Index

Sr. Particulars Page

no.
PREFACE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Organizational Structure for Academic Administration
1.2 Academic Calendar
2. CURRICULUM / PROGRAMME OF STUDY
2.1 Curriculum
2.2 Semester – Autumn, Spring, Summer
2.3 Course Credit System/Structure
2.3.1 Theory and Laboratory Courses
2.3.2. Seminars
2.3.3 Projects
2.3.3.1 B.Tech. Projects (BTP –I and BTP-II)
2.3.3.2 Integrated M.Sc. Project
2.3.3.3 Dual Degree Project (DDP)
2.3.4 Non-Credit Requirements
2.3.4.1 NCC/NSO/NSS
2.3.4.2 Practical Training (PT)
2.3.4.3 Works Visit
2.4 Minimum Credit Requirements and Planning of Individual Academic programme
2.5 Opportunities for Additional Learning: MINOR, HONORS
2.5.1. MINOR
2.5.2. HONORS
3. REGISTRATION
3.1 Semester-wise registration

3.2 Procedure for Registration

3.2.1 Online Registration
3.2.2 Manual Registration
3.2.3 Late Registration
3.2.4 Registration for the first two semesters
3.2.5 Registration for third and subsequent semesters
3.3 Registration for Non-credit courses
3.3.1 Registration for NCC/NSO/NSS
3.3.2 Registration for Practical Training (PT)
3.3.3 Registration for Works Visit
3.4 Registration for Projects
3.4.1 Registration for B.Tech. Projects (BTPs)
3.4.2 Registration for Dual Degree Projects (DDPs)
3.4.3 Registration for 5year Integrated M.Sc. Project
3.5 Course Adjustment / Dropping of courses
3.6 Dropping of a Semester
3.7 Registration for Additional Courses : (Minor, Honors, etc.)
3.8 Summer course Registration
4 SPECIAL FEATURES IN REGISTRATION
4.1 Academic Standing
4.2 Normal Load
4.3 Reduced Load for Category IV and Category V Students
4.4 Students with four or more backlogs
4.5 Overloading of courses
4.6 Carrying Backlogs forward
4.6.1 Offering of core courses in both semesters
4.6.2 Summer courses
4.6.3 Normal load accommodates credits for an additional course
4.7 Audit course
4.8 Registration for Post-Graduate level courses
4.9 Guided Study
4.10 Course Substitution
4.11 Summer courses

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5 EXAMINATION / ASSESSMENT
5.1 Attendance
5.2 Modes of evaluation for theory courses
5.3 Modes of evaluation for Laboratory courses
5.4 Modes of evaluation for Seminars
5.5 Modes of evaluation for Projects
5.5.1 B.Tech. Proects
5.5.2 Dual Degree Projects
5.5.3 Integrated M.Sc. Project
5.6 Non Credit requirements
5.6.1 NCC / NSO / NSS
5.6.2 Practical Training (PT)
5.6.3 Works Visit
5.7 Grading
5.8 Valid reasons for semester end make up examination
5.9 Academic Malpractice
5.10 SPI / CPI
5.10.1 Semester Performance Index (SPI)
5.10.2 Cumulative Performance Index (CPI)
5.10.3 Semester Grade Report
5.10.4 Transcript; Consolidated statement of Academic Performance
5.11 Display of In-semester performance
5.12 Disclosing the evaluated answer scripts after semester end examination
5.13 Answer script retention period
5.14 Re-evaluation and Re-totaling of marks
6. CHANGE OF BRANCH
7. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Award of degree
7.2 Award of Medals
7.3 Early termination during the First Year
7.4 Early exit for poorly performing Dual Degree students
8. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS (URA)
9. MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Helping weaker students
9.2 Faculty Advisor
10. GLOSSARY

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PREFACE

The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB) is one of the Indian Institutes of Technology in the
country, set up with the objective of making available facilities for higher education, research and
training in various fields of Science and Technology. The Institute is now recognized as a leader in
science and engineering education not only in India, but world-wide. It has established a firm
foundation for education and research with a high-quality faculty base and having a vision to be the
fountainhead of new ideas and innovations in technology and science. The mission of IIT Bombay is
to create an ambiance in which new ideas, research and scholarship flourish and from which the
leaders and innovators of tomorrow emerge.

IIT Bombay on an average admits annually around 600 candidates for the undergraduate
programmes (B.Tech./Dual Degree and 5 year Integrated M.Sc.) through Joint Entrance Examination
(JEE), around 180 candidates for 2-year M.Sc. programmes, over 700 candidates for different
postgraduate programmes and around 200 candidates for various Ph.D programmes. The Institute
follows a specialized credit based semester system. There are two Semesters in an academic year
(Autumn – July-Nov; and Spring - January-April) during which all courses specified for various
degree programmes are offered. There is one additional Semester during summer, called the
Summer Term, for summer courses. The students are required to follow certain procedures and
meet specified academic requirements each semester. This booklet gives comprehensive information
on the existing Rules and Regulations for B.Tech., Dual Degree and Integrated M.Sc. Programmes.

IIT Bombay gives freedom to its various Departments /Centers / IDPs to tailor their academic
programmes as per their specific needs, within the frame work of the Rules and Regulations
approved by the Senate from time to time. Keeping in view the ever growing challenges and new
developments, IIT Bombay recently revised its Undergraduate Programme (w.e.f. the Academic year
2007) to address the specific needs of the country. The revised programme, provide additional
opportunities and flexibilities for students to optimize their learning experience. This needs continuous
and meticulous planning of the academic profile on the part of each student to fully utilize the
opportunities. The students, and parents/guardians, are therefore advised to get themselves fully
utilize the opportunities. The students, and parents and guardians, are therefore advised to get
themselves familiar with the academic system of the Institute, since in many ways it is different from
what they would have come across earlier. Student's attention is brought particularly to the
assessment procedures and the specific rules governing the grading system, academic performance
requirements, etc.

IIT Bombay is a very student-oriented place and the Institute’s endeavor is to ensure that its students
are offered the best opportunities that are needed to create outstanding scientists and engineers.

Thank you for your interest in IIT Bombay. We wish all our students a very bright future and
successful career.

2008

Dean of Academic Programmes

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1. INTRODUCTION

B.Tech./ Dual Degree / Integrated M.Sc. programmes consist of courses in basic sciences, humanities
and social sciences, engineering and technology and other related topics. The sequence of studies
broadly consists of three phases.

The first phase is an intense study of sciences, mathematics and humanities. Here many concepts are
revisited for a deeper understanding than what was done in school, apart from delving into advanced
topics. This is common for all UG programmes.

The second phase is the study of engineering sciences and technical arts (such as workshop,
engineering graphics, etc.). This emphasizes a broad based knowledge in general engineering, and
engineering methodologies, and enables the students to appreciate the links between science and
engineering. This phase is also, by and large, common for all UG programmes, and overlaps with the
first phase.

In the third phase, the students are exposed to subjects in their chosen areas of study, designed to
train them in the methodologies of analysis of problems and synthesis of solutions. The courses dwell
on the principles governing systems and processes, and develop in them the ability for physical and
analytical modeling, design and development. They are also introduced to engineering practice
through laboratory courses, works visits, practical training, projects etc., and these may vary from
discipline to discipline.

In parallel with the third phase, students can strive to broaden their perspectives through two open
electives where s/he can take courses drawn from across the Institute.

Integrated M.Sc. students in addition work independently on a project, wherein they investigate natural
and abstract problems and produce mathematical, computational and/or experimental results.

Dual Degree students do additional courses to get in-depth knowledge in their chosen disciplines,
often with specializations. In addition, they work on a research and development project during their
final year.

At various stages of the programme, students are initiated into research methodologies, library
reference work, use of engineering and scientific equipments/instruments, learning of modern
computational techniques, writing of technical and scientific reports and effective communication.

Apart from the minimum credit requirements for the award of the degree, opportunities exist for
supplementing the learning experience by crediting additional courses, in diverse areas. These
additional credits when they are in focused areas can earn the students credentials like Minor/Honors.

The requirements for degree programmes run by the Institute are broadly classified as:

• Institute Requirements (further divided into Compulsory courses, Elective courses and other
requirements.)
• Departmental Requirements (further divided into Compulsory courses, Elective courses and
other requirements).

Syllabi of various programmes are given in the Courses of Study Bulletin available on the Institute
website: http://asc.iitb.ac.in/

1.1 Organizational Structure for Academic Administration

The academic programmes of the Institute are governed by Rules and Regulations
approved by the Senate from time to time. The Senate is a statutory and supreme body that
governs all academic matters of the Institute, and the rulings of Senate Chairman ( Director of The

4
Institute) are final in regard to all academic issues. A definite time schedule is set by the Senate
for various academic activities, through an Academic Calendar issued in the beginning of each
academic year. The Senate continuously assesses the academic programmes and makes
appropriate revisions/modifications/improvements as and when required through two Institute
level Senate sub-committees: Under-Graduate Programmes Committee (UGPC) for the
undergraduate programmes and Post-Graduate Programmes Committee ( PGPC) for the post-
graduate programmes. Dean of Academic Programmes (Dean, AP) is the convener for both these
committees. Similarly, performance of each student is monitored by the Senate through two
Institute level Senate sub-committees: Under-Graduate Performance Evaluation Committee
(UGAPEC) and Post-Graduate Performance Evaluation Committee (PGAPEC). Conveners for
these committees are designated from among Senate members. These four committees make
recommendations to the Senate, and, in turn seek/receive opinions/recommendations, when
required, from the two Department level committees in each department: Department Under-
Graduate Committee (DUGC) and Department Post-Graduate Committee (DPGC). The DUGCs
and DPGCs handle all academic matters, related to both the academic programmes as well as
the performance of individual students. The Head of the Department is the convener for both
these Departmental committees. The Senate, as well as the above sub-committees, have student
representatives. Administrative support for all academic matters is provided by the Academic
Office, with a Deputy Registrar (Academic) as in-charge.

On joining the Institute, a student is assigned to a Faculty Advisor from his/her

Department. Students are expected to consult the Faculty Advisor on any matter relating
to their academic performance and the courses they may take in various semesters /
summer terms. The system of Faculty Advisors has been evolved to extend guidance to
the students enabling them to complete their courses of study for the required degree in a
smooth and satisfactory manner.

All academic issues connected with the B.Tech., Dual degree and Integrated M.Sc.
programmes are handled by DUGC, UGAPEC and UGPC. If on any academic matter an
undergraduate student would like to approach this administrative structure, it is always
through the DUGC, with advice and recommendations from her /his Faculty Advisor.

1.2 Academic Calendar

The academic activities of the Institute are regulated by the Academic Calendar
approved by the Senate, and released at the beginning of each academic year. It
is mandatory for students / faculty to strictly adhere to the academic calendar for
completion of academic activities. The Academic Calendar can be seen at the
Academic Office homepage on the Institute website.(http://www.iitb.ac.in/acad)

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 Organizational structure for academic matters

2. CURRICULUM / PROGRAMME OF STUDY

2.1 Curriculum
Every degree programme has a prescribed course structure which in general terms is
known as the Curriculum or the Courses of Study (COS). It prescribes all the courses /
labs / other requirements for the degree and sets out the nominal sequence semester-
wise. It also gives the syllabus and a list of text / reference books for each course. The
Courses of Study details are updated every semester and are made available on the
Institute's web site : http://www.iitb.ac.in/acad

2.2 Semester – Autumn, Spring, Summer

The Institute follows a specialized credit-based semester system. There are two regular
semesters in a year. The semester that begins in July (July to Nov.) is known as the
Autumn Semester or Semester 1 and the semester that begins in January (Jan. to April)
is known as the Spring Semester or Semester 2.

During the summer vacation, i.e., (May-June), there is one additional semester for
summer courses known as the Summer Term. Only a few courses run in summer
(Sec.3.8) and are utilized by students, when offered, to clear failed/dropped courses, or
courses towards the requirements of Minor/Honors (Sec. 2.5), etc.

2.3 Course Credit Structure

In general a certain quantum of academic work measured in terms of credits is laid down
as the requirements for a particular degree. A student earns credits by satisfactorily
clearing courses/completing other academic activities every semester. The amount of

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 credit associated with a course is dependent upon the number of hours of instruction per
week in that course. Similarly the credit associated with any of the other activities is
dependent upon the quantum of work expected to be put into these activities each week.
2.3.1 Theory and Laboratory Courses:
Courses are broadly classified as Theory courses and Laboratory Courses. Theory
courses consist of lecture (L) and tutorial (T) hours, but may have attached practical (P)
hours in special cases. Laboratory courses consist of practical hours, but may have
attached tutorial hours in special cases. Credit (C) for a course is dependent on the
number of hours of instruction per week in that course, and is obtained by using a
multiplier of two (2) for lecture and tutorial hours, and a multiplier of one (1) for laboratory
hours. Thus, for example, a theory course having two lectures and one tutorial per week
throughout the semester carries a credit of 6. Similarly, a laboratory course having one
tutorial and three laboratory hours per week throughout semester carries a credit of 5. For
example -

Theory course Laboratory course

L T P C L T P C
2 1 0 6 0 1 3 5

In the Courses of Study, if a course is shown as, say, CE304 Soil Mechanics II : 2 1 0 6,
it indicates the following :

Course detail Indicates the following

CE Alphabetic code for Civil Engg. Department course.

3 Year / Level code (This indicates that the course is offered in the Third
year)
04 Serial Number and the Semester indicator (last digit indicates even or
odd semester. Even = Spring Semester; Odd = Autumn Semester)
Soil Mechanics II Title of the course
2106 L T P C (credit structure)

Similarly for a Laboratory Course - (CE218 : Hydraulic Design Lab. : 0 1 3 5),

Course detail Indicates the following

CE Alphabetic code for Civil Engg. Department course.

2 Year / Level code (This indicates that the course is offered in the Second year)
18 Serial Number and the Semester indicator (last digit indicates even or
odd semester. Even = Spring Semester; Odd = Autumn Semester)
Hydraulic Design Title of the course
Lab
0135 L T P C (credit structure)

Lab courses usually have either a 1 or a 6 as the middle digit in the course number.
Other academic activities consist of Seminars, Projects, Practical Training, Works Visit
and NSO/NSS/NCC. Seminars and Projects are activities associated with credits. NSO /
NSS / NCC, Practical Training (PT), Works Visit, etc., are non-credit activities.
2.3.2. Seminars
Some departments may prescribe Seminar as a requirement for the B.Tech., Int.M.Sc. or the Dual
Degree. Seminar is a course wherein under the guidance of a faculty member a student is

7
 expected to do an in-depth study in a specialized area by doing survey of published
technical literature, understanding different aspects of the subject and arriving at a status
report. While doing a seminar, the student is expected to critically analyze works of
various authors/researchers, learn the investigation methodologies, study concepts,
techniques and the results presented in these papers, and present a seminar report. It is
mandatory to give a seminar presentation before a panel constituted for the purpose.
Seminars typically carry 3 credits.

2.3.3 Projects

2.3.3.1 B.Tech. Projects (BTP I and BTP II) :

Some departments may prescribe a Project as a requirement for the B.Tech. degree, or
as a requirement for Honors (see Sec.2.5.2), wherein under the guidance of a faculty
member a student in the sixth or a later semester is required to do some innovative work
with the application of knowledge gained while undergoing various courses in the earlier
years. S/he is expected to do a survey of literature in the subject, work out a project plan
and carry it out through experimentation and/or modeling/computation. Through the
project work, the student has to exhibit skills for both analysis and synthesis. These
projects (BTPs) may be offered as a single unit (BTP) or two modules (BTP-I and BTP-
II). Departments may also prescribe a minimum performance in BTP-I for being eligible
for BTP-II (See Sec.5.5.1). B.Tech.Projects carry a total of 12-18 credits.

Even when it is not prescribed as a mandatory requirement for the degree or when not
being interested in Honours, a student can opt to do a BTP as an additional learning, if
s/he so desires and can find suitable supervisor(s) to guide her/him.

2.3.3.2 Integrated M.Sc. Project:

M.Sc. Project is a mandatory requirement for the Integrated M.Sc. degree. The project is
normally done during both the semesters of the final year, wherein the students work
independently and investigate natural and abstract problems and produce mathematical,
computational and/or experimental results. Integrated M.Sc. Project carries a total credit
of 30.

2.3.3.3 Dual Degree Project (DDP):

Dual Degree Project is a mandatory requirement in the Dual Degree Programmes. The
project consists of two stages, spread over fourteen months of duration, normally starting
from the summer after the eighth semester and ending with the summer after the tenth
semester. These are essentially research and development projects, where a student
trains oneself, under the guidance of supervisor/s, in in-depth analysis of an engineering
problem and attempts synthesis of a solution. Literature survey, problem analysis and
problem definition, extensive experimental/modeling work, and analysis of results typically
form various components of the project work. DDP carries a total of 72 credits.

2.3.4 Non-Credit Requirements:

2.3.4.1 NCC / NSO / NSS

One of the three activities, National Cadet Corps (NCC) or National Sports Organization
(NSO) or National Social Service (NSS) is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate
students for the award of degree. These are normally conducted during evenings of week
days and are designed for character building and to sensitize the students to social /
national issues. These activities carry no credits and are evaluated as Passed (PP) / Not
Passed (NP).

2.3.4.2 Practical Training (PT)

Some departments may prescribe eight (8) weeks of practical training as a part of the

8
 minimum requirement for the award of the degree. In such a case a student is required to
undergo Practical Training (PT) in an approved enterprise, factory or work-site in India.
Practical Trainings are designed to familiarize students with the way in which an
enterprise is organized and how the science and engineering principles that they study in
the Institute are used to deliver goods and services to the society. Practical Training is
done during the vacation. It can be done either (i) in one spell of 8 weeks in the summer
vacation anytime after the sixth semester or (ii) in one spell of 4 weeks after the fourth
th
semester and another spell of 4 weeks any time after the 5 semester. Practical Training
carries no credits and is evaluated as Passed (PP) / Not Passed (NP)

2.3.4.3 Works Visit:

Some departments may prescribe works visit as part of the degree requirement. Students
are taken on conducted tours through industrial works to expose them to various
technologies employed in the industry. The visits are arranged, once a week, to a local
industry, and take place during the semester. Works visit carries no credits and is
evaluated as Passed (PP) / Not Passed (NP).

2.4 Minimum Credit Requirements and Planning of Individual Academic

Programme

Depending on the discipline, the minimum credits required for award of a B.Tech. degree
is between 252 and 264. This is nominally divided into 108 credits as Institute
requirements and 144 -156 credits as Departmental requirements. The minimum credit
requirement for Int. M.Sc. is 340. For the Dual Degree, the requirement is between 278 to
390 credits (250-264 B.Tech. + 30 Honors + 96 M.Tech.) The credits are distributed
semester-wise as shown in the Courses of Study bulletin for each department. Courses
generally progress in sequences, building competencies and their positioning indicates
certain academic maturity on the part of the students. Some courses do, in addition,
specify passing in courses offered earlier in the programmes as pre-requisites. Students
are expected to follow the semester-wise schedule of courses given in the Courses of
Study bulletin; they do, however, have the freedom to follow alternative schedules to
optimize their academic profile, keeping the requirements for each course in mind. For
students with backlog courses, such rescheduling may even become necessary. Such
departures from suggested schedules need to be done very carefully, and always with
advice from the Faculty Advisor.

2.5 Opportunities for Additional Learning : MINOR,HONOURS, ETC. :

Opportunities provided for optional additional learning, in the new programme

introduced in 2007, recognizes the fact that students’ aspirations, on one hand, and the
demands of the work place, on the other, have become highly diverse. Every student
has specific abilities, interests and career goals. Employers too look for people with
different combinations of competencies and flavours.

Each of the programmes prescribes a minimum of credits, and courses that would
qualify a candidate for the award of the Degree in a particular discipline. The total
credits for the B.Tech. programme for example varies between 252-264 depending on
the discipline, as mentioned earlier. This approximately converts itself into about four
theory courses and one or two laboratory courses or other activities like seminar,
project, etc., every semester. Every student in that discipline undergoes this
programme. This minimum content may not have much flexibility.

Normal load during a semester permits B.Tech. and Int.M.Sc. students, who are
not identified as academically weak (see Sec. 4.1-4.2), to optionally take an additional

9
course (about 6-8 credits). This surplus quality time ( equivalent to a total of about 36-
44 credits, about 6-8 credits every semester after the first year) available beyond the
minimum programme permits a student of B.Tech./Int.M.Sc. programme to tailor
her/his curriculum vitae to satisfy her/his widely varying interests /abilities
/aspirations and to develop multifarious competencies that the employers desire.

It is expected that all students with reasonably good academic standing (See
Sec.4.1-4.2), utilize this surplus time for enhancing their academic learning experience,
though the initiative is left entirely to them. They can use it to credit an assortment of
courses/projects anywhere in the Institute (subject to requirements of each of these
courses being met), to gain a wide exposure. These additional academic
accomplishments will find a separate mention in the transcript (Sec.5.10.4). They can
also credit focused activities which can qualify as a minor/honours (details below).
They may alternatively devote part or all of the additional time for extra-curricular
activities (including social work) if they so desire, and gain hands-on
administrative/managerial/aesthetic skills or sensitivity towards social issues.

Since seats available in such courses will always be limited, and competition
severe, students aspiring to do these additional courses have to maintain high academic
standing to register in these courses. Sustained hard work and diligence throughout the
duration of the programme is necessary to maintain the academic standing and gain
entry to courses of one’s choice.

This additional time will be used by students with back-logs ( failed courses) or
dropped courses to clear these with proper classroom learning. They may not be able to
take the courses towards additional accomplishments mentioned above, if any of
her/his backlog courses is running in a particular semester, or s/he does not have
adequate academic standing (see Sec.4.1-4.4).

The Dual Degree programme will have an additional master’s level component of 96
credits which includes 24 credits of post-graduate level courses and a Master’s thesis.
The programme also prescribes a mandatory honours component of 30 credits. This
approximately converts itself into about five theory courses and one or two laboratory
courses or other activities like seminar, projects etc., every semester. This being full
load, option available to dual degree students for additional learning beyond the
prescribed credits is limited ( See Sec.2.5.4)

2.5.1. Minor:

Minor is an additional credential a student will earn if s/he does 30 credits

worth of additional learning in a discipline other than her/his major discipline of
B.Tech. degree. All academic units in the Institute will offer minors in their disciplines,
and will prescribe what set of courses and/or other activities like projects is necessary
for earning a minor in that discipline.

