]

MSR 2.1.1 (b) : Criteria for admission to M.S. by Research programme through CEP

There is no admission for M.S. by research programme through CEP.

MSR 2.1.2 : Change of Categories

Change of student status is permitted, subject to approval of PGAPEC, from one category
to another.
1. Admissions to Institute Teaching assistantship (TA), Institute Research Assistantship
(RA) categories are on competitive basis and based on valid GATE score.
2. Candidates admitted to Institute Research Assistantship (RA), and Research
Assistantship through Projects (RAP) cannot change their category to Institute
Teaching Assistantship (TA).

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 MSR 2.1.3 : Conversion

MSR 2.1.3 (a) Conversion from M.S. by Research to Ph.D.

(I) If a student who is pursuing a full time M.S.R. programme at the Institute also fulfills
the minimum qualifications prescribed for admission to any specific Ph.D. programme
of the Institute and wishes to change over to that Ph.D. programme, he/she may be
permitted to do so provided he/she has obtained an SPI of 9.00 or above after having
registered for full credits of coursework (18 for TA and 12 for RA) in the first semester.
The student(s) shall apply for the change over by the grading deadline of the first
semester, through the DPGCs/IDPCs/SPGCs, who shall forward the applications to the
PGAPEC with their recommendations.

(II) This option is available for CSE department only effective from batch 2023.
(Ref. 234 PGPC meeting)

Conversion from M.S.R. to Ph.D. is allowed any time after the end of second semester
but before the end of 6th semester.

Student must achieve CPI of 7.5 for conversion to PhD after semester 2 onwards. This
is to make the requirement consistent with PhD qualifier requirements, but note that
M.S.R. students will be in the UG(CSE) bucket for PhD coursework requirements.

PhD qualifier requirements are to be met independently. Note that conversion does not
imply Ph.D. qualifier requirements are met.

Funding category after conversion does not change. TAship and RAship support will be
for 5 years and is assumed to have commenced from the start date of M.S.R.

For RAP candidates, the PhD dissertation work must be with the funding PI.

MSR 2.1.3 (b) Conversion from MS by Research programme to another PG

programme

Conversion from MS by Research programme to any other PG programme is not

applicable.

MSR 2.1.3 (c) Students converted from [Link]. (only from CSE department) to M.S.
by Research programme in CSE, the following has to be fulfilled.

Eligibility CPI of 8 or above in 1st Semester with at least 18 credits and TA/RAP
category only (institute RAs are not permitted to apply).
Students 1. Identify a faculty who is willing to guide (must get their concurrence
via an email). RAPs MUST continue with the project supervisor.
2. Apply to DPGC for conversion between 10th Dec and 1st April. No
proforma, just a letter identifying the faculty member along with their
approval email will suffice.
3. Submit first Sem transcript and (potential) guide recommendation
Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 14
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 with a cover letter requesting conversion.
4. On approval, must satisfy all MS credit requirements.
DPGC 1. Make decision on student’s application
2. Inform PGAPEC of decision.
Faculty 1. If student approaches, evaluate and decide whether you want to
guide the student.
2. Recommend conversion to DPGC along with student’s application.

Program after Conversion :

Conversion after Sem 1 (TA) Conversion after Sem 2 (TA)
1. Sem 1 (already done): Elective 1. Sem 1 & 2 (already done): Elective
courses (expected: 3) + CS 699 courses (expected: >=5) + CS 699
count towards M.S. course credit + Seminar + Commskills count
requirement towards M.S. requirements
2. Sem 2 - MS R&D 1 + Seminar + 2. Sem 3 - MS R&D 1 + MS R&D 2
CommSkills + 1 elective (cannot have same advisor for both
3. Sem 3 - MS R&D 2 + 1 elective R&Ds)

4. Sem 4 - 6 - MS Thesis 3. Sem 4-6 MS Thesis

Conversion after Sem 1 (RAP) Conversion after Sem 2 (RAP)

1. Sem 1 (already done): Elective 1. Sem 1 & 2 (already done) : Elective

courses (expected: 2)+ CS 699 courses (expected: >=5) + CS 699
count towards M.S. course credit + Commskills count towards M.S.
requirement requirements

2. Sem 2 - MS R&D 1 + Seminar + 1 2. Sem 3 - Seminar + MS R&D 1 + MS

elective R&D 2 (cannot have same advisor
for both R&Ds)
3. Sem 3 - MS R&D 2 + 1 elective
3. Sem 4-6 MS Thesis
4. Sem 4 - 6 - MS Thesis

MSR 2.2 : Pattern of Courses and Credits

The courses offered for the PG Programmes may be Lecture Courses, Laboratory
Courses, Design Courses, Seminars, R & D Projects, Communication Skills course.

MSR 2.2.1 :
The credits assigned to a course are dependent upon the contact hours associated with
the course and is obtained by adding all these hours. The credits for all the available
courses are indicated in the Courses of Study Bulletin.

