GENERAL FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions)

 

1. What does IIRS stand for?

2. What is the "mission statement" of IIRS?

3. How old is IIRS?

4. What are the courses that are offered at IIRS?

5. What is the future of Remote Sensing  and GIS and how useful the courses at IIRS  would be?

6. Who should/can join courses at IIRS?

7. How to apply at IIRS?

8.  I want to know the last date of application for the course I'm looking for

9. Is there any financial assistance/scholarship available at IIRS?

10. How long does the application and admission process take at IIRS?

11. I know that now a days so many colleges/universities are offering Remote Sensing and GIS courses, why still would I like to get trained at IIRS, Dehradun which is also quite far away from my home?

12. What is the fee structure for courses?

13. What courses are offered at IIRS for foreign nationals?

14. What status is accorded to foreign nationals at IIRS?

15. I'm a foreigner but I've heard that India's food is quite spicy and that I'd not like to eat, how will I be able to adjust at IIRS?

16. How much does it cost while staying and studying at IIRS?

17. What is the advantage of doing courses at IIRS?

18. What are the career opportunities available after doing courses at IIRS?

19. Which companies do the students of IIRS get placed?

20. Where do I find research related info on web about RS & GIS?

21. I'm not able to decide which course best suits me, whom should I consult for this?

22. What is the quality policy of IIRS , is there any feedback mechanism?

23. How do I contact the alumni or faculty of IIRS?

24. I want to know about the hostel facilities at IIRS and whether I'll be able to get accommodation  at the hostel for my training/course.

25. I want to know more about Dehradun, about its location, weather etc.

26. I'll be arriving Dehradun shortly, can I get a taxi from any bona-fide travel agency?

27. I'm from a different state and have a sensitive stomach. Will I be able to adjust with the food served at the hostel?

28. I'd like to know the transport cost to IIRS in Dehradun?

29. I'm married, will I be able to stay in the hostel?

30. How do I be in touch with IIRS activities?

 1.What does IIRS stand for?

IIRS (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing) is a premier institute in South East Asia, transferring technology in Remote Sensing and GIS. The institute is training and education arm of National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad, Department of Space, Government of India offering variety of courses ranging from one to two year duration . Visit here for details of courses.

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2. What is the "mission statement" of IIRS?

"Promote excellence and professional education in the field of Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Science. Achieve the goal through research, user dialogues and sharing of experience in the field of natural resource survey, mapping, infrastructure development and environmental management for sustainable development. Address on inter-disciplinary interface including attention to socio-economic and environmental considerations."

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3How old is IIRS?

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), formerly known as Indian Photo-Interpretation Institute (IPI), was set up in 1966 under the aegis of the Survey of India to provide comprehensive training with hands on experience of the emerging technology. The success of satellite remote sensing in early 70's created a need for manpower trained in the utilization of remote sensing technology, and therefore, Institute was merged with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in July 1976. Late 70's and early 80's saw the emergence of remote sensing as a powerful tool for natural resources survey and management and in the year 1980, NRSA came under the umbrella of Department of Space (Government of India).

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4. What are the courses that are offered at IIRS?

The main focus of IIRS is training and education in the field of Geoinformatics in which technology and applications of Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS will be imparted in the form of training and education at various levels (decision making level to working level / fresh post graduate level). For details please refer to course calendar and different course brochures
a. See the detailed list of courses here.
b. The main courses can be categorized as:
            i. Educational Courses
             1. M. Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS (Mapping and Monitoring), affiliated to
                Andhra University, in one of the following optional streams:
                            a. Agriculture & Soils
                            b. Forestry & Ecology
                            c. Geosciences
                            d. Marine Sciences
                            e. Human Settlement Analysis
                            f. Water Resources
            2. M.Sc., awarded by ITC, Netherlands in
                           a. Geoinformatics
                           b. Geo Hazards
          ii. Training Courses
           1. Post Graduate Diploma (10 month) in
                          a. Agriculture & Soils
                          b. Forestry & Ecology
                          c. Geosciences
                          d. Marine Sciences
                          e. Human Settlement Analysis
                          f. Water Resources
                          g. Digital Photogrammetry
                          h.Geoinformetics
                          i.Geo Hazards
           2. Certificate Courses ( 4 month)
                         a. Basic Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing
                         b. GIS in Geosciences
                         c. Land Information System
                         d. GIS in Soils & Landuse Planning
                         e. e GIS in Water Resources Management
                         f. GIS in Coastal Zone Management
                        g. GIS in Forest Management
                        h. Geo-Hazards
        iii. Training opportunities for special groups
                     a. Special Course
                         i. Orientation Course in any area of Natural Resource Management,
                            Environmental Assessment and Disaster Management
                     b. Awareness course/workshop on Geo-Hazards
                         i. Awareness course/workshop on Geo-Hazards
                         ii. Overview for decision makers
        iv. International Programmes
                  
