What was your experience like getting into IIT, Bombay to do M.Tech - CSE after clearing the GATE?

One of my friends got admission to IIT Bombay Computer Science and here is a detailed answer based on her experience.

The application process begins after GATE Ranks are released. You are required to opt for an Engineering discipline. If you did your bachelors in CS/IT, then you're allowed to opt for CSE, and some other Interdisciplinary courses like IEOR, etc.

Your application is then evaluated and then you might get a call if you clear the required criteria.

If you are willing to join CSE then I have 2 options for you.

1. M.Tech as a Teaching Assistant: This is a 2-year programme; the first year is like any other course program comprising lectures, assignments, projects, and stuff while the second year requires you to work on your M.Tech. project.

Admission: Admissions with TA are done on the basis of GATE rank only and are not followed by any interviews or tests.

Course: Under this, you have to assist professors with their work such as managing lab sessions for UG students, exam supervision, etc.

1. M.Tech as a Research Assistant: This is a 3-year program and is similar to TA except that you get to work on a funded research project under a professor from the very beginning. You get an additional year to complete your M.Tech coursework. The work is exciting and the course is less rigorous than TA.

Both TAs and RAs are required to complete the same number of minimum credits for their M.Tech degree, but RAs get an additional year. Admission to RA is difficult and is based on

• A CS test
• An interview if you manage to clear the test.

The test can consist of questions from the entire GATE syllabus. Once you clear the test, you have to sit for the interview.

Once you have been admitted to either of these, you have to choose from a wide range of courses. There are around 20 courses in the first semester, and you can choose them in 2 weeks by attending their classes and analyzing them. You have to select 3 (RA) or 4 (TA) courses. 

The faculty pool is extremely learned and does justice to its reputation. Some are truly brilliant and awesome. Overall, the Institute fulfills all your expectations and stands up to its worth and credibility.