Ph.D. / M.S.

ORDINANCES

AND

REGULATIONS

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MADRAS

CHENNAI ­ 600 036

Updated up to December 2009

 CONTENTS

Ph.D. ORDINANCES

Ph.D. REGULATIONS

R.1 Categories of Admission

R.2 Eligibility
R.3 International Students
R.4 Selection Procedure
R.5 Admission
R.6 Choice of Guide
R.7 Eligibility for being Guides
R.8 Change/Addition of Guide
R.9 Doctoral Committee
R.10 Registration
R.11 Course Work
R.12 Progress Report
R.13 Comprehensive Examination
R.14 Enrolment
R.15 Minimum Residential Requirement
R.16 Relief from Ph.D. Programme to take up job
R.17 Maximum duration of Programme
R.18 Withdrawal from the Programme
R.19 Cancellation of Registration
R.20 Reversion of updated Ph.D. Registration
to Master’s Programme
R.21 Conversion of Ph.D. Registration to MS
Programme
R.22 Synopsis
R.23 Submission of Thesis
R.24 Panel of Examiners
R.25 Thesis Report
R.26 Viva Voce Examination
R.27 Award of Ph.D. Degree
R.27 Discipline
R.29 Power to Modify
M.S. ORDINANCES

M.S. REGULATIONS

R.1 Categories of Admission

R.2 Eligibility
R.3 International Students
R.4 Selection Procedure
R.5 Admission
R.6 Choice of Guide
R.7 Eligibility for being Guides
R.8 Change/Addition of Guide
R.9 General Test Committee
R.10 Registration
R.11 Course Work
R.12 Progress Report
R.13 Enrolment
R.14 Minimum Residential Requirement
R.15 Relief from M.S. Programme to take up job
R.16 Maximum Duration of Programme
R.16a Withdrawal from the Programme
R.17 Cancellation of Registration
R.18 Reversion of updated Ph.D. Registration
to M.S Programme
R.19 Synopsis
R.20 Submission
R.21 Panel of Examiners
R.22 Thesis Report
R.23 Viva Voce Examination
R.24 Award of M.S. Degree
R.25 Discipline
R.26 Power to Modify
31
ORDINANCES

O.1 A candidate who has qualified for the award of Master’s degree of this Institute or a
recognised Institute or University in the discipline as prescribed in the regulations of the
Senate is eligible to apply for the Ph.D. programme of this Institute.

O.2 A candidate who has qualified for the award of Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering /
Technology with exceptionally good academic background in the discipline as prescribed in
the regulations of the Senate is also eligible to apply for Ph.D programme in
Engineering/Technology of this Institute.

O.3 The award of the Ph.D degree shall be in accordance with the regulations of the Senate of
this Institute.

REGULATIONS

R.1 Categories of Admission

Candidates will be admitted to the Ph.D programme of the Institute under one of the following
categories:

(a) Regular full­time scholars with or without Institute fellowship or with project support.
Departments.

Admission to MS/ Ph.D Programmes under Regular as well as the Project category, the
Departments must adopt a common cut off at the time of calling for interview and common
merit list of selection.
(b) Research scholars sponsored under the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP).

(c) Research scholars who are staff members of the institute.

(d) Research scholars under the external registration programme sponsored by and employed
in industry/orgainsation having R & D facilities and recognised by DST or IIT Madras,
national laboratories, reputed universities/colleges or employed in research/analysis jobs in
public sector/private sector/ government in the case of management area.

(A research scholar under the external registration programme will normally carry out part or all of his /
her research work in the industry/ organization/national laboratories/universities employing the scholar
under the supervision of a co­guide also employed in the same organization and a guide at IIT
Madras.
The candidate must have at least two years experience in the case of registration in
Engineering/Sciences/Social Sciences and at least five years in the case of registration in
Management).

(e) Research scholars working on a part­time basis from a reputed University / Institution /
Organisation.

(A research scholar working on a part time basis shall normally carry out the research work at IIT
Madras under the supervision of a guide at IIT Madras. The feasibility of doing this with sufficient
intensity will be an important consideration in admitting the scholar in this category.
The candidate must have at least two years experience in the case of registration in
Engineering/Sciences/Social Sciences and in Management).

R.2 Eligibility
R.2.1 Minimum Educational Qualifications

Qualification for Regular Full­Time Research

The minimum educational qualifications for admission to the Ph.D programme of the Institute are
as follows:

2.1.1 Ph.D. in Engineering

(a) Candidates with a Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology with a good academic record
or a Master’s degree by Research in Engineering/ Technology disciplines, with a good
academic record.

(b) Candidates with Master’s degree in Sciences with a good academic record and of
exceptional merit where eligible for the relevant Engineering discipline and with a valid
GATE score or UGC/CSIR­NET/NBHM or equivalent qualification in the relevant area
tenable for the year of registration. In the case of candidates with more than 5 years
relevant experience after the Master’s degree, the requirement of a test score may be
waived by the Selection Committee.

(c) Candidates who have qualified for the award of Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering/Technology with exceptionally good academic record in an eligible discipline
will be considered for direct admission to Ph.D. Programme as a regular full time scholar
subject to the following conditions:

t a B.Tech degree holder of an IIT with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 on a 10.0 point scale
or with a valid GATE score.

t a Bachelor’s degree holder in Engineering/ Technology from any other University

should be among the top 10 rank holders in the University and having a valid GATE
score.

t a Bachelor’s degree holder in Engineering/ Technology from a reputed R & D

organization and having a proven research record.

2.1.2 Ph.D. In Sciences

Master’s degree in Sciences with a good academic record and having a valid GATE score or
UGC/CSIR­NET/NBHM or equivalent qualification tenable for the current year in the relevant
area. Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology are eligible with a good academic record.
B.Tech degree holder of an IIT are eligible with a minimum of CGPA of 8.0 on a 10.0 point scale
or with a valid GATE Score.

B.Tech / B.E degree of any recognized University in India with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 on a 10.0
point scale or equivalent with valid GATE score.

Students who get more than 8.0 CGPA in M.Sc. in Science Departments of IIT Madras can be
admitted directly to their Ph.D programme in Sciences with interview at departmental level;
sanction of HTRA to these candidates is subject to the clearance of MHRD.

2.1.3 Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences

Master’s degree in an eligible discipline with a good academic record or equivalent and having a
valid GATE score or UGC/CSIR­NET/NBHM or equivalent qualification tenable for the current
year in the relevant area.

2.1.4 Ph.D. in Management

Masters degree or equivalent PG Diploma or Associateship in a relevant discipline, and a

Bachelor’s degree with a good academic record OR Five year integrated masters degree / dual
degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline with a good academic record

AND
Qualifying in national level examinations such as JMET /CAT /XAT /MAT /ATMA /GATE /UGC
or CSIR / NET / JRF or Lectureship or equivalent or international level post graduate admission
examination such as GMAT / GRE or equivalent.
OR
At least 5 years of managerial experience in lieu of the above examination. (This clause is only
for Non­HTRA candidates)

Master’s degree in Engineering / Technology with a good academic record or a Master’s degree
by Research in Engineering / Technology in a relevant discipline are exempted from qualifying in
National level examinations.

2.1.5 Institute staff members/Research scholars under QIP/Research Scholars under

External Registration / Research scholars working on part­time basis.

For Research Scholars in the above categories, the minimum educational qualifications are the
same as prescribed for full time research Scholars in 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 for admission to
the Ph.D programme in the respective categories. However, valid GATE score or CSIR / UGC
JRF or Lectureship / NBHM / JMET / CAT / AIMA or equivalent qualification as applicable for
regular full time research scholars may not be required in these cases.
The research scholars may be admitted to the Ph.D programme under the part­time category
from a reputed University/ Institution/ Organization and they must have two years experience for
Ph.D in the case of registration in Engineering / Science / Social Sciences / Management
Studies.
(The list of eligible disciplines in which the minimum educational qualifications have to be
obtained will be provided by each department in the Admissions Brochure, which will be updated
from time to time.
The Department/Selection Committee may find fit to consider meritorious candidates from
disciplines other than listed in the Admission Brochure if there is a good match between the
educational / research background of the candidate and the proposed area of research.
The admission brochure will also include details about inter­disciplinary research areas, which
may be pursued by the research scholars for the Ph.D degree and the corresponding eligible
disciplines given by the Departments.
Additional and stiffer criteria than the minimum educational qualifications given in R.2.1 may be
set by the Department Selection Committee from time to time for short listing candidates to be
called for interview and or test.)

R.2.2 Upgradation of registration from M.S / M.Tech to Ph.D. Programme (Regular /

External)
Meritorious candidates who have registered for M.S/M.Tech programmes are eligible to upgrade
their registration to the Ph.D programme in the same department if they satisfy the following
criteria:
(a) The candidate should have been registered for a minimum of 2 semesters in the
M.S/M.Tech programme.

(b) Minimum CGPA of 8.0 in the prescribed courses.

(c) Course work is compulsory and DC can suitably recommend residential requirement to
complete course work.

In the case of a M.S. Scholar, the General Test Committee of the M.S. scholar will consider the
application for upgradation to Ph.D. under the supervision of the same guide(s) and make its
recommendation to the Chairman, Senate to approve the upgradation of the scholar as per rule
and report the same to the Senate. If approved, a Doctoral Committee as per R.9 will be
constituted to replace the General Test Committee.

In the case of a M.Tech. Student, a Committee duly constituted by the Head of the Department
will consider the application for upgradation to Ph.D. and make its recommendation to the
Chairman, Senate to approve the upgradation of the student as per rule and report the same to
the Senate. If approved, a Doctoral Committee as per R.9 will be constituted and guide(s) as per
R.6 will be allotted.
The candidate should pass the comprehensive examination (R.12a) within a semester after
upgradation to the Ph.D. programme and within two attempts.

The candidate will be treated on par with one admitted directly after a Bachelor’s degree, but with
the residency period and course work completed under the M.S/M.Tech registration as decided
by the Doctoral Committee credited to the Ph.D programme.
(see R11 for explanation of CGPA)
R.3 International Students

Foreign nationals can only register as regular full­time scholars. Foreign nationals with degree
from Indian Universities will be treated on par with Indian nationals for admission purposes.
Foreign nationals with foreign degrees must meet the minimum educational requirements as
given in R.2.1 equivalent to a Indian Master’s degree in the relevant disciplines. In addition, they
should have a valid GRE/ GMAT / GATE /JMET/CAT/XAT/MAT/ATMA/UGC or CSIR /NET /JRF
or an equivalent examination and should have cleared TOEFL score in the relevant discipline.
International students are expected to have a working knowledge of English. Once admitted, IIT
Madras will apply for necessary clearance from the Government of India for study in India.

R.4 Selection Procedure

Eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications and satisfying additional
criteria set by the departments from time to time, will be called for an Interview and/or Test by the
Selection Committees of the respective departments.
For candidates who have obtained PG degree 10 years earlier as on the last date prescribed for
receipt of the completed application, a departmental test may be conducted.

The applications of foreign nationals may be considered without a personal interview / test.

Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in the interview and/or test,
the Departmental Selection Committee will recommend to the Chairman, Senate the names of
candidates found suitable for admission to the Ph.D. Programme.
R.5 Admission

(a) Candidates whose selection is approved by the Chairman, Senate will be admitted to the
Ph.D. programme after payment of prescribed fees.

(b) Ordinarily, a candidate is not eligible for re­registration for Ph.D. after cancellation of his/her
earlier registration for any reason. Based on the merits of the individual case and taking
into consideration any special circumstances, a candidate may be considered for re­
registration.

R.6 Choice of guide

(a) Allotment of research scholars to guides will be made by the Head of the Department
taking into consideration the research profile of the department and the preferences of the
research scholars and guides.

(b) There shall be not more than two guides from the Institute for a research scholar.

R.7 Eligibility for being guides

The following may be a guide for a Ph.D scholar :

· All faculty members of the Institute.

· Scientific / Design staff of the Institute with a doctoral degree.
· Continuance of retired faculty members / emeritus faculty as guides

(a) When a faculty member, who has guided a candidate for at least 3 years, retires, he
will continue to be a guide. However, a co­guide who is in service will be appointed in
addition. The guide who has retired will be invited for the Doctoral Committee meetings,
synopsis meeting and the viva voce examination.
(b) A faculty member who is to retire within 3 years may be permitted to become a guide to
a new scholar with another faculty member, who is not likely to retire within 5 years as
co­guide, at the time of registration itself. On retirement, the faculty member will
continue to be a guide and will be invited to the Doctoral Committee meetings, synopsis
meeting and viva voce examination.
(c) CSIR and other Emeritus Fellows / Scientists / Emeritus Professors, who hold office at
this Institute for a period of 2 years or more, can become co­guides for scholars along
with a guide from IIT Madras, with at least 5 years service still left at the time of
registration of the scholar.
(d) In case a faculty member who is a guide goes on leave exceeding one year duration,
another faculty member will be identified to become a co­guide of the research scholar.
(e) The induction of new guides after 3 years of registration of a research scholar will be
considered by the Doctoral Committee in the office of the Dean, Academic Research.

R.8 Change/Addition of guide

The Doctoral Committee of a research scholar may recommend change of guide or appointment
of a co­guide for valid reasons.
R.9 Doctoral Committee

The Head of the Department will intimate to the Dean, Academic Research, for each scholar the
area of research, the name(s) of the guide(s) and a panel of names, indicating the area of
specialisation of faculty members for constitution of a Doctoral Committee, within 8 weeks of the
date of joining of the research scholar.

The following is the composition of the Doctoral Committee:

Head of the Department (HoD/nominee of HoD) (If ­ Chairman

1
the HoD happens to be the Guide of a scholar, the
senior most Professor / previous HoD will be
nominated by Chairman, Senate or his nominee)
HoD may nominate Chairman, if he/she is
otherwise engaged for the conduct of DC/GTC
meetings to assess the progress of the scholars
HoD must be present for comprehensive Exam /
Synopsis / Thesis report / Viva voce meetings of
the Scholar
2 The Dean (Academic Research) ­ Member
3 Research Guide or Guides ­ Member
4 A minimum of one faculty member of the ­ Member
. Department nominated by the Chairman, Senate
or his nominee from the suggested panel of
names by HoD

5 A minimum of one faculty member of allied ­ Member

Departments or allied institutions nominated by
the Chairman, Senate or his nominee from the
Suggested panel of names by HoD

In case any member goes on leave exceeding one year duration, or resigns or retires from the
Institute, the Chairman, Senate or his nominee will nominate another member on the suggestion
of the Chairman, Doctoral Committee.

Scientific/Design staff and others who are eligible to guide Ph.D. scholars may be nominated as
members of the Doctoral Committee.

R.10 Registration
(a) The Doctoral Committee will meet normally within a month of being constituted, where the
research scholar will make a presentation. The Doctoral Committee will fix/approve the
date of registration for the Ph.D. programme, consider the proposed research topic and
prescribe/approve the courses of study in this meeting.
(b) The registration may be backdated for research scholars employed in IC & SR projects by
up to 6 months from the date of admission to the programme, on the recommendation of
the Doctoral Committee with justification. Based on the recommendation of the Doctoral
Committee, the Senate may, additionally permit backdating by a further period of 6 months.

R.11 Course Work

The Doctoral Committee will normally prescribe two core courses and at least four electives. The
prescribed courses shall be post­graduate level courses of the Institute.
(a) Ph.D research scholars in the Engineering/Sciences/ Humanities and Social
Sciences/Management shall complete two core courses and at least two electives. In
cases where the scholar is directly admitted to the Ph.D Programme in Engineering with
a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/ Technology or with a Master’s degree in science
where eligible or where the research scholar updates from the M.S/M.Tech programme at
IIT Madras, to the Ph.D programme, the scholar should successfully complete 5 core
courses and 3 electives out of a minimum 5 prescribed by the Doctoral Committee. In the
case of a scholar updating to the Ph.D Programme in Engineering from the M.S/M.Tech
Programme at IIT Madras, the courses already successfully completed by the scholar in
the Master’s Programme may be considered by the Doctoral Committee for the course
work requirements. Changes in prescribed courses shall be made only by the Doctoral
Committee. The Doctoral Committee may prescribe additional courses for a scholar
wherever found necessary.

(b) The Doctoral Committee may give credit to courses already undergone by a research
scholar in this Institute or other Institutions, provided they are the same or equivalent to
those prescribed, and the performance level of the scholar in them meets the minimum
requirements. The Doctoral Committee may prescribe additional courses for research
scholars wherever found necessary.

(c) Grades

Based on the semester performance, each student is awarded a final grade at the end of
the semester in each subject. The grades and the corresponding grade points are as
follows:
Grade Points

S 10
A 9
B 8
C 7
D 6

Research scholars shall obtain a minimum CGPA of 7.5 in the courses taken by them
subject to a minimum of “C” grade in the prescribed courses. If more than the minimum
required electives have been taken, only the electives with the best performance will be
considered for computing the CGPA.
A student is considered to have completed a subject successfully and earned the credits if
he secures a grade other than D. Once a subject successfully completed, it cannot be
repeated.
The GPA will be calculated according to the formula
S (C x GP)
GPA =
S C

Where C = credit for the course, GP = the grade point obtained for the registered course,
the sum is over all the courses taken in that semester, successfully completed courses.

R.12 Progress Report

(a) A registered research scholar shall submit a written report in the required format, annually
for the first three years, and every six months thereafter.
The report should be routed through the guide to the Head of the Department for
consideration by the Doctoral Committee.
(b) The progress made by a research scholar shall be reviewed by the Doctoral Committee
once a year for the first 3 years and every six months thereafter.
Continuance of registration and award/continuance of scholarship/Research Assistantship
will be based on the recommendation of the Doctoral Committee.
In the case of research scholars under external registration or working on a part­time basis,
the Doctoral Committee will pay particular attention to the quantum of effort put in by the
scholar towards doctoral studies and progress.
Inadequacy of effort/progress can be a reason for cancellation of registration.

R.13 Comprehensive Examination

(a) Every Ph.D scholar shall take and perform satisfactorily in a Comprehensive Examination
in his/her Department.
The Comprehensive Examination shall be conducted by a Comprehensive Examination
Committee of the Department, consisting of the Doctoral Committee members of the
scholar and at least two other faculty members of the Institute nominated by the Chairman
of Doctoral Committee.

(b) If the performance of a research scholar in the Comprehensive Examination in the first
attempt is not satisfactory, he/she will be given one more opportunity to appear for the
comprehensive examination within six months of the first attempt.

The registration of a research scholar who fails to complete successfully the

Comprehensive Examination in both attempts, will be given an option to convert his/her
registration from Ph.D to M.S. programme if he/she so desired, otherwise his/her
registration will be cancelled. The procedure for Ph.D scholars of Engineering /
Management Department to convert to MS after failing in the second attempt of
Comprehensive Examination is given in R.18 A / Ph.D

(c) The objective of the Comprehensive Examination is to test the general capability of the
research scholar and the breadth of his/her knowledge in his/her discipline and areas
related to his/her field of research.

The Comprehensive Examination will usually consist of a written test and oral examination
or a oral examination.

The Comprehensive Examination Committee shall intimate to the research scholar

sufficiently in advance the scope of the Comprehensive Examination, so as to enable the
scholar to prepare adequately for it.

(d) The Ph.D research scholars are normally expected to complete successfully the
Comprehensive Examination within a year after his/her registration in the Ph.D programme
and in any case not later than three semesters after his registration in the Ph.D
programme.

R.14 Enrolment
All research scholars who are in residence and whose registration is still in force, are required to
enroll in person each semester on the stipulated date till their submission of thesis after payment
of the requisite fees. Those not in residence may pre­enrol in absentia during the stipulated
period after payment of the requisite fees. The enrolment will be completed only after successful
completion of progress meeting during the semester. The enrolment will be cancelled if the
progress is not satisfactory.

R.15 Minimum Residential Requirement

(a) The minimum period of study and research for regular full time research scholars required
at the Institute from the date of registration for the Ph.D. Programme in engineering to the
date of submission of Ph.D. thesis shall be 24 months for research scholars with Master’s
Degree in Engineering / Technology; 36 months for
(i) research scholars with Master’s Degree in Sciences,
(ii) research scholars directly admitted to the Ph.D Programme with Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering / Technology
(iii) for research scholars who update from the M.S/M.Tech Programme at IIT Madras to
the Ph.D Programme.
(b) The minimum period of study and research for regular full time research scholars from the
date of registration for the Ph.D Programme in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences
and Management to the date of submission of the Ph.D thesis shall be 24 months.

(c) The minimum residential requirement for the Ph.D. scholar under external registration and
research scholars working on a part­time basis not employed in the Institute is one
semester.
(d) Withdrawal from the programme is permitted for a semester or longer for reasons of ill
health or other valid grounds as duly recommended by Doctoral Committee.

R.16 Relief from Ph.D. programme to take up job

Ph.D. Scholars who got a job offer can get relief from the programme, while keeping their
registration alive on payment of the requisite fees every semester, on the following condition :
Scholars who take up jobs will be relieved on their request, based on the recommendations of
Doctoral Committee, if they have completed their

(a) minimum residential requirement;

(b) course work and

(c) comprehensive examination.

The renewal of their registration for every year/semester however, will be considered only if the
Doctoral Committee finds his/her progress to be satisfactory and recommends continuance of
registration.
R.17 Maximum Duration of Programme

Ph.D. Research Scholars should submit the thesis within 5 years from the date of registration.
The Doctoral Committee may extend the period of submission of the thesis further 2 years for
regular full time research scholars with an additional year for
(I) research scholars under QIP,
(ii) research scholars who are staff members of the institute,
(iii) research scholars under external registration and
(iv) research scholars working on a part­time basis.

R.18 Withdrawal from the programme

A scholar may be permitted by the Dean, Academic Research to withdraw from the programme
for a semester or longer for reasons of ill health or other valid grounds duly recommended by the
Doctoral Committee. Normally a scholar will be permitted to discontinue from the programme
only for a maximum continuous period of two semesters.

R.19 Cancellation of Registration

(a) The registration of a research scholar whose progress is not found to be satisfactory by the
Doctoral Committee or who has not enrolled is liable to be cancelled.
(b) The registration of a research scholar who has not submitted his/her thesis before the end
of the maximum permissible period as in R.16 will be cancelled.

R.20 Reversion of updated Ph.D Registration to Master’s Programmes

(a) i) A research scholar who updates his/her M.S. registration to Ph.D, may apply for
reversion to the M.S. Programme under the supervision of the same guide(s) if he/she
so desires and if he/she has completed three years after the date of original M.S
registration.
(ii) If a research scholar, who updates his/her M.S. registration to Ph.D, fails to pass the
comprehensive examination in two attempts, he/she will be reverted to the M.S.
Programme.
The Doctoral Committee will consider the application only if the scholar has completed all
the course requirements prescribed originally by the General Test Committee when the
scholar registered for the M.S. programme and if the research work carried out till date is
found suitable for submission as an M.S. thesis. If the application is found acceptable, the
Doctoral Committee may recommend reversion of registration. If the reversion is approved
by the Institute, the Doctoral Committee will continue to function as the General Test
Committee till the completion of the scholar’s M.S. programme.
The scholar must complete the requirements of the M.S. degree within a maximum period
of one year from the date of reversion of the registration from Ph.D to M.S.
(b) i) A research scholar who updates his/her M.Tech registration to Ph.D, may apply for
reversal of registration to the original M.Tech programme if he/she completed three
years after the date of original M.S registration.
ii) If a research scholar, who updates his/her M.Tech registration to Ph.D, fails to pass the
comprehensive examination in two attempts, he/she will be reverted to the M.Tech
Programme.
If the Doctoral Committee recommends the reversal of registration, and the same is approved by
the Institute, the scholar must complete the requirements of the M.Tech degree within a
maximum period of one year from the date of reversal of the registration from Ph.D to M.Tech.
(See M.S. and M.Tech. Ordinances and Regulations)

R.21 Conversion of Ph.D Registration to MS Programmes

The Ph.D registration of a research scholar who fails to complete successfully the
Comprehensive Examination in both attempts, will be given an option to convert his/her
registration from Ph.D to M.S. programme if he/she so desired, otherwise his/her registration will
be cancelled. The procedure for Ph.D scholars of Engineering / Management Department to
convert to MS after failing in the second attempt of Comprehensive Examination is given below :

i) First, the Ph.D. scholar has to formally convey his/her request to exercise the option
for conversion of registration to the M.S. (by Research) programme to the concerned
Guide(s) and Heads of Department soon after he/she is informed of his/her failure in
the second attempt of the Comprehensive Examination.
ii) The Doctoral Committee must favourably recommend the Ph.D. scholar’s request for
conversion to the M.S. (by Research) programme within one week from the date of
receipt of the same from the concerned scholar.
iii) Following the favourable recommendation of the DC and its subsequent approval by
the Chairman, Senate, the DC will become the General Test Committee (GTC) for
the scholar and the same Guide will continue.
iv) The duration of the scholar’s M.S. (by Research) programme shall not be more than
3 years from the date of first registration in the Ph.D. programme.
v) In its first meeting following the conversion of registration, the GTC will take into
account the credits earned by the scholar in the courses already undergone by
him/her as a part of the Ph.D. programme. Further one more course may be
prescribed by the GTC of the scholar to satisfy M.S. programme norms. This is not
applicable to scholars who are directly admitted into the Ph.D programme.
vi) The award of HTRA to the scholar will be as per the M.S. (by Research) programme.

R.22 Synopsis

(a) On satisfactory completion of the prescribed courses, the comprehensive examination and
the research work, the scholar shall submit the requisite copies of the synopsis of his/her
research work in the required format through the guide(s) and Head of the Department to
the Academic Section for consideration of the Doctoral Committee. Prior to submission of
the synopsis, the scholar is required to give at least two seminar talks on the topic of
his/her research. The scholar should have at least one paper either published or accepted
for publication in a refereed journal. DC may consider exceptional cases, which will be
reported to Senate. This amendment shall come in to effect for scholars joined from July
2007 onwards.
(b) The research scholar shall present the synopsis before the Doctoral Committee. The
Doctoral Committee will, if it approves the work reported in the synopsis, permit the
research scholar to submit the thesis and recommend a panel of at least eight examiners
from outside the institute. (Foreign universities)
R.23 Submission of Thesis

The research scholar shall, within one month of acceptance of the Synopsis, submit requisite
copies of the thesis and abstract of the thesis as stipulated.
The Doctoral Committee may grant additional time beyond one month on request from the
scholar for valid reasons.

R.24 Panel of Examiners

The thesis shall be referred to two examiners chosen by the Chairman, Senate or his nominee
from among the panel of examiners recommended by the Doctoral Committee at its synopsis
meeting.

R.25 Thesis Report

(a) The examiner is expected to send the report on the thesis within two months from the date
of receipt of the thesis.
(b) In case of undue delay in receiving the thesis report, the Chairman, Senate or his/her
nominee shall appoint another examiner in his/her place for evaluating the thesis.
(c) If one of the two thesis examiners declares the thesis as not commended, the thesis shall
be referred to a third examiner from the panel for his/her evaluation.
(d) If an examiner suggests resubmission of the thesis, after revision, the research scholar will
be allowed to resubmit the thesis within the time stipulated by the Doctoral Committee
failing which the revised thesis will not be accepted and his/her registration will be
cancelled.
(e) If two examiners, after referral to a third examiner, if necessary, report the thesis as not
commended the registration of the scholar shall stand cancelled.
(f) If reports of two examiners after referral to a third examiner, if necessary, declare the thesis
as ’commended’ the Doctoral Committee will consider the reports and recommend for
conduct of viva voce which will be conducted normally not earlier than two weeks from the
date of the constitution of the viva voce board. The Doctoral Committee will suggest a panel
of at least four expert members out of which one member will be nominated for the viva
voce board.
(g) In all other cases, not covered by the above Regulations the matter will be referred to the
Doctoral Committee for consideration.
R.26 Viva Voce Examination

(a) The following is the composition of the viva voce Board:

Head of the Department

1. ­ Chairman
(if HoD happens to be the Guide of the
research scholar the Senior most
Professor/previous HoD, will be
nominated by Chairman, Senate or his
nominee)
HoD must be present for comprehensive
Exam / Synopsis / Thesis report / Viva
voce meetings of the Scholar

The examiner of the thesis from within

2. the country, or a specialist in the subject ­ Member
nominated by the Chairman, Senate or
his nominee from the panel of examiners
approved by the Doctoral Committee.

3. Research Guide(s) ­ Member (s)

A Specialist either from the Institute or

4. outside from the panel approved by the ­ Member
Doctoral Committee and nominated by
the Chairman, Senate or his nominee
(R.22.f)

(b) The Doctoral Committee members of the Research Scholar concerned will be invitees to
the viva voce.
(c) The viva voce board will examine the scholar on his/her thesis work and evaluate his/her
performance as satisfactory or otherwise.
The viva voce board will ensure that the scholar answers satisfactorily the questions raised
by the thesis examiner(s).
(d) If the report of the viva voce board declares the performance of the research scholar not
satisfactory, he/she may be asked to reappear for viva voce at a later date (not earlier than
a month and not later than six months from the date of the first viva voce).
On the second occasion, the viva voce board will also include the members of the Doctoral
Committee.
(e) If the viva voce board on the second occasion also evaluates the performance of the
research scholar not satisfactory, the matter will be referred to Senate for a decision.
(f) The viva voce board may also recommend revision to be made in the final version of the
thesis after taking into consideration suggestions of the examiners who evaluated the thesis
and the discussion at the viva voce.
The Chairman of the viva voce board shall forward the thesis to the academic section
certifying that the revisions recommended by the viva voce board, if any, have been
incorporated in the copy of the thesis along with the report of the viva voce board.
(g) All the research scholars shall submit one copy of the final form of thesis in A5 size and an
 electronic version in PDF format after the viva voce board recommends the award of the
Ph.D degree.

R.27 Award of Ph.D Degree

If the performance of the research scholar in the viva voce is satisfactory, he/she will be awarded
Ph.D. degree on the recommendation of the Senate and with the approval of the Board of
Governors of the Institute. The award of M.S and Ph.D degrees to the scholars who have
completed all the requirements for the award of M.S / Ph.D degree as and when approved by the
Senate and Board of Governors so as to reduce the period of waiting by scholars for getting the
degrees.

R.28 Discipline

Every scholar is required to observe disciplined and decorous behaviour both inside and outside
the campus and should not indulge in any activity, which will tend to bring down the prestige of
the Institute.
Any act of indiscipline of a scholar reported to the Dean of Academic Research will be referred to
a Discipline and Welfare Committee nominated by the Senate from time to time.
The committee will investigate the charges and will recommend suitable punishment if it finds the
charges substantiated.
The recommendation of the Committee will be considered by the Board of Academic Research,
which will authorise the Dean of Academic Research to take appropriate action.

The Dean will report the action taken at the next meeting of the Senate.

Appeal: The scholar may go in for appeal to the Chairman of the Senate whose decision will be final.

R.29 Power to Modify

Notwithstanding all that has been stated above, the Senate has the right to modify any of the
above regulations from time to time.
 M.S
ORDINANCES

O.1 A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering/Technology of this Institute or a recognised Institute or University in the
discipline as prescribed in the regulations of the Senate is eligible to apply for the Master of
Science by Research (M.S.) Programme in Engineering/ Entrepreneurship/ Management of
this Institute.
O.2 A candidate who has qualified for the award of the M.Sc. degree in basic Sciences of this
Institute or a recognised Institute or University or Master’s degree in certain areas approved
by the Senate is also eligible to apply for the M.S Programme in Engineering
/Entrepreneurship/ Management of this Institute.
O.3 The award of the M.S. degree shall be in accordance with the regulations of the Senate of
this Institute.

REGULATIONS

R.1 Categories of Admission

Candidates will be admitted to the M.S. by research Programme in
Engineering/Entrepreneurship/Management of the Institute under one of the following categories:
(a) Regular full­time scholars with or without Institute fellowship or with project support.
Admission to MS/ Ph.D Programmes under Regular as well as the Project category, the
Departments must adopt a common cut off at the time of calling for interview and common
merit list of selection.
(b) Research scholars who are staff members of the Institute.
(c) Research scholars under the external registration programme sponsored by and employed
in industry/organisation having R & D facilities and recognized by DST or IIT Madras,
national laboratories, reputed universities/colleges or employed in research/analysis jobs in
public sector/private sector/ government in the case of Management area.
(A research scholar under the external registration programme will normally carry out part or all of
his/her research work in the industry/organization/national laboratories/universities employing the
scholar under the supervision of a co­guide employed in the same organization and a guide at IIT
Madras. The candidate must have at least two years experience).

(d) Research scholars working on a part­time basis from a reputed university/ institution/
organization.
(A research scholar working on a part­time basis shall normally carry out research work at IIT Madras
under the supervision of a guide at IIT Madras. The feasibility of doing this with sufficient intensity will
be an important consideration in admitting the scholar in this category.
The candidate must have at least two years experience in the case of Research scholars registered
in Management Studies).
R.2 Eligibility

R.2.1 Minimum educational qualifications

The minimum educational qualifications for admission to the M.S. by research programme in
Engineering / Entrepreneurship / Management are as follows:

Regular full time scholars

2.1.1 (i) M.S. in Engineering

a) Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology with valid GATE score or
a Master’s degree in appropriate Sciences Management/Humanities and Social Sciences
where eligible with a good academic record and a valid GATE score or CSIR/
/UGC/NET/NBHM/JMET/CAT/AIMA or equivalent qualification tenable for the current year
in the relevant areas.
b) Candidates having Associate Membership of the following professional bodies will also be
eligible for admission to the M.S. programme of their parent discipline provided they have a
valid GATE score and have passed both part A and part B of the Membership
examinations with a good academic record. (The Institution of Engineers (India) (Civil,
Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Electronics and communications), The Aeronautical
society of India, The Indian Institute of Metals, The Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers,
The Institute of Electronics and Tele­communication Engineering and other professional
bodies approved by the Senate from time to time.
c) Candidates having qualified in MFT (Major Field Test) will also be eligible for admission to
the M.S. programme if the concerned department opt for it.

2.1.1 (ii) M.S. in Entrepreneurship/Management

A) Bachelors degree or equivalent in any professional discipline of minimum four years duration
or Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, with a good academic record,

AND

B) A good score or pass in:

a) national level post graduate admission qualifying examinations such as

JMET/CAT/XAT/MAT/ATMA/GATE/ UGC or CSIR NET JRF or Lectureship or
equivalent, or

b) International level post graduate admission qualifying examination such as

GMAT/GRE or equivalent

c) at least 3 years of managerial experience in lieu of the qualifying test. (This clause is
only for non­HTRA candidates)

C) Candidates having qualified in MFT (Major Field Test) will also be eligible for admission to
the M.S. programme if the concerned department opt for it.
2.1.2 Institute staff members/Research Scholars under External Registration / Research
scholars working on part time basis.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology or a Master’s degree in appropriate Sciences /
Management / Humanities and Social Sciences where eligible with a good academic record.
However, Valid GATE score or CSIR / UGC NET / NBHM / JMET / CAT / AIMA or equivalent
qualification may not be required in these cases.
The research scholars may be admitted to the MS programme under the part­time category from
a reputed University / Institution / Organization and they must have two years experience for MS
in the case of registration in Engineering/Management.
(The list of eligible disciplines in which the minimum educational qualifications have to be
obtained will be provided by each department in the Admissions Brochure, which will be updated
from time to time.
The Department/Selection Committee may find fit to consider meritorious candidates from
disciplines other than listed at in the Admission Brochure if there is a good match between the
educational/research background of the candidate and the proposed area of research.
The Admission Brochure will also include details about inter­disciplinary research areas, which
may be pursued by the research scholars for the M.S. degree and the corresponding eligible
disciplines given by the Departments).
Additional and stiffer criteria than the minimum educational qualifications given in R.2.1 may be
set by the Department Selection Committee from time to time for short listing candidates to be
called for interview and or test.

R.2.2 Upgradation of registration from M.S to Ph.D Programme

Meritorious candidates who have registered for the M.S. programme are eligible to upgrade their
registration to the Ph.D programme in the same department under the suprevision of the same
guide(s) if they satisfy the following criteria:
(a) The candidate should have been registered for a minimum of 2 semesters in the M.S.
programme.

(b) Minimum CGPA of 8.0 in the prescribed courses in the M.S. Programme. (See page 9 for
explanation of CGPA)
(c) Course work is compulsory and DC can suitably recommend residential requirement to
complete course work.

The General Test Committee of the M.S. scholar will consider the application for upgradation of
Ph.D under the supervision of the same guide(s) and make its recommendation to the Chairman,
Senate to approve the upgradation of the scholar as per rule and report the same to the Senate.
If approved a Doctoral Committee will be constituted to replace the General Test Committee.

The candidate should pass the comprehensive examination within a semester after upgradation
to the Ph.D. programme and within two attempts.

The candidate will be treated on par with one admitted directly after a Bachelor’s degree, but with
the residency period and course work completed under the M.S. registration as decided by the
Doctoral Committee credited to the Ph.D. programme (See Ph.D Ordinances and Regulations).
R.3 International Students

Foreign nationals can only register as regular full­time scholars. Foreign nationals with degree
from Indian Universities will be treated on par with Indian nationals for admission purposes.
Foreign nationals with foreign degrees must meet the minimum educational requirements as
given in R.2.1 equivalent to Indian Master’s degree in the relevant disciplines. In addition, they
should have a valid GRE/ GMAT / GATE /JMET/CAT/XAT/MAT/ATMA/UGC or CSIR /NET /JRF
or an equivalent examination and should have cleared TOEFL score in the relevant discipline.
International students are expected to have a working knowledge of English. Once admitted, IIT
Madras will apply for necessary clearance from the Government of India for study in India.

R.4 Selection Procedure

Eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications, and satisfying

additional/stiffer criteria set by the departments from time to time, will be called for an Interview
and / or Test by Selection Committees of the respective departments.
For candidates who have obtained UG degree 10 years earlier as on the last date prescribed for
receipt of completed application, a departmental test will be conducted.
The applications of foreign nationals may be considered without a personal interview/ test.
Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in the interview and/or test,
the Departmental Selection Committee will recommend to the Chairman, Senate the names of
candidates found suitable for admission to the M.S. in Engineering/Management programmes.
Candidates for M.S. programme in Entrepreneurship will be called by Dean IC & SR to appear for
an interview and/or test. Dean IC&SR will recommend the names of the candidates suitable for
admission, to the Chairman, Senate. (Guidelines for admission to M.S. Entrepreneurship is given
in R. 9). The Head, Department of Management Studies shall coordinate the programme with the
assistance of the IC & SR

R.5 Admission

(a) Candidates whose selection is approved by Chairman, Senate will be admitted to M.S in
Engineering/ Management/ Entrepreneurship programmes after payment of prescribed
fees.
(b) Candidates admitted to M.S in Entrepreneurship shall undergo a three­month course on
‘Entrepreneurial Development’ to be organised by IC & SR. At the end of the course, the
candidates shall submit a pre­feasibility report on the products proposed to be developed by
them at the Institute. The Dean, IC&SR will forward to the Chairman, Senate for approval
for registration of the candidates for M.S in Entrepreneurship. The admission of the
candidates to M.S in Entrepreneurship shall then be regularised. The General Test
Committee will then be constituted.
(c) Ordinarily, a candidate is not eligible for re­registration for M.S. after cancellation of his/her
earlier registration for any reason. Based on the merits of the individual case, and taking
into consideration any special circumstances, a candidate may be considered for re­
registration.
[

R.6 Choice of Guide

(a) Allotment of research scholars to guides will be made by the Head of the Department taking
into consideration the research profile of the department and the preferences of the
research scholars and guides.
(b) There shall be not more than two guides from the Institute for a research scholar.
R.7 Eligibility for being Guides

The following may be a guide for a M.S. Scholar:

· All faculty members of the Institute.
· Scientific / Design staff of the Institute with a doctoral degree.

· Continuance of retired faculty members / emeritus faculty as guides.

(a) When a faculty member, who has guided a candidate for at least 2 years, retires, he
will continue to be a guide. However, a co­guide who is in service will be appointed in
addition. The guide who has retired will be invited for the General Test Committee
meetings, synopsis meeting and the viva voce examination.
(b) A faculty member who is to retire within 2 years may be permitted to become a guide
to a new scholar with another faculty member who is not likely to retire within 3 years
as co­guide at the time of registration itself. On retirement, the faculty member will
continue to be a guide and will be invited to the General Test Committee meetings,
synopsis meeting and the viva voce examination.
(c) CSIR and other Emeritus Fellows / Scientists / Emeritus Professors, who hold office at
this Institute for a period of 1 year or more, can become co­guides for scholars, along
with a guide from IIT Madras, with at least 3 years service still left at the time of
registration of the scholar.
(d) In case a faculty member who is a guide goes on leave exceeding one year duration
another faculty member will be identified to become a co­guide of the research
scholar.
(e) The induction of new guides after 2 years of registration of a research scholar will be
considered by the General Test Committee in the office of the Dean, Academic
Research.

R.8 Change / Addition of Guide

The General Test Committee of a research scholar may recommend change of guide or
appointment of a co­guide for valid reasons.

R.9 General Test Committee

The Head of the Department will intimate to the Dean, Academic Research for each scholar, the
area of research, name(s) of the Guide(s) and a panel of names indicating the area of
specialization of each faculty member for constitution of General Test Committee within 8 weeks
of the date of joining of the research scholar.
(a) The following is the composition of the General Test Committee for M.S. scholars in
Engineering/ Management programmes:

1. Head of the Department/ nominee of ­ Chairman

HoD (If HoD happens to be Guide of
a research scholar, the Senior most
Professor/previous HoD will be
nominated by Chairman, Senate or
his nominee)
HoD may nominate Chairman, if
he/she is otherwise engaged for the
conduct of GTC meetings to assess
the progress of the scholars
HoD must be present for Synopsis /
Thesis report / Viva voce meetings of
the Scholar

2. Research Guide(s) ­ Member (s)

3. Minimum of one faculty member of the ­ Member

Department nominated by the
Chairman, Senate or his nominee from
the suggested panel of names by HoD

4. Minimum of one faculty member from ­ Member

allied departments of the Institute or
allied institutions nominated by the
Chairman, Senate or his nominee from
the suggested panel of the names by
HoD

In case any member goes on leave exceeding one year duration, or resigns or retires from the
Institute, the Chairman, Senate or his nominee will nominate another member on the suggestion
of the Chairman, General Test Committee.
Scientific /Design staff and others who are eligible to guide M.S. Scholars may be nominated as
members of the General Test Committee.

(b) The composition of the General Test Committee for research scholars under M.S in
Entrepreneurship shall, apart from those indicated in (R.9 a) will include the Dean, IC & SR
and a representative of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department or the Department
of Management Studies as members. An advisor from industry shall also be a member of
the General Test Committee. The advisor from industry should be a graduate in the area of
his profession and should have been associated with an industry for a reasonable period of
time. The advisor will be an invitee to the meetings of the General Test Committee.
 In addition the following Guidelines be adopted for admission of candidates to M.S.
(Entrepreneurship) Programme :

The Head, Department of Management Studies :

· To be Chairman of GTC
· To identify a guide from the Science / Engineering Department following due
discussions depending on necessity.
· Atleast one member from another department of IITM other than the Department of
Management Studies or from another Institution to be GTC member.

The Department of Management Studies may select twice the number of candidates with HTRA.
The selected candidates be given orientation programme and he/she has to submit a report
containing conceptual ideas and techno­commercial details about the proposed enterprise.

R.10 Registration

(a) The General Test Committee will meet normally within a month of being constituted,
where the research scholar will make a presentation. The General Test Committee will
fix/approve the date of registration for the M.S. Programme, consider the proposed
research topic and prescribe/approve the courses of study in this meeting.
(b) The registration may be backdated for research scholars employed in IC & SR projects by
up to 6 months from the date of admission to the programme on the recommendation of the
General Test Committee with justification. Based on the recommendation of the General
Test Committee, the Senate may, additionally, permit backdating by a further period of 6
months.

R.11 Course Work

The General Test Committee will normally prescribe three core courses and at least four
electives. The prescribed courses shall be post­graduate level courses of the Institute.

(a) M.S. research scholars with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology should
successfully complete 3 core courses and at least 2 elective courses prescribed by the
General Test Committee.
(b) M.S. research scholars with a Master’s degree in Science or Arts who have registered for
M.S. in Management or in the Computer Science & Engineering area should successfully
complete 3 core courses and at least 2 elective courses prescribed by the General Test
Committee.
(c) M.S. research scholars with a Master’s degree in Science or Arts who have registered for
M.S. Programme other than in Management or in the Computer Science & Engineering
area should successfully complete 5 core courses and at least 3 elective courses out of 5
prescribed by the General Test Committee.
The General Test Committee may give credit to courses already undergone by a research
scholar in this Institute or other Institutions provided they are the same or equivalent to
those prescribed and the performance level of the scholar in them meets the minimum
required. The General Test Committee may prescribe additional courses for research
scholars wherever found necessary.
M.S. research scholars admitted to the programme shall obtain a minimum CGPA of 7.5 in
the courses taken by them, subject to a minimum of ’C’ grade in the prescribed courses. If
more than the Minimum required electives have been taken, only the electives with the best
performance will be considered for computing the CGPA.
 (see R11 under PhD for explanation of CGPA)

The General Test Committee may allow the research scholars to choose not more than 3
optional courses, in addition to the courses already prescribed. It shall be open to the
General Test Committee to permit or not to permit a research scholar to take optional
courses in view of research work. The optional courses will not count towards the
requirements of M.S. Programme. The grades obtained in these courses will be mentioned
in the transcript.
(d) M.S. research scholars who update their registration to the Ph.D programme should
successfully complete 5 core courses and at least 3 elective courses prescribed by the
Doctoral Committee. The Doctoral Committee may give credits to courses already
successfully completed by the research scholars during their M.S. programme towards the
course requirement of the updated Ph.D programme. The Doctoral Committee may
prescribe additional courses for such scholars if found necessary.

R.12 Progress Report

(a) A research scholar shall, after registration, submit annually a written report in the required
format. The report should be routed through the guide to the Head of the Department, for
consideration by the General Test Committee.
(b) The progress made by a research scholar shall be reviewed by the General Test
Committee once a year. Continuance of registration, and award/continuance of
scholarship/Research Assistantship will be based on the recommendation of the General
Test Committee. In the case of research scholars under the external registration
programme or working on part­time basis, the General Test Committee will pay particular
attention to the quantum of effort put in by the scholar towards M.S Studies and progress.
Inadequacy of effort/progress can be a reason for cancellation of registration.

R.13 Enrolment

All research scholars who are in residence and whose registration for research degree is still in
force are required to enroll in person each semester on the stipulated date till their submission of
thesis, on payment of the requisite fees. Those not in residence may pre­enroll in absentia during
the stipulated period after payment of the requisite fees. The enrolment will be completed only
after successful completion of progress meeting during the semester. The enrolment will be
cancelled if the progress is not satisfactory.

R.14 Minimum Residential Requirement

(a) The minimum period of study and research required at the Institute from the date of
registration for M.S. Programme to the date of submission of M.S. Thesis shall be 18
months for all regular full time M.S research scholars.
(b) The minimum residential requirement for M.S research scholars under external registration
or M.S research scholars working on a part­time basis not employed in the Institute is one
semester.
R.15 Relief from M.S. programme to take up job

M.S. research scholars who get a job offer can get relief from the programme, while keeping their
registration alive on payment of the requisite fees every semester, on the following conditions:
Scholars who take up jobs will be relieved on their request, based on the recommendations of
General Test Committee, if they have completed their (a) minimum residential requirement and
(b) course work.
The renewal of their registration for every year/semester will be considered only if the General
Test Committee finds his/her progress to be satisfactory and recommends continuance of
registration.

R.16 Maximum Duration of Programme

M.S. Research Scholars shall submit the thesis within three years from the date of registration.
The General Test Committee may extend the period of submission of the thesis by up to 1 year
for regular full time research scholars with an additional year for research scholars who are staff
members of the institute, research scholars under external registration and research scholars
working on a part­time basis.

R.16 a Withdrawal from the programme

A scholar may be permitted by the Dean, Academic Research to withdraw from the programme
for a semester or longer for reasons of ill health or other valid grounds duly recommended by the
General Test Committee. Normally a scholar will be permitted to discontinue from the
programme only for a maximum continuous period of two semesters.

R.17 Cancellation of Registration

(a) The registration of a research scholar whose progress is not found to be satisfactory by the
General Test Committee or who has not enrolled is liable to be cancelled.
(b) The registration of a research scholar who has not submitted his/her thesis before the end
of the maximum permissible period as in R.16 will be cancelled.

R.18 Reversion of updated Ph.D Registration to M.S Programme

(a) A research scholar, who updates his/her M.S. registration to Ph.D, may apply for reversion
to the M.S. programme under the supervision of the same guide(s), if he/she so desires
and if he/she has completed three years after the date of original M.S. registration.
(b) If a research scholar who updates his/her M.S. registration to Ph.D fails to pass the
comprehensive examination in two attempts, he/she will be reverted to the M.S.
Programme.
The Doctoral Committee will consider the application only if the scholar has completed all
the course requirements prescribed originally by the General Test Committee when the
scholar registered for M.S and if the research work carried out till date is found suitable for
submission as an M.S thesis. If the application is found acceptable, the Doctoral
Committee may recommend the reversal of registration. If the reversion is approved by the
Institute, the Doctoral Committee will continue to function as the General Test Committee
till the completion of the scholar’s M.S. programme.
 The scholar must complete the requirements of the M.S. degree within a maximum period
of one year from the date of reversal of the registration from Ph.D to M.S.

R.18A Conversion of Ph.D Registration to M.S Programme

The Ph.D registration of a research scholar who fails to complete successfully the
Comprehensive Examination in both attempts, will be given an option to convert his/her
registration from Ph.D to M.S. programme if he/she so desired, otherwise his/her
registration will be cancelled. The procedure for to Ph.D scholars of Engineering /
Management Department to convert to MS after failing in the second attempt of
Comprehensive Examination is given in R.18 A / Ph.D

R.19 Synopsis

(a) On satisfactory completion of the prescribed courses and research, research scholars
under the M.S. Programme in Engineering / Management, shall submit to the Head of the
Department through their guide(s), requisite copies of the synopsis of the research work for
consideration by the General Test Committee.
(b) Research scholars under the M.S. programme in Entrepreneurship shall submit requisite
copies of the synopsis in two separate volumes, one volume being the technical part and
the other volume being the commercial part.
(c) Prior to the submission of the synopsis, research scholars are required to give at least one
seminar talk on the topic of their research work.
(d) Research scholars are expected to publish the results of their research before submission
of their theses preferably in a refereed journal.
(e) The research scholars shall present the synopsis before the General Test Committee. The
General Test Committee will, if it approves the work reported in the synopsis, permit the
research scholar to submit the thesis and recommend a panel of at least six thesis
examiners from outside the Institute.

R.20 Submission of Thesis

The research scholar shall, within one month of acceptance of the synopsis, submit the requisite
copies of the thesis and abstract of the thesis as stipulated.
The General Test Committee may grant additional time beyond one month, on request from the
scholar for valid reasons.

R.21 Panel of Examiners

(a) The thesis of the research scholars other than the one under the M.S. programme in
Entrepreneurship shall be referred to two examiners chosen by the Chairman, Senate or
his nominee from among the panel of examiners recommended by the General Test
Committee at its synopsis meeting.
(b) The thesis of the research scholars under the M.S. programme in Entrepreneurship shall be
referred to two examiners, chosen by the Chairman, Senate or his nominee from among
the panel of examiners recommended by the General Test Committee at its synopsis
meeting, one for evaluation of the technical part and the other for evaluation of the
 commercial part. A brief note explaining the objectives and scope of M.S. programme in
Entrepreneurship will be sent to the examiners along with the synopsis.

R.22 Thesis Report

(a) The examiner is expected to send the report on the thesis within six weeks from the date of
receipt of the thesis.
(b) In case of undue delay in receiving the thesis report, the Chairman, Senate or his nominee
shall appoint another examiner in his/her place for evaluating the thesis.
(c) If one of the two thesis examiners declare the thesis, as not commended, the thesis shall
be referred to a third examiner from the panel for his/her evaluation.
(d) If an examiner suggests resubmission of the thesis, after revision, the research scholar will
be allowed to resubmit the thesis within the time stipulated by the General Test Committee
failing which the revised thesis will not be accepted and his/her registration will be
cancelled.
(e) If two examiners, after referral to a third examiner, if necessary, report the thesis as not
commended, the registration of the scholar shall stand cancelled.

(f) i) M.S. in Engineering/Management:

If reports of two examiners after referral to a third examiner, if necessary, declare the thesis
as ’commended’ and if no viva voce is suggested, the General Test Committee will consider
the reports within two weeks of receipt of copies of reports by the Chairman, General Test
Committee from the Academic Section, and recommend the award of Degree of M.S. (by
Research) to the scholar, with a certificate that the corrections/revisions suggested by the
examiner(s) have been incorporated in the thesis.
In the event of both or one of the examiners having suggested conduct of viva voce, the
viva voce Board will conduct the viva voce examination and recommend the award of
degree of M.S (by Research) to the scholar, with a certificate that the performance of the
research scholar in the viva voce was found to be satisfactory and that the
corrections/revisions suggested by the examiner(s) have been incorporated in the thesis.
The viva voce will be conducted normally not earlier than two weeks from the date of
receipt of copies of reports by the Chairman, General Test Committee from the Academic
Section

ii) M.S in Entrepreneurship:

If reports of each examiner after referral to a second examiner, (Technical or Commercial),

if necessary, declare the thesis as ’commended’ the viva voce board will conduct the viva
voce examination and recommend the award of the Degree of M.S (by Research) in
Entrepreneurship to the scholar, with a certificate that the performance of the research
scholar in the viva voce was found to be satisfactory and that the corrections/revisions
suggested by the examiner(s) have been incorporated in the thesis. The viva voce will be
conducted normally not earlier than two weeks from the date of receipt of copies of reports
by the Chairman, General Test Committee from the Academic Section.

g) In all other cases, not covered by the above regulations the matter will be referred to the
General Test Committee for consideration.
R.23 Viva Voce Board

a) i) M.S in Engineering/ Management :

The viva voce board shall comprise the members of the General Test Committee.

ii) M.S in Entrepreneurship:

The viva voce board shall comprise the members of the General Test Committee.

If one of the thesis examiners cannot be present at the viva voce examination due to
unforeseen circumstances, another specialist from within the Institute or from outside
approved by the Chairman, Senate or his nominee will be appointed.

(b) The viva voce board will examine the scholar on his/her thesis work and evaluate his/her
performance as satisfactory or otherwise.
(c) If the report of the viva voce board declares the performance of the research scholar as not
satisfactory, he/she may be asked to reappear for viva voce at a later date (not earlier than
a month and not later than six months from the date of the first viva voce).
(d) If the viva voce board on the second occasion also evaluates the performance of the
research scholar as not satisfactory, the matter will be referred to the Senate for a decision.
(e) The viva voce board may also recommend revision to be made in the final version of the
thesis after taking into consideration, suggestions of the examiners who evaluated the
thesis and the discussion at the viva voce examination. The Chairman of the viva voce
board shall forward the thesis to the Academic Section certifying that the revisions
recommended by the viva voce board, if any, have been incorporated in the copy of the
thesis along with the report of the viva voce board.
All the research scholars shall submit one copy of the final form of the thesis in A5 size and
an electronic version in pdf format after the General Test Committee or the viva voce board
recommends the award of the degree.

R.24 Award of M.S. Degree (by Research)

On the recommendation of the General Test Committee/viva voce board and Senate and with the
approval of the Board of Governors of the Institute the research scholar will be awarded the M.S.
degree (by Research).
The Department of Management Studies to award the MS (Entrepreneurship) degree.

R.25 Discipline

Every scholar is required to observe disciplined and decorous behaviour both inside and outside
the campus and should not indulge in any activity, which will tend to bring down the prestige of
the Institute.
Any act of indiscipline of a scholar reported to the Dean of Academic Research will be referred to
a Discipline and Welfare Committee nominated by the Senate from time to time.
The committee will investigate the charges and will recommend suitable punishment if it finds the
charges substantiated.

The recommendation of the Committee will be considered by the Board of Academic Research,
which will authorise the Dean of Academic Research to take appropriate action.
The Dean will report the action taken at the next meeting of the Senate.

Appeal: The scholar may go in for appeal to the Chairman of the Senate whose decision will be final.

R.26 Power to Modify

Notwithstanding all that has been stated above, the Senate has the right to modify any of the
above regulations from time to time.