INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY

Rules and Regulations

Master of Arts
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 coloured with one of three colours.

1. The colour green indicates that the final authority for the rule is the Convener, DPGC.
2. The colour yellow, and underlined means that the final authority is Associate Dean
(AP)/Dean (AP).
3. The colour yellow, without an underline means that the Convener, PGAPEC is the
authority.
4. The colour pink means that the final authority is the Senate.
5. The rule which is uncoloured is to be implemented strictly.

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

Rules for MA by Research Programme 1

 INDEX

 General Information
 Background
 Preface
 Academic Programme Committees of the Institute
 Faculty Advisory System
 Programme Structure
 Course details
 PROGRAMME RULES AND REGULATIONS
MA.RES 1. General Information
MA.RES 1.1 : Registration and Degree Certificates
MA.RES 1.2 : Course Adjustments
MA.RES 1.3 : Institute Electives
MA.RES 2. Programme Details
MA.RES 2.1 : Admission
MA.RES 2.1.1 : Programme Categories and Financial Support
MA.RES 2.1.2 : Criteria for admission to MA.Res programme through CEP
MA.RES 2.1.3 : Change of Categories
MA.RES 2.1.4 : Conversion
MA.RES 2.1.5 : Validity of Registration
MA.RES 2.2 : Pattern of Courses and Credits
MA.RES 2.3 A) : Use of NPTEL/SWAYAM courses towards the partial completion
of regular academic curriculum
MA.RES 2.3 B) : Mapping of Grades for courses completed through "NPTEL/
SWAYAM" and "Exchange Semester in another Institution”
MA.RES 2.3 C) : Credit Equivalence of NPTEL/SWAYAM courses with IIT
Bombay courses
MA.RES 2.3 (D) : Policy for registering/ award of grades for NPTEL/ SWAYAM/
Semester Exchange courses
MA.RES 3. Course Credit Requirement and Registration for Course
MA.RES 3.1 : Credits Required
MA.RES 3.2 : Part-time students
MA.RES 3.3 : Summer Registration
MA.RES 3.4 : Dropping of course(s)
MA.RES 3.5 : Course Withdrawn grade
MA.RES 3.6 : Grade Improvement
MA.RES 3.7 : Course Relaxation for reserved category students
MA.RES 3.8 : Transfer of course credits completed under CEP
Rules for MA by Research Programme 2
 MA.RES 3.9 : Minimum number of students
MA.RES 4. Course Assessment and Award of Grades
MA.RES 4.1 : Grades
MA.RES 4.2 : FF and FR
MA.RES 4.2.1(A) : FR and Course Repeat
MA.RES 4.2.1(B) : 'FR' grade for Academic Malpractice
MA.RES 4.2.2 : Re-examination
MA.RES 4.3 : Audit Grade
MA.RES 4.4 : Additional Learning
MA.RES 4.5 : II grade
MA.RES 4.6 : Class Attendance Rules
MA.RES 4.7 : Seminar Grade
MA.RES 4.8 : PP/NP Grade
MA.RES 4.9 : Compensatory time to PwD students
MA.RES 4.10 : “Gender in the Workplace” - GC 101 Course (PP/NP course)
MA.RES 4.11 : Teaching Assistant Skill Enhancement & Training (TASET)
Program – TA 101
MA.RES 4.12 : End Semester Examination
MA.RES 4.13 : Disclosing the Evaluated Answer scripts after Semester-End
Examination
MA.RES 5. Performance Requirement and Re-examination in Courses
MA.RES 5.1 : SPI/CPI
MA.RES 5.2 : Discontinuation
MA.RES 5.3 : Academic Probation
MA.RES 6. Graduation requirements
MA.RES 6.1 : Projects/Thesis Eligibility and Structure
MA.RES 6.1.1(A) : Eligibility
MA.RES 6.1.1(B) : Exercise of Choice
MA.RES 6.1.2 : Supervision
MA.RES 6.1.3 : Alternate Supervisor
MA.RES 6.2 : Schedule for Projects/Thesis Assessment
MA.RES 6.3 : Submission of Projects/Thesis
MA.RES 6.4(A) : Late Completion of Progress Seminar
MA.RES 6.4(B) : Guidelines on Extension of Submission of M.A. P rojects/
Thesis Report and Examination
MA.RES 6.5 : Project/Thesis Evaluation
MA.RES 6.5.1 : Committee Members for Evaluation (Minimum)
MA.RES 6.5.2 : Defence
MA.RES 6.5.3 : Progress Seminar

Rules for MA by Research Programme 3

 MA.RES 6.5.4 : Re-assessment of thesis presentation
MA.RES 6.6 : Graduation requirements
MA.RES 6.7 : Full-time enrollment
MA.RES 6.8 : Submission of Electronic form of Report/Thesis
MA.RES 7. Temporary Discontinuation
MA.RES 8. Option for conversion to External (EX) category
MA.RES 9. Exit
MA.RES 10. Vacation /Leave Rules
MA.RES 11. Procedure to be adopted by students for research work
involving human participation
MA.RES 12. Guidelines for award of Institute Medals
Appendix 1 – Research Project Evaluation Report
Appendix 2 – Thesis Evaluation Report
Appendix 3 – Thesis Guidelines And Research Project Title Page

Rules for MA by Research Programme 4

 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Academic Office

Rules for Master of Arts by Research (MA.Res) Programme

GENERAL INFORMATION

Background

The proposed new programme Master of Arts by Research (MA.Res) foregrounds the
idea of research. The internal organisation of the programme allows substantial scope for
research training and actual research, and allows for both a disciplinary focus as well as
disciplinary cross-overs. This programme is framed to be substantially different from
other post-graduate programmes (such as an MA) that are typically course- intensive.
The programme also allows students who are considering a research career to try their
hand at independent work both to better prepare themselves for a PhD and be able to
make an informed commitment. The programme offers relative flexibility in terms of
student backgrounds and prior training with respect to the research work that they can
undertake when at IIT Bombay. Students are, however, expected to carry out a
successful programme of research within the duration of the programme and successfully
graduate in two years.

