The MS (Research) programme is a special research-oriented Masters programme offered to students who are interested in exploring in-depth research problems in any area of computer science. The emphasis is on conducting original research and writing a thesis of publishable quality. Interested students who have demonstrated excellence in their academic performance and research potential may convert to the Ph. D. programme. There are currently a handful of students in this programme.

Applicants to this programme are expected to have excellent backgrounds in computer science. Since the programme is a research programme, the candidates are typically expected to be superior in training and academic performance to students admitted to the M. Tech. programme. The main differences with the M. Tech. programme are:

(1) The MS (R) programme has 40 credits of research to 20 credits of course work versus a 20-40 breakup in the M. Tech programme.
(2) There are no fixed core courses. Instead each individual student is advised on courses to take based on their research interests and background.
(3) Full-time students are expected to identify their thesis advisor by the end of their first semester, and begin research in the second semester.

Students are provided laboratory and infrastructure facilities similar to that of Ph.D. scholars. We endeavour to provide financial support at Master's level stipends to all GATE-qualified full-time students. Full-time students not resident in Delhi are given priority in allotment of hostel accommodation.

While the MS(Research) programme is currently small in numbers, faculty tend to consider it more prestigious than the M. Tech. programme. Candidates are encouraged to consider conversion to Ph.D.

Eligibility:
Admission to M.S. (Research) Programme in Computer Science & Engineering Department (CSY) is limited to candidates who have a Qualifying degree (B. Tech) in Computer Science, Information Technology or MCA (with Math and Science at B.Sc level).

There are two different ways in which you can register for the MS (R) programme. in CSE at IITD.

Full-Time : The candidate resides on the IIT campus for the entire duration of the programme. The student should have an excellent valid GATE score in CS/IT.
Part-Time : The candidate should be working in an industry or organisation involved in computer science research/teaching and located within 50 kms of NCR. The organization should certify that it has No Objection to the candidate pursuing this degree.

Admission Procedure:

Download the application form from the IIT Delhi web-siteor collect a paper application form from IIT Delhi, PGS&R Section. Fill the form and attach a draft for Rs 300 made payable to the "Registrar, IIT Delhi" at New Delhi.

Also attach a curriculum vitae listing your academic record, Industrial/Research Experience, Research Publications (also include a copy of your best publication), academic honors and awards etc.

Send the application to the "Deputy Registrar, Post Graduate Section. IIT, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016". The application can be sent at any time of the year. However, interviews for admission are conducted twice a year, and admissions are synchronized with the semesters (late July - early December and early January - mid May).

After looking at your application we will decide whether to invite you for an interview. You would be informed of the decision by email. The interview will test your research potential in terms of familiarity with basic concepts in Computer Science and your ability to analyze and formulate a solution to a problem.

Curriculum and Requirements of the MS (Research) Programme in Computer Science and Engineering

• Duration. The duration of the MS(R) programme is 4 semesters for full-time students and 6 semesters for part-time students.
  The maximum extensions can be to 6 semesters for full-time students and 8 semesters for part-time students, under special circumstances.
• Credit Requirements.
  Total credits: 60
  Course credits: 20
  Thesis credits: 40
• CGPA Requirements. Minimum CGPA requirement for award of degree: 7.0
  Minimum CGPA in course work for continuation of registration: 7.0
• Regulations for registration.
  
  • First semester: Full time students to register for 15-20 course credits only; part-time students to register for 6-12 course credits.
    Later semesters: Students to register for remaining course and thesis credits. Part-time students required to complete all course credits in the first 4 semesters.
  • There are no core course requirements (other than the thesis)
  • All Post-Graduate level courses of the CSE Department are available to the student for course credits. Courses offered by other departments may be taken for credit on the advice and approval of the programme coordinator / thesis supervisor.
  • Student will register for courses on the advice and approval of the MS(R) programme coordinator (first semester) and the thesis supervisor (subsequent semesters).
• Conversion from full-time to part-time on approval by Dean PGSR on recommendation of the DRC, on completion of course credit requirements.
• Supervision
• Supervision
  • Maximum 2 thesis supervisors. DRC to assign thesis supervisor within 2 months of registration in Semester 1.
  • DRC will constitute a 4-member SRC
  • SRC will monitor thesis work, based on written reports and presentations made every semester and will recommend number of thesis credits considered as cleared at the end of the semester.
  • X grade will be awarded for continuing thesis research.
• Evaluation and Examiners
  • Submission of synopsis one month before submission of thesis. Pre-synopsis seminar to DRC.
  • Dean PGSR to appoint external examiner on receipt of title and synopsis of thesis, from a panel of 4 experts recommended by supervisor and approved by DRC. Cannot be from sponsoring organization in case of sponsored candidates.
  • Examination board = thesis supervisor(s) and external expert examiner.
• Thesis Grading
• Thesis Defence
Committee = External expert examiner (from India and outside IIT Delhi), supervisor(s) and SRC.
• Assistantships
On par with M Tech students.
• Conversion to PhD On application by the student, and on recommendation by the DRC. A minimum CGPA of 8.5 after first 2 semesters is required. Student must satisfy other requirements for admission into PhD programme. The date of conversion is the date of registration in the PhD programme.

1. How is the part-time M. Tech. / MS (Res) programme different from the full-time programme?

   The part-time programmes constitute an opportunity given to working professionals in the NCR area to pursue an advanced degree at IIT Delhi.

   • Academically, the part-time programmes are identical to the full-time programmes.
   • The normal duration of the Master's programmes is 6 semesters instead of 4, to complete the 60 credits of work.
   • A part-time student can take no more than 12 credits a semester.
   • There is only a small difference in the admission requirements (e.g., GATE is not mandatory, the academic performance requirements may be slightly different) and the admission test process may involve additional tests.
   • The only other "concession" for the part-time student is that we will hold classes for core courses in the morning slots [C: 8-9 and D: 9-10 on Tue, Wed and Fri; and A: 8-9:30 and B: 9:30-11:00 on Mon, Thu]. Students should select elective courses on the basis of convenience and interest.
2. Am I eligible to apply for the part time M.Tech/ MS (Res) programme?

   Yes, if you have the academic qualifications in terms of degree and academic performance as specified by the department (not just the minimal requirements specified by the institute). In addition, you need:

   • At least one year's experience (by the start of the academic term, i.e July end or January 1) in an organization where your work is computer science related.
   • You must be resident and working within 50 km of NCR.
   • You should get a NOC from your employers at the time of joining in the format prescribed by IIT, and they must have consented in writing to your appearing for the interview.
3. Do I need GATE for the part-time programmes?

   No, GATE is required only for full-time students getting assistantship from the Institute.

4. What is the selection procedure?

   Based on your application, you will be called for a test and interview. The written test is technical and objective, and will test your familiarity with basic computer science subjects --- programming, data structures, discrete mathematics and logic, programming languages and compilation, theory, algorithms design and analysis, operating systems and other systems software, networks, architecture, etc.

5. What is the duration of the course?

   Normally 4 semesters for a full-time student and 6 semesters for a part-time student

6. What is the fee structure?

   The same.

7. Are there any classes conducted? Will these be on Saturdays and Sundays only?

   Yes, of course, classes are conducted. These are conducted at the usual times on weekdays. You need to attend these classes, and be present. Part-time programmes are not remote programmes. The only other "concession" for the part-time student is that we will hold classes for core courses in the morning slots [C: 8-9 and D: 9-10 on Tue, Wed and Fri; and A: 8-9:30 and B: 9:30-11:00 on Mon, Thu]. Students should select elective courses on the basis of convenience and interest.

8. Is there a Minor/Major Project in the part-time course?

   Yes. Approx a third of the M Tech credits are project credits; Two-thirds of the MS (Res) credits are project credits.

   You can do your project at your work place or at home, but should archive and be able to demonstrate and document your work on the Department's machines.

9. If I shift my job within the NCR to e.g., Gurgaon/Noida will I still be eligible?

   Yes, if you are in the 50km range. Please note that if you change jobs during the programme, you should get a fresh NOIC from your new employer. Please note you need tobe employed to avail yourself of the part-time programme.

10. As a part-time student, can I get hostel accommodation?

    No, you are not eligible for hostel accommodation

11. As a part-time student, can I get any form of assistantship?

    No, you are not eligible for an assistantship from Institute sources.