A student does not pre-register for a minor. S/he accumulates credits by

registering for the required courses, and if the requirements for a particular minor is
met within the prescribed minimum time limit for the course, the minor will be
awarded. This will be mentioned in the Degree Certificate as “Bachelor of Technology in
xxx with Minor in yyy.” The fact will also be reflected in the transcript, along with the
list of courses taken (See Sec.5.10.4).

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 Since the number of seats available for each of the courses will always be
limited, one has to compete for a place in every course. Maintaining a high academic
standing therefore is essential for completing all the requirements for a minor as
mentioned earlier. Even if one specified course cannot be earned during the course of
the programme, that minor will not be awarded. The individual course credits earned
however will be reflected in the transcript.

For the award of the minor, all requirements towards the basic degree and the minor
have to be completed within the stipulated minimum period of the programme one is
registered for.

Minor option is not available to Dual Degree students unless they have excellent
academic standing (See Sec.2.5.4)

2.5.2.Honours :

Honours is an additional credential a student will earn if s/he opts for the extra
30 credits needed for this in her/his own discipline. The concerned department
specifies the course requirements for earning the Honours.

As in the case of minors, a student does not register for Honours. S/he
accumulates credits by registering for the required courses/academic activities. On
successful accumulation of credits at the end of the programme, this will be mentioned
in the Degree Certificate as “ Bachelor of Technology in xxx, with Honours.” The fact will
also be reflected in the transcript, along with the list of courses, etc., taken.

For the award of the honours to B.Tech. and Integrated M.Sc. students, all
requirements towards the basic degree and the honours have to be completed within the
stipulated period of the programme one is registered for.

Honours is not indicative of class.

2.5.3. Two Minors etc. for Students with Excellent Academic Standing :

Students with excellent academic standing (Category I, See. Sec.4.1) can opt for
earning an additional minor (i.e., an Honours and a minor, OR if time table permits, two
minors), by overloading themselves ( See Sec.4.2, 4.5). Students should however take
care to see that they are not overstretching themselves by opting for such overloads over
extended periods.

2.5.4. Dual Degree Students :

Dual degrees of BTech and MTech intrinsically demands a deeper expertise in

the major discipline of the student, and therefore Dual Degree students are required to
complete the requirements for Honours, as prescribed by the department. The
requirements for Honours for a Dual Degree student may be different from those
prescribed for a BTech student. This requirement is over and above the basic
requirements for the dual degrees as prescribed by each department. The total credit
requirement is therefore 252-264(B.Tech.) + 30 (Honours) + 96 (M.Tech.). This Honours
will find a mention in the degree certificate as earlier (‘Bachelor of technology in xxx
with Honours, and Master of Technology in yyy’).

Dual Degree students do not generally have the option of minors.

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 Only those Dual Degree students with excellent academic standing ( Category I,
see Sec.4.1) who are permitted to overload themselves, may be able to earn a minor
apart from the mandatory Honours. Rules for overloading apply (Sec.4.5).

3. REGISTRATION

IIT Bombay follows a specialized credit based semester system, and therefore
registration at the beginning of each semester on the prescribed dates announced in the
Academic Calendar, is mandatory for every student till s/he completes her/his
programme. If a student does not register in any semester without prior permission of the
UGAPEC, her/his studentship is liable to be cancelled. Students are not permitted to re-
register for course(s), which they have already passed. Without registration, any
academic activity (course / seminar / project etc) undergone by a student will not be
counted towards the requirements of her/his degree.

3.1 Faculty Advisors and Registration

On joining the Institute, each student is assigned to a Faculty Advisor or an Advisory group
(Sec.9.2). The system of Faculty Advisor has been evolved to extend guidance to the
students enabling them to complete their courses of study for the required degree in a
smooth and satisfactory manner. The students are expected to consult the Faculty Advisor
on all matters relating to their academic planning and performance and the courses they
may take in various semesters / summer terms. The Faculty Advisor is expected to discuss
with the student his/her academic performance during the previous semester and then
decide the number and nature of the courses for which s/he can register during the
semester within the framework of the guidelines as approved by the Senate. The Faculty
Advisor also advises poorly performing student to drop one or more courses/activities
based on his/her academic performance ( Sec. 4.1-4.4), and plan a reduced load
programme over several semesters for students with poor performance.

With the introduction of the opportunities for additional academic accomplishments,

planning of the individual’ academic journey needs careful consideration and constant
consultation with the Faculty Advisors is imperative.

The Faculty Advisor is the person whom the parents/guardians should contact for
performance related issues of their ward.

3.2 Procedure for Registration

The Institute has an online registration system and the registration is normally done on
the first two days of each semester and the summer term. The registration schedule is
announced in the Academic Calendar.

The registration process involves filling up a Course Registration Form ( either online or
on paper) listing courses and other academic activities s/he intends to complete during a
given semester or summer term on the basis of the programme for each discipline as
given in the Courses of Study bulletin. Registration has to be approved by the Faculty
Advisor before it becomes valid. Students having outstanding dues to the Institute or a
hostel shall not be permitted to register.

12
 In all circumstances, registration must be completed on or before the prescribed last date
for registration.

3.2.1 Online Registration

All students without backlogs will do online registration. On-line registration process
involves filling up the Course Registration Form (CRF) online. The registration process
gets completed when the faculty advisor approves the registration online. If needed The
faculty advisor can seek clarifications/modifications in the CRF before approving it.

3.2.2 Manual Registration for Students with Backlogs

Students’ having backlog course(s) are required to do manual registration by filling up the
Course Registration Form (CRF) which will be made available to them by the Academic
Office, through their Faculty Advisor. The student should duly complete the CRF, stating the
courses and project / seminar etc. that s/he proposes to complete during that semester as
per the prescribed curriculum, in consultation with the Faculty Advisor, get it approved by
her/him and then submit the same to the Academic Office within the stipulated date for
registration.

Students with poor academic performance (having four or more backlogs and/or belonging to
Category V, See Sec.4.1) should additionally submit, along with the course registration form,
a revised schedule for the succeeding semesters stating how the backlog courses will be
cleared, in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.

3.2.3 Late Registration

Late registration are permitted, for valid reasons, till the date specified in the Academic
Calendar, on payment of a late registration fee.

3.2.4 Registration for the first two semesters

In each of the first two semesters, courses offered are generally common to all branches. A
student is normally required to register for all the courses listed in the curriculum for these
two semesters. (In fact, all students are automatically registered for the first semester. In
the second semester, as for subsequent semesters, students themselves complete the
registration formalities). Students, who are identified as academically weak at the end of the
first semester, may be prescribed a reduced load for the second semester by the Faculty
Advisor. Such students are required to do manual registration.

3.2.5 Registration for third and subsequent semesters

3.2.5.1 From third semester onwards, registration is dependent on the academic standing of the
student (Sec.4.1). A student with an academic standing of Category I, II or III registers for
the academic load specified for that semester by the Department. In addition,
B.Tech./Int.M.Sc. students belonging to these categories may add one more course (6/8
credits) towards additional learning or to clear backlog courses, this being considered
normal load (Sec.4.2). Additionally, students having excellent academic standing
(Category I) are permitted overload (Sec.4.5).

3.2.5.2 Students with poor academic standing (Category IV or V) are advised not to attempt full
load. Faculty Advisors after careful scrutiny will advise reduced loads depending on
previous performance (Sec.4.3). Every student however is required to register for a
minimum of 18 credits in any semester.

3. 3 Registration for Non-credit courses

3.3.1 Registrations for NCC/ NSO / NSS

13
 One of the activities, NCC, NSO or NSS, is a mandatory requirement (Ref.2.3.4.1).
Students are expected to complete these requirements during the first year (first two
semesters). Formal registration for any one of these activities must be done along with
other courses, at the beginning in the first two semesters. The choice of the activity will be
done on the basis of the aptitude of the student for any one of these activities and will be
decided by a committee constituted for the purpose. Once registered for one of these
activities, no change will be permitted at a later stage. In case of award of a NP (not
passed) grade, students are required to re-register for these activities in the subsequent
semesters. This requirement must be completed before the end of the second year. In
case valid reasons exist, a student may be given special permission for completion of this
requirement beyond the second year.

In addition to the above mandatory requirements, the students are permitted to take
NSS/NSO/NCC in subsequent years too, if they have special interest. This will be
mentioned in the transcript (Sec.5.10.4)

3.3.2 Registration for Practical Training (PT)

The practical training will be arranged for each student by the respective coordinator of
the Department to which the student belongs. Independent arrangements by students for
practical training should get the prior approval of coordinator/DUGC.

Students who have completed their 8 weeks of Practical Training (Ref. 2.3.4.2) are
required to register for Practical Training in the following semester. Thereafter, the
student has to submit a written report, along with a completion certificate from the
organization where s/he received the training, within a week of the commencement of the
semester. The PT coordinator will evaluate the PT and submit the grade within the date
specified in the academic calendar.

3.3.3 Registration for Works Visit

If a Department specifies works visit as a mandatory requirement for the degree, the
student registers for this activity in the appropriate semester. Since works visit involves
logistics like permission from enterprises for the visit, transport arrangements etc., a
student can only register for works visit in the semester (autumn or spring) specified.

3.4 Registration for Projects

3. 4.1 Registration for B.Tech. Projects (BTPs)

The process of registration for B.Tech. Projects (BTPs) as specified in the curriculum, is
similar to that for any other course. The procedure for allotment of topics, faculty
supervisors etc., is specified by the concerned Department and is completed before the
commencement of the semester.

3.4.2 Registration for Dual Degree Projects (DDPs)

i. The total duration for the DDP is fourteen months. DDP consists of two stages.
Registration for Stage I (30-36 credits) is normally at the beginning of the summer after
th
the 8 semester and for stage II (36-42 credits) in the beginning of the succeeding spring
th
semester (10 semester). The duration of Stage I includes both the summer and the
succeeding autumn semester, and that for Stage II includes the spring and the

14
 succeeding summer semester. In case of deferment due to backlogs etc., the registration
for the two stages will be in the beginning of the spring and autumn semesters. The
durations are correspondingly spring and summer, and autumn and till the end of
February of the succeeding spring semester, respectively. Special cases if any will be
taken up on a case-to-case basis by the UGAPEC, upon the recommendation of the
DUGC.

ii. Students registering in the summer after the eighth semester shall be given topics for the
project work by the end of the eighth semester. Similarly for those registering in spring,
the topic will be given by the end of the preceding autumn semester.
iii. Each Dual Degree student should have a member of the faculty as a supervisor. In
addition, co-supervisor/(s) from the same Department/ other Department / IDP Group /
Centre / School may be co-opted by the supervisor with the approval of the DUGC. If the
supervisor is not from the same Department as the student, a co-supervisor from the
Department is necessary.
iv. Whenever a supervisor is on leave for aan extended period of time, the DUGC shall make
alternative arrangements for guidance during the supervisor's absence.
Requirements for the DDP and the evaluation procedures are given in Sec.5.5.2
3.4.3 Registration for 5year Integrated M.Sc. Project
The 5 year Integrated M.Sc. project consists of two stages. Registration for Stage I (12
th th
credits) is done in the 9 semester (Autumn) and Stage II (18) credits) is done in the 10
semester (Spring). In case of deferment due to backlogs etc., the registration can be
done in the succeeding semesters on recommendation of the DUGC and approval of the
Dean of Academic Programmes. The topics for the project work will normally be assigned
towards the end of the pre-final year by the Project Coordinator of the Department and the
work is done during both the semesters of the final year. At the end of the first stage, the
student is required to submit a preliminary report of his work by a prescribed date (as per
academic calendar) to the Co-coordinator and present it to a Panel of Examiners.
Registration for second stage is subject to satisfactory completion of the first stage.