A research-oriented programme in the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines in the

country has generally been the MPhil. Very recently, institutions have begun to include
this feature in earlier Degrees. Internationally, of course, this is already a well- recognised
degree title.

There is a real need in Indian higher education for programmes that focus on what are
broadly called ‘research’ skills that are important not only in academia, but also in the
workplace. These include learning to integrate diverse sources of information, learning to
read, think and write critically, and learning to apply conceptual, analytical and
methodological frameworks. The H&SS department at IIT Bombay is well-placed to
offer programmes at higher degree levels with precisely this focus given (a) the range of
areas of expertise of its faculty members, (b) their experience in teaching with such an
emphasis, and (c) the ability to accommodate disciplinary crossovers with ease. Such
expertise and experience have enabled our students to transcend traditional disciplinary
boundaries and to work at the interfaces of different disciplines, especially since many of
the concerns of what have been called the Human Sciences require a multi-disciplinary
approach. The new programme proposal combines all these strengths of the
department.

Rules for MA by Research Programme 5

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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.A. 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 they fully familiarise themselves with the academic
systems of this Institute. Particular attention should be paid to the schedule and structure
of coursework and project work, the evaluation and registration procedures and the rules
governing the conduct and assessment of these activities.

Note: Academic performance is monitored by the Postgraduate Academic Performance

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

Academic Programme Committees of the Institute

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

Table 1 Programme Specialisations

Programme Specialisation Offered by Dept/

IDP/ Centre/ School
M.A. a) Humans Sciences Humanities and
by Research b) Linguistics, Literature and Performance Social Sciences
c) Sociology

In order to keep pace with the rapid developments in education and within these
disciplines 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 be reviewed
continuously. The Postgraduate Programmes Committee (PGPC) is entrusted with this
responsibility. It deliberates upon the academic proposals that are 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. The rules for the M.A. by Research
programme were approved in the 251st meeting of the Senate held on February 16 and
18, 2022.

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Faculty Advisory System

On joining the Institute, each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor (Programme Co-
ordinator) or a group of Faculty Advisors. They are expected to consult the assigned
Faculty Advisor on all matters relating to in-semester and end-semester academic
performance and the course workload that is required and that they may take in a
particular semester. The students shall also consult the Faculty Advisor for other
processes that need to be completed within the programme such as selection of
subjects, submission of reports and so on. The students are advised to contact the
Faculty Advisor(s) for advice about courses within the framework laid down for the
purpose. The Faculty Advisor/Programme Co-ordinator for M.A. by Research students is
recommended by the Convenor, DPGC and approved by the Convenor, PGC/IDPC.

Students are expected to identify an MA research supervisor (a faculty member) for their
thesis/projects by the end of the first semester of the MA.Res programme. For the
student’s thesis/project, the Supervisor, after the Supervisor-student assignment is made,
automatically becomes a Co-Faculty Advisor and takes over the roles played by the
Faculty Advisor. For registration of courses and all other processes, the students should
consult their Supervisor first, and the Faculty Advisor as needed.

Programme Structure

The normal duration for fulfilling this program is 2 years. 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.A. Research Projects/Thesis, within the
stipulated duration of the programme.

The programme offers the degree in one of three subject specialisations:

i. Human Sciences (HS)
ii. Linguistics, Literature and Performance (LLP)
iii. Sociology (Soc)
Within the three specialisations above, a further choice is available to students given
their previous educational backgrounds in terms of the research work that they can carry
out, with attendant changes in credit requirements.
i. Research Projects
ii. Thesis

Students with a prior Master’s degree in specified disciplines will have the option to write
and submit a thesis as part of the research component of the programme.
The requirements to the degree include (i) the student’s selection and completion credits
needed in one of these three specialistions, and (ii) the student’s successful completion
of the research work. The total minimum credit requirements are 108 credits in the
research project-mode, and 60 credits for the thesis-mode as summarised below:

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Table 2 Overall credit structure for students doing Research Projects

SEM I SEM II SEM III SEM IV

CREDITS → 32 credits 28 credits 12 credits 12 credits
COURSES → 4 Theory 4 Courses 2 Courses 2 Courses
courses (6x4) (6x2) (6x2)
(6x4) + + +
+ 1 Seminar Research Research
4 Methods (1x4) Project-I Project-II
courses Course selection (12 credits) (12 credits)
(2x4) based on
Compulsory specialisation
for all students
Table 3 Overall credit structure for students doing a Thesis

SEM I SEM II SEM III SEM IV

CREDITS → 32 credits 28 credits 0 credits 0 credits
COURSES → 4 Theory Courses Thesis Thesis
courses (6x4) (Stage 1) (Stage 2)
(6x4) +
+ 1 Seminar
4 Methods (1x4)
courses Course selection
(2x4) based on
Compulsory specialisation
for all students

Course details

The total course credits are divided between theory courses, methods courses, a semi-
nar, and projects and may include other academic work like practical training, field visits,
lab work etc. as required by the courses/research work. Like the Ph.D. programme there
are no explicit credits for the thesis. This is a two-year programme and the student must
normally complete the programme in two years from the date of joining. The maximum
period for which the registration of the student shall be alive is four years from the date of
original registration of the student for the MA.Res Programme.