MSR 2.2.2 :
Students are required to complete all the credits required for the PG programme as
approved by the Senate from time to time.

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MSR 2.2.3 :
Seminar shall satisfy the following conditions: i)
The seminar shall carry four credits.
ii) Seminar shall be treated as a course for the purpose of registration and evaluation.
iii) Seminar Coordinators appointed by the DPGCs/IDPCs/SPGCs shall organize the
Seminars and forward the grades awarded by the panels of examiners to the
Academic Office by the end of the Semester.

MSR 2.2.4 :
The general credit structure for full-time students for the M.S.R. is given in Table 2 and
Table 3.

MSR 2.3 “Communication Skills” Course (PP/NP course)

a) This course is compulsory for all Master’s students.

b) Students are normally required to clear the Communication Skills course within
the first two semesters.
c) This course is an addition to the minimum course credit requirement prescribed
by the DPGCs/IDPCs.
d) The award of the degree is subject to obtaining a PP grade in this course.

MSR 3. Course Credit Requirement and Registration for Course

MSR 3.1 : Total minimum credit requirement for M.S. by Research programme
The total minimum credit requirement for M.S. by Research programme is 58 credits with a
further 6 credits for the Communication Skills PP/NP course.

Following is a summary of requirements and credit structure, followed by an indicative

semester-wise breakdown of credit structure.

 58 course credits
1 38 course credits of elective courses
■ At least 12 credits in Semester I
■ At least 12 credits in Semester II
○ 4 credits for Seminar (either in Semester I or II)
○ 16 credits M.S. R&D Projects
■ R&D-1 (8 credits) in Semester I
■ R&D-2 (8 credits) in Semester II
 Communication Skills course (no explicit credits) in Semester I or Semester II ●
An M.S. thesis with no explicit credits
1 Work on the thesis is expected to be started in the Summer term after
Semester II and can be completed earliest by end of Sem III and at the latest
by the summer following Sem VI.

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MSR 3.2 : Part-time students
Please lookup Table 3 for a typical course structure for part-time students (RA/RAP
category). The normal completion time for M.S. by Research for these students is 3 years,
which is the same as for full-time students. It is expected that the RAP work will be related
to the thesis and hence no extra time is required.

MSR 3.3 : Summer Registration

i) Students may be allowed to register for courses in the summer semester
only under an ‘Additional Learning (AL)’ tag. Such courses cannot be re-tagged
as “Elective”, even later on.

ii) Students from the graduating batch are allowed to register for summer
courses ONLY to complete any courses from their mandatory curriculum in
which they have an active backlog.

Registration for summer courses must be done online and approved by FacAd
and A/Dean AP.

MSR 3.4 : Dropping of course(s)

The last date for dropping a course by the student will be two weeks after the mid-
semester examination for the semester-long courses and one week after the mid-semester
examination for the half-semester courses. The last date for course drop will be included in
the Academic Calendar.

MSR.3.4 (i) : Course Withdrawn grade

After the last date of course adjustment, a student can drop course(s) till the last date of
dropping, as announced in the academic calendar. Such courses will appear in the
transcripts and final grade card with a 'W' grade (withdrawn grade). These courses will
have no impact on SPI/CPI.

MSR 3.5 : Grade Improvement

1. A student in a PG Programme, where minimum CPI for coursework is 4.0, will be
eligible for repeating a course for grade improvement if he/ she has a CPI less than 4.0
and has been permitted by PGAPEC to continue in the Programme on Academic
Probation.
2. For Grade improvement, a student has to re-register in the course in a subsequent
semester if the course is offered. The grade obtained in the re-registered course will
supersede the earlier grade and the same will be reflected in the Semester Grade Card
and in the Final Transcript.
3. The student can avail this option only for TWO courses in the entire programme and
only ONCE for a specific course.

MSR 3.6 : Course Relaxation for reserved category students

The students admitted under reserved category (SC/ST/PWD) may be permitted to take 1
less course in each semester. This will be with the approval of faculty advisor and
PGAPEC or Dean (AP).
Rules for MS/MDes by Research programme 17
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MSR 3.7 : Transfer of course credits completed under CEP
Not applicable.

MSR 3.8 : Minimum number of students required to run a particular coursework

Minimum of 5 students should be registered in a course to be run as a Department/
Institute Elective course. If less than 5 students are registered at any given point of time,
the concerned DPGC/Head of Academic units may take a decision on case to case basis.
Even a single (1) student is registered for a Minor course, the course is required to be
offered.

MSR 4. Course Assessment and Award of Grades

MSR 4.1 : Grades

For every course taken by the students, he/she is assigned a letter grade on his/her
combined performance in all the assessments. These grades are described by the
following letters and corresponding grade points.
AP (10 points [Grade is awarded to students with exceptional performance]),
AA (10 points), AB (9 points), BB (8 points), BC (7 points), CC (6 points), CD (5 points), DD
(4 points), FF (0 points), FR (0 points), PP (Passed, 0 points), NP (not Passed, 0 points),
AU (Passed, 0 points),DX (0 points) and W (0 points). Minimum passing grade in a
course is DD.