3.5 Course Adjustment/Dropping of courses

1 The Academic Calendar sets a date, normally two weeks after the commencement of the semester,
for Course Adjustment. On or before this date, a student is permitted to make adjustments in
her/his academic load by addition or deletion of one or more courses, projects etc., provided the
total credits do not exceed the overload rule (Sec.4.5) or fall below 18 credits by such
adjustments. Course adjustment has to be done in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.

When the need for course adjustment through addition, substitution or dropping of course/s arises,
the student without any backlog should do online course adjustment and students with backlog
course/s should do it manually by filling a Course Adjustment Form (CAF). CAF has to be signed
by both the student and the Faculty Advisor and submitted to the Academic Office.

2 If in the second or any of the subsequent semesters, a student finds her/his academic
load too heavy, s/he may drop one or two courses out of the registered ones on advice
from the Faculty Advisor, provided the minimum credit requirements (18 credits) is
fulfilled. The last date for such drops is typically 10 working days after the end of the mid-
semester examination, and is set in the Academic Calendar. It is expected that the results
of the mid-semester examination will be known within seven days of the end of the
examination.

3 Course/s dropped by a student may be taken during a subsequent semester or

15
 during the summer term (if offered).

3.6 Dropping of a Semester:

1. A student may opt/be advised to drop an entire semester, with prior approval of DUGC/UGAPEC
due to the following reasons:

i. During a registered semester, if a student finds that s/he is unable to cope up with
the studies and/or does not have sufficient exposure to most of the courses
registered in that semester due to severe health problem or some other valid
reasons beyond her/his control, s/he can opt to drop the entire semester, on
advice from the Faculty Advisor and with permission from the DUGC/UGAPEC.

ii. A student may seek a semester drop prior to the commencement of the semester
itself due to severe personal health problem, unavoidable family commitments or
other valid reasons beyond her/his control, on advice from the Faculty Advisor
and with permission from the DUGC/UGAPEC,.

iii. A student wants to work in an industry, an enterprise or a social service

organization to gain valuable work experience and seeks a semester drop.

2. In all cases of severe health problems, medical certificate issued by IIT Hospital is
essential. If however, the medical certificate is issued by other hospitals/private
practitioners, the certificates should be duly authenticated by the SMO, IIT Hospital. In all
other cases, requests for dropping the semester should be accompanied by supporting
documents as required.
.
3. A student will be not permitted to drop a semester after the award of XX /II grade/(s)
and / or semester-end examination.

4. If a student drops the semester after commencement of the semester, the fees paid
will not be refunded or adjusted in the subsequent semester. If the student drops the
semester prior to the commencement of the semester, s/he has to pay a semester
continuation fee prescribed from time to time.

5. Such break from studies is normaly not permitted for a contiguous period in excess of one year.

6. Not registering for any semester before the last date for registration without prior approval of the
UGAPEC will result in the UGAPEC recommending termination of the studentship (See Sec.7.3)

7. Hostel accommodation and other institutional facilities will not be extended in any semester for
which the student has not registered.

8. Semesters that have been dropped are not counted towards the duration spent in the
programme.

3.7 Registration for Additional Courses: (Minor, Honors, etc.)

As mentioned in Sec. 2.5, opportunities are provided for students to enhance their learning
experience through earning additional credits. Extra credits (30 credits) earned in specified
focused areas can also lead to earning an Honors ( in ones own discipline) or a Minor ( in other
disciplines).

Starting from the third semester, students who have adequate academic standing (Category I,II
and III, see Sec.4.1, 4.2) are permitted to take one course equivalent every semester in addition to
the prescribed courses for their degree, as mentioned earlier, subject to availability of seats in the

16
 course. A student has to pre-register for the course s/he intends to take towards the end of the
previous semester and seats will be allotted based on the academic performance of the
student towards the basic requirement of his/her degree. A student has to enter this extra
course too, if permitted, in the course registration form.

One should note that there is no specific registration for either the Honours or the Minor.
One accumulates the required credits by registering for specified courses, and the additional
credential is awarded if the criteria set for them are met within the prescribed minimum duration
for the degree.

In any semester, a student cannot register for only those courses which form
part of her/his additional learning component. There should at least be one
course component that is specified as the minimum requirement of the degree.
Moreover, a student cannot overstay in the programme once the minimum
requirements prescribed for the degree are completed.

3.8 Summer course registration

Students can register for courses during summer (See Sec.4.11) up to a maximum 16
credits, on payment of registration fee at prescribed rates. A course will run during
summer provided a faculty member is available for running the course and a minimum of
5 students are registered for the course. The Summer Term typically runs for 8 weeks,
during May-July. The total number of contact hours for the courses remains the same as
that during the regular semesters, and therefore the courses run at accelerated pace. The
evaluation and grading patterns also remain the same as during the regular semesters.

4. SPECIAL FEATURES IN REGISTRATION

The curriculum has special features that a student must be aware of while registering for courses. These
include institute core courses, department core and elective courses, non-departmental courses, minor
and honours options. Ability to register for courses depend on the academic standing of the student, as
explained in this section. The registration for backlog courses and audit courses are also explained in
this section.

4.1 Academic Standing :

Depending on the overall academic performance of a student till date, especially in the two preceding
regular semesters (Autumn and Spring) registered, academic standing of the student is decided. The
performance in courses registered in addition to the prescribed minimum requirement for the
degree is not taken into consideration while determining the academic standing. ( In the context
of determining the academic standing, failed courses refer to courses in which a FR or a XX grade has
been awarded. A NP (not passed) grade is not counted towards failed courses. Even if a failed course
of the two preceding semesters has been cleared either in the next semester or the summer term
the academic standing does not change).

Categorization of the academic standing of a student is as follows :

Category I : Excellent Standing : A student who has no backlog courses (failed courses which have not
been cleared subsequently), and has a CPI greater than 8.0, subject to having cleared the total number
of credits prescribed upto that semester in his/her discipline..

Category II : Satisfactory Standing : A student who has registered for at least 18 credits in each of the
two preceding regular registered semesters and not failed in any course in these two semesters.

17
Category III : A student who has not failed in more than one course in the two preceding regular
registered semesters, subject to having earned at least 18 credits in each of the semesters.

Category IV : A student who has failed in more than one course in the two preceding regular registered
semesters, but has earned at least 18 credits in each of the semesters.

Category V : A student who has not earned at least 18 credits in either one of the previous two regular
registered semesters.

Only students of standing of Category I, II or III are permitted to register for normal load
described below (Sec.4.2). Category IV and Category V students should register for lower
credits as described in Sec.4.3.

4.2 Normal load

The total requirement of credits for the B. Tech. is between 252 and 264, depending on the discipline.
The average prescribed credits per semester is therefore around 33 credits. Similar semester credits
are prescribed for Integrated M.Sc. students too.

In the first and second semesters of the first year, the normal semester load is 33 or 34 credits
depending upon whether a student has registered for ME 119 (5 credits) or ME 113 (4 credits). Every
student registers for all the prescribed courses.

In the second semester of the first year, a student of Category III, and category IV ( if not
recommended for termination, see Sec.8.7) as a special case, will be permitted to take one backlog
course in addition to the prescribed minimum, with the specific recommendation of the Faculty
Advisor. No student will be allowed to take courses from later years in this semester. Category V
students ( if not recommended for termination, see Sec.8.7) will register for reduced load as advised by
the Faculty Advisor (See Sec. 4.3)

In subsequent semesters, every student must register for a minimum of 18 credits each semester. In
case a student with backlogs has completed most of the minimum credit requirements, she/he may
register for the remaining courses which are available in that semester, which may be less than 18
credits.

4.2.1. Normal load for B.Tech. and Int.M.Sc.

In these semesters, normal load for a B.Tech. or an Integrated M.Sc. student is defined as the
prescribed load for the minimum requirement of the degree for that semester and credits for an
additional course (6-8 credits), subject to
• total credit not exceeding 42 credits (44 credits in case the additional course is of 8
credits), and
• theory courses not exceeding 6.

For example, the prescribed credits in semester 3 for a particular discipline may be 33. The normal load
for that discipline in the semester is therefore 39-41. This load is calculated by adding the prescribed
credits and credits for an additional course ( 6 or 8 credits). The normal loads for other semesters are to
be computed along similar lines. Students with academic standing of Category I, II or III are
permitted to take normal load.

Those with excellent academic standing (Category I) can, in addition, overload themselves to the
extent of one theory course equivalent (6 or 8 credits). That is, they can register for two courses in
addition to the prescribed load, subject to
• total credit not exceeding 48 credits (50 credits in case the additional courses are of

18
 8 credits), and
• theory courses not exceeding 6.

Students belonging to excellent (Category I) and satisfactory academic standing (Category II) therefore
can reasonably aspire to utilize the additional learning opportunities to the fullest extent.

Category III students should use the additional course permitted to clear the backlog courses if
available in the semester. If backlog courses are not available, they can also use the opportunity for
additional learning in that semester.

Students belonging to Category IV and V can only register for reduced loads as described in Sec. 5.3
below.

A summary of normal load for B.Tech. and Int.M.Sc students in different semesters is given below.
The symbol Xj denotes the credits prescribed for the semester j, 3 <= j < = 10 in her/his branch; and C
is the maximum credits assigned to any course.

Permissible academic loads for B.Tech./Int.M.Sc students of various academic standing.

Semester 1 2 3 to 10
Reduced load (Category V, 33 or 34 33 or 34, less one theory Xj, less one theory
Sec5.3)) course course
Prescribed Credits (For 33 or 34 33 or 34 Xj
Category I,II,III,IV)
Normal load(For Category I, II, 33 or 34 33 or 34 Xj + C
III only) 41 or 42 for Cat.III and IV (see text)
only for clearing backlog
Overload ( Category I 33 or 34 33 or 34 Xj + 2C
only)(Sec5.5) (see text)

4.2.2. Normal load for Dual Degree.

Dual Degree students are typically prescribed one theory course more than the B.Tech. students every
semester towards the mandatory honours and dual degree requirements. Therefore the normal load for
these students will be the prescribed load itself. Hence, Category II and III students from the Dual
Degree cannot register for courses towards additional learning.

However, from the 5th semester onwards Dual Degree students belonging to Category II and III and a
CPI ≥6.5 may be allowed to take one additional course in a semester, only for the purpose of clearing
backlog courses. This should be done in consultation with the faculty advisor and prior approval of the
UGAPEC.

Students belonging to Category IV and V can only register for reduced loads as described in Sec. 5.3
below.

Category I students can take one course extra as an over load towards additional learning (Sec.5.5),
subject to subject to
• total credit not exceeding 48 credits (50 credits in case the additional course is of 8
credits), and

19
 • theory courses not exceeding 6.

A summary of normal load for Dual Degree students in different semesters is given below. The
symbol Yj denotes the credits prescribed for the semester j, 3 <= j < = 10 in her/his branch; and C is the
maximum credits assigned to any course.

Permissible academic loads for Dual Degree students of various academic standing.

