Frequently Asked Questions

5G is the current revolution in wireless communication. It will not only act as a positive catalyst for opportunities in the telecom but is set to bring massive changes to every industry. Needless to say, it would heavily impact professionals and their way of work.

Here is an instance of accelerated growth opportunities witnessed by experts.

• A report by IHS Markit reported globally, 5G is estimated to support 35 million jobs by 2035 to fuel a new wave of mobility and innovation
• Another study by Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) also reported that India will need 22 million 5G-backed skilled professionals by 2025 as the country inches closer to becoming a 5G centric nation.

The 5G transition is likely to have a transformational impact on companies and professionals as well, especially those who are focusing on new technology adoption like AI, Cloud and IoT. To embrace this disruption and help professionals gear up for this 5G transition, IISc in collaboration with TalentSprint has launched PG Level Advanced Certification Programme in 5G Technologies with AI and Cloud.

IISc and TalentSprint’s PG Level Advanced Certificate Programme in 5G Technologies with AI and Cloud enables professionals with an in-depth understanding of 5G communications and its implementation and exposure to 5G applications in AI and Cloud. The programme will help you Understand, enable you to Apply, Analyse and Evaluate your learnings, thereby building deep expertise in the field.

• IISc Advantage: Designed by IISc, India’s #1 University & #1 Research Institute (As per NIRF Ranking 2023).
• Expert Faculty: Delivered by IISc’s distinguished faculty group, trained in some of the world’s best universities and laboratories.
• Executive-friendly Format: Immersive Learning experience with Live Interactive Sessions by IISc Faculty and Industry Experts, best-in-class self-learning content, projects, case studies and IISc campus visit. Participants can attend weekend classes from the comfort of their homes while continuing their jobs.
• Real-World Curriculum: Perfected for experienced tech professionals
• Most-preferred Learning Platform: Learn on TalentSprint's Pracademic Platform, the best-in-class interactive AI-powered digital delivery platform
• IISc Executive Alumni Network: Get recognized as an alumnus of IISc’s Centre for Continuing Education (CCE)

Upon completion, you will be able to

• Understand and apply 5G applications
• Understand key business issues affecting 5G rollouts
• Build the code and run the 5G system

• Tech professionals across industries implementing 5G applications in their domain
• Tech professionals in telecom ecosystem building 5G Network Solutions for the industry

The distinguished faculty group is involved in advanced research in Telecom. It is involved in both national and international projects like National 5G Testbed (DOT), Aerospace Networking Research Center (ANRC), and British Telecom India Research Centre (BTIRC). The faculty work on cutting-edge AI, mobