Frequently asked questions
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What is Heritage ?
As UNESCO puts it, "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations". UNESCO lists many such world heritage sites that are tangible including cultural (like forts, archaeological remains) or natural (like forests or mountain ranges) heritages. UNESCO describes world ."
What is Heritage Science and Technology ?
Heritage science and technology is application of S&T to serve Heritage industries, in much the same way as Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering serves the respective industries. While our Heritage is a cherished asset for humanity it is important to note that it supports livelihoods in a huge way. Cultural and natural heritage sites are the backbone of travel and tourism industry. Traditional knowledge and skills drives several industries such as catering and food, handicrafts, agriculture, toy-making, traditional medicine, health and wellness, entertainment, art and media. However we notice that industrial activity around heritage assets are invariably fragmented and lead to lower incomes. HST tries to address this problem by bringing the power of S&T to play. It helps small and medium scale industries around Heritage to survive, thrive, aggregate and scale. We hope our work will enrich millions of people whose lives revolve around Heritage.
Is HST different from IKS (Indian Knowledge Systems)?
Yes and No. Indian Knowledge Systems are intangible world heritage originating from India. HST uses the best of Science and Technology to enhance lives and livelihoods around IKS activities, for e.g. help makers of traditional toys and musical instruments, yoga studios, traditional medicines, heritage tourism, media technologies in Indian languages and the like.
What is the eligibility requirement for online M.Tech in HST ?
Demonstrable work experience of at least 2 years (self-employment is valid experience)
AND
First class or 60% marks (55% for SC/ST reserved categories) in one of the following
4-yr Bachelors program in (Technology/Engineering/Architecture/Medicine/Science) or equivalent in any relevant discipline
(or)
M Sc or equivalent (2 years subsequent to a 3 year bachelors degree) in relevant area.
What is the course fee for a M.Tech in HST ?
Year -1 : INR 2.4 lacs (24 credits @ 10,000 per credit)
Year-2 : INR 1.2 lacs (24 thesis credits @ 5,000 per credit)
Registration fees : INR 15,000 per semester
Total fees for M.Tech in HST : INR 4.2 Lacs
Total fees for PGD in HST : INR 2.7 Lacs
What is the course fee for a M.Tech in HST ?
Year -1 : INR 2.4 lacs (24 credits @ 10,000 per credit)
Year-2 : INR 1.2 lacs (24 thesis credits @ 5,000 per credit)
Registration fees : INR 15,000 per semester
Total fees for M.Tech in HST : INR 4.2 Lacs
Total fees for PGD in HST : INR 2.7 Lacs
Last date for application ?
7th July 2022.
Relaxations in deadlines if any will be intimated on https://www.hst.iith.ac.in/acad. In case of any inconsistency between this page and https://www.hst.iith.ac.in/acad, the latter should be deemed authentic.
How do I choose a thesis project ?
The thesis project will be mentored by a thesis committee that is customized for your goals and interests - research, product development, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, consultancy or practice. The thesis project will be in the broad area of your choice, but the exact problem statement will be drawn up by student in consultation with the thesis committee. Thus at the time of graduation you would have already started a new innings in the Heritage sector of your choice as researcher, professional or an entrepreneur.
Can I get any scholarships to fund my M.Tech in HST ?
IIT-H does NOT offer any fellowships or scholarships for this program. However we strongly believe that none should be denied education for want of resources. Thus we urge you to apply if you want to, irrespective of affordability. We regularly connect deserving students with voluntary organizations that offer scholarships to students. This is only done in good faith and in no way implies a guarantee of fellowship. If you think you are in need, please apply and write to head@hst.iith.ac.in mentioning your application number and your background. Any request for financial assistance will in no way impact our decision on your application. After grant of admission, you may take a final call to accept or reject based on your financial position at that time.
How will the M.Tech in HST better my career ?
This being an online program does not cover placement services. However since you are already a working professional, the network of heritage researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs and the global team of mentors will be your greatest acquisition. We facilitate you to leverage this network in one of many ways, such as:
Find a new job that helps align your passion for Heritage with your profession. After all there is nothing like getting paid to do things you love !
Start a new venture offering products and services for the heritage sector within your company. Propose new product lines and become a champion in hitherto untapped areas.
Enhance and scale your small business to become a leader in one of the heritage industries. Your clientele could include the burgeoning giants in India and abroad that are looking for authentic heritage offerings. Use our network of industry leaders to make your startup a global leader.
Customize your current offerings to your clients with cutting edge and authentic Indic elements. Be known as a prized consultant with a unique blend of experience in technology and authentic training in Heritage.
The year-long thesis project is designed to do just this and launch you into the professional trajectory of your dreams. We assign a team of mentors / thesis advisors that is customized to your goals. Thus at the time of graduation you are well set to begin a new innings in the Heritage sector of your choice as researcher, professional or an entrepreneur.
Is there an age limit for applying?
NO.
However professionals in the age bracket of 25-35 stand to gain the maximum from this program.
Is a valid GATE score required ?
NO.
This being an online program for working professionals, a valid GATE score is not required. However a minimum working experience of 2 years must be demonstrated.
How do I demonstrate work experience ?