Semester 1 2 3 to 10
Reduced load (Category V, 33 or 34 33 or 34, less one theory Yj, less two theory
Sec5.3)) course courses
Prescribed Credits (For 33 or 34 33 or 34 Yj , less one theory
Category I,II,III,IV) course
Normal load(For Category I, II, 33 or 34 33 or 34 Yj
III only) 41 or 42 Only for Cat.III (Catergory II and III
and IV for clearing backlog permitted to register
for 1 backlog course,
see text)
Overload ( Category I 33 or 34 33 or 34 Yj + C
only)(Sec5.5) (see text)

4.3. Reduced Load for Category IV and Category V students

B.Tech. and Int.M.Sc. students belonging to category IV status can only register for a total of credits
equivalent to the prescribed credits for that semester in her/his discipline (Xj in the table for B.Tech.
and M.Sc. above). (This normally would mean four theory courses and one or two labs. etc.). They
cannot register for the additional 6-8 credits permitted for students with Category I, II and III standing.

Students belonging to category V status can only register for those many credits which are at least one
theory course equivalent less than the credits prescribed for that semester in her/his discipline, subject
to a minimum of 18 credits. ( This normally would mean three theory courses and one or two labs.
etc.).

Dual degree students of Category IV and Category V are advised to register for one and two theory
courses, respectively, less than their prescribed load, and as advised by the faculty advisor.

All students in Category V should submit a revised schedule along with the course registration form,
in consultation with the Faculty Advisor, for the succeeding semesters stating how the backlog
courses will be cleared.

20
Students have to register for the backlog courses before registering for other courses, if those courses
are available in that semester. However, Faculty Advisor can recommend exceptions to avoid
cascading effects due to prerequisites for other courses.

All students in Category III, IV and V will do manual registration.

4.4 Students with four or more backlogs :

In the case of students with four or more backlogs (FR/XX) at the end of first or second semester
of the first year, the UGAPEC will recommend termination of studentship ( See Sec.7.3)

In subsequent semesters, students with four or more backlogs, irrespective of their performance in
the two previous semesters, should submit a revised schedule at the time of registration, in consultation
with the Faculty Advisor, for the succeeding semesters stating how the backlog courses will be cleared.
Such students will also do manual registration.

4.5 Overload
Student with Excellent Academic Standing (Category I) may be permitted to take one course per
semester, in addition to the normal load, as overload, subject to a maximum of 6 theory courses
and credit limits (Sec 4.2). There shall be no relaxation of the CPI criterion for the additional
overload. A change of status from Credit to Audit in respect of such courses may be allowed up to
the mid-semester examination with the prior approval of the UGAPEC. Overloading of courses is
subject to time-table constraints.

Since this overloading can lead to poor overall performance in terms of SPI, CPI etc., this should
be done after careful consideration and discussion with the Faculty Advisor.

4.6 Carrying backlogs forward

Attempts are made in the programme to give an early opportunity to register for the failed and
dropped courses. This is provided in the new curriculum in several ways.

4.6.1 Offering of core courses in both semesters

The Institute core courses are expected to be offered in both the semesters, so that a student can
register for a backlog course in the immediate next semester. For department level core courses,
particularly those that form prerequisites for courses which follow, the procedure of offering the
course in both semesters, may be adopted wherever feasible. This gives a student a second attempt to
clear a backlog core course in the immediate succeding semester.

4.6.2 Summer courses

Some courses may be offered in summer (Sec.5.8) and students can register for these to clear
backlogs.

4.6.3 Normal load accommodates credits for an additional course

As mentioned in Section 4.2.1, B.Tech./Int.M.Sc. students with standing Category I,II or III can
register for an additional course every semester as part of their normal load. Students of Category II
and III therefore can clear backlog courses at the earliest opportunity, without dropping courses.
Dual degree students too have special provisions for clearing backlog courses as mentioned in
Sec.4.2.2.

For department core courses that are not possible to be offered in both semesters, the Faculty
Advisor may advise the students appropriately for dropping the backlog course in favor of some
other course in order to avoid a cascading effect in subsequent semesters. The Faculty Advisors and
DUGCs would exercise special care and assist the students in this regard.

21
 4.7 Audit course
A student wanting just an exposure to a course, without the rigors of obtaining a good
grade, ‘audits’ a course. The minimum requirement is normally 80% attendance, with any
additional requirements as set by the instructor such as submission of assignments and
minimum performance in some of the in-sem evaluations. The grade awarded is ‘AU’
which does not carry any grade points and therefore does not figure in SPI/CPI
calculations. A student can register for a maximum of two such courses in the entire
period of the programme. Auditing of courses during a regular semesters and summer
term is permitted under the following conditions:

i. Students in Category I and II with CPI ≥ 6.0 will be permitted to ‘Audit’ a course. A
course can be audited provided the course is offered in the semester as a credit
course for others, and there is no slot clash. Prior permission of the instructor is
required.

ii. The students have to enter the courses to be audited in the Course Registration
Form while registering for the semester. The course will not carry any credits. The
word “Audit” would be specially mentioned in the remarks column of the student’s
course registration form.

iii. The ‘AU’ grade would be awarded by the instructor, if the attendance is
satisfactory and additional requirements as set out by the instructor are met. If the
attendance and performance is not satisfactory, the instructor will award a NP
grade.

iv. The course successfully completed in Audit mode will be reflected in the
Semester Grade Report and the Transcript as Audit Course. The NP grade is not
shown in the transcript.

v. The course successfully completed in Audit mode will not be considered towards
the minimum requirement of the degree nor towards requirements of
Minor/Honors.

4.8 Registration for Postgraduate level courses

B.Tech. students belonging to category I and II with a CPI ≥ 6.5 may be permitted to
register for some post-graduate level courses as credit / audit course from the fifth
semester onwards, if they are specifically offered to them. Prior permission of the
Instructor concerned is required for registration for these courses. However, no relaxation
in the CPI criterion is allowed.

The students of Dual Degree and the 5 year M.Sc. Programmes, from the fifth
semester onwards, are permitted to register for PG level elective courses without
any restrictions.

4.9 Guided Study

Guided Study is doing courses outside the curriculum in the self-study like mode, during a
regular semester. A student belonging to the standing Category I may be provided the
option of Guided Study to acquire proficiency in an area of his/her choice (not a core
course), on recommendation of the Faculty Advisor / project guide and DUGC, and
approval of UGAPEC. Guided Study will be available to the extent of a maximum of one
course per semester with effect from the third semester, subject to a maximum of four
courses in the entire programme. This option is strictly subjected to the availability and
willingness of the instructor offering the course. Guided Study and URA (Sec.8) will not

22
 run concurrently, and the rules that govern overloading apply strictly even for these
courses. These courses can be considered towards Minor / Honors, if so specified by the
concerned academic unit. Registration, examination, evaluation and submission of grade
etc., in case of guided study will be similar to other courses of the curriculum.

The option of guided study may also be made available, by the UGAPEC, in the following
situations, on a case-by-case basis:

(a) Students who miss the `Departmental Introductory Course' due to a

change of branch obtained at the end of first year,
(b) Students who transfer from other IITs and as a result have to do certain additional
core courses.

4.10 Course Substitution

In case a student obtains FR/XX grades or drop a course, s/he may like to substitute
courses in order to complete the requirements. Following is the guideline for course
substitution. :

i. Course substitution is not permitted for institute or department core courses. The
student has to re-register for these courses.

ii. An Institute elective course may be substituted by another Institute elective

course from the same group.

iii. A departmental elective course may be substituted by another departmental

elective course from the same group.

4.11 Summer Course/(s)

The Summer Term is not a regular semester. However, during a Summer Term, an
academic entity may offer a summer course to enable the students to clear their backlog
courses and/or credit courses towards Minor / Honors, subject to strict adherence to the
following guidelines.

i. There should be course instructor(s) willing to offer the course. The DUGC should
recommend offering of such a summer course for consideration and approval of
the Dean of Academic Programmes. The course is offered on approval of the
Dean of Academic Programmes.
ii. The course is offered with adequate rigor and in the same manner as a regular
semester course.
iii. The duration of the course is eight to ten weeks. The registration, examination
and assessment and grading etc. are done in the same way as is done for regular
semester courses. The total number of contact hours for the courses remains the
same as that during the regular semesters, and therefore, the courses run at
accelerated pace. (for example 6 hours of instructions per week is expected for a
3-0-0 course).
iv. The course instructor monitors the attendance of the students registered and s/he
may award “XX” grade as per rule for poor attendance (Sec.5.1).
v. Minimum 5 students should register for a particular summer course to be offered.
vi. A student is permitted to register for a maximum of 16 credits during any one
summer term.
vii. A course offered in a summer term will be treated as equivalent to a regular
semester course for all accounting purposes.

5. EXAMINATION / ASSESSMENT

23
 Various modes of assessment for theory and laboratory courses along with the
recommended relative weightage of various components are given in this section. A large
departure from the recommended modes of assessments and weightage will require prior
approval from the Dean of Academic Programmes. The Instructor will announce the
modes of evaluation and distribution of weightage for each of the assessments at
the beginning of the course.

5.1 Attendance
Attendance in classes is compulsory and will be monitored. A student not having 80 per cent
attendance may be debarred from appearing in the semester-end examination and given a XX grade
and such student has to re-register for the course in subsequent semesters. In general, the institute
expects 100% attendance. The 20% permitted absence is meant only for ill-health or other
emergency situations. The attendance requirement is applicable to summer courses too.

5.2 Modes of Evaluation for Theory Courses

1. Various modes of assessment used for rating students’ performance in a theory course
include quizzes, class tests, home assignments, group assignments, viva-voce, mid-
semester test and semester-end examination. Relative weightage for in-semester
evaluations is typically between 50 and 60 per cent. This will consist of one mid-semester
test of two hours duration, of about 25-30 per cent weightage, to be held as per the
schedule fixed in the Academic Calendar. Two quizzes or one quiz and one test along
with assignments and viva-voce shall make up the rest of the in-semester assessment.
The Instructor may also set aside up to a maximum of 10 per cent of the in-semester
marks for active participation in the class and the initiatives shown by the student. Make-
up for any absence from in-semester evaluations like midsem/tests/quizzes will be at the
discretion of the Instructor. Instructor needs to be convinced that the reasons for absence
are genuine.

2. The semester – end examination will be held as per the Academic Calendar and the
relative weightage for this would be 40 to 50 per cent. It is normally of 3 hours duration
and will cover the entire syllabus of the course. The semester-end examination is
mandatory. The instructor awards an “II” grade for those students not appearing for
the Semester-end examination, if they have sufficient attendance and satisfactory in-
semester performance. Such students are eligible for a Semester-end re-examination
only on medical grounds/valid reasons (Sec. 4.4), AND on production of medical
certificate issued / authenticated by SMO, IIT Bombay Hospital, or other supporting
documents as the case requires. The application must be submitted to the Academic
Office before the last date for registration for such re-examination announced in the
Academic Calendar. (See also Sec. 5.7(v)).

5.3 Modes of Evaluation for Laboratory Courses

The assessment in a laboratory course will be based on turn-to-turn supervision of the student’s work,
their performance in viva-voce examinations and group discussions, the quality of their work as
prescribed through laboratory journals. The instructor may optionally prescribe a semester-end test
that contains an experiment or a written examination. It is obligatory to maintain a laboratory journal
as prescribed by the course instructor. Final examination for laboratory courses, when prescribed,
will normally be held a week before the final theory examinations.

5.4 Modes of Evaluation for Seminars

Seminars are evaluated based on a written report, and an oral presentation before a
panel of examiners appointed by the DUGC/Department. The supervisor /co-supervisor,
when involved, are part of the panel. Grades carrying grade points are awarded as in the

24
 case of theory and lab courses based on the quality of the report and performance in the
presentation. The evaluation of the seminars is completed and the grades submitted to
the academic office (one-week) before the commencement of the end-semester
examination.

5.5 Modes of Evaluation for Projects

5.5.1 B.Tech Project :

B.Tech. Project may be offered as one unit as BTP, or two independent units as BTP-I
and BTP-II. Wherever it is split into two units, BTP-II builds on BTP-I, and BTP-I becomes
a pre-requisite for BTP-II. Departments may prescribe a minimum performance in BTP-I
(which may be higher than the pass grade ‘DD’) for being eligible for BTP-II. BTP-I and
BTP-II are separately graded, at the end of the respective semesters.

These projects are supervised, and need regular interaction (at least once a week) with
the supervisor. Student has to submit a project report and defend it in front of a panel of
examiners. The dates for submission of reports, the dates for presentations, and details
of mode of assessment are decided by the individual Departments. The grades are sent
to the Academic office before the last date for submission of grades.

In case of irregularity of interactions, the supervisor may award an “XX” grade before the
last date for submission of the report. An “II” grade may be awarded if the student misses
the presentation. S/he is granted a second chance for presentation, if the basis for
absence is valid and the conditions specified in Sec.5.8 are complied with.

5.5.2 Dual Degree Projects :

a) The following is the schedule for the DDP assessments:

i. For students who register for Dual Degree Project Stage-I in Summer Term
(beginning of May):

Stage I Assessment (30-36 Credits) --- First-second week of November

Stage II Assessment (36-42 Credits) --- First to third week of July.

ii. For students who register for Dual Degree Project at the beginning of Spring Semester
(January):

Stage I Assessment (30-36Credits) --- First to second week of July

Stage II Assessment (36 Credits) --- First to third week of March

The project reports need to be submitted 7-15 days before the date of evaluation,
but not earlier.

Special cases not covered by the above schedules will be taken up by UGAPEC on
case-by-case basis, upon the recommendations of DUGC.
b) For evaluation of DDP stage-I, the student has to submit a report (two or three copies as
required), on the work that has been done till then, to the respective department 7-15
days prior to the date of assessment as specified in the Academic calendar. Evaluation
will be done, by a panel appointed by the DUGC, based on the report and (i) either an
across-the-table discussion and viva-voce or (ii) seminar presentation. The panel shall
consist of the supervisor(s) and at least one more faculty member, to act as examiners.
c) For evaluation of DDP stage-II, the student has to submit 4 or 5 (one for co-supervisor)
soft bound Dissertation reports to the respective departments 7-15 days prior to the date
of assessment as specified in the Academic Calendar. The evaluation will be done by a

25
 Board of Examiners based on the report and a viva-voce. The viva-voce will be conducted
by the parent department. Final Grade reports are to be sent by the Department to the
Academic Section on completion of the viva-voce, as per the date specified in the
Academic Calendar.

d) The Board of Examiners for DDP stage-II assessment is appointed by the Convener,
DUGC, and will consist of the following:

1 A Professor or an Associate Professor of the Institute as Chairperson. The

Chairperson should be from a Department/IDP Group/Center/School other than
the parent department of the student.
2 The supervisor(s) and in their absence another faculty member of the
department conversant with the subject.
3 A Faculty Member from the Institute conversant with the subject as Internal
Examiner.
4 An External Examiner chosen from the panel approved by the DUGC, or an
additional Internal Examiner.

e) The minimum passing grade in each stage of the project assessment shall be “CC”.

f) In case a student gets a fail grade (below CC) in any of the project assessment, s/he
should carry out additional work / modification etc., as suggested by the panel and appear
for assessment within one month from the date of previous assessment. At this
assessment he should not be given a grade higher than “CC”.
g) When a student is unable to submit the report by the required date due to valid reasons, it
is necessary for him/her to make a specific request to the UGAPEC for extension,
through the supervisor and DUGC, stating (i) the reasons, (ii) the expected date of
submission (iii) pay the institute fee for the next semester and (iii) formally
register for that semester if not done so in the normal course. The maximum grade
awarded will be restricted to “BC” for such cases, unless extension had been granted by
Convener, UGAPEC.

h) After registering for DDP (either of the stages), a student should not take up any other
assignment (paid or unpaid) before submitting her/his dissertation.

i) After the Dissertation is assessed, a hard bound copy of the final Dissertation along with
duly completed forms is to be submitted to the Academic office. Soft copies of the
Synopsis and the final Dissertation proper are to be submitted to the Central Library.

5.5.3 Integrated M.Sc. Project

Integrated M.Sc. project is work is normally done in two stages, each spread over a
semester. At the end of the first stage, the student is required to submit a preliminary
report of his work by a prescribed due date to the coordinator and present it to a Panel of
Examiners. The second stage of the work is continued in the following semester.

Submission of the M.Sc. project cannot be postponed beyond the date specified in the
calendar. If the project cannot be completed due to ill-health or other bonafide reasons,
the course can be dropped in consultation with the Faculty Advisor, the project coordinator
and the guide on or before the last date for dropping of courses. A re-registration for the
same is required in the following semester in which it should be completed.

When a student is unable to submit the report by the required date due to valid reasons, it
is necessary for him/her to make a specific request to the UGAPEC for extension,
through the supervisor and DUGC, stating (i) the reasons, (ii) the expected date of
submission (iii) pay the institute fee for the next semester and (iii) formally

26
 register for that semester if not done so in the normal course. The maximum grade
awarded will be restricted to “BC” if the extension is not granted by UGAPEC.

If a student fails to submit the project without a request extension from the UGAPEC, s/he
will be temporarily awarded ‘II’ grade at the time of finalization of grades. The ‘II’ grade will
be converted to a performance grade not higher than BC if the student submits her/his
report, and undergoes the oral examination within a reasonable period of time (by the end
of the Summer Semester). If no report is submitted by this time also, the ‘II’ grade will be
automatically converted to ‘FR’. Students who obtain FR will be required to re-register for
the second stage in the subsequent semester.

Student should submit 4 soft-bound typed copies of M.Sc. project report and after
successfully defending the Project Report at the viva-voce examination; the original copy
of the project report is to be submitted in hard-bound form to the coordinator.

5.6 Non-credit requirements :

5.6.1 NCC/NSO/NSS
A student will be awarded ‘PP’ (Passed) grade for any one of these, provided the
minimum requirement is met during that semester together with the attendance criteria.
Not satisfying these requirements will result in a fail grade NP (Not Passed), and the
student has to re-register for the activity in the next semester. The grades are sent to the
academic office before the commencement of the semester-end examination. The award
of the degree is subject to the successful completion of NSS/NSO/NCC.

5.6.2 Practical Training

After the completion of 8 weeks of Practical Training, each student has to register for it in
the immediately succeeding semester. S/he should submit written report/s, along with
completion certificate/s from the organization/s where s/he received the training, within a
week of the commencement of the semester. The effective benefit gained by the student
is assessed through a viva-voce and/or the report. Accordingly, a Passed/Not Passed
(PP/NP) grade is awarded by the coordinator. The grades are sent to the academic office
within one month from the date of registration.

5.6.3 Works Visit

Works visit involves weekly visits to industrial enterprises. The grading is done by the
coordinator from the concerned department based on attendance, participation in
discussions during the visit and any other criteria set by the department. Accordingly, a
Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) grade is awarded by the coordinator. The grades are sent to
the academic office before the commencement of the semester-end examination.

5.7 Grading
i. For every course taken by a student he/she is assigned a grade based on his/her
combined performance in all the assessments. These grades not only indicate a
qualitative assessment of the student’s performance but also carry a quantitative
(numeric) equivalent called the Grade Point. The letter grades and their equivalent grade
point are given below:

Letter Grade Grade Point

AP 10
AA 10
AB 9
BB 8

27
 BC 7
CC 6
CD 5
DD 4
FR 0 (Fail- Repeat the course)
XX 0 (Attendance below 80% - Repeat the course)
PP Passed
NP Not Passed
AU Audit
*
II Incomplete
*
DR Dropped
* II and DR are not grades but only position holders. indicating that the course evaluation is
incomplete or the course has been dropped.

A student passes the course if he/she gets any grade in the range of “AP” to “DD” (“AU”
in the case of an audit course, Sec.47), but fails if he/she gets the grade “FR” and/or
“XX”.

ii. The grade “AP” indicates exceptional performance. Number of students awarded “AP”
grade should not exceed 2 % of the total strength of the particular theory or lab course.
The grade “AP” is not awarded for projects / seminars.

iii. “FR” grade will be awarded in cases/(s) where, in the opinion of the instructor (panel of
examiners in the case of projects), the student has inadequate academic exposure to
the course / has very poor performance in the in-semester and/or semester-end
examinations. FR can also be awarded any time during the semester for any kind of
academic malpractices. In such cases the course instructor will immediately report
along with the award of “FR” grade to the Dean of Academic Programmes through
DUGC. The Dean (AP) may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Action Committee
(DAC) for further action, if needed (Sec.5.9).

iv. The grade “XX” in a course is awarded incases of (i) a student not maintaining a
minimum of 80% attendance in courses, or (ii) severely incomplete in-semester
evaluation record due to non-medical reasons (for example when a student has missed
all tests and midsem), (iii) incomplete assignment submissions etc.. The XX grade will
be declared one week before semester-end examination and intimated to the academic
office immediately thereafter. A student with “XX” grade in a given course is not
permitted to take the semester-end examination. The “XX” grade is treated as
“FR” for the purpose of CPI calculation, and requires re-registration for the
course.

v. 'II' is awarded in a lecture/lab course if a student has satisfactory in-semester

performance and has fulfilled the 80% attendance requirement, but has not appeared for
the semester-end examination due to medical reasons. Such students are eligible for a
make up for the Semester-end examination only on medical grounds / valid reasons
AND on production of medical certificate issued / authenticated by SMO, IIT Bombay
Hospital or other supporting documents as required. The application must be submitted
to the Academic Office, for consideration by UGAPEC, before the last date for
registration for such make-up examination announced in the Academic Calendar. (See
Sec.5.8)
For a student present in the semester-end re-examination, the instructor will award a
regular performance grade (AP-FR) depending on the overall performance in the course
including the re-examination. If a student fails to appear for the re-examination too, the
instructor will award “II” grade again. If the absence is due to medical / valid reasons, the
student must submit supporting documents as mentioned above, within seven days of
the scheduled date of the re-examination, to the Academic Office. UGAPEC will examine

28
 such cases and convert the “II” grade into a dropped course status (“DR”) in bonafide
cases. In all other cases the “II” grade will be converted to “FR” grade. In any case the
“II” grade will not be continued beyond the commencement of the subsequent semester.
vi. The following two grades viz., “PP” (Passed) and “NP” (Not passed), will be awarded for
Practical training, Work visits and NCC/NSO/NSS. No grade points are associated with
these grades and performance in these courses is not taken into account in the
calculation of the performance indices (SPI, CPI). However, the award of the degree is
subject to obtaining a “PP” (Pass) grade in all such courses, wherever they are
mandatory requirements.
vii.

vii 'AU' grades are awarded for those who have audited a course, and indicate exposure to
the contents. No grade points are associated with this grade, and therefore, it has no
implication on CPI/SPI. No grade is awarded in case of insufficient exposure to the
contents of the course.