[Note: This programme will not automatically segue into a PhD programme within the
Department. Entry to the PhD programme in the department will be based on the existing
processes for admissions to that programme. ]

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Table 4 Courses in the programme per semester and year
FIRST YEAR
Fundamentals of Language 3-0-0-6
Literary Studies 3-0-0-6
Social Theory - I 3-0-0-6
Semester I Understanding the Past 3-0-0-6
(32 credits) Research Methods: Critical Reading 0-0-2-2
Research Methods: Expository Writing and Analysis 0-0-2-2
Research Methods: Qualitative Methods 0-0-2-2
Research Methods: Sources and Methods and the Past 0-0-2-2
Semester II 4 courses depending on the specialisation (24 credits)
(28 credits) Seminar (Project/Thesis Proposal) 4 credits

SECOND YEAR
Semester III 2 Electives1 As per course2
12 credits Research Project - I 12 credits
Semester IV 2 Electives As per course
12 credits Research Project -II 12 credits

OR

Semesters III Thesis Stage I None

&1V Thesis Stage II None
Note:
1. Students in this programme are exempt from the Communications Skills requirement.
2. The NPTEL/Swayam course options to fulfil credit requirements apply in this programme.

1 Coursesmay be selected from among Departmental/Institute/Specialisation Electives/Supervised Learning as advised

by the Supervisor. See course lists after these tables.
2 Most courses will fall under the usual 6 credit pattern 3-0-0-6 and, therefore, 2 courses will meet the credit

requirements. If the student chooses to do courses with fewer credits, they must register for other courses to
complete the credit requirement of 12 credits/semester in each semester.

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PROGRAMME RULES AND REGULATIONS

MA.RES 1. General Information

MA.RES 1.1 : Registration and Degree Certificates

A. Registration

1.1.1. On joining the Institute every student is required to plan their academic
programme in consultation with the Faculty Advisor 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 course bulletin. The course bulletins are available on the website of each
Department.
1.1.2. The registration for each semester is carried out through the computerised
“Online Registration” programme. This registration is mandatory for all students,
and they must register themselves on the prescribed dates announced. Every
student must register in each semester until the completion of the programme.
1.1.3. All students must clear the Institute fees 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 they complete their
programme of study. If a student does not register in a particular semester
without prior permission of the PGAPEC, they cease 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.
1.1.5. The Faculty Advisor is authorised to carry out the course registration and also
any course adjustments as specified later. However, once the student is
registered for the project/thesis work, the project/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 the competent authority to approve the course registration in all
cases.
1.1.6. Together 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. No student is permitted to re-register for a course, in which they have secured
AU, DD or higher grades, except for students who are under Academic
Probation and who have opted for grade improvement. (Ref. Rule MA.RES
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.
Rules for MA by Research Programme 10
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B. Submissions of final year mark sheets/provisional certificates of their
qualifying degree by the Master's students

1.1.9 All Postgraduate students should ordinarily submit their qualifying degree
certificates latest by September / February when admitted in the Autumn/Spring
Semester respectively of a given academic year, after joining the Institute.
1.1.10 The students who are unable to submit their certificate by these dates, should
apply for an extension along with an undertaking stating the due date for
submission and giving proper reasons on a prescribed from used for the
purpose.
1.1.11 Should a student not submit the certificate until the commencement of the
Semester end examination, they will be allowed to appear in the examination.
However, the results of such a student shall be withheld until the required
documents are submitted.
1.1.12 The 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.

MA.RES 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 shall carry out Course Adjustment
in consultation with their Faculty Advisor.

MA.RES 1.3 : Institute Electives

The MA.Res programme does not include a specific Institute Elective course
requirement in the curriculum.

MA.RES 2. Programme Details

MA.RES 2.1 : Admission

MA.RES 2.1.1 : Programme Categories and Financial Support

The Institute admits M.A. by Research candidates under Teaching Assistantship (TA).
Admissions are subject to availability of seats which may vary by category/ department/
specialisation/ year. The continuation of the financial support and the registration for the
selected programme will be subject to the satisfactory performance of the duties
assigned by the Academic Unit as well as satisfactory academic performance and
fulfilment of the other academic and non-academic requirements, as per the rules.

a) The financial support to the TA shall be as per the MHRD/CSIR/UGC norms. The
TA scholarship shall be for a maximum of 2 years only. The MA.Res will begin
with 20 seats distributed as per GOI norms. Seats are reserved for Economically

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 Weaker Sections (EWS)/Other Backward Class Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-
NCL)/Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Person with Benchmark
Disability (PwD).
b) The 20 seats and TA-ships will be made available as applicable to GATE qualified
entrants in the following pattern:
i. Students with a 3-year Bachelor’s degree at entry may receive a TA-ship
only in the second year of the programme
ii. Students with either a 4-year Bachelor’s degree at entry or a prior Master’s
degree may receive a TA-ship in both years.

For more details regarding the above categories, kindly refer information brochure on
Institute portal. ( http://www.iitb.ac.in/newacadhome/toadmission.jsp)

MA.RES 2.1.2 : Criteria for admission to MA.Res programme through CEP

There is no admission for M.A. by Research programme through CEP.

MA.RES 2.1.3 : Change of Categories

Change of student status is permitted, subject to approval of PGAPEC, from one

category to another. No category change is permitted for this programme.

MA.RES 2.1.4 : Conversion

a) Conversion from MA.Res to Ph.D. There is no conversion possible from MA.Res
to the PhD programmes in the Academic Unit.
b) Change from one PG programme to another: Not applicable.

MA.RES 2.1.5 : Validity of Registration

The maximum period for which the registration of the student shall be alive for four years
from the date of original registration of the student.

MA.RES 2.2 : Pattern of Courses and Credits

The courses offered for the PG Programmes may be Lecture Courses, Methods
Courses, Design Courses, Seminars etc. In addition, the student shall successfully
complete the research component requirements (Projects/Thesis).
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.
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.
2.2.3 The Seminar shall satisfy the following conditions:
i. The seminar shall carry four (4) credits.

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 ii. The seminar shall be treated as a course for the purpose of registration and
evaluation.
iii. Seminar Coordinators appointed by the DPGCs/IDPCs/SPGCs shall organise
the Seminars and forward the grades awarded by the panels of examiners to
the Academic Office by the end of the Semester.
2.2.4 The general credit structure for the MA.Res is given in Tables 2 and 3.
2.2.5 The Communications Skills course requirement is waived for this programme.