a. Short Course on Remote Sensing with special emphasis on Digital Image
                        Processing (ITEC Sponsored)
                   b. Short Course on Geoinformatics (ITEC Sponsored)
        v. NNRMS / ISRO Sponsored courses : For university faculty only
                  
a. GIS Technology and Applications
                   b. RS & GIS Applications to Water Resources
                   c. RS & GIS in Forestry/ Botany / Ecology / Wildlife / Environmental Science
                   d. RS & GIS in Urban & Regional Planning
                   e. Cartography and Mapping
                   f. RS & GIS in Geosciences
                   g. RS & GIS in Soils and Land Use Planning

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5. What is the future of Remote Sensing and GIS and how useful the courses at IIRS would be?

Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS are branch of Geoinformatics discipline. They are all emerging fields and have huge application potential for resource development, planning and management. There is a good scope for scientists, engineers, academicians/researchers, NGOs, service and utility sector personnel, planners and decision makers as it facilitates better understanding, use and manages appropriately. The market potential is increasing at phenomenal rate of 10 to 15 % annually on continuous basis. With increasing spatial resolution of satellites, hyper spectral RS, enhanced Geo-computational tools and precise positional information with GPS we are sure that the future for these disciplines is very much promising.

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6. Who should/can join courses at IIRS?

Government working professionals / NGOs / Academicians / private entrepreneurs / fresh postgraduate students desired to build their career in Geoinformatics can join IIRS courses

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7. How to apply at IIRS?

Eligible candidates can apply directly to any course, filling up the application form and sending it to Dean, IIRS, P.B. No.135, Dehradun. Online application is not supported. Government candidates have to send with proper sponsorship. Foreign candidates have to route through Indian Embassies in their country.

8. I want to know the last date of application for the course I'm looking for

Please see the course calendar to know the application deadlines.

9. Is there any financial assistance/scholarship available at IIRS?

Scholarship is available only in M.Sc. Geoinformatics and Geo Hazards courses. Currently four scholarships each are available in both M.Sc. courses. However this will cover only the expenses incurred during the three month trip to ITC, Netherlands which includes all the expenses including ticket cost, living allowance etc. i.e., this becomes fully paid trip for those who have achieved this scholarship. It'll be worth around Rs. 150,000 approx. One criterion is to select those who are the top four scorer in the modules at IIRS.

10. How long does the application and admission process take at IIRS?

The pattern followed for IIRS is first screening of applications for suitability, then a screening test is conducted and then interview. There is no format of screening test and any type of (suitable) questions, mainly related to General Knowledge related to the course can be asked. Moreover it also depends on number of applications. In case of a few applications no screening may be required.

For M.Tech and MSc. ( long term courses) it takes 3 months time for selection process. For other courses it takes only 2 months time. Selected candidates please rest assured that you'll be intimated on time. IIRS takes special care to inform about your admission in a particular course. The admission department will intimate the selected through phone,        e-mail, fax and also Speedpost. Very soon the admission list shall be published on this website. At present those who have failed to secure admission at IIRS will not be informed.

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11. I know that now days so many colleges/universities are offering Remote Sensing and GIS courses, why still would I like to get trained at IIRS, Dehradun which is also quite far away from my home?

IIRS is a premier institute for Remote Sensing and GIS technology transfer through training. Various courses are offered in which rigorous training pattern and heavy infrastructure setup is there for learning and hands on experience. IIRS faculty is well experienced and trained at various international institutes of repute. The seats are limited. Only 285 to 360 students attend to various courses (short and long term) every year. Only around 130 students can be attending courses at any time. IIRS net spends more than Rs. 5 lacs (as of 2005) per year per student in various courses, which would be higher in comparison to money spent on per student by leading scientific institutes in India. With a faculty strength of 44, the student-faculty ratio, here at IIRS is  3:1. The array of RS & GIS software in IIRS speaks for itself. The labs are open throughout the night and well fitted with A.C.s. All classrooms are Air Conditioned and fitted with LCD projectors. Above all a certificate from IIRS gets immediate attention for job seekers. A certificate from IIRS can only be earned after rigorous training. The fees spent by a student is quite nominal compared to the amount invested by IIRS for the benefit of the students.