5.8 Valid reasons for semester-end make-up examination

Illness/accident in the case of the student herself/himself or death/serious illness/accident of
parent/guardian are valid reasons for claiming semester-end re-examination (evaluation in the case of
projects) as the case may be. If a student misses the semester – end examination/evaluation due to
personal illness or accident, his/her application for the semester-end re-examination/evaluation must
be supported by proper medical certificate issued / authenticated by SMO, IIT Bombay Hospital. In
the event of death and / or serious illness / accident of parent or guardian, the application should be
supported by adequate evidence of the same/appropriate documents. The application must be
submitted to the Academic Office, for consideration of UGAPEC, before the last date for registration
for such re-examination announced in the Academic Calendar. Decision of the convener of the
UGAPEC is final in these matters.

5.9 Academic Malpractice :

Academic malpractices are severely dealt with. In case of malpractice during any of the
valuations like assignments, quizzes, tests, and examinations, the instructor can award a
“FR” grade in the course immediately on occurrence and report the matter to the Dean of
Academic Programmes, through DUGC. If the Dean (AP) finds that the offence is serious
enough, s/he may further refer the matter to the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC).

5.10 SPI/CPI
5.10.1 Semester Performance Index (SPI)
The performance of a student in a semester is indicated by a number called Semester
Performance Index, SPI. The SPI is the weighted average of the grade points obtained in
all the courses registered by the student during the semester. For example, if a student
passes five courses (Theory/Lab./Project/Seminar etc.) in a semester with credits C1, C2,
C3, C4 and C5 and her/his grade points in these courses are g1, g2, g3, g4 and g5
respectively, then her/his SPI is equal to:

C1g1 + C2 g2 + C3 g3 + C4 g4 + C5 g5
SPI = ------——---------——-----—————————————
C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 + C5
The SPI is calculated to two decimal places. The SPI for any semester will take into
consideration the FR/XX grades awarded in that semester. For example if a student has
failed in course 4, the SPI will then be computed as:

C1g1 + C2 g2 + C3 g3 + C4*ZERO+C5 g5
SPI = ------——---------——-----—————————————
C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 + C5

The courses which do not form the minimum requirement of the degrees will not be

29
 considered for calculation of the SPI. Such additional courses undertaken and the grades
earned by the student will be shown separately.

5.10.2 Cumulative Performance Index (CPI)

An up to date assessment of the overall performance of a student from the time s/he
entered the Institute is obtained by calculating a number called the Cumulative
Performance Index, CPI, in a manner similar to the calculation of SPI. The CPI therefore
considers all the courses registered by the student, towards the minimum requirement of
the degree s/he has enrolled for, since s/he entered the Institute. The CPI is calculated at
the end of every semester to two decimal places and is indicated in the semester grade
reports.

The CPI will reflect the failed status in case of FR/XX grade(s), till the course(s)
is/are cleared. When the course(s) is/are cleared by obtaining a pass grade on
subsequent registration(s) the CPI will only reflect the new grade and not the fail
grades earned earlier. Even if a student has failed in a course more than once, the
course will figure only once in the numerator as well as the denominator.

Example : Up to semester r a student has registered for n courses, among which s/he
has a “FR” grade in course i. The semester grade report at the end of semester r
therefore will contain a CPI calculated as:

C1g1 + C2 g2 + C3 g3 + ....+ Ci*ZERO+.... + Cn gn

CPI = ------——---------——-----—————————————
C1 + C2 + C3 + ...+ Ci +…+ Cn

At the end of semester r+1, s/he has registered for four more courses including the
backlog course i and has cleared all the courses including the backlog course, the
CPI at the end of this semester is calculated as

C1g1 + C2 g2 + C3 g3 + ....+ Ci*gi+.... + Cn gn

CPI = ------——---------——-----—————————————
C1 + C2 + C3 + ...+ Ci +…+ Cn

The courses which do not form the minimum requirement of the degrees will not
be considered for calculation of the basic CPI. A separate CPI will be calculated for
these courses when the student has completed his programme successfully and
will be shown in the final transcript as CPI for additional learning.

5.10.3 Semester Grade Report

At the end of each semester the semester grade report, which reflects the performance of
the student in that semester, is prepared. This report includes the fail grades as awarded
in all courses/academic activities the student has registered for. The report also indicates
the SPI and the basic CPI upto that semester. It, in addition, shows the backlog courses
(failed courses) from the basic degree component. Copies of this report are sent to the
Faculty Advisor, the concerned student and the parent of the student. The semester grade
report for those students with II grade is prepared only after the II grade is converted to a
suitable grade.

Even when a failed course is cleared in a later semester, no new modified grade report for
that semester in which the fail grade was awarded will be issued.

5.10.4 Transcript: Consolidated Statement of Academic Performance

Transcript is the consolidated statement of the Academic Performance of a student for all

30
 the semesters since joining the programme and is given to a student on successful
completion of the programme along with the degree certificate. For those students who
have taken multiple attempts to clear a course, the transcript given on successful
completion of the programme will only contain earned pass grade (AP-DD, PP); the
course will however be shown in the semester in which the student has finally cleared the
course.

Additional courses will be shown separately, indicating also the minor/honours, if any,
earned by the student. The transcript will show the basic CPI corresponding to all the
courses and academic activities towards the minimum requirement for the degree. In
addition, a separate CPI for the additional courses taken by the student will be shown.

Additional copies of the transcript can be obtained if needed, on request and upon
payment of applicable fee.

Students who have not yet completed the programme can obtain an Interim Transcript, if
needed, on request and upon payment of applicable fee. The Interim Transcript includes
failed courses which have not been cleared at the time of issue.

5.11 Display of In-semester Performance

i. In-semester performance of all students is communicated by the instructor to the

students before the end-semester examination. Those awarded ”XX” grades as
described in 4.4(iv) above will be clearly identified in this list.

ii. Based on the in-semester performance, the instructor may also decide and publish a
cut-off (based on the average performance of the class), below which the in-semester
performance is considered `Unsatisfactory'. This will be the basis on which an
instructor may declare a “FR” grade even when a student is absent for the end-
semester examination on valid grounds.

5. 12 Disclosing the Evaluated Answer scripts after Semester-end Examination.

A course instructor may allow students to see the evaluated answer scripts at his/her
discretion, as long as this is done before finalization of grades.

5.13 Answer Script Retention period

Evaluated answer scripts are preserved by the Instructor/ Departmental Office for a
minimum period of one semester.

5.14 Re-evaluation and Re-totaling of marks.

Sufficient precaution is taken during evaluation of answer scripts. There is no provision of
re-evaluation of evaluated answer scripts. However there is a provision for requesting a
re-totaling of marks in the evaluated answer scripts on payment of Rs.200/- per course.
Such requests will be processed by the Academic Office. Once grades are published,
changes if any will be allowed in case of totaling and tabulation errors only. A
request for re-totaling must be made by the student to the Academic Office using the
prescribed form, which will be sent to the instructor for further action. Student must not
contact the instructor directly.

6. CHANGE OF BRANCH

After successful completion of the first two semesters, eligible students can apply for
change of branch / programme. B.Tech. Programmes and each specialization in the Dual
Degree programme will be considered as separate branches even though they belong to
the same department, for the purpose of branch / programme change. Rules / guidelines

31
 governing change of branch / programme are given below:

1. Top 1% students of the total admitted students in that year will be eligible for change
of branch without any constraints.

2. For others, change will be permitted strictly on the basis of merit. Students without
fail grades and backlogs and with CPI ≥6.5 are only be eligible to apply and can
give their choices.

3. The request for change (in the order of merit) for student S1 from branch A to
branch B will be considered if -

(a) Strength of branch B does not exceed the sanctioned strength for that branch.
(b) Number of students on rolls in branch A does not fall below 85% of the
sanctioned strength.
(c) The request of S1 will be re-considered (again in the order of merit) if S1 does
not violate (b) above due to another student getting transfer to branch A.
(d) If student S1 is not permitted to change from branch A to B (due to (b) above),
any other student S2 in any branch with CPI less than that of S1 will also not
be permitted to change to branch B.

4. All such transfers can be effected only once at the beginning of the second
academic year. No application for change of Branch / Programme during the
subsequent academic years will be entertained, except as in item 6, below.

5. Students may be permitted to change from B.Tech. to Dual Degree in the same
rd th
department even at the end of 3 and 4 semester, subject to favorable
recommendation from the department.

6. The rules for change of Branch/Programme from students belonging to SC/ST

category would be similar to that of other candidates except for the following
concessions:

i. Their CPI must be 6.0 or more (without any backlogs)

ii. Each branch (B.Tech and Dual Degree) does not exceed its sanctioned
strength by more than 2.

7. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Award of degree

On successful completion of the prescribed requirements for a programme (B.Tech.;
Integrated M.Sc.; Dual Degree (B.Tech. and M.Tech.)), the degree will be conferred on a
student in the Annual Convocation of the Institute.

The degree certificate will indicate the relevant branch, and specializations if any, in the
engineering or science discipline in which the student has graduated. For example:
‘Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering,’ ‘ Master of Science in Chemistry,’ or
‘Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering and Master of Technology in Electrical
Engineering with Specialization in Microelectronics.’
In those cases where the student has earned the required credits for an Honors in her/his
discipline or a Minor in another discipline within the stipulated time, this will be mentioned
in the degree certificate: for example ‘Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgical Engineering
and Materials Science with Minor in Environmental Sciences and Engineering’; ‘Bachelor
of Technology in Mechanical Engineering with Honors’; or ‘Bachelor of Technology in
Chemical Engineering with Honors and Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering

32
 with Specialization in Process Systems Design and Engineering.’
Along with the degree certificate, the student will be given a transcript, giving semester-
wise details of all academic accomplishments. The additional courses taken, whether
earning a minor / honors or not, will be separately mentioned in the transcript. If an honors
/ minor is earned that too will be mentioned. CPI earned for the basic requirements for the
degree, and that obtained for all the credits towards additional learning, if any, will be
shown separately.

For conferment of degree, student has to fulfill the following requirements:

a) The student should have taken and passed all the courses prescribed for the
degree under the general institutional and departmental requirements.
b) The student should have satisfactorily fulfilled other academic requirements like
practical training, NSS/NSO/NCC, work visits, seminar and projects, as specified
for the discipline
c) The student should have paid all the Institute dues.
d) The student should have no case of indiscipline pending against him/her.

The transcript and the final degree certificate will not mention any class whatsoever; only
the CPI/s will be given in the transcript. CPI of 6.5 or above may be considered as a first
class. Honors is not indicative of class.

7.2 Award of Medals

Various medals are awarded to the outstanding students every year from amongst the
graduates who receive their degree at the annual convocation of the Institute. To be
considered for those medals which are based on academic performance alone, a student from
B.Tech/Int.M.SC. should have earned at least 30 credits towards additional learning in addition
to the requirement for the basic degree. The sum of (i) CPI calculated for the basic
requirement of the degree ( B.Tech component in the case of Dual degree) multiplied by 252,
and (ii) CPI calculated for the best five additional courses ( of at least 6 credits each) done by
the student multiplied by 30, will be considered when comparing student performance. In
case of a tie, a student with honours will be preferred.

The President of India Medal / The Institute Gold Medal is awarded to the most
outstanding student in the Undergraduate programme (B.Tech. / 5yr. Int. M.Sc. / Dual
Degree), admitted through JEE. (Conditions and Procedures as approved by the Senate
from time to time apply).

The Institute Silver Medal is awarded to the most outstanding graduate in each branch of
Engineering and Science other than the one(s) to whom the President of India Medal and
the Institute Gold Medal are awarded.