The grade “AP” indicates exceptional performance and is awarded only in the Course/(s)
in which the number of registered students is more than 50. It should not exceed 2 % of the
total strength of the particular theory or lab course. The grade “AP” is not awarded for 29
projects / seminars.

All grades (including FR, DX, W etc.) obtained by a student will be mentioned in the
transcript.

MSR 4.2 : FF and FR grade

The letter grades FF and FR shall be treated as failure grades. Re-examination is
permitted for a course if he/she obtains FF grade. After such re-examination if the student
passes in that course, he/she will be awarded the maximum grade of DD in that course. If
a student does not take or fails in the re-examination, he/she will be awarded the grade
FR. The students will be given only one chance for re-examination in case of FF grade,
otherwise the grade will be converted to FR.

FR grade will be awarded in case(s) where, in the opinion of the Instructor (panel of
examiners in case of the Projects), the student has inadequate academic exposure to the
course/has very poor performance in the in-semester and/or end-semester examinations.

MSR 4.2.1(A)
A student getting a FR grade has to re-register for the same course if it is a core subject. If
this course is an elective course, he/she may register for an alternative course as
prescribed by the DPGC/ IDPC/SPGC, without this being counted as an additional
courses. The faculty advisors and DPGC/IDPC/SPGC would exercise special care
and assist the students in this regard.
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 MSR 4.2.1(B) : 'FR' grade for Academic Malpractice

(i) “FR” grade may also be awarded for Academic malpractices. Details pertaining to
Academic malpractices are available at :
[Link]

(ii) Academic Malpractices are severely dealt with. The details pertaining to Academic
malpractices are available at :
[Link]

MSR 4.2.2
(i) M.S.
A student will be permitted to take re-examination for FF grades in a given semester
provided the number of FR grades do not exceed those given in MSR 5.2.1. The re-
examination is assigned 50% weightage and is conducted as per a declared schedule
after the semester-end examination.

After such a re-examination if the student passes in that course, he/she will be
awarded the maximum grade of DD in that course.

Student with FF grade(s) shall be permitted to write re-examination, if after re-examination

they are likely to get a SPI/CPI greater than or equal to 4.0. The SPI/CPI will be calculated
before re-examination assuming that he/she gets ‘DD’ grade in re-examination.

MSR 4.3 : Audit Grade

The student registered for a course as audit shall be awarded the grade AU if they fulfill
the requirement of minimum of 80 % attendance and duly satisfactory in-semester
performance as prescribed by the Instructor. The Instructor shall include such AU
grades in the final grade report for that course. If the student does not qualify for the grade
AU, it will be assumed that the course has been dropped by that student.

MSR 4.4 : Additional Learning

The students have the option of taking a course as “Additional Learning”. These courses
can be registered at the time of semester registration of courses. Registration for
additional courses will require approval of the faculty advisor. “Additional Learning” tagged
courses will be in addition to the minimum course credit requirement and will not affect the
SPI/CPI, but the actual grades obtained will be shown in the transcript.

There will be a one-time option of changing the tag of a course. The “Additional Learning”
tagged courses can be re-tagged as “Department/Institute Elective” and vis-a-versa. “Core
courses” cannot be re-tagged as “Additional Learning” or “Department/Institute Elective”.

The option of permitting a student to register a course as “Audit” is left to the course
instructor.”

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MSR 4.5 : II grade
The grade II shall be awarded to a student in a lecture/ laboratory course if he/she has
satisfactory in-semester performance and has fulfilled the attendance requirement, but has
not appeared for the semester-end examination. The student will be eligible for a make-up
for the semester-end examination if the absence was due to medical reasons or
extraordinary circumstances. For re-examination, the student will have to apply to the
Academic Office. In case of absence due to medical reasons, the application should be
accompanied by a medical certificate issued/ authenticated by IIT Bombay Hospital. In
case of absence due to extraordinary circumstances, the supporting documents should be
submitted. The Academic Office will decide whether re-examination is to be allowed, after
consulting with UGAPEC/ PGAPEC (in case of medical reasons) and Dean AP (in case of
extraordinary circumstances).
In case a re-examination is allowed and is conducted, the instructor shall decide the final
grade on the basis of sum of in-semester and the re-examination marks. The weightage of
the re-examination would be the same as that of the final examination that the student has
missed. In all other cases the II grade will be converted to FR grade.

MSR 4.6 : Class Attendance Rules

Attendance in classes is mandatory from the very beginning of the semester. Students who
miss even a single lecture from among the first three lectures of a course, are liable to
have themselves de-registered from the corresponding course. (Ref : 203rd meeting of the
Senate)

DX grade (Ref : 235th meeting of Senate) - “ ‘DX’ grade is awarded to students who have
inadequate attendance as per following : IIT Bombay expects one hundred percent
(100 %) attendance from its students. If the attendance of the student, as counted with
effect from the first contact hour, falls below eighty percent of the total attendance
expected, the instructor may award the student, a ‘Drop due to inadequate attendance’,
‘DX’ grade in that course. For the purpose of CPI calculation, the ‘Drop due to inadequate
attendance’ Grade would, be treated as equivalent to a ‘Course Drop’ carried out on
initiation by the student. In calculating attendance, no specific concession may be given for
lack of attendance on Medical grounds. Further, if a student has 80% attendance or more,
he/ she cannot be awarded the ‘DX’ grade.”

The only exception to this rule are courses where the instructor has declared that no DX
grade will be awarded.

The instructor may also reserve some weightage upto a maximum of 20%, for attendance
and/or class participation.

MSR 4.7 : Seminar Grade

For the student who has submitted the seminar report in time, but the evaluation of which
however could not be completed, the Seminar Coordinator shall award the grade II and
shall forward the grade report to the Academic Office before the end of the semester. All
such II grades shall be converted into suitable letter grades in due course of time, before
one month following the end of the semester.

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MSR 4.8 : Grade for non presentation of seminar
If a student either does not submit his seminar report by the prescribed date or he/she is
absent for presentation on the scheduled date he/she shall be awarded FF grade unless
he/she is given extension by the coordinator under exceptional circumstances.

MSR 4.9 : FF grade in Seminar

All students who get FF grade in the Seminar shall be allowed to complete the evaluation
during the period earmarked for re-examination and will not be given a grade better than
the grade, DD .

MSR 4.10 : PP/NP Grade

Practical Training, Communication skills course will be awarded PP/NP grades. No grade
points are associated with these grades and performance in these courses is not taken
into account in the calculation of the performance indices SPI or CPI. However, the award
of the degree is subject to obtaining a PP grade in all such courses.

MSR 4.11 : Compensatory time to PwD students

Compensatory time is to be provided to all PwD students across the Institute during written
examination.

For PwD Students, ‘compensatory time’ will not be less than 20 minutes per hour of
examination for persons who are allowed use of scribe/ reader/ lab assistant. All the
candidates with benchmark disability not availing the facility of scribe may be allowed
additional time of minimum of one hour for examination of 3 hours duration. In case the
duration of the examination is less than an hour, then the duration of additional time will be
allowed on a prorata basis. Additional time will not be less than 5 minutes and will be in the
multiple of 5.

PwD students must inform the instructors in advance regarding their need for
compensatory time during examination.

MSR 4.12 “Gender in the Workplace” - GC 101 Course (PP/NP course) (Ref : 249 th &
254th Senate Meeting)
1. This is a non-credit Institute core course having 0 credit. The course is compulsory
to all students.
2. No grade points are associated with this course and performance in this course will
not be taken into account in the calculation of the performance indices SPI/CPI.
3. The course is on an online mode of delivery and will not be more than 3 hours, at a
stretch.
4. The award of degree will be subject to obtaining the “PP” grade in this course.
5. Students are required to complete the course in their first semester.
6. Students who failed to complete the course in the above mentioned time period, will
be awarded ‘NP’ grade which will reflect in the transcripts like any other courses,
with ‘NP’ grade.
7. Students who are not admitted to a degree programme, GC 101 is not a mandatory
requirement, such as, HBNI, Visiting students.

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MSR 4.13 Teaching Assistant Skill Enhancement & Training (TASET) Program –
TA 101 (252nd & 255th Senate meeting)
Overview :
TASET program is designed to introduce TAs to their tasks and responsibilities and
enhance their skill set. The program will also guide students in identifying and
addressing challenging situations they may face as TAs.

Guidelines for TA 101 :

1. To exclude the following Masters’ Programmes from the mandatory requirement : 2

Yr [Link]., MBA, EMBA, MEng, MDP and e-PGD.
2. To exclude visiting students from this requirements.
3. Only one course TA 101 in the self interactive mode on “Moodle” (same as GC101)
to be offered.
4. Grades (PP/NP) for TA 101 to be auto reflected on ADMS after successful
completion /non completion.
5. Student will be auto registered/have to register the TA 101 course in their first
semester. Students should preferably complete the TA 101 course in their first
semester. If not completed, will be auto registered/have to register the course in
their next semester, till they complete it and awarded “PP” grade.
6. Students who fail to complete the course or failed in the course, will be awarded
‘NP’ grade which will reflect in the transcripts like any other courses, with ‘NP’ grade,
till the student completes it and awarded “PP” grade.
7. Completion of TA 101 to be applicable for all PG and UG DD ([Link].+[Link].,
[Link]. +[Link]., B.S.+M.S.) students from batch 2022 onwards. However,
UGTAs from earlier batches who perform TA duty for various UG courses, are
required to pass the moodle part of TA 101 to apply for doing TA duty and receive
their UGTA-ship from Spring Semester 2022-23 onwards.
8. PhD students (paying non-concessional fees and who joined before 2022) must
pass moodle part of TA 101 in order to apply for doing TA duty and seek fee
concession. This is also effective from Spring Semester 2022-23 onwards.
9. On non-completion of TA 101 or having ‘NP’ grade in TA 101 by the student, the
continuation of TA duty and release of TA/stipend will be decided by the respective
academic units. The student is to be awarded the degree even though the student
may not have completed TA 101 or has ‘NP’ grade.

MSR 4.14 : End Semester Examination (257th senate meeting)

The semester-end examination is desirable. If the instructor requires any deviation

from having semester-end examination for his/her course, he/she should obtain approval
from the respective DPGC, giving the justification, before the beginning of the semester.

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MR 4.15 : Disclosing the Evaluated Answer scripts after Semester-End Examination
(259th senate meeting)

A course instructor will make arrangement for students to see all evaluated answer
scripts, student submissions and other graded material before finalization of grades for
theory as well as for lab courses as per dates published in Academic Calendar.

MSR 5. Performance Requirement and Re-examination in Courses

MSR 5.1 : Performance Requirement

The minimum course CPI requirement of 6.0 is applicable from 2025 batch onwards for
continuation in the programme. (241st PGPC Meeting).

The minimum course CPI requirement of 4.0 is applicable from 2022 batch till 2024 batch
for continuation in the programme. (254th Senate Meeting). For earlier batches, the
requirement stands status-quo i.e. requirement of minimum 6.0 CPI.

The performance of a student in a semester is indicated by a number called the Semester

Performance Index (SPI). The SPI is the weighted average of the grade points obtained in
all the courses and projects taken by the student during the semester.

Example: Suppose in a given semester a student has taken five courses having credits C
,C2,C3,C4,C5 and his/ her grade points in those courses are G 1,G2,G3,G4 ,G5 respectively.
1

Then his/ her

G + + G + G G
C1 1 C2 G2 C3 3 C4 4 + C5 5
SPI = ----------------------------------------------------
+ + + +
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

SPI will be calculated (after re-examination, if any) on the basis of the final grades
awarded AA, AB, BB, BC, CC, CD, DD and FR . The SPI is calculated up to two decimal
places.

An up-to-date assessment from the time the student entered the Institute is obtained by
calculating a number called the Cumulative Performance Index (CPI). The CPI is the
weighted average of the grade points obtained in all the courses taken by the student
since he/she entered the Institute. It is calculated in the same manner as the SPI.

A student who obtains a fail grade (FR) in a course more than once, the grade
points/credits will figure only once in the numerator as well as denominator, respectively,
for the purpose of SPI/CPI calculations.

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The updated SPI/ CPI will be shown in the transcript only after the last date of grade
submission (project and course) as per the Academic Calendar. Till then, only the SPI/
CPI till previous completed semesters will be displayed. (241 st & 246th Senate Meeting)
CPI for the course credits and the project credits are calculated together to obtain SPI/CPI
and will be shown as an overall CPI.

The courses which do not form the minimum requirement of the degrees will not be
considered for calculation of the SPI/CPI. Such additional courses undertaken and the
grades earned by the student will be shown separately. The CPI should include mandatory
courses/project.

MSR 5.1.1
In case of a student clearing a failed course, or a course taken in lieu of an earlier course
as approved by the Department, the earlier failed grade would be replaced by the new
passing grade in calculation of the CPI.

MSR 5.1.2
For CPI requirement of 4.0 (Rule 5.2.4), if re-examination is allowed and taken, CPI will be
calculated using the new grade obtained by the student in the re-exam.

MSR 5.2 : Discontinuation from the programme

MSR 5.2.1
(a) A student will be required to discontinue the programme if he/she has two or more FR
grades in any course at the end of any semester. FR in additional learning course will
not be counted towards discontinuation of the programme.
(b) Student shall be discontinued from Masters’ programme, if the course CPI is below
4.00 in any semester.

MSR 5.2.2
5.2.1 will be applied after re-examination, if any, as permitted by Rule 4.2.2.

MSR 5.2.3
At the end of a given semester, a student must maintain a CPI of 4.0 (computed with FR, if
any, but after re-examination grade if re-examination is permitted). Otherwise, the student
will be required to discontinue the programme.

MSR 5.3 : Academic Probation to the students having lower SPI/CPI than the
minimum required for continuation of their studies (Ref: 184th 190th, 206th , 207th &
254th Senate Meeting.)

a. Student will not have a right to be on Academic Probation. The PGAPEC shall
decide on placing the student on Academic probation, on a case to case basis.
b. PGAPEC will directly offer probation to the students who are found eligible as per
the norms defined by PGAPEC, without waiting for the appeal from the student.
However, the necessary declarations from the students and their guardians would
still be taken as per requirements in a reasonable time, after grant of probation.