MA.RES 2.3 A) : Use of NPTEL/SWAYAM courses towards the partial completion of

regular academic curriculum (245th Senate Meeting)

1. Maximum of 12 credits of NPTEL/SWAYAM courses are allowed towards partial

completion of the credit requirement of the programme, in lieu of Department /
Institute Elective courses. Students, who are on Academic Probation can take
these courses also in lieu of Core courses.
2. Students, who are not on Academic Probation can take NPTEL/SWAYAM courses,
in "Additional Learning‟ mode also.
The above (1 & 2) is allowed only on approval from DPGC.

MA.RES 2.3 B) : Mapping of Grades for courses completed through

"NPTEL/SWAYAM" and "Exchange Semester in another Institution” (246th Senate
Meeting)

Course(s) completed by student(s) outside IIT Bombay by means of NPTEL and / or

SWAYAM and / or Semester Exchange, following due approval of DUGC / DPGC, will
contribute only towards completion of credits. Grade(s) earned in such courses will not be
considered for the SPI / CPI calculation. The transcripts will record such course(s) and the
corresponding grade(s) as it is / they are. The students taking up courses outside IIT
Bombay by means of NPTEL and / or SWAYAM and / or Semester Exchange shall be
eligible for the award of Medals and Prizes.

MA.RES 2.3 C) Credit Equivalence of NPTEL/SWAYAM courses with IIT Bombay

courses (249th Senate Meeting):
1. 12 Weeks NPTEL/SWAYAM courses would be typically considered equivalent
to 6 credits at IIT Bombay. However, in some special cases,
DUGC/DPGC/UGC/PGC may consider and approve 12 weeks
NPTEL/SWAYAM course(s) equivalent to 8 credits at IIT Bombay.
2. 8 Weeks NPTEL/SWAYAM courses would be considered equivalent to 4 or 3
credits at IIT Bombay, depending on approval of DUGC/DPGC/UGC/PGC.

MA.RES 2.3 (D) : Policy for registering/ award of grades for NPTEL/ SWAYAM/
Semester Exchange courses (Ref. 251st Senate)
i. Registration for NPTEL/ SWAYAM courses: Students may register for these
courses during registration window as per Academic calendar for that semester.
Faculty Advisor can approve these registrations in consultation with DUGC/
DPGC.
ii. Registration for Semester Exchange Courses: Academic Units may register
Rules for MA by Research Programme 13
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 students for these courses as and when student returns from the FRN Institute,
as per approval of DUGC/ DPGC.
iii. Grading- As per Academic calendar for that semester along with other courses.
iv. The grades for NPTEL/ SWAYAM/ Exchange semester courses will be allotted
as they are by the head and the interface will be accessible through
<head.*@iitb.ac.in>.
v. If no grades are allotted during the approved window, the course will be
removed automatically from the registration of the students on the last date of
Academic Activity, so that there will be no issue in calculating SPI/CPI of the
student.
vi. ASC will send the reminders to the students for any non-receipt of grades
including NPTEL/ SWAYAM/ Semester Exchange courses.
vii. An Interface may be created for Departmental offices to view the pending grades
of their students.

MA.RES 3. Course Credit Requirement and Registration for Course

MA.RES 3.1 : Credits Required

The total minimum credit requirement for MA.Res programme is 108 credits with
Research Projects and 60 credits with a thesis. The courses that are compulsory and
must be taken and the list of electives from which the student may choose will be
provided at the start of each semester by the Faculty Advisor. Work on the research
projects/thesis is expected to commence in the Summer after Sem II and must be
completed at the latest by the summer following Sem IV for graduation that year.

MA.RES 3.2 : Part-time students

There are no part-time students in this programme.

MA.RES 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” or other subsequently and used to satisfy other credit requirements.
ii. Students from the graduating batch are allowed to register for summer courses
ONLY to complete and clear any courses from their mandatory curriculum in
which they have an active backlog.
iii. Registration for summer courses must be done online and approved by the
Supervisor/Faculty Advisor and A/Dean AP.

MA.RES 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 semester-long courses and one week after the mid-semester
examination for half-semester courses. The last date for course drop will be included in
the Academic Calendar each semester.

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MA.RES 3.5 : Course Withdrawn grade

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

MA.RES 3.6 : Grade Improvement

i. Any student in a PG Programme, where the minimum CPI for coursework is 4.0,
will be eligible for repeating a course for grade improvement if they have a CPI
less than 4.0 and have been permitted by PGAPEC to continue in the Programme
on Academic Probation.
ii. 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.
iii. The student can avail this option only for TWO courses in the entire programme
and only ONCE for a specific course.

MA.RES 3.7 : Course Relaxation for reserved category students

The students admitted under reserved category (SC/ST/PWD) may be permitted to take
1 (ONE) less course in each semester with the approval of faculty advisor and PGAPEC
or Dean (AP).

MA.RES 3.8 : Transfer of course credits completed under CEP

Not applicable.

MA.RES 3.9 : Minimum number of students

A minimum of 5 students are required be registered in a course for it to run as a

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

MA.RES 4. Course Assessment and Award of Grades

MA.RES4.1 Grades

i. For each course, enrolled students are awarded a letter grade based on their
combined performance in all the assessments during the semester. 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
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 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).
ii. The minimum passing grade in a course is a DD.
iii. All grades (including FR, DX, W etc.) obtained by a student shall be included in
the transcript.

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.

MA.RES 4.2 : FF and FR

i. The letter grades FF and FR shall be treated as ‘fail’ grades. Re-examination is

permitted for a course if a student obtains an FF grade. After such re- examination
if the student passes in that course, they will be awarded the maximum grade of
DD in that course.
ii. If a student either does not take or fails in the re-examination, they will be awarded
the grade FR. An FR grade shall be awarded in case(s) where, in the opinion of
the Instructor (or panel of examiners in case of the Projects), the student has
demonstrated inadequate academic achievement in the course/has performed
poorly in the in-semester and/or end-semester examinations.

