FAQs - Textbook Companion
1. What is Textbook Companion?
The Textbook Companion aims to generate an online collection of Scilab codes for worked out examples and select exercise problems from standard textbooks.
2. Which book can I choose?
Any book containing more than 80 solved examples can be chosen for creating TBC. However, the applicant has to ensure that the proposed book has not already been completed or is being completed currently by any other intern. The list of completed books and books in progress is available on the website. In case the book has already been completed or is being worked upon by another intern, then the book proposal will be rejected. Also note that the responsibility of ensuring such a scenario does not arise bears with the intern as per the undertaking form.
3. What is the minimum number of examples a book should have?
The book should have a minimum of 80 examples. It is up to the student to verify that the book satisfies this condition. The internship will be cancelled if the number of examples that are submitted is less than 80.
4. Who is eligible for internship?
Students pursuing graduation from various colleges are eligible for this internship.
5. What are the prerequisites for applying for the internship?
There are no prerequisites for applying for the internship. The student should be comfortable with coding environment of Scilab and should be aware of basic Scilab commands and operations. https://scilab.in/spoken-tutorial are available for self-learning of basic Scilab coding.
6. What is the deadline for the internship?
The internship should be completed within 3 months after proposing the book. The codes can be uploaded in multiple groups (e.g. chapter wise) before the deadline. Applicants may contact us at contact (at) scilab (dot) in if the deadline needs to be changed. Please note that the extension of the deadline for the completion of the internship will be considered only in case of genuine reasons.
7. What is the last date of completing the internship?
The internship should be completed within 3 months after proposing the book.
8. Can the internship be cancelled if it is allotted to me? Has it ever been cancelled for anybody?
Yes. Refusal to meet the deadline, poor coding and badgering the Scilab team are some of the reasons as to why the internship could be cancelled. No partial payment will be made in such a case.
9. Is it necessary to come to IIT Bombay for completing the internship?
No. There is no need to come to IIT Bombay at any phase of the internship. All the correspondence will be carried out via e-mails and/or postal services.
10. Is it necessary to have a mentor?
No. According to the new TBC policy effective Feb 1 2014, the student is not required to have a mentor.
11. Can I work on more than one book simultaneously?
No, a student cannot work on more than one book at the same time. Please note that working 2 or more simultaneously can result in rejection of either/both of the books.
12. Can more than one student work on the same book?
No, a particular textbook companion should be completed by only one student.
13. How many books can I propose?
Initially, an applicant can propose 3 books. One of the proposed books will then be allotted for creating TBC. However, if a student is currently working on a particular book, then no other book should be proposed until the previously allotted book has been completed successfully.
14. Can I mail and ask if a book can be submitted for the book proposal?
Before you mail us *please check the Completed Books and Books Under Progress section* to get an idea as to whether the book can be suggested.
15. Can I mail my book proposal?
No. Please use the book proposal form to submit your proposal.
16. Can I propose a book that has been completed or is under progress as a different edition?
No. Please ensure that the book chosen by you is not being worked upon/completed by any other student.
17. Do I need to know Scilab before I submit my book proposal?
The student should be comfortable with coding environment of Scilab and should be aware of basic Scilab commands and operations. https://scilab.in/spoken-tutorial are available for self-learning of basic Scilab coding.
18. Can I refer to some codes as reference?
Yes, the codes for completed books under TBC activity are available for free downloading. The codes can be referred if needed.
19. Can I use some other computing package for creating TBC?
No proprietary packages should be used for creating TBC. For use of any open source software package other than Scilab, contact us at textbook (at) scilab (dot) in.
20. When can I start the coding?
The codes can be written as soon as the book proposed by you is approved and book allotment is confirmed. The confirmation will be communicated via an automated e-mail.
21. I have completed coding for the entire textbook. What do I do now?
Please contact the Scilab team at contact (at) scilab (dot) in and let them know that your coding is complete.
22. When do I submit the internship forms?
You can submit the forms at any time after your book proposal has been accepted. Please note that your honorarium will not be released until all the correctly filled forms are received by Scilab Team at IIT Bombay. For the queries related to submission of forms please contact certificate.query(at) gmail (dot) com.
23. Is there a deadline for submitting the internship forms?
No, there is no definite deadline for submitting the forms. However, the honorarium cannot be released unless the forms are received. Also, the book will not be published on the Scilab website before receiving all the correctly filled forms.
24. What about intellectual rights of the TBC?
The copyrights for TBC will be handed to FOSSEE Project. The name of creator of TBC will be published along with the pdf file. The TBC will be available for free downloading on Scilab website.
25. What is the procedure for acquiring certificates/honorarium?
The uploaded codes will be reviewed and once the codes are found satisfactory the applicant will be informed. The candidate should then mail ALL the internship related forms AFTER filling the appropriate details to IIT Bombay to the following address: Prof. Kannan M. Moudgalya Dept. of Chemical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai, Mumbai-400076 India Please write "Textbook Companion" on top of the envelope. The honorarium will then be sent via post after all the duly filled forms are received by Scilab Team at IIT Bombay. The e-certificate can be downloaded from List of All Certificates after the codes are approved. You need to login in order to download the e-certificate. Please send ALL the correctly filled forms in a SINGLE envelope. For the queries related to the honorarium please contact certificate.query(at)gmail (dot) com.
26. How long does it take to receive my Honorarium?
If you do not get your money within 45 days after submitting working code, please get in touch with us - we shall be happy to assist you. If there are problems with the submitted code, naturally, there will be further delays.
27. Why is there a delay in my Honorarium payment?
On submission of a Textbook Companion, the review process involves several checks including but not limited to: 1. Incorrect Code. 2. Completeness of the book - missing parts (or) sections of code. 3. Code plagiarism. In this regards, we are forced to test EVERY code of EVERY participant thoroughly. Due to many participants, this verification process takes considerable amount of time. Moreover, dispatch of Government money requires approvals from the Dean's Office, Accounts Office, Post Office, etc which also takes some time. Due to the above listed reasons, immediate acceptance of a Textbook Companion and processing of payment is highly impossible.
28. Where do I get a one-rupee revenue stamp? How does a revenue stamp look like?
You can buy a one rupee revenue stamp from the Post Office. Here is a scan of a fully filled internship form - https://scilab.in/files/download/forms/example-filled-receipt.pdf
29. Can I propose more books after completion?
Yes. You are welcome to propose more books. Please encourage your friends to take part in this internship.
30. I have finished one or more textbook companions already. Is there any other activity I can participate in?
You can take part in https://scilab.in/Lab_Migration_Project) and http://python.fossee.in/TextbookCompanion).
31. Who do I contact in case I still have a doubt?
You can contact the Scilab team at contact (at) scilab (dot) in for any technical queries. For the queries related to submission of forms or honorarium please contact certificate.query(at) gmail (dot) com.
32. What is the policy on the usage of Symbolic Toolbox?
We do not encourage the use of Symbolic toolbox as it is an external toolbox. Students are advised to use it only in those cases where it is absolutely necessary. In case you need to use this toolbox, please read this page - https://scilab.in/maxima
33. How to fix Scilab v5.4.1 compatibility issue on Windows 8?
Scilab 5.4.1 has compatibility issues with Windows 8 during installation. Follow this procedure when installing Scilab 5.4.1 on Windows 8. Right click on Scilab installation file---> Select Properties---->Compatibility--->Compatibility mode--->Change to Windows 7 Then proceed with installation.