Indian Institute of Science Thesis Formatting Guide

Indian Institute of Science Thesis Formatting Standards

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) maintains rigorous formatting guidelines for master’s and doctoral theses across all departments and research centers. These comprehensive standards ensure professional presentation, consistency, and proper preservation of scholarly work.

Essential Formatting Standards

Font and Typography

IISc requires professional, clearly readable fonts suitable for scientific and academic work. Times New Roman at 12 points is the standard choice for body text. Computer Modern or similar serif fonts are also acceptable.

Headings may be formatted in bold or larger font sizes for visual distinction, but maintain the same font family as body text. This ensures professional appearance while maintaining readability.

Margin Specifications

Standard margins are 1.5 inches on all sides: top, bottom, left, and right. These margins accommodate both digital viewing and professional binding for archival purposes.

Line Spacing

Double-spacing is required for the main body of your thesis. This applies to all chapter text and most supplementary content. Footnotes, endnotes, tables, and appendices may be single-spaced for efficiency.

Title Page and Front Matter

Your title page must include:

• IISc name and department
• Thesis title (centered, bold, in title case)
• Your full name and registration number
• Degree sought (M.Sc. or Ph.D.)
• Month and year of submission

The front matter should follow this order:

• Title page
• Declaration of authenticity and authorship
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Abstract (250-350 words)
• Table of contents
• List of symbols and abbreviations (if applicable)
• List of figures (if applicable)
• List of tables (if applicable)

Chapter Organization and Structure

Number chapters using Arabic numerals: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and so on. Chapter titles should be descriptive and formatted distinctly from body text, typically using bold formatting.

Maintain a clear hierarchical structure for subheadings. Use consistent formatting for each heading level throughout your thesis. This organizational structure helps readers follow your argument and improves document navigation.

Citation and Reference Methodology

IISc typically accepts:

• APA style (Author-Date system)
• IEEE style (numerical citations for engineering disciplines)
• Harvard style (Author-Date system)

Confirm the required citation style with your department before beginning your research. Whichever style you adopt, apply it consistently throughout your entire document. Your reference list should appear at the end and include complete publication information for all sources.

GenText’s citation management tools support APA, IEEE, and Harvard styles, automatically formatting your references according to your chosen system.

Quotations and Paraphrasing

Short quotations (fewer than 40 words) should be incorporated into paragraph text with quotation marks and citations. Longer quotations should be formatted as indented block quotes, set in from the left margin and single-spaced, without quotation marks.

Include page numbers in citations whenever possible. Provide complete source attributions for all quotations and paraphrased material.

Mathematical Equations and Symbols

Number all equations consecutively. Each equation should appear on a separate line with the equation number in parentheses on the right margin.

Create a comprehensive list of symbols and abbreviations if your thesis contains numerous mathematical or technical terms. Define all variables and constants used in equations.

Tables and Figures

All tables and figures must be numbered consecutively and include descriptive titles or captions. Tables should have titles above them; figures should have captions below.

Include source attributions for tables or figures derived from published sources. Reference all visual elements in your text before they appear, explaining their significance to your research.

Page Numbering System

Number all pages consecutively using Arabic numerals. Page numbers should appear in the top right corner or bottom center of each page. The title page is typically counted but the number does not appear on it.

Abstract and Keywords

Your abstract should be approximately 250-350 words and provide a concise summary of your entire thesis. Include your research objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions.

Write your abstract in third person and past tense. Include 5-8 keywords representing your research topic.

Appendices and Supplementary Material

Appendices should contain material that supports your argument but would disrupt the main narrative. Examples include raw experimental data, derivations, code listings, detailed tables, or supplementary calculations.

Label appendices as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on. Each appendix should have a descriptive title and appear on a separate page.

Technical and Research Content

For experimental research, ensure all figures and tables are clearly labeled and explained. Include sufficient detail in captions and legends for readers to understand visual elements without referring to the text.

For theoretical research, ensure mathematical derivations are clear and logical. Number and reference all equations appropriately.

Digital and Print Submission

IISc requires both digital and print submission of theses. Digital submission should be in PDF format with all formatting preserved. Test your PDF carefully to ensure all elements display correctly.

Print copies should be professionally bound according to IISc specifications. Confirm current submission procedures with your department office.

Using GenText for IISc Theses

GenText simplifies thesis preparation by automating consistent formatting throughout your document. The tool ensures proper margins, line spacing, heading hierarchy, and page numbering.

Citation management features support APA, IEEE, and Harvard styles, automatically formatting your references. GenText’s organizational tools help structure chapters logically and maintain consistent equation numbering and cross-references.

Common Formatting Issues

• Inconsistent font sizes or styles, particularly in equations
• Incorrect margins or inconsistent spacing
• Improper spacing in block quotations
• Inconsistent citation formatting
• Missing or poorly formatted tables and figures
• Incorrect equation numbering or symbol definitions
• Front matter elements out of proper order

Pre-Submission Verification

Before submitting your thesis, check:

• All margins are exactly 1.5 inches on all sides
• Font is consistently 12pt and professional
• Line spacing is double throughout main text
• Page numbers appear correctly on all pages
• Abstract is 250-350 words with appropriate keywords
• Citations follow your chosen style consistently
• All equations are numbered and symbols defined
• All tables and figures are numbered and captioned
• Front matter is in correct order
• Both digital PDF and print copies meet specifications

Adhering to IISc’s comprehensive formatting standards ensures your thesis meets institutional requirements and is properly preserved in the institute’s library and digital repositories.