FAQs for Textbook Companion Project:

1. What is Textbook Companion?
The Textbook Companion Project aims to generate an online collection of Scilab codes for worked out examples and select exercise problems from standard textbooks.
   
2. Who is eligible for internship?
Students pursuing graduation from various colleges are eligible for this internship. Please note that the internship will also involve a teacher of the student (from the same college) who has taught the subject for at least one or two years. The teacher is expected to guide the student through the project and will be responsible for the student's submissions.

3. 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. Spoken Tutorials are available for self-learning of basic Scilab coding.
   
4. When can I start the coding?
The codes can be written as soon as the proposed book approval has been approved and book allotment is confirmed. The confirmation will be communicated via an automated e-mail.

5. 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.
   
6. 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. 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 and/or his teacher as per the undertaking form.

7. What is the deadline for the internship?
There are no strict deadlines for the project. Applicant may propose the completion date as per his/her convenience. The codes can be uploaded in multiple groups (e.g. chapter wise) before the self-proposed deadline.
    8. 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 intern has to mail the forms after completion of the review. The candidate should then send ALL the internship related forms AFTER filling the appropriate details to IIT Bombay to the following address:
       Prof. Madhu N. Belur,
       Department of Electrical Engineering,
       IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai  400 076
       Ph:  022 2576 7402
Please write "Textbook Companion" on top of the envelope.
The certificates will then be sent via post after all the duly filled forms are received.

9. What is the role of the teacher?
The teacher is expected to guide the intern during the internship and will bear the responsibility for the student's submissions and undertakings.

10. 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 unless the previously allotted book has been completed successfully.

11. Can I use some other computing package for creating TBC?
NO! No other proprietary packages should be used for creating TBC.
   
12. What about intellectual rights of the TBC?
The copyrights for TBC will be handed to FOSSEE Project. The name of creator of TBC and teacher will be published along with the pdf file. The TBC will be available for free downloading on Scilab website.
   
13. Can I refer to some codes as reference?
Yes, the codes for completed books under TBC project are available for free downloading. The codes can be referred if needed.

14. What is the last date of completing the internship project?
There is no strict deadline. The date of completion is proposed by the intern. Please take into account exams and other such delays before you suggest your completion date.

15. Do I need to know Scilab before I submit my book proposal?
No, but you need to learn Scilab to submit the temporary allotment code. No extension of the deadline will be entertained.

16. Can I propose a book that has been completed or is under progress as a different edition?
No.

17. 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.

18. Can I mail my book proposal?
No. Please use the book proposal form to submit your proposal.

19. 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 lesser than 80.

20. How many days does it take to get a temporary and final allotment?
It takes three days to get a temporary allotment from the day you submit your book proposal. It takes ten days from the day you have submit the temporary allotment code to get the final allotment. Please contact us only if you haven't heard from us in ten days.  

21. How many days do I have to submit the temporary allotment code?
7-10 days depending on the book and number of examples.

22. Can more than one student work on the same book?
No.

23. Can the same teacher mentor more than one student?
Yes.

24. Is it necessary to have a professor as a mentor?
No. In such cases, the remuneration meant for the mentor will not be paid to the intern.
Note: For IIT Bombay students, no teacher/professor’s name should be specified on the internship forms.

25. Does my teacher have to formally inform his/her HoD?
Although it isn’t necessary to inform the HOD, the teacher is advised to do so. If the internship is part of some academic credit criterion, then it is mandatory.

26. I have completed coding for the entire textbook. What do I do now?
Please contact the Scilab team at textbook@scilab.in and let them know that your coding is complete.

27. When do I submit the internship forms?
You can submit the forms once the review for the code of the entire textbook has been completed and your code has been approved.

28. Is there a deadline for submitting the internship forms?
No definite deadline.

29. Can the internship project 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.

30. 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.

31. I have finished one or more textbook companions already. Is there any other activity I can participate in?
You can take part in the Lab Migration Project (http://scilab.in/Lab_Migration_Project) and the Textbook Companion for Python (http://fossee.in/deliverables).

32. 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- http://scilab.in/files/download/forms/example-filled-receipt.pdf

33. 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- http://scilab.in/maxima

34. Who do I contact in case I still have a doubt?
You can contact the Scilab team at textbook@scilab.in