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 c. In some cases, wherein , PGAPEC does not offer Probation to a student, an appeal
can be made for probation via DPGC to PGAPEC by the students, which PGAPEC
could consider on a case by case basis on its merit.
d. It will be a one time exercise during the study programme of the students for the
period of ONE semester and decided by PGAPEC in consultation with the Faculty
Advisor and DPGC.
e. For the Academic Probation Semester, the students must obtain such SPI as to
make his/her course work CPI greater than or equal to 4.0 immediately (excluding
the dissertation- project work) on including the performance of the semester of
Academic Probation.
f. Financial Support during the period of Academic Probation in Masters'
Programmes (New Policy) – (Ref. : 232 nd PGPC Meeting)
i. All students on academic probation will continue to pay the tuition fees as
applicable.
[Link] getting any stipend (TA/TAP/RA/RAP/FA) will continue to get stipend
against TA/RA duty.

MSR 6. MS Thesis and Graduation requirements

MSR 6.1 : Thesis Structure

MSR 6.1.1
Each student shall be given a topic for thesis work as early as at the end of the first
semester but not later than the start of the third semester.

MSR 6.1.2
Each student should have a thesis Supervisor from the faculty of the parent Department to
which he/she is admitted. In addition, Co-supervisor(s) from the same Department/ other
Department/IDP Group/Center/School may be co-opted by the Supervisor with the
approval of DPGC/IDPC/SPGC.

MSR 6.1.3
Whenever a Supervisor leaves the Institute permanently/temporarily, the DPGC/
IDPC/SPGC shall make alternative arrangements for guidance during the supervisor’s
absence.

MSR 6.2 : Schedule for Thesis Assessment

M.S.R. structure is a flexible timeline for completing the M.S. thesis work. M.S. Thesis
registration and work towards the thesis will normally start from Semester III onwards, with
registration for each semester similar to Ph.D. registration, with no credits or grade
associated with the thesis.

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A Research Progress Committee (RPC) for thesis evaluation must be set up at the time of
M.S. Thesis registration, and will be similar to the Ph.D. RPC: Supervisor, Co-Supervisor
and one examiner. A Progress Seminar at the end of each semester starting from
Semester III onwards is required, the final one being the defense. This will be in case of
direct admissions.

Students converting from MTech to MSR will have to present their progress seminar
starting from the end of semester IV. (applicable from batch 2023) (Ref. 234 PGPC
meeting)

The progress seminar/defense may be presented in the Winter/Summer break after the
end of the semester, but must be completed before the start of the following semester,
and reported to the Academic Office..

Specifically -
 Progress seminar for odd semesters, beginning from Semester III should be given
anytime between 1st November - 31st December.
 Progress seminar for even semesters, beginning from Semester IV should be given
anytime between 1st May - 30th June.
 M.S. thesis defense may be anytime after 20th November of Semester III, subject to
RPC clearance.

MSR 6.3 : Submission of Thesis

g. Students are required to submit the dissertation at least two weeks prior to the date
of defense.
h. The viva-voce will be conducted under departmental arrangements.
i. Forms for submission of Dissertation, duly completed must be deposited to the
Academic office along with the provisional clearances from Accounts Section and
from HCU(Hostel Coordination Unit)/ Hostel.
j. Final thesis evaluation reports are to be sent by the panel of examiners to the
Academic Office on completion of viva-voce.

MSR 6.4 : (A) Late Completion of Progress Seminar

Whenever any progress seminar is not done by the deadline specified in MSR 6.2, the
student is required to:
a) Make a specific request for extension with justification for submission at least 15
days before the last date of submission.
b) Pay the Institute fees for the next semester.
c) Formally register for that semester.

MSR 6.4 : B) Guidelines on Extension of Submission of M.S. Thesis Report and

Examination :

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 1. If the thesis is not submitted by the deadlines specified for the progress seminar
(MSR 6.2) the student must register for an additional semester and pay the
semester fee in full.
2. If the thesis has been submitted by the specified deadlines but not defended, a
grace period upto 14 days after the due date of submission of thesis may be given
for conducting the viva voce (on specific requests made well in advance). In case
the Supervisor is not available for a long period, an Acting Supervisor may be
appointed by the Head of the Academic Unit for conduct of the final viva voce.
3. The decision of providing Hostel accommodation for students on extension may be
taken independently by the Dean (SA)/HCU.

MSR 6.5 : Thesis Evaluation

MSR 6.5.1 : Committee Members for Evaluation

Progress i) Supervisor(s) ii) One
Seminar Internal Examiner
Thesis Evaluation The thesis assessment will be done by a Board of Examiners
appointed by the DPGC/IDPC/SPGC consisting of the following:

i) Supervisor (s) ii)

Internal Examiner
iii) DPGC-approved external examiner
iv) Chairperson: A Professor/ Associate Professor from another
academic unit or a different specialization/ research area. The
Academic Unit may decide if a Chairperson is needed for the
viva or if an Internal Examiner can also act as a Chairperson. In
case the Internal Examiner happens to be a Professor /
Associate Professor, s/he may be designated to also serve as
the Chairperson with prior approval of the Convener, DPGC.