Only such students who have completed the B.Tech./5yr. Int. M.Sc. / Dual Degree
programme without under-loading in any semester or failing in any credit carrying course
required for the degree are considered eligible for the award of medals. Here under-
loading implies registering for number of credits which is less than that prescribed by the
department for the particular semester.

7.3 Termination of Studentship :

UGAPEC recommends termination of studentship in case of extremely poor performance,

non-registration without permission, etc. Such cases undergo exhaustive review processes
before the termination being effected. Students with severe performance related
problems should continuously seek advice and assistance of various mechanisms
available including faculty advisers and special committees and groups set-up for

33
 helping poorly performing students (Sec.9).

7.3.1 Early termination during the First Year :

Given that some of the best talents in the country take admission at this Institute, it is
expected that all of them perform very well, and fully utilize the various opportunities
provided for their academic advancement. However, in a few cases, students are unable
to cope with the studies here. This may often be due to a lack of aptitude or a mismatch
between the student’s interest and what the programmes provide. Early recognition of this
tendency permits corrective action to be taken in time, and the students to pursue their
careers elsewhere.
UGAPEC therefore recommends to the Senate early termination of studentship if at the
end of the first or second semester of the first year a student has four or more fail grades
(FR or XX). (In case of half semester theory courses, two of them will be considered as
equivalent to one fail grade, only for the purposes of termination). The rule is applied after
the results of the re-examination/s due to II grade are known. If for a failed course in the
first semester, the student has re-registered in the second semester and has passed the
course in the second attempt, this course will not be counted towards the number of failed
courses.

7.3.2. Termination after the Third Semester

i. UGAPEC recommends to the Senate termination of studentship of those students who
at any time have seven or more failed courses (FR or XX grades) among those which
form the minimum requirement for the degree, and which have not subsequently been
cleared. (In case of half semester theory courses, two of them will be considered as
equivalent to one fail grade, only for the purposes of termination).

ii. Studentship is also recommended for termination if for any semester a student has not
registered, without prior permission from the UGAPEC ( See Sec. 3.6).

iii. Maximum duration for completion of the programmes is two years more than the
prescribed minimum duration, i.e., 6 years for the B.Tech. and seven years for the
Integrated M.Sc. and Dual Degree programmes. If a student has not completed
her/his programme within the maximum period, the studentship will be recommended
for termination. Semesters dropped with the prior permission of the UGAPEC are not
considered towards this duration.

7.4 Early exit for poorly performing Dual Degree students

Early exits for poorly performing Dual degree students with CPI below 5.0 are permitted at
th
the end of 7 semester, declaring them ineligible for the Master's degree. Such students
are required to complete the requirements of the B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline,
and allowed to exit with a B.Tech degree after completion of total period of at least four
and half years. Such students cannot be awarded a B.Tech. degree with honors, and
neither can they be permitted to complete a minor.

8. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARDS (URA)

Some students may have an inclination towards research. The Undergraduate Research
Awards (URA) is designed for such students. URA will be available at three levels, all of
them independent of each other. They will carry codes similar to course codes so that
they can be listed in grade reports.

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 URA01 : for preliminary research/ developmental experience
URA02 : for B. Tech. Level Research Project.
URA03 : for Dual Degree Level Research Project

URA01: This is a recognition of a small research / developmental effort, successfully

completed by a student in the first, second or third year of an undergraduate programme
– that is, a B.Tech., Integrated M.Sc. or a Dual Degree Programme. A faculty member
must agree to supervise the student for the URA01 project. The student works with this
faculty member, with the approval of the DUGC, for four-to-six month duration – including
the summer or winter vacations. No formal registration is required with the academic
office at this stage. If the faculty member is satisfied with the quantum and quality of work
done, at any stage, s/he may recommend the award of URA01 to the student, which will
then be listed in the grade card of the student in the semester immediately following the
semester in which this award was recommended. No credits are assigned to URA01.
URA01 can be awarded only once to a student.

URA02: This is to be treated as recognition of truly exceptional work, both in quality and
in extent, done in the B.Tech. Project. If the committee evaluating the B. Tech. Project of
a B.Tech. student believes that the student has carried out truly exceptional work in the B.
Tech. Project and the quantum of work is substantially higher than what is expected, it
may recommend that two more faculty members, other than those who have already
participated in the committee for evaluation, duly chosen by the DUGC, examine the work
done and evaluate whether a URA02 can be awarded to the student in addition to the AA
grade already given. A joint recommendation must then be made by all: the original
committee of evaluation and these two other faculty members that this student be
awarded URA02, duly routed through the Convener, DUGC to the Convener, UGAPEC.
This award, on approval by the UGAPEC, will be mentioned on the grade report of the
student as URA02 carrying six credits and the grade AA. No formal registration is
required with the academic office. The advantage to the student would be that his / her
CPI would improve, given that these credits are with an AA grade.

URA03: These are to be treated as recognition of truly exceptional work, both in quality
and in extent, in the Dual Degree Project. If the committee evaluating the Final Stage of
the Dual Degree Project of a given Dual Degree student believes that the student has
carried out truly exceptional work and the quantum of work is substantially higher than
what is expected, it may recommend that two more faculty members, other than those
who already participated in the committee for evaluation, duly chosen by the DUGC,
examine the work done and evaluate whether a URA03 can be awarded to the student in
addition to the AA grade already given. A joint recommendation must then be made by all:
the original committee of evaluation and these two other faculty members that this student
be awarded URA03, duly routed through the Convener, DUGC to the Convener,
UGAPEC. This award, on approval by the UGAPEC, will be mentioned on the grade
report of the student as URA03 carrying six credits and the grade AA. No formal
registration is required with the academic office. The advantage to the student would be
that his / her CPI would improve, given that these credits are with an AA grade.

9. Helping students with poor academic performance:

The Institute strives in several ways to help students with poor academic performance:

i. The students with backlogs are required to register manually. This will require them to
meet and discuss their performance with the Faculty Advisor. The Faculty Advisor will
assess the student’s capabilities and recommend academic loads that the students
can complete in each semester. The students with backlogs should continuously seek
help from the Faculty Advisor.

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 ii. There is a Senate appointed committee specifically set for the purpose of closely
monitoring the progress of students with extremely poor academic performance. The
committee also reviews all cases which may lead to termination and would interview
the student personally and ascertain whether there are special circumstances, which
could be alleviated, leading to poor performance. It suggests remedial measures,
including academic preparatory courses, medical/psychological consultations, etc. In
case there are no such special circumstances, there would be a final
recommendation for termination placed before the senate. Faculty Advisers/DUGCs
keep this committee informed of all cases of poor performance and work with it
closely.

iii. There is a system of student mentorship programme, where a group of students,

drawn from each hostel/department, voluntarily help those students who have
academic/adjustment difficulties, especially in the first year. They coordinate their
activities with the faculty advisors, concerned Deans, etc. Such mentors, being well-
versed in the system and easily accessible, should be the first persons to turn to in
case of difficulties.

iv. There is a professional student counselor working under the Dean of Student Affairs.
S/he counsels students on difficulties related to adjustment problems, academic and
social stresses, and medical/psychological issues. Faculty advisors, wardens and the
Deans refer all students with such difficulties to the counselor.

It is expected that the parents/guardians, especially in the case of students with backlogs,
stay in constant touch with the Faculty Advisors and, if necessary, the student counselor,
and keep themselves abreast of their wards’ progress. It may be reiterated here that the
Institute sends the semester grade report to parents/guardians of all students at the end
of each semester. Non-receipt of the grade report in reasonable time should be intimated
to the Deputy Registrar ( academic) for corrective action.

9.2 Faculty Advisor

On joining the Institute, a student or a group of students is/are assigned to a Faculty
Advisor. The students are expected to consult the Faculty Advisor on any matter relating
to their academic performance and the courses they may take in various semesters /
summer terms. The idea of a Faculty Advisor has been evolved to extend guidance to the
students enabling them to complete their courses of study for the required degree in a
smooth and satisfactory manner. For effective utilization of the opportunities for additional
academic accomplishments, planning of the individual’s academic journey needs careful
consideration, and constant consultation with the Faculty Advisors is imperative. Thus, the
role of the Faculty Advisor is of immense importance. The Faculty Advisor is the
person whom the parents/guardians should contact for performance related issues
of their ward.

10. Glossary

Senate : The Senate is a statutory and supreme body that governs all academic
matters of the Institute. The rulings of Chairman, Senate is final in
regard to all academic matters.

DUGC : Departmental Under-Graduate Committee (Sec1.1)

UGPC : Under-Graduate Programmes Committee(Sec1.1)

UGAPEC : Under-Graduate Academic Performance Evaluation Committee

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 (Sec1.1)

CRF : Course Registration Form (Sec.3.2)

CAF : Course Adjustment Form (Sec.3.5)

FA : Faculty Advisor ( Sec.3.1)

Semester : Two semesters in an academic year, approximately of 16 weeks duration

each, the first one (Autumn Semester) from the last week of July to last
week of November and the second one (Spring Semester) from the first
week of January to the last week of April.

Summer Term : Approximately of 8 weeks duration from the first week of May to the
first week of July.

Course Credit : Weighted sum of the number of Lecture hours (L), Tutorial hours (T),
and Practical hours (P) associated with the course.

Registration : Semester wise enrolment for courses as per the prescribed curriculum.

Semester Credits: Sum of credits of courses registered by the student in a semester.

Credits Earned : Sum of credits earned by passing a course registered during the
semester.

Grade : Qualitative assessment of the student’s performance in a course

indicated by the letters, AP, AA, AB, BB, BC, CC, CD, DD, FR, XX, II,
PP or NP Grade. XX or FR indicates that the student has to repeat the
course. DR indicates course dropped.

Grade point : Number equivalent of the letter grades given by 10, 9, 8, 7,6, 5, 4,
corresponding to AP and AA, AB, BB, BC, CC, CD, and DD
respectively. FR, XX carry zero grade points, PP, and NP do not carry
any grade points. II is a place holder, gets converted to an appropriate
grade after semester end re-examination. DR is just a position holder.
Instructor : Member of faculty who teaches courses/labs.
Semester Grade Points : The sum of the products of credits and Grade Points for each
course registered by a student in a semester (Sec.5.10.1).
SPI : Semester Performance Index which is obtained by dividing the
Semester Grade Points by the Semester Credits (Sec.5.10.1).
Cumulative Credits : Sum of the Semester Credits for all the semesters taken together,
wherein the credits of a course is not counted if an alternative course
has been taken in lieu of it(Sec.5.10.2).
Cumulative Grade Points : Sum of the Semester Grade Points for all the semesters
taken together, wherein the credits of a course is not counted if an
alternative course has been taken in lieu of it (Sec.5.10.2)..
CPI : Cumulative Performance Index which is obtained by dividing the
Cumulative Grade Points by the Cumulative Credits (Sec.5.10.2).
.
URA : Undergraduate Research Award (Sec.8).

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Minor : A credential earned by a student, optionally, by earning a total of 30
specified credits in addition to the minimum prescribed for the degree,
in a focused area different from her/his discipline (Sec.2.5.1)
Honors : A credential earned by a student optionally by earning a total of 30 specified
credits in addition to the minimum prescribed for the degree, in
her/his parent discipline (Sec.2.5.2)
Transcript : Consolidated statement of the Academic Performance of a student for
all the semesters completed (Sec.5.10.4).

Audit course : Course taken by a student for exposure only and carries no grade
points (Sec.4.7).

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