MA.RES 4.2.1 (A) : FR and Course Repeat

A student receiving an FR grade has to re-register for the same course if it is a core
subject. If this course is an elective course, they may register for the same or an
alternative course as prescribed by the DPGC/IDPC/SPGC without this being counted as
an additional course. The faculty advisors and DPGC/IDPC/SPGC would exercise
special care and assist the students in this regard.

MA.RES 4.2.1(B) : 'FR' grade for Academic Malpractice

i. An “FR” grade may also be awarded for Academic malpractices. Details

pertaining to Academic malpractices are available at :
http://www.iitb.ac.in/newacadhome/punishments201521July.pdf
ii. Academic Malpractices are severely dealt with. The details pertaining to
Academic malpractices are available at :
http://www.iitb.ac.in/newacadhome/punishments201521July.pdf

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MA.RES 4.2.2 : Re-examination

i. A student will be permitted to take a re-examination for FF grades in a given

semester provided the number of FR grades do not exceed those given in
MA.RES 5.2.1. The re-examination is assigned 50% weightage and is conducted
as per a declared schedule after the semester-end examination and evaluations
are completed.
ii. After such a re-examination if the student passes in that course, they will be
awarded the maximum grade of DD in that course.
iii. Student with FF grade(s) shall be permitted to write their 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 the re-examination.

MA.RES 4.3 : Audit Grade

The student registered for a course as audit shall be awarded the grade AU if they fulfil
the attendance requirement of a minimum of 80% together with 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.

MA.RES 4.4 : Additional Learning

The students have the option of taking courses as “Additional Learning”. These courses
can be registered at the time of registration of courses in a semester. Registration for
additional courses will require the approval of the Supervisor/Faculty Advisor. Courses
that are tagged as “Additional Learning” will be in addition to the minimum course credit
requirement for the programme and will not affect the SPI/CPI; however, the actual
grades obtained in that course will be shown in the transcripts.

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

The discretion to permit a student to register for the course as “Audit” as well as the
requirements beyond attendance lies entirely with the Instructor.

MA.RES 4.5 : II grade

The grade II shall be awarded to a student in a lecture/laboratory course if their in-

semester performance is satisfactory and they have fulfilled the attendance requirement,
but they did not appear for the semester-end examination for medical reasons or other
extraordinary circumstances. The student shall be eligible for a re- examination. For re-
examination, the student will have to apply to the Academic Office. For absence due to
medical reasons, the application should be accompanied by a medical certificate

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issued/authenticated by the 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 permitted, after

consulting with UGAPEC/ PGAPEC (in case of medical reasons) and Dean AP (in case
of extraordinary circumstances). If a re-examination is allowed and is conducted, the
instructor shall decide the final grade on the basis of the cumulative in semester marks
together with the re-examination marks. The weightage assigned to the re-examination
shall be the same as that assigned to the final examination for that course. In all other
cases the II grade will be converted to an FR grade.

MA.RES 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.

MA.RES 4.7 : Seminar Grade

For the student who has submitted the seminar report in time, but the evaluation of which
could not be completed by grade submission date, the Course Co- ordinator/Faculty
Advisor 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, not later than one month following the end of the
semester.

If a student either does not submit the seminar report by the prescribed date or is absent
for the presentation on the scheduled date, they shall be awarded an FF grade unless
they have been given an extension by the coordinator/DPGC under exceptional
circumstances. All students who get an FF grade in the Seminar shall be allowed to

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complete the evaluation during the period ear-marked for re-examination and will not be
given a grade better than a DD .

MA.RES 4.8 : PP/NP Grade

The programme has no P/NP course requirements. Practical Training, and similar
courses are awarded PP/NP grades. No grade points are associated with these grades
and performance in these courses is not considered in the calculation of the performance
indices SPI/CPI. The award of the degree may be subject to obtaining a PP grade in
such courses, if any.

MA.RES 4.9 : Compensatory time to PwD students

Compensatory time is to be provided to all PwD students across the Institute during
written examination. Such ‘compensatory time’ will not be less than 20 minutes per hour
of examination for persons who are allowed the use of scribe/reader/lab assistant. All
the candidates with benchmark disability not availing the facility of a scribe may be
allowed additional time, for example, a minimum of 1 hour for an examination of 3 hours
duration under the extra 20mts/hour rule. If the duration of the examination is less than
an hour, then the additional time given will be proportionately calculated.
Additional time will not be less than 5 minutes and will be added in multiples of 5. PwD
students must inform the instructors of the courses in advance regarding their need for
compensatory time during any examination so that the necessary arrangements can be
made.

MA.RES 4.10 : “Gender in the Workplace” - GC 101 Course (PP/NP course)

(Ref : 249th & 254th Senate Meeting)

i. This is a non-credit Institute core course having 0 credit. The course is

compulsory to all students.
ii. No grade points are associated with this course and performance in this course
will not be considered in the calculation of the performance indices SPI/CPI.
iii. The course is on an online mode of delivery and will not be more than 3 hours, at
a stretch. iv) The award of the degree will be subject to obtaining the “PP” grade in
this course.
iv. Students are required to complete the course in their first semester.
v. 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.
vi. 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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MA.RES 4.11 : 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 M.Sc., 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 (B.Tech.
+M.Tech., B.Des. +M.Des., 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.

MA.RES 4.12 : 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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MA.RES 4.13 : 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.

MA.RES 5. Performance Requirement and Re-examination in Courses

MA.RES 5.1 : SPI/CPI

The minimum course CPI requirement of 4.0 for continuation in the programme is
applicable wef 2022 batch. For earlier batches, the course CPI requirement for
continuation in the programme stands status-quo i.e. 6.0.