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12. What is the fee structure for courses?

IIIRS courses are divided into short and long (>=3months) courses. It is around Rs. 6000/- for Indian students and US$ 600/- for foreign students. Course fee includes tuition fees, course material and POL (i.e. local transport for field visit). All the other expenditure like to and fro travel to IIRS, boarding and lodging, project field work expenses, report generation, book allowances and medical expenditure etc. are to be born by the candidates / sponsoring organizations in addition to course fees.
In case of short customized courses, fees are Rs 2000/- per week for Indian students and US $ 200 per week for foreign students.
Important note: Tuition fee is waived off for Government sponsored candidates for regular courses of three months and above duration.
 

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13. What courses are offered at IIRS for foreign nationals?

All courses are open to all including foreign nationals.

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14. What status is accorded to foreign nationals at IIRS?

Foreign students are welcome at IIRS. Though IIRS does not differentiate students based on their nationality, foreign students study or get trained like other students in the class nevertheless they are important to IIRS and India because of the foreign relations enjoyed by India with the countries of the respective students. Foreign students stay at the International Hostel exclusively built for foreign students. The hostel room is provided with good kitchenette, Air Conditioner, washing machines and TV.

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15. I'm a foreigner but I've heard that India's food is quite spicy and that I'd not like to eat, how will I be able to adjust at IIRS?

As mentioned above foreign students stay at International Hostel and are provided with a good kitchenette. You'd need to buy groceries or eatables from nearby market and cook yourself. This is how the foreign students currently staying at International Hostel manage. A few have been able to like Indian food at the mess in the Indian Hostel.

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16. How much does it cost while staying and studying at IIRS?

It costs minimum Rs. 1700 per month (for Indian nationals) with ordinary accommodation at IIRS and hostel mess food. It costs Rs. 750/- extra for AC room with Cable TV facility. For trainees of short duration, it may cost Rs. 100 to Rs, 150 per day for stay and food.
Foreign nationals are provided with attached kitchenette, Cable TV, AC and Internet (common facility) that costs Rs.1000/-(USD 22) per month. They can cook their own food.

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17. What is the advantage of doing courses at IIRS?

IIRS is the only institute for the last 40 years since its establishment has offered courses according to the changing user needs and it is only one of its kind in India where courses are conducted at various levels. Over the years the institute has trained around 6000 from India and Abroad. The institute has 50 professionals, most of them with doctoral degree and the remaining with postgraduate in sciences/ engineering, well trained at ITC, Netherlands and responsible for capacity building in education and training.

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18. What are the career opportunities available after doing courses at IIRS?

Opportunities in Government Organizations, State government departments like State Remote Sensing Centers, Geology and Mining/ Forest/ Agriculture/ Soil/Irrigation/ Panchayatraj/ Rural Department etc and Central Government Departments like Department of Space, Department of Science and Technology, Central Water Commission, Indian Agriculture Research organization, Defense Research Development Organization, Department of Ocean Development, Central Scientific and Industrial Research and Academic/Research Organizations

Opportunities in Private Sector

There are many private companies like ESRI-India, ERDAS India, RMSI, Rolta India, Satyam, Relliance Infosys, TCS, PCI India, ENVI, INCA, Datacore, many NGOs and private companies situated at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Pune, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Bhopal.


Research Opportunities


There is huge scope for research opportunities at national level organization, academic institutions in India as well as abroad. Geoinformatics is considered one of the advanced technologies like Biotechnology, Nano technology etc

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19. Which companies do the students of IIRS get placed?

ESRI-India, ERDAS India, RMSI, Rolta India, Satyam, Reliance Infosys, TCS, PCI India, ENVI, INCA, Datacore, many NGOs and private companies situated at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Pune, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Bhopal etc.

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20. Where do I find research related info on web about RS & GIS?