You can do so by furnishing experience letters from your current and/or previous employers
Is self-employment counted as work experience?
YES.
What is a valid proof for self employment?
There are no fixed guidelines. It could be one of many documents such as certificate of proprietorship, GST filings or tax filings of companies or any other documentary evidence normally acceptable to government institutions.
How do I enroll for a PG diploma ? There is no such link on the website.
There is no separate enrolment for PG Diploma. Everyone applies for a M.Tech in HST. If you are eligible for the same and are selected you can enroll for a M.Tech. At the end of year-1 you can choose to exit with a PG-Diploma or continue to complete the year-long thesis project and graduate with a M.Tech. If you ado not meet the eligibility criterion for the M.Tech program but the selection committee finds you to be iin a position to benefit from this program, we may offer you a PG-diploma in HST.
Can I choose my specialization ?
Absolutely YES.
You will be asked to choose your priority order of specialization at the time of application. Offers of admission are also made for only ONE specialization and valid ONLY for the same. In rare cases if your backgrounds and interview performance satisfy the requirements of multiple streams, we may offer you an M.Tech in multiple specializations. However you can still pursue only ONE specialization.
How many credits do I have to complete ? Can I choose which courses to enroll for ?
A Course work of 24 credits must be completed during the first year. Courses are classified as
Core(all M.Tech in HST students must take) (~ 6 credits)
Stream Core (all M.Tech-HST specialising in stream must take) (~12 credits)
Electives (Your choice. Open to all M.Tech in HST students.) (~ 6 credits)
You can choose your courses in accordance with the above structure.
Is a knowledge of Sanskrit a pre-requisite for the course ?
NO.
We do not assume any level of proficiency in Sanskrit. However prior exposure at school or college level will be a definite plus.
What will be the ideal profile for 'Yoga technology' specialization ?
This online specialization is apt for
digital technologists looking to make a difference to practice / teaching of Yoga
OR
Yoga professionals with a flair for technology.
The cohort will learn a host of technologies including biomedical sensing technologies and devices, machine learning, computer vision techniques. They will also be trained in modern anatomy, physiology and the theoretical aspects of Yoga including the elements of Saankhya, Yoga ( Patanjala Yoga Sutras, Hathayoga pradipika) and Ayurveda (Astanga Hridaya). The thesis project in the second year will allow the students to identify a research problem or a gap in the market and proceed to create initial research results in the area or a working prototype.
What will I learn in the 'Yoga technology' specialization ?
The cohort will learn a host of technologies including biomedical sensing technologies and devices, machine learning, computer vision techniques. They will also be trained in modern anatomy, physiology and the theoretical aspects of Yoga including the elements of Saankhya, Yoga ( Patanjala Yoga Sutras, Hathayoga pradipika) and Ayurveda (Astanga Hridaya). The thesis project in the second year will allow the students to identify a research problem or a gap in the market and proceed to create initial research results in the area or a working prototype.
What is the ideal profile for 'Indic Language Processing' specialization ?
This online specialization is apt for
digital technologists looking to make a mark in the burgeoning areas of Indic language technologies in a variety of application areas like mobiles, media, museums and manuscripts
OR
Those working in the area of manuscripts and Indian knowledge systems with a flair for technology
Professionals in any related areas will also find this course apt to converge their passions and professions. The training regimen in this specialization includes technology topics such as ML, NLP, Compilers, Speech recognition and text-2-speech technology along with heritage topics such Panininan grammar, Indian phonetics, metres and etymology, manuscriptology and epigraphy. Interdisciplinary subjects such as the Language processing strategies in Indian traditions and use of ML for automated processing and summarization of Heritage texts will be the advanced topics.
What will I learn in 'Indic Language Processing' specialization ?
The training regimen in this specialization includes technology topics such as ML, NLP, Compilers, Speech recognition and text-2-speech technology along with heritage topics such Paninian grammar, Indian phonetics, metres and etymology, manuscriptology and epigraphy. Interdisciplinary subjects such as the Language processing strategies in Indian traditions and use of ML for automated processing and summarization of Heritage texts will be the advanced topics.
What is the ideal profile for 'Conservation and Reconstruction' specialization ?
This is apt for
Structural Engineers or Architects looking to incorporate digital technologies with an Indic touch into their design practice, or looking for work in conservation of heritage structures.
OR
Digital technologists who intend to address the booming demands for digital immersive Heritage experiences can find this course an ideal launchpad to get trained in elements of design, Architecture and digital technologies in this area.
The topics of study include architecture, planning & design, technology topics like AI for defect mapping, VR/AR technologies for reconstruction and Heritage architecture texts such as the Maanasaara, Mayamata and Samarangana-Sutradhara.
What will I learn in 'Conservation and Reconstruction' specialization ?
The topics of study include architecture, planning & design, technology topics like AI for defect mapping, VR/AR technologies for reconstruction and Heritage architecture texts such as the Maanasaara, Mayamata and Samarangana-Sutradhara.
I am an Arts graduate. Can I enroll for M.Tech in HST ?
Unfortunately No. However you can still apply(in the same portal as for M.Tech) and based on your background and if found suitable, we may offer you admission 1-year PG Diploma in HST.