The Humanities and Social Sciences (H&SS) Department of IIT Bombay offers a two-year MA by Research (MA Res) program with specializations in Human Sciences (HS),  Linguistics, Literature, and Performance (LLP), and Sociology (Soc) designed for students who seek to develop essential research skills applicable both in academia and in a wide range of professional careers. Launched in 2022-2023, the program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and applying conceptual, analytical, and methodological frameworks effectively. The course will provide a strong foundation for pursuing higher research in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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MA Research Program Structure

Our diverse faculty brings expertise from various fields, fostering a rich, multidisciplinary environment. Students are guided in synthesizing information, applying advanced analytical frameworks, and exploring the intersections of different disciplines—skills that are indispensable for addressing complex global issues. Our students have been successful both in deepening their disciplinary interests and transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries.

With a blend of specialized coursework and independent research, the program offers flexibility and depth, allowing students from various academic backgrounds to thrive. Whether you are considering a career in research or seeking to broaden your intellectual horizons, the MA. Res program provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research and build a strong foundation for the future.

Programme Outcome

The Master of Arts by Research (MA.Res) program with specializations in Human Sciences (HS), Linguistics, Literature, and Performance (LLP), and Sociology (Soc) prepares students for the challenges of pursuing a PhD in esteemed national and international institutions. This is a research-training program which builds in post-graduate students the capacity for original and innovative research, which can act as a stepping stone in their future careers within academia.

Further, the program will broaden cultural literacy and exposure to various fields, making students prepared for a wide range of careers.  These include careers in the fields of journalism, media, content production, and curatorial roles in cultural institutions, festivals, archives, museums and galleries. Our post-graduates are well-positioned to assume roles in think-tanks, research institutions, private sector research firms, R&D arms of various companies, international research agencies, and NGOs.

About The Programme:

Title and specialisation tracks      
The programme titled Master of Arts by Research (MA.Res) will be in one of three specialisation tracks:      
   i. Human Sciences (HS)      
   ii. Linguistics, Literature and Performance (LLP)      
   iii. Sociology (Soc)

Within the three tracks above, a further choice is available to students given their previous educational backgrounds:      
   i. To complete a thesis      
   ii. To do research projects

(Note: The option to write a thesis as part of the research component of the programme will only be available to students with a prior Master’s degree as specified for each track.)

The final degree certificates will indicate the student’s selection and completion of one of these three tracks:      
   i. MA Res. (in Human Sciences)      
   ii. MA Res. (in Linguistics, Literature and Performance)      
   iii. MA Res. (in Sociology)

   Eligibility Criteria      
   a) Candidates must have one of the following:      
i.   A 3-year Bachelor's Degree (such as a BA, BSc, BCom or others – 10+2+3)      
ii.  A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (such as BA, BS, BTech – 10+2+4)      
iii.  An earlier post-graduate degree (such as an MA, MSc: 10+2+3+2).      
   b) Candidates must meet the minimum percentage criterion in their qualifying degree as per the institute norms (GN/EWS/OBC-NC 60% and SC/ST/PwD 55%; or a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)/Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) of 6.0 on the scale of 0-10; or an equivalent to 6.0 or other corresponding proportional requirements when the scales are other than 0-10).      
   c) Candidates must have a valid GATE score/qualification in the GATE-XH paper. MoE norms will be applicable to the GATE score obtained by the candidates.

Note: Candidates with qualification in other GATE papers are NOT eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

 a) Candidates shortlisted on the basis of GATE-XH cut-off (to be declared at a later date) will be invited for Personal Interview organized by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).     
b) The final selection will be based on the composite score obtained in GATE-XH and the Personal Interview.     
c) Information about the GATE cut-off score for Personal Interviews and other selection details will be updated on the department website

Interdisciplinary opportunity     
   • All courses are open across all tracks to allow for wider course selection, and to support disciplinary crossovers.     
   • LLP and Soc specializations have specific course requirements in the second semester, while HS specialisation allows for the most student-driven course selection.

   Research component:     
   • First semester: Introduction begins with four research methods courses.     
   • Second semester: A 4-credit seminar course focusing on proposal writing, ethics, and peer reviews.     
   • Third and Fourth semester: Actual research work (thesis or projects) is carried out, ideally starting in the summer after the second semester.

For Detailed MA-Research Program Structure Click here

   ADMISSIONS AND FELLOWSHIP DETAILS     
Information about the structure of the admission test and the previous year’s paper, the GATE cut off score, and other selection details (including numerical restrictions on candidates called for the exam) will be updated on the department website.     
   • No. of seats and fellowships      
   a) The MA Res programme has 20 seats distributed as per GOI norms. Seats are reserved for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)/Other Backward Class Non-Creamy Layer (OBC NCL)/Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Person with Benchmark Disability (PwD).      
   b) The TA-ships will be made available as applicable to GATE qualified entrants in the following pattern:      
           i. Students with a 3-year Bachelor’s degree at entry may receive a TA-ship only in the second year of the programme      
           ii. Students with either a 4-year Bachelor’s degree at entry, or a prior Master’s degree may receive a TA-ship in both years. 

    Duration of the Programme      
This is a two-year programme and the student must normally complete the programme in two years from the date of joining. The maximum period for which the registration of the student shall be alive is four years from the date of joining. The programme cannot be completed in less than two years. 

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For more information to the GATE-XH exam https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/ and https://gate.iitb.ac.in/

 GATE syllabus available https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/xh.pdf

GATE previous years papers available at: 

https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/xh_2023.pdf 

https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/xh_2022.pdf

https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/xh_2021.pdf

 For any queries please contact at HSS office on 022-25767351 or email at office.hss@iitb.ac.in

For more information about dates, advertisement, sanctioned strength, application timeline please visit 

https://acad.iitb.ac.in/admissions/masters/mares