MSR 6.5.2 : Defence procedure

 The defense may be scheduled at least two weeks after thesis submission. After
this minimum time, the defense may be scheduled at the department level with
consent of the examiners.
 The committee may choose to approve the thesis without any changes, with minor
changes (to be verified by the advisor), or may recommend major revision with a
repeat defense.
 M. S. thesis defense may be anytime after 20th November of Semester III, subject
to RPC clearance.

MSR 6.5.3 : Progress Seminar

Students must submit a report and present a progress seminar to the RPC every
semester, beginning from the end of Semester III till the successful completion of thesis.
Progress seminars should be given as per the dates specified in MSR 6.2. Individual
academic units may consider the last date of report submission prior to the last date of
progress seminar presentation.
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Extension of date for progress seminar may be considered in exceptional cases only with
prior permission. Application for extension must be submitted by the student using
appropriate form through proper channel at least TWO WEEKS prior to the expiry of the
normal progress seminar schedule as defined by MSR 6.4. Late fine of Rs. 750/ per week
will be applicable for delay in progress seminar presentation.

The progress seminar evaluation report in prescribed format must reach the Convener,
PGAPEC through Convener, DPGC/PGC within FOUR working days after Progress
seminar presentation. A copy of the seminar evaluation report will be made available to the
concerned student by the respective Academic Units.

Failure on the part of a student to present progress seminar without prior permission of
DPGC and PGAPEC makes his/her MS registration liable for cancellation.

The MS registration of a student will be cancelled on two consecutive "poor

performances" including repeat progress seminar, at any stage of the programme.

MSR 6.5.4 : Re-assessment of thesis presentation

In case the thesis assessment is not approved after presentation the student should carry
out additional work/modifications etc. as suggested by the panel and appear for
assessment within six months from the date of previous assessment.

MSR 6.6 : Graduation requirements

The graduation requirements (to be verified by RPC) for an M.S.R. are as follows:
 Completion of credit requirements with a minimum CPI of 7.5 by the end of
Semester 3. Failure to meet this requirement will result in deregistration from the
program. (Ref. : 241st PGPC)
 PP in Communication Skills course
 Completion of the M.S. Thesis with registration of the thesis for at least one
semester.
○ Submission of the thesis before four semesters of thesis registration may be
permitted subject to fulfilling the early graduation criteria set up by the
individual departments.
○ RPC approval to submit thesis and hold the thesis defence.
○ Final M.S. thesis submission, approval by the thesis examination committee,
and successful defence.
As an example of the early graduation requirement, the requirements of the CSE
Department are as follows:
 The RPC must certify the outstanding quality of the thesis based on externally
validated evidence of quality of work done by student through either
a. 1 paper (full/short/demo/poster) published/accepted based primarily on
students MS research in a recognized venue (CORE ranked), OR
b. Extensive software/other development + deployment validated by external
usage, which is facilitated primarily by the students work.

Check with the individual departments for up-to-date requirements.

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MSR 6.7 : Regarding taking other assignment
A MSR student should not take up any other assignment before completion of minimum
course credit requirements.

MSR 6.8 : Submission of Electronic form of Dissertation/ Report

Dissertations/ Report needs to be submitted in electronic form to the Central Library. Due
academic approvals of the final version of the Dissertations/ Reports should be obtained
from the supervisor(s) prior to finalizing the archival version of the Dissertation/ Report.

The student shall submit the prescribed form for submission of dissertation/report
to the Academic Office, duly signed by the concerned, within ONE month, from the
successful completion of the defence. If the copies of dissertation submitted after
the due date, a fine of Rs. 5000/- per month from the due date of submission till the
date of submission will be levied to the concerned student. (Amended in the 207 th
Senate meeting).

The final transcripts/provisional degree certificate/final degree certificate will be issued only
after receipt of dissertations/reports.

MSR 7. Temporary Discontinuation

MSR 7.1.
In genuine cases, if the DPGC/IDPC/SPGC/CPGC recommends temporary discontinuation
after completion of course work the PGAPEC may take a decision on merits for permitting
such temporary discontinuation. Such cases will be governed by the following rules.
However, they have to submit the following certificates at the time of rejoining the
programme:

a) If a break is permitted on medical ground

1. He/She should submit fitness certificates from the Senior Medical Officer of the
Institute or an authorized medical practitioner.
2. Joining report though the Head/Convener of the Dept/Centre/School/ID group.

b) If a break is permitted to join a job

iii. He/She should submit a relieving certificate from the employer.
iv. Joining report through the Head/Convener of Dept/Centre/School/ID groups.

Kindly note that the period of temporary withdrawal/semester break, which is leave without
fellowship, will be counted towards the tenure of the fellowship the student is availing.

MSR 7.1.1
The student must complete the programme within four years from the date of original
registration for the MSR Programme.

