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MA in Culture, Society, and Thought at IIT Delhi

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought at IIT Delhi
    Feature Details
    Program Name MA in Culture, Society, and Thought
    Institution IIT Delhi, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
    Duration 24 months (4 semesters)
    Start Date July 2024
    Core Disciplines Sociology, Literature, Philosophy
    Eligibility 55% marks for BA graduates; First division for other graduates; Relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/PwD
    Admission Process Written Test or GATE score, followed by an interview
    Application Period 20th March - 8th April 2024
    Key Dates 15th March: Open House; 18th May: Admission Test; 27-29th May: Interviews
    Career Prospects Academia, research, media, NGOs, government, social entrepreneurship, consultancy
    Pathway to PhD CGPA of 8.0 or above allows direct application to doctoral programs
    Contact Information cst_admissions@hss.iitd.ac.in; +91 11 2659-1371


    About MA in Culture, Society, and Thought course IIT Delhi 

    The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is launching an exciting new academic program: the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought. Scheduled to begin in July 2025, this two-year full-time master’s program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding contemporary issues, blending insights from sociology, literature, and philosophy. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative program, including its structure, eligibility, admission process, and career opportunities.

    Why Choose the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought?

    This program is crafted for students who are eager to engage deeply with the intricacies of culture, society, and modern thought. Here are some key features that make it stand out:

    1. Interdisciplinary Approach: The program brings together three core disciplines—sociology, literature, and philosophy—enabling students to critically examine the modern world through a multifaceted lens. By integrating diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, it encourages reflection on cultural and social phenomena.
    2. Research and Practical Skills Development: Students will gain a blend of academic and practical skills, preparing them for careers in academia, research institutions, media, NGOs, and think tanks. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical abilities, logical reasoning, and comprehension skills.
    3. Pathway to Doctoral Programs: Graduates with a CGPA of 8.0 or above can directly apply for doctoral programs at IIT Delhi or pursue PhD opportunities worldwide. This streamlined pathway provides a significant advantage for students aiming to delve into research.
    4. Career Versatility: With training in critical thinking and research methodologies, graduates will be well-equipped for roles in diverse sectors, including journalism, publishing, social entrepreneurship, advocacy, and development consultancy.

    Program Structure and Duration of MA in Culture, Society, and Thought 

    The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought spans four semesters over 24 months. It includes a rigorous blend of coursework and research, with classes and projects designed to challenge students’ understanding of contemporary societal issues. The program's curriculum ensures that students gain not only academic knowledge but also practical skills applicable in various career paths.

    Eligibility Criteria of MA CST IIT Delhi

    The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. Here’s what you need to know:

    • For BA Graduates (Any Discipline): A minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA.
    • Graduates from Other Streams (B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com, B.Des, B.Ed, etc.): A first division is required.
    • Relaxation for SC/ST/PwD Candidates: A 5% relaxation in marks.
    • Graduates of Both 3-Year and 4-Year Programs: Eligible to apply.
    • B.Tech. Advanced Standing Students from IIT Delhi: Permitted to join the program.

    The institute aggregates the performance across all semesters of the qualifying degree, ensuring a fair assessment process.

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Admission Process

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Entrance Exam

    Admission to the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought involves a comprehensive selection process:

    1. Written Test or GATE Score: Candidates must take a written test conducted by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences or submit a valid GATE score in any XH subject.
    2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which assesses analytical skills, numerical and logical reasoning, as well as reading comprehension.
    3. Provisional Admission for Final-Year Students: Students in their final year can apply, with admission contingent upon meeting minimum eligibility criteria after final results.

    Important Dates

    Here’s a quick look at the key dates (tentitive) for the upcoming admissions cycle:

    • 20th March - 8th April: Application Portal Open
    • 25th April: Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates for Admission Test
    • 18th May: Admission Test at IIT Delhi
    • 27th - 29th May: Online Interviews
    • June: Final Admissions Announced
    • July: Classes Begin

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Placements

    Graduates of the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought will be equipped to pursue diverse career paths, including:

    • Academia and Research: The program lays a strong foundation for further studies, including PhD programs in the humanities and social sciences.
    • Government and Non-Governmental Organizations: With training in research methodologies and social analysis, graduates can work in policy-making, social work, and program evaluation.
    • Media and Publishing: The interdisciplinary skillset acquired through this program is valuable in journalism, content creation, and editorial roles.
    • Social Entrepreneurship and Development Consultancy: Graduates can apply their skills to address social issues through innovative projects and consultancy.

    How to Apply MA in Culture, Society, and Thought

    Eligible candidates can apply through the PG Applications Portal between 20th March and 8th April 2025. International applicants have a dedicated portal for their applications.

