Exchange Diaries  

Arunava Majumder | Physics

University College London, England

Research Area: Quantum computing and information theory

What was the University and topic of research that was taken up by you during the FT?

My university was UCL LONDON and the topic of research was quantum computing and Information theory which is a very hot topic and emerging field.

Why is an FT important? How would one compare research in Indian universities and foreign universities?

This is a very nice question. In India, we lag when it comes to adopting new technology. Quantum technology is not very old. It started in the early 2000s and India can’t afford this technology currently. There are few places where theoretical research is going on but the experimental part is not yet done in India as it requires lots of investment and hence the quantum computing hardware is currently not available in India except companies like IBM but still not good enough to perform high-quality research. That is why I prefer countries like the USA, Singapore and Europe rather than India. But sooner or later there will be one for no doubt.

FT vs corporate internship, what are all the things we are missing out on and what are we gaining more?

I would certainly recommend FT to someone interested in research, but a corporate internship might be better for a person who is interested in placements through CDC.

Should BTech students aspiring for higher studies from abroad opt for an FT?

Yes absolutely, a student interested in research should try for an FT abroad as it gives him a greater opportunity to explore his/her area of interest. Also, the recommendation letters from the foreign universities’ professors carry a very good weightage and increase the chances of selection for an MS/Ph.D. program abroad.

What exactly is the application process for the FT? Are there any important documents one must keep?

There are many ways to apply for an FT. You can do personal mailing as well through standard programs such as DAAD and MITACS. For getting in through programs like DAAD, a very high CG is needed but you can always go for personal mailing but be sure that before personal mailing you must have some sort of understanding of the topic you want to do research and that your research interests align with the professor.

The first is to make a good resume and then attach a transcript. I believe that these are the important documents required in the case of personal mailing.

How did the process get affected due to the online nature of the applications?

No, the application process did not get affected. I did not see any effect. I did not go through a program, yet I believe there is not much difference

Did you have to mail the professor personally for the project? For how much time did you wait for a reply?

Yes, I mailed it personally to the professor. I got a reply within one week and I was confirmed within one week that I had acquired a research internship.

When should one start applying for an FT? How long did the procedure last till you got the desired FT?

One should start applying for an FT at the end of September/October because you have to make sure that you are not late, especially in the case of personal mailing. In the case of summer programs, it is fine; you just need to stick to the deadlines but while personal mailing being proactive certainly gives you an edge and a better chance of getting selected.

What is the role of CGPA in the selection process?

If you are a CGPA>9 that is great. You will have a high probability to get selected for a program. But if you have a CGPA above 8, still you have a high probability to get selected if you have done some good projects or are doing some good projects. So CGPA plays an important role but a low CG can be overshadowed by some good research experience. But yes 8+CG is highly recommended.

How did the pandemic affect your application for the project? Did the pandemic have any positive impact on the project?

Yes, it has a positive impact. I managed to deal with more than one project this single summer. That would not have been possible if I was in the campus. So I have benefited.

Where should a student, who is unaware of the entire application process, look up information about professors and their research work for opportunities?

At the outset lookout for the professors in your field of interest in your university. Once you find a professor then approach him and talk to him. If he is interested then you can do projects under him. Or else you can ask him for suggestions. That is a good thing about professors that they help you in suggesting other resources. Next talk to seniors who have worked in this field. I also got few very useful insights from the seniors working in quantum computing.

How should a first-year student prepare beforehand for his FT application in their subsequent year?

I would say the first year would be early to start preparing. The student must focus on exploring basic things and try to develop an interest in various fields. Once in the second year, started doing courses on the subject you like and start applying for internships in India in the winter perhaps. First, I would suggest any student lookout for projects in his home country and then go for an FT.

Does belonging to IITKGP provide any added benefits for getting your FT?

Being an IITian does add value and increases your chances. IITs are well recognized abroad and yes belonging to IIT KGP does give an edge.