The minimum overall CPI requirement for graduation (with having passing grade in all the
courses & projects counted towards graduation requirement) be 4.00. (254th Senate
Meeting)

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.

For example: If in a given semester a student has taken five courses having credits C1,
C2, C3, C 4, C5 and the grade points in those courses are G1, G2, G3, G4, G5
respectively, then:

C1 G1 + C2 G2 + C3 G3 + C4G4 + C5G 5
SPI = -----------------------------------------------------------------
C1+ C2+ C3+ C4+ C5

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

An up-to-date assessment from the time the student enters 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 their entry into the Institute. This index is calculated in the same manner as the
SPI.

For 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.

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 of the previous completed semesters will be displayed (241 st & 246th Senate
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Meeting). CPI for the course credits and the project credits are calculated together to
obtain the SPI/CPI and will be shown as the overall CPI.

Courses which do not fall within the minimum requirement of the degrees will not be
considered for the calculation of the SPI/CPI. Such additional courses that have been
completed and the grades earned by the student will be shown separately. The CPI shall
include mandatory courses/projects that contribute to the programme’s completion.

5.1.1 If a student clears a failed course, or a course taken in lieu of an earlier course as
approved by the Department, the earlier failed grade shall be replaced by the new
passing grade in the calculation of the CPI.
5.1.2 To meet the CPI requirement of 4.0, if re-examination is allowed and taken, the CPI
will be calculated using the new grade obtained by the student in the re-exam.

MA.RES 5.2 : Discontinuation (254th Meeting of the Senate)

Note : The minimum course CPI requirement of 4.0 for continuation in the programme is
applicable wef 2022 batch. For earlier batches, the course CPI requirement for
continuation in the programme stands status-quo i.e. 6.0.

5.2.1 A student shall be required to discontinue the programme if they have 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.
5.2.2 Student shall be discontinued from Masters’ programme, if the course CPI is below
4.00 in any semester.
5.2.3 Rule 5.2.1 will be applied after re-examination, if any, as permitted by Rule 4.2.2.
5.2.4 At the end of a given semester, a student must maintain a CPI of 4.0 (computed
with FR, if any, but after the assignment of the re-examination grade, if re-
examination was permitted. Otherwise, the student shall be required to
discontinue the programme.

MA.RES 5.3 : Academic Probation (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.
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.

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 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) – (232nd PGPC Meeting)
i. All students on academic probation will continue to pay the tuition fees as
applicable.
ii. Students getting any stipend (TA/TAP/RA/RAP/FA) will continue to get stipend
against TA/RA duty.

MA.RES 6. Graduation requirements

MA.RES 6.1 : Projects/Thesis Eligibility and Structure
Research training in all three subject specialisations is understood to include research
skills imparted right from the start as well as independent work of substantial scope with
a Supervisor.
MA.RES 6.1.1 (A) : Eligibility
i. The project-mode is the default option in this programme.
ii. The option to write a thesis is restricted to students with a prior Master’s degree in
the areas listed below. Such students may still elect to complete projects in lieu of
a thesis.
iii. Students who do not have a prior MA are not eligible to choose to write a thesis
and shall complete research projects and meet the associated credit requirements.

Table 5 MA disciplines to qualify for thesis

Human Sciences LLP Soc

Master’s degrees (such as an MA, MS etc.) in the subjects/areas below
Archaeology Applied Linguistics, Arts and Anthropology
History Aesthetics, Cognitive Science, Sociology
AND Comparative Literature, English
those as Literature, Film Studies, Performing
applicable for Arts, Performance Studies,
LLP &Soc or Theoretical Linguistics, Translation
equivalent. Studies

MA.RES 6.1.1 (B) : Exercise of Choice

The option to write a project/thesis as well as the selection of the specialisation shall be
exercised when registering for the 2nd semester. Each student shall be given a topic for
projects/thesis work as early as at the end of the first semester but not later than the first
month of the second semester.

The choice of specialisation and the choice of project/thesis are considered to be final
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once they are made. Subsequent changes in specialisation will generally be discouraged
since course selections are dependent on the choices made. In the event that a student
is very keen to change, the request will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the
Supervisor/ Programme Co-ordinator and the DPGC. However, a switch from ‘thesis’ to
‘research project’ or vice versa will not normally be permitted since the proposals have
been evaluated and are for specific purposes (a thesis or a project) and the programme
credit requirements are different.

MA.RES 6.1.2 : Supervision

Each student shall have a project/thesis Supervisor from among the members of the
faculty of the parent Department to which they are admitted. In addition, Co- supervisor(s)
from the same or another Department/IDP Group/Centre/School may be co-opted by the
Supervisor with the approval of DPGC/IDPC/SPGC.

MA.RES 6.1.3 : Alternate Supervisor

Whenever a Supervisor leaves the Institute permanently/temporarily, the DPGC/

IDPC/SPGC shall make alternative arrangements for guidance during the Supervisor’s
absence.

MA.RES 6.2 : Schedule for Projects/Thesis Assessment

i. M.A. Projects/Thesis registration and research work will start from Semester III
onwards and preferably from the Summer after the second semester. There will
be registration in each semester for both projects and thesis.
ii. A Research Progress Committee (RPC) for project/thesis evaluation must be
formed at the time of registration, and will be similar to the Ph.D. RPC: Guide + 1
examiner + 1 chairperson. The external examiner will be recommended by the
Supervisor and ratified by DPGC only for those students submitting a thesis.
iii. The students’ creativity and application as well as the quantum of work involved
will be evaluated by the RPC at the proposal stage in Semester 2 in the Seminar
Course.
iv. The timeline for the completion of the Projects/Thesis shall be as follows:

a) Final submission by April 30 .

th

b) Final Internal Evaluation and Viva for projects shall be completed by May 31 ;
st

revisions, if any, will be completed in June with a final submission by June 30th
for graduation that academic year.
c) External evaluation and the Viva for thesis shall be completed by May 31 ;
st
revisions, if any, will be completed in June with a final submission by June
30th for graduation that academic year.
v. Projects in each semester carry 12 credits each and will be assigned grades as
with courses. A project report and presentation are required in Semester III for
evaluation and again in Semester IV. Likewise, the thesis draft submissions are
subject to internal evaluation by the RPC in Semester III.
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 vi. The final thesis submission will be reviewed by the RPC and sent to the external
examiner, and a viva-voce examination will be conducted in the presence of the
external examiner and the RPC. A Progress Seminar with a submitted report and
a presentation is required at the end of Semester III (Stage 1) and the final
submission and viva at the end of Semester IV (Stage 2). Thesis work does not
carry any credits.
vii. All evaluations of projects/thesis shall be reported to the Academic Office.

MA.RES 6.3 : Submission of Projects/Thesis

i. Students are required to submit the final project reports/thesis at least two weeks
prior to the date of the viva-voce examination to their panels.
ii. The viva-voce conduct and arrangements shall be managed by the department.
iii. Forms for submission of projects/thesis shall be duly completed and submitted to
the department office along with the provisional clearances from Accounts Section
and from HCU(Hostel Coordination Unit)/ Hostel.
iv. Final project/thesis evaluation reports are to be sent by the panel of examiners to
the Academic Office on completion of the viva-voce.
v. The thesis on average is expected to be between 18,000-25,000 words long (~75-
100 pages double spaced) and submitted in a stage-wise manner, (Stage I: 3rd
semester; Stage II: 4th semester). The project reports on average are expected to
be between 8,000-10,000 words long (~35-40 pages double spaced). Students
will be expected to submit a short version in the 3rd semester and an elaborated,
final version in the 4th semester. Practice research will combine a report and
practice/demonstration as appropriate. The thesis and reports are to be written in
a formal, academic style following the guidelines.
vi. Students will have the option to carry out two smaller projects, either in the same
or in disparate areas in each of Semesters III and IV with changes in the panel as
appropriate with DPGC approval. Evaluations will be conducted for each project.
Students completing two different projects, will be expected to submit two reports
of about 4000-5000 words each.

MA.RES 6.4 (A) : Late Completion of Progress Seminar

Whenever any progress seminar/presentation is not done by the deadline specified in
MA.RES6.2, the student is required to:
i. Make a specific request for extension with justification for submission at least 15
days before the last date of submission.
ii. Pay the Institute fees for the next semester.
iii. Formally register for that semester.

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MA.RES 6.4 (B) : Guidelines on Extension of Submission of M.A. Projects/Thesis
Report and Examination
i. Projects and Thesis must be submitted and defended a per the timelines given
above.
ii. If the project/thesis is not defended by the deadline specified for the progress
seminar (MA.RES6.2), the student must register for an additional semester and
pay the semester fee in full.
iii. If the project/thesis has been submitted by the specified deadlines but not
defended, a grace period of up to 14 days after the due date of submission of the
thesis may be given for conducting the viva voce (on specific requests that are
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.
iv. The decision to provide Hostel accommodation for students on extension may be
taken independently by the Dean (SA)/HCU.

MA.RES 6.5 : Project/Thesis Evaluation

MA.RES 6.5.1 : Committee Members for Evaluation (Minimum)
Semester Project Thesis
Semester II: i. Supervisor(s) i. Supervisor(s)
Seminar/Proposal ii. One Internal Examiner ii. One Internal Examiner
iii. Chair/Co-ordinator iii. Chair/ Co-ordinator
Semester III: (Research
Project-I and Stage 1 for As above As above
thesis)
Semester IV: (Research i. Supervisor(s)
Project-II and Stage 2 As above ii. One Internal Examiner
for thesis) iii. Chair/ Co-ordinator
iv. External examiner

Chairperson : May be a Professor/Associate Professor from another academic unit or a

different specialisation/research area. The Academic Unit may decide if a second Internal
Examiner can also act as a Chairperson with prior approval of the Convener, DPGC

MA.RES 6.5.2 : Defence

i. The defence may be scheduled at least two weeks after report submission for final
projects and thesis. After this minimum time, the defence may be scheduled at the
department level with the consent of the examiners.
ii. The committee may choose to approve the project/thesis (a) without any
changes, (b) with minor changes (to be verified by the Supervisor), or (c) may
recommend rejection with major revisions and a repeat defence.
iii. The defence may be held at a suitable time subject to RPC clearance.

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MA.RES 6.5.3 : Progress Seminar
Students must submit a written report and present the findings to the RPC in Semester
III. Projects will be assigned a grade and thesis reports will be given RPC approval if
work is satisfactory. Progress seminars should be given as per the dates specified in
MA.RES6.2.

Individual academic units may consider the last date of report submission prior to the
last date of progress seminar presentation.
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 MA.RES 6.4. Late fine of Rs.750/- per
week will be applicable for delay in progress seminar presentation.
The evaluation reports of the projects/thesis in the prescribed format must reach the
Convener, PGAPEC through Convener, DPGC/PGC within FOUR working days after the
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 so present the work without the prior permission of
DPGC and PGAPEC makes the MA.Res registration liable for cancellation.
MA.RES 6.5.4 : Re-assessment of thesis presentation
The registration of a student shall be cancelled on two consecutive "poor performances"
including repeat viva-voce examinations. In all cases, the students are expected to
complete the research work by the end of the fourth semester and no further extensions
will be granted.

MA.RES 6.6 : Graduation requirements

The graduation requirements for an MA.Res are as follows:

i. Completion of all the credit requirements with a minimum CPI of 7.5
ii. Completion of the M.A. projects/thesis by the end of Semester IV
iii. RPC approval to submit thesis and hold the thesis defence
iv. Final submission, approval by the examination committee, and successful
defence

MA.RES 6.7 : Full-time enrollment

An MA.Res student is expected to be at IIT full-time and shall not take up any other
assignment before the completion of the programme.