MSR 7.1.2
He/She has to work at a stretch for a minimum period of one semester at the Institute for
completing the M.S. thesis.

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MSR 8. Option for conversion to External (EX) category

1. The students who have completed the coursework in the M.S.R. programme, but have
not completed a thesis, may apply to convert to ‘EX’ category and complete their
thesis externally. Approval of RPC and DPGC/IDPC/SPGC/CPGC is required for the
conversion.
2. The student is required to submit the thesis like other M.S.R. students and must be
present in IITB for progress seminars and final thesis evaluations.
3. The student must register and pay regular semester fees till completion of their
programme.
4. Students will not be eligible for hostel on conversion to External Category.

MSR 9. Exit From M.S. by Research

A) A student may apply for exit from M.S.R. degree, by taking a PGDIIT diploma instead.
The requirements for PGDIIT exit will be identical to exit from [Link] to PGDIIT.

B) No exit option for [Link] by Research program (259th Senate).

MSR 10. Vacation /Leave Rules

1. a) Students admitted for 2 years MSR programme (TA/FA/SW) are entitled for
Winter vacation in December and Summer break (15 days) in their first year.
b) Students admitted for 3 years (RA/RAP/PS/IS) MSR programme are entitled for
Winter vacation in December and Summer break (15 days) in their first and
second year.
2. In addition, they are entitled for a maximum of 30 days leave in addition to public
holidays, in each academic year of the tenure of the programme.
3. Special Leave to attend Seminars/Conferences in India/abroad with regard to their
thesis work / to present research papers, is admissible as follows.

Event Duration Stipend Sanctioning

Authority
* Conference / 5 working day per semester Yes Head of the
Seminar Academic Unit
* Academic leave in excess of above shall be considered by the Dean (AP) on the
recommendation of the Convener, DPGC.

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MSR 11. Procedure to be adopted by students for research work involving human
participation
Students whose research work involves human participation (either directly or indirectly),
should obtain IIT Bombay Institute Ethics Committee (IEC) approval prior to start of the
study or the component of the study involving human participation. IEC approval is
mandatory for all such projects. In fact, this is mandated by several funding agencies also
e.g. DST, DBT, CSIR and ICMR. IEC approval is also a prerequisite for such research
work to be published in peer reviewed journals of repute. IEC approval cannot be taken
retrospectively.

Glossary:

IDP - Interdisciplinary Programme.

PGPC - Postgraduate Programmes Committee.
DPGC - Departmental Postgraduate Committee.
IDPC - Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Committee.
CPGC - Postgraduate Committee for Centre
SPGC - School Postgraduate Committee
PGC - Postgraduate Committee
PGAPEC - Postgraduate Academic Performance Evaluation Committee.
CRF - Course Registration Forms
CAF - Course Adjustment Forms
FA - Faculty Advisor
Course List - List of students registered for a course

Course Credit- Weighted sum of the number for credit hours (L) Tutorial hours (T) Practical
hours (P) associated with the course.

SPI - Semester Performance Index, which is obtained by dividing the Semester

Grade Points by the Semester credits.

CPI - Cumulative Performance Index which is obtained by dividing the

Cumulative Grade Points by the Cumulative Credits.

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(Ref. 251st Senate)
Course no. Allocation : The course nos. allotted to any course is the combination of the
academic unit code having 2/3 characters (AE, ME, CL, SOM, GNR, etc.) and followed by
a 3/4 digit no. [Eg. Of course nos. : AE202; CL321, CH801, EE4004, SOM711, GNR671
etc.]

Allocation of course nos. for Postgraduate (PG) courses : Generally, the course nos.
from 500 to 799 are allotted to PG courses, eg. GS 515, SI 505, ME 616, EE 717 etc.
These are usually taken by the students of Master’s degree programmes.
The course nos. from 800-999 are allotted to PhD courses, eg. CLS 801, CH 820, CH 823,
MA 822 etc. These are usually taken by student in PhD programme.
If the nos. get exhousted, in the range of 500-799, then the course nos. be allotted in the
range of 5001 to 7999 for PG courses.
There are some Institute level common courses for both Masters’ and PhD students, such
as : “XX 899 – Communication skills”. The course “GC101- Gender in the workplace” is a
course common for all the students, UG, PG & PhD.

Allocation of course nos. for Undergraduate (UG) courses: Generally, the courses
from 101 to 499 are allotted to UG courses, eg. AE 215, CS 101, ME 316, EE 417 etc.
These are usually taken by the students of Bachelors and Dual Degree (Btech+MTech /
BDES+MDES) programmes. If the nos. get exhausted, in the range of 100-499, then the
course nos. be allotted in the range of 1001 to 4999 for UG courses.
GC101- Gender in the workplace” is a course common for all the students, UG, PG & PhD.

Allocation of course nos. for common courses for UG and PG both : Generally, the
courses nos. from 600 to 699 are allotted for the courses common or UG and PG.

Last updated on 25-10-2024

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