    The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought at IIT Delhi is a pioneering program that seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of the modern world through an interdisciplinary approach. With a strong emphasis on research, analytical skills, and practical applications, it provides an ideal pathway for students aspiring to excel in academia, research, and various professional fields.

    Whether you’re passionate about understanding cultural dynamics, analyzing social issues, or exploring philosophical questions, this program offers the tools and opportunities to shape your future. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this innovative academic journey at one of India’s premier institutions.

    For more details, visit the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, or contact the admissions team at cst_admissions@hss.iitd.ac.in.

    Keywords: MA in Culture Society Thought, IIT Delhi, interdisciplinary master’s program, sociology, literature, philosophy, career opportunities, admission process, higher education, social sciences, humanities.

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought IIT Delhi Syllabus

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Syllabus at IIT Delhi Semester I (Core Courses)

    1. HSN 500 - Reading Bootcamp (0-1-0)
    2. HSL 531 - Literary Theory (3-0-0)
    3. HSL 551 - Philosophical Thinking (3-0-0)
    4. HSL 582 - Theory & Methods in HSS (3-0-0)
    5. PE 1 - Program Elective 1 (3-0-0)
      Credits: 15

    Semester II (Core Courses and Research)

    1. HSL 571 - Contemporary Social Theory (3-0-0)
    2. HSL 584 - Political Thought (3-0-0)
    3. HSD 690 - Research Project Part 1 (0-0-6)
    4. PE 2 - Program Elective 2 (3-0-0)
    5. PE 3 - Program Elective 3 (3-0-0)
      Credits: 18 (15 for coursework + 3 for research)

    Semester III (Research and Electives)

    1. HSD 691 - Research Project Part II (0-0-8)
    2. PE 4 - Program Elective 4 (3-0-0)
    3. PE 5 - Program Elective 5 (3-0-0)
    4. OE 1 - Open Elective 1 (3-0-0)
      Credits: 17 (13 for coursework + 4 for research)

    Semester IV (Research and Electives)

    1. HSD 692 - Research Project Part III (0-0-26)
    2. OE 2 - Open Elective 2 (3-0-0)
      Credits: 19 (13 for research + 6 for coursework)

    Additional Requirements

    1. NGU - Department Seminar Series
    2. Summer Writing Workshop

    Methods Courses (Choose any three from the list)

    1. HSL 572 - Basics of Programming for Digital Humanities (3-0-0)
    2. HSL 573 - Narrative Matters (3-0-0)
    3. HSL 574 - Dimensions of Language (3-0-0)
    4. HSL 575 - Fieldwork Methods (3-0-0)
    5. HSL 581 - Archival Methods (3-0-0)
    6. HSL 585 - Introduction to Digitisation (3-0-0)

    Program Electives (Sample List)

    1. HSL 572 - Basics of Programming for Digital Humanities
    2. HSL 573 - Narrative Matters
    3. HSL 574 - Dimensions of Language
    4. HSL 575 - Fieldwork Methods
    5. HSL 581 - Archival Methods
    6. HSL 585 - Introduction to Digitisation

    Colloquia

    1. NGU - Department Seminar Series (Regular)

    A Comprehensive Guide to the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Program at IIT Delhi

    The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought (MA CST) at IIT Delhi is a prestigious two-year full-time interdisciplinary program that prepares students to critically analyze and engage with contemporary societal issues through the lenses of sociology, literature, and philosophy. This program is an excellent choice for individuals aiming to explore cultural dynamics, social theories, and philosophical thought. Let’s dive into the program's features, eligibility criteria, application process, career opportunities, and more.

    Admission Process for MA CST at IIT Delhi

    The selection procedure for the MA CST program is structured to ensure the admission of candidates with a solid academic background and analytical skills. The key steps in the admission process are:

    • Step 1: Application Submission
      Candidates need to apply online via the IIT Delhi PG Admission portal from 20th March 2025 to 8th April 2025.
    • Step 2: Entrance Exam Requirement
      Eligible candidates must appear for the GATE exam or the MA CST Entrance Exam, which will be conducted at IIT Delhi. Both exams aim to assess analytical abilities, numerical reasoning, logical skills, reading comprehension, and understanding of the program's core themes.
    • Step 3: Interview
      After the entrance exam, a cut-off will be announced, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The final selection will be based on the combined scores of the entrance exam (70%) and interview (30%).

