IIIT Bangalore MASTER OF SCIENCE (DIGITAL SOCIETY) Admissions 2020

About The Admission

Admissions announcement for the academic year starting July 2020 for Indian candidates

Societies everywhere are grappling with rapid transitions to digital modes of living. Even as digital tools are heralded for making life easy, they can also throw up a range of complexities that demand competence in understanding the social lives of technology and the bearing they have on our everyday life. The proliferation of the digital as a ubiquitous part of our routine has also created an urgent need for nuanced discussions that account for both social and the technical dimension of a digital society.

Recognizing the need for professionals that can serve the demands of society’s digital needs and disruptions, IIIT Bangalore invites applications for a two-year, full-time, interdisciplinary, Master’s degree in Digital Society, open to graduates from any discipline.

The programme is designed to create a group of professionals who will:

Contribute to the design, development and deployment of digital technologies for diverse social groups;
Provide and manage solutions that address persistent challenges in domains such as finance, education, governance, health and entertainment;
Engage in policy making and advocacy for deploying digital technologies; and
Enrich interdisciplinary research on the digital society.

Eligibility

An under-graduate degree (of at least 3 years duration) in any discipline (including arts, science, commerce, design, management, law, engineering etc.) with a first division/class from a recognised University. Those expecting to graduate by 1^st August 2020 may also apply.
The candidates who have a valid score in CAT 2019, CEED 2020, CUCET 2020 or TISS NET 2020 may be exempted from appearing for a written test at IIIT Bangalore.

Application and admission process

Link for the online application form and other relevant guidelines will be made available on the IIIT Bangalore website by 16^th March 2020.
Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1000/- as mentioned in the instructions on the aforesaid webpage.
Candidates whose application is found in order will have to take a written examination at IIIT Bangalore that will test numerical/quantitative, analytical, and verbal abilities, as well as design, social, and information technology awareness. Sample questions for the entrance examination are available here.
Candidates who have a valid score in CAT 2019, CEED 2020, CUCET 2020 or TISS NET 2020 can be exempted from appearing for the written test depending on their scores. Such candidates will have to submit a copy of the scorecard.
All the shortlisted candidates will have to appear for an interview at IIIT Bangalore. In exceptional circumstances, the interviews can also be conducted remotely using a video calling facility, in case the candidates are not able to travel to Bengaluru on the interview date(s). The decision of the Admissions Committee on this matter shall be final.
The final list of candidates to be admitted will be decided after the interview. The selection will be based on performance in the interview, scores in the written test (or, in one of the four national level entrance tests mentioned above), professional experience and marks obtained in 10^th, 12^th and Under-graduate/Bachelor’s examinations.

Tuition fees and other expenses

The tuition fees, as applicable for admissions in July 2020, is Rs. 1,60,000/- per semester. The total tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme (for four semesters) will be Rs. 6,40,000/-
Hostel and Facility fees will be Rs 39,000/- per semester , Medical Insurance premium of Rs 1,250 per year, and Mess charges of approximately Rs 25,800/- plus applicable taxes per semester (Mess charges are subject to revision from time to time). Other costs for books and supplies, travel, purchase of a laptop need to be factored by students depending on their individual circumstances and Institute norms.

Scholarships and financial support

Scholarships will be made available to up to 20 admitted students as per existing Institute policy. For students joining in July 2020, the scholarship amount is expected to be Rs. 12,400/- per month (subject to a maximum of four semesters).
In addition, M.Sc. (Digital Society) students can also expect a stipend of Rs. 15,000-25,000/- per month during the last six months of the programme while working on their internship/thesis.

Important dates

In view of COVID-19 related travel restrictions expected in the country over the next few weeks, the dates for the 2020-21 admissions cycle are being extended as given below. Please also note that the written test and interviews for shortlisted candidates will now be conducted remotely using appropriate online platforms/applications.

16^th March 2020: Application process for the 2020-21 academic year opens
13^th July 2020: Last date for submitting online applications
18^th-19^th July 2020: Written tests and personal interviews for shortlisted candidates – to be conducted in an online mode; details will be shared with shortlisted candidates (candidates with a valid score on CAT 2019, CEED 2020, CUCET 2020 or TISS NET 2020 are exempted from taking the written test)
28^th July 2020: Release of first list of selected candidates (additional lists may be released, if required)
Offer acceptance and payment of fees: As noted in the offer letter.
18^th August 2020: 2-week Program Orientation sessions begin (to be conducted in an online mode)
31^st August 2020: Reporting at IIIT Bangalore campus
1^st September 2020: Classes for first semester begin at IIIT Bangalore