Many web portals provide research information on remote sensing and GIS. Following are some of the references:
www.geog.nottingham.ac.uk/~mather/useful_links.html
http://www.gisdevelopment.net/
http://www.nasa.gov/
http://www.wmo.org/
http://www.ncgia/
http://www.ccrs/
http://www.webresorces/

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21. I'm not able to decide which course best suits me, whom should I consult for this?

IIRS offers different level of courses in many disciplines such as:
 Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

  1. Geoinformatics
  2.  Agriculture & Soils
  3.  Forestry & Ecology
  4.  Geosciences
  5.  Marine Sciences
  6.  Human Settlement Analysis
  7.  Water Resources

The candidates can choose their courses from any of the above disciplines according to their area of specialization. However they can consult either Technical Staff Officer or the faculties of concerned divisions if need any advice to choose suitable course.

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    22. What is the quality policy of IIRS, is there any feedback mechanism?

    IIRS promises high quality level of training, facilities and learning environment to the students. IIRS is committed to excellence in teaching, training and research in Remote Sensing and GIS. Student's grievances or issues are redressed promptly. Our faculties take utmost care to solve the problems of students at any time. Students desiring to get admission into IIRS can contact Technical Staff Officer who is there to help persons like you. To get research related info or help any faculty can be contacted.

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    23. How do I contact the alumni or faculty of IIRS?

    To contact an IIRS faculty, click here. Should you need career/course related guidance talk directly to Incharge/Head of the concerned Department

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    24. I want to know about the hostel facilities at IIRS and whether I'll be able to get accommodation at the hostel for my training/course?

    Hostel facility is provided to all. In case of shortage, students from outstation will have a preference in Hostel accommodation allotment. Students get a shared room, two per room.
    Students who wish to stay with their families will have to make alternate arrangements outside IIRS campus.
     

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    25. I want to know more about Dehradun, about its location, weather etc.

    Dehradun is lush with greenery, beautiful surroundings and mountains. Dehradun is surrounded by forests and one side by The Himalayas. Dehradun is famous mainly as a tourist place and its cool weather. Click here to know more.


    26. I'll be arriving Dehradun shortly, can I get a taxi from any bona-fide travel agency?

    You can contact any of the following travel operators:

    • M/S Hemkund Travels Ph: (0135) 2629097, 9412059097 (Cell)

    • M/S Sarathi Travels:            (0135) 2722174, 9412050877 (Cell)

    They should be able to charge you a reasonable rates for hiring a taxi. It should cost around Rs. 1400-1500 from New Delhi to IIRS (one way) at present. IIRS does not vouch or take any responsibility for the above mentioned Travels, your are advised to talk to other Tours and Travels as well. However in case of complaints received against any of above mentioned travel operator will have the affect of getting their name removed from this section.

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    27. I'm from a different state and have a sensitive stomach. Will I be able to adjust with the food served at the hostel?

    The food served at the hostel is mostly North Indian. Full hygiene and cleanliness is maintained at the IIRS mess. The menu and the items to be served are decided by the students's committee. IIRS does not charge anything for mess facility or the infrastructure so provided. Curd is served on demand and rice is always served. Non-veg too is served. The water at Dehradun is hard. An Aquaguard UV filter along with water softener to remove water hardness has been fitted in the hostel. Students can rest assured of safe drinking water.

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    28. I'd like to know the transport cost to IIRS in Dehradun

    Cost of Auto from Railway Station to IIRS: Rs. 45 (7 Km)
    Cost of Auto from ISBT Bus Station to IIRS: Rs. 70-80 (10 Km)
    Cost of Taxi from Railway Station to IIRS: Rs. 150-175 (7 Km)
    The driver should be clearly told to drop at the IIRS hostel and not at the security gate.

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    29. I'm married, will I be able to stay in the hostel?

    Hostel facilities are provided to the students only. Students desirous of staying with families are advised to make alternate arrangements and book accommodation in nearby areas before landing at IIRS. While it is difficult to find a single room with a kitchen accommodation in the adjoining residential areas of IIRS (Kalidas Road), such accommodation is available in nearby localities. Be ready to shell out minimum of Rs. 2000 per month for such an accommodation.

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    30. How do I be in touch with IIRS activities?

    IIRS activities are updated and posted at IIRS website. IIRS also publishes its activities through "Contact" Newsletter.

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