    Eligibility Criteria for the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought Program

    The program is open to candidates from diverse academic backgrounds:

    • Bachelor’s Degree Holders: Candidates with a BA degree must have a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA. For all other streams (e.g., B.Tech., B.Sc., B.Com., B.Ed., etc.), a first division is required.
    • Relaxation for Reserved Categories: For SC/ST/PwD category students, the minimum marks requirement is relaxed by 5%, allowing candidates with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA to apply.
    • Final-Year Students: Those in the final year of their undergraduate program can also apply, provided they complete all degree requirements before July 2025.

    How to Apply for the MA CST Program at IIT Delhi

    Candidates can follow these steps to apply:

    • Step 1: Visit the official IIT Delhi website and navigate to Admissions > PG Admissions.
    • Step 2: Complete the online application form and submit all required documents.
    • Step 3: Keep track of important dates, including the Open House on 15th March 2025, Admission Test on 18th May 2025, and Interview from 27th to 29th May 2025.

    MA CST Entrance Exam Format and Syllabus

    The MA CST Entrance Exam is designed to evaluate the applicant’s suitability for the program:

    • Exam Duration: Three hours
    • Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on analytical skills, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, and logical thinking.
    • Negative Marking: The exam includes a negative marking system, where 0.33 marks are deducted for each incorrect one-mark question and 0.66 marks for each incorrect two-mark question.

    Jobs after MA in Culture, Society, and Thought

    Graduates of the MA CST program enjoy diverse career options:

    • Academic Pathways: Eligible for PhD programs at IIT Delhi and other top institutions worldwide. A CGPA of 8.0 or higher allows direct admission to the doctoral program at IIT Delhi without the need for GATE or NET qualification.
    • Employment Sectors: Graduates can pursue careers in academia, media, publishing, journalism, advocacy, social entrepreneurship, think tanks, research institutes, development consultancy firms, and government and non-governmental organizations.

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought scholarships at IIT Delhi 

    IIT Delhi offers several forms of financial aid to support MA CST students:

    • Merit-cum-Means Scholarships: Rs. 1,000/- per month for eligible students.
    • Tuition Fee Waiver: Up to 25% of the sanctioned strength can receive a waiver.
    • Hostel Facilities: Hostel accommodations are available for all students as per institute regulations.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1: Can I Apply if I Am in the Final Year of My Undergraduate Program?
    Yes, candidates in their final year can apply if they complete all qualifying degree requirements by July 2025.

    Q2: Are There Entrance Exam Centers Outside Delhi?
    The GATE exam is conducted nationwide. However, the MA CST Entrance Exam will be held only at IIT Delhi, followed by the interview.

    Q3: Is the Entrance Exam Date Adjustable?
    Unfortunately, the dates for the entrance exam cannot be changed.

    Q4: What is the Deadline for Submitting the Final Year Marksheets?
    Selected candidates must submit their qualifying degree marksheets by 30th October 2025.

    8. Important Dates and Timeline for MA CST Admissions 2025

    • 15th March: Open House
    • 20th March – 8th April: Application Window
    • 25th April: Announcement of Shortlist for Admission Test
    • 18th May: Admission Test at IIT Delhi
    • 27th – 29th May: Interviews
    • July 2025: Commencement of Classes

    9. Contact Information for MA CST Program at IIT Delhi

    For more details, prospective students can contact:

    • Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Delhi
      MS 611, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110016
      Email: cst_admissions@hss.iitd.ac.in
      Phone: +91 11 2659-1371

    The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought at IIT Delhi is a gateway to understanding complex cultural, social, and philosophical issues, making it a great choice for those who seek a career in academia, research, or policy-making. With interdisciplinary training, diverse career prospects, and a robust academic environment, this program is set to shape the thought leaders of tomorrow.

    For more information and updates, visit the IIT Delhi official website and stay connected through the PG Admissions portal.

    Apply Now to embark on a transformative academic journey in 2025!

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought summery 
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    Feature

    Details

    Program Name

    MA in Culture, Society, and Thought

    Institution

    IIT Delhi, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

    Duration

    24 months (4 semesters)

    Start Date

    July 2025

    Core Disciplines

    Sociology, Literature, Philosophy

    Eligibility

    55% marks for BA graduates; First division for other graduates; 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PwD

    Admission Process

    Written Test or GATE score, followed by an interview

    Application Period

    20th March - 8th April 2025

    Key Dates

    15th March: Open House; 18th May: Admission Test; 27-29th May: Interviews

    Career Prospects

    Academia, research, media, NGOs, government, social entrepreneurship, consultancy

    Pathway to PhD

    CGPA of 8.0 or above allows direct application to doctoral programs

    Contact Information

    cst_admissions@hss.iitd.ac.in; +91 11 2659-1371

    Admission

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