MA.RES 6.8 : Submission of Electronic form of Report/Thesis

Thesis and Project reports need to be submitted in electronic form to the Central Library.
Due academic approvals of the final version of the Dissertations/ Reports should be

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obtained from the Supervisor(s) prior to finalising the archival version of the Dissertation/
Report.
The student shall submit the prescribed form for submission of thesis/report to the
Academic Office, duly signed by the concerned, within ONE month, from the successful
completion of the defence. If the copies of the reports/thesis are 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 207th Senate
meeting).
The final transcripts/provisional degree certificate/final degree certificate will be issued
only after receipt of the e-copies.

MA.RES 7. Temporary Discontinuation

MA.RES 7.1
In genuine cases, if the DPGC/IDPC/SPGC/CPGC recommends a temporary
discontinuation after completion of at least the first semester, 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 re-joining the programme:
i. If a break is permitted on medical grounds the student shall submit
a) A fitness certificate from the Senior Medical Officer of the Institute or an
authorised medical practitioner.
b) A joining report though the Head/Convener of the Dept/Centre/School/ID
group.
ii. If a break is permitted to join a job the student shall submit
a) A relieving certificate from the employer.
b) A 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.
The student must complete the programme as per rule MR.RES 2.1.5 including the break
period.

MA.RES 8. Option for conversion to External (EX) category

There is no option to convert to External Category.

MA.RES 9. Exit
There is no applicable exit degree.

Rules for MA by Research Programme 28

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MA.RES 10. Vacation /Leave Rules

i. M.A. students are entitled to i) Winter vacation ii) Summer break (15 days) for the
first year.
ii. 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.
iii. Special Leave to attend Seminars/Conferences in India/abroad with regard to
their work and to present research papers is admissible as follows:

Event Duration Stipend Sanctioning Authority

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

MA.RES 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) or the Institute Review Board
approval prior to start of the study or the component of the study involving human
participation. IEC/IRB 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.
Students carrying out such work are expected to obtain these clearances in Semester II
as part of the Seminar Course.

Updated on 12-09-2024

Rules for MA by Research Programme 29

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Appendix 1
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY
MASTER of ARTS BY RESEARCH (MA.Res), DEPT. OF H&SS
RESEARCH PROJECT EVALUATION REPORT

Name of the Student: Roll No.:

Specialisation: HUMAN SCIENCES LING, LIT & PERFORMANCE SOCIOLOGY

Title of the Project:

Date report submitted: Date of presentation and viva:

OPINION OF THE PANEL OF EXAMINERS:

ACCEPT THE PROJECT REPORT AS IS: The student presented and defended the work satisfactorily
which may be accepted towards partial fulfilment of the degree requirements.
ACCEPT THE PROJECT REPORT WITH REVISIONS: The student presented and defended the work
satisfactorily and the report may be accepted after incorporating the suggested changes
towards partial fulfilment of the degree requirements.
RESUBMISSION AND RE-EVALUATION NEEDED: The student’s performance and project report were
unsatisfactory; the report may be resubmitted after incorporating the feedback and a second
viva-voce examination may be held within one month.

Remarks: (Please attach a separate sheet if more space is required.)

SEMESTER_III / SEMESTER IV : _____________________________ GRADE ASSIGNED:

PANEL OF EXAMINERS NAME SIGNATURE

CHAIRPERSON

INTERNAL EXAMINER

SUPERVISOR

SUPERVISOR

Approved by
Head of the Department/Convener, Post Graduate Committee (PGC):

Signature & Stamp of HoD)

Through, the Jt. /Asst. Registrar (Academic) to

CONVENER, PGAPEC

Rules for MA by Research Programme 30

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Appendix 2

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY

MASTER OF ARTS BY RESEARCH (MA.Res), DEPT. OF H&SS
THESIS EVALUATION REPORT

SEMESTER III (Stage I) / SEMESTER IV (Stage II)

Name of the Student: Roll No.:

Specialisation: HUMAN SCIENCES LING, LIT & PERFORMANCE SOCIOLOGY

Title of the Thesis:

Date report submitted: Date of presentation/viva-voce examination:

OPINION OF THE PANEL OF EXAMINERS:

ACCEPT THE THESIS AS IS: The student presented and defended the thesis satisfactorily and it
may be accepted towards partial fulfilment of the degree requirements.
ACCEPT THE THESIS WITH REVISIONS: The student presented and defended the thesis satisfactorily
and the thesis may be accepted after incorporating suggested changes towards partial
fulfilment of the degree requirements.
RESUBMISSION AND RE-EVALUATION NEEDED: The student’s performance and thesis were
unsatisfactory; the thesis may be resubmitted after incorporating the feedback and a second
viva-voce examination may be held within one month.

REMARKS: (Pl. attach a separate sheet if more space is required.)

PANEL OF EXAMINERS NAME SIGNATURE

CHAIRPERSON

EXTERNAL EXAMINER

INTERNAL EXAMINER

SUPERVISOR

CO-SUPERVISOR

Approved by
Head of the Department/Convener, Post Graduate Committee (PGC):

Signature & Stamp of HoD)

Through, the Jt. /Asst. Registrar (Academic) to
CONVENER, PGAPEC

Rules for MA by Research Programme 31

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Appendix 3

a) THESIS GUIDELINES:
https://www.iitb.ac.in/newacadhome/rules/Dissertation17june09-10.pdf

b) RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE PAGE:

(TITLE ABOVE)

By
(NAME BELOW)

RESEARCH PROJECT
Submitted
to the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS BY RESEARCH

Approval for the Report and Comprehensive Examination
COMMITTEE

(___________________________)
Research Supervisor

(___________________________)
Internal Examiner

(Date)

Rules for MA by Research Programme 32

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