Recognizing the socio-economic potential of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), and the increasing need to train professionals in harnessing this potential, IIIT-B has started a unique and innovative two-year M.Sc. (Digital Society) programme from 2015 onwards.

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 developmental challenges in domains such as education, governance, and health;
• Engage in policy making and in advocacy for deploying digital technologies; and
• Enrich interdisciplinary research on the digital society.

This is an interdisciplinary Master’s program intended for graduates from any background who are interested in designing, developing, deploying and managing large ICT solutions for an inclusive and sustainable digital society. The batch size for academic year 2016-17 will be approximately 30.

• An under-graduate degree (of at least 3 years duration) in any discipline with a first division / class from a recognised University. Those expecting to graduate by 1st August 2016 may also apply.
• Working knowledge of basic computer applications; some prior certification of computer application/programming from a recognized institute could be useful but is not mandatory.
• Relevant work experience is an added advantage, but is not mandatory.

• Link for the online application form and other relevant guidelines are available.
• Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1000 as mentioned in the instructions on the aforesaid application portal.
• 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 on the aforesaid application portal. They will also be required to appear for a personal interview at IIIT Bangalore.
• The final list of candidates to be admitted will be decided after the interview.

• The tuition fees for the students admitted in July 2015 is Rs. 90,000/- per semester. The total tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme for these students will be Rs. 4,05,000/. For students to be admitted in July 2016, this amount may undergo some revision.
• In addition, students currently pay approximately Rs. 3000/- towards hostel rent and approximately Rs. 4000/- for food expenses per month. These rates are subject to revision from time to time. Other costs for books and supplies, travel, purchase of a laptop, etc. need to be factored by students depending on their individual circumstances.
• "Limited merit/merit-cum-means scholarships may be made available to deserving students to cover full/part-of their tuition fees and/or living expenses. The Institute currently funds the full tuition fee of one student admitted in 2015. In addition, the 2015 batch M.Sc. (Digital Society) students were eligible to apply for scholarships funded by Infosys and Société Générale at the Institute. For the 2016 batch, we are in discussion with other leading national and international companies also for scholarships."