Comments on: Jayant Haritsa (IISc Prof) on MS vs Phd

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By: Devansh

Devansh — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:00:15 +0000

I have completed my xii. Shud i go for dual B.S-M.S at IISER or for a btech. Although m interested in research in theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

By: N Sathya

N Sathya — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:16:34 +0000

I got a doubt.
1. In IISc could we join the institute as an Research assitant and then convert into PHd student with MS as qualification?
2. Does IISc recruit people for MSc qualification?

Thanks,
Nischal

By: An ordinary Indian

An ordinary Indian — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:17:39 +0000

I came across this blog and stumbled upon Prof Haritsa’s views. With due respect, I believe Prof Haritsa’s views lacks a sound logical basis. For example, collaboration and networking are thought as one very important aspects of being a successful researcher. There are plenty of example why it can be necessary such as research in bioinformatics etc. Hence, “loner” researcher does not stand. Secondly, a systems project can be very complex and there are no dearth of examples where it started with a systems project and then algorithms and mathematics are developed as per need. Examples are research on Unix, research on microprocessors, search engines, communication theory etc. In fact, often Engineering problems can be better understood in the context of a new application. I am saying all these without denying the value of a pure theoretical research such as complexity classes or P=NP problem or VC bound etc.
Third wrong point is asking student to choose a problem which may not have an impact. I think it is an idea only a fool will accept. It is always better to get motivated if you are working on a problem which is significant. It is also directly proportional to the kind of success you may get to land up with a research job.
Fourthly, I am sorry to say that Mr. Prof has completely forgotten about the morale of tutoring. One has to often start with solving a simple small problem then he or she can go for a more difficult problem. It is often better for the student if the advisor can define the problem in the beginning. If one can do everything alone, they can as well do it without the help of the advisor which is exactly what Mr. Einstein did. Again he was not even a researcher at that time. But, Prof should understand that there was one or two such men in a century. I would suggest any student to read Dr. Patterson’s slides on “how to do good research”. He is a tremendously successful researcher and has a reasonable practical and humble view on research. Let this Prof Harista solve problems from recreational math journal or may be a long term open problem in math …

By: sandeep.k

sandeep.k — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:05:22 +0000

very good morning sir,
i have carefully seen this article and believe a Phd is really a need of hour for every talented young indian mind..
very good job sir.
sir,i have to ask you one thing, can you please have a talk on “MS v/s M.TECH at national institutes through gate ” .

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:14:19 +0000

Nice post. I find that searching for the right problem and asking the right questions is the most important and often the hardest part of getting a PhD.

By: monica reddy

monica reddy — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:35:18 +0000

thanks yaar

By: getting rid of loneliness. « iisc life.

getting rid of loneliness. « iisc life. — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:13:02 +0000

[...] rid of loneliness. By iisc Research can be lonely, and Prof Haritsa says, “a Phd should prepare you for the loneliness of academic [...]

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By: Muthu

Muthu — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:44:25 +0000

PhD is quite a lonely venture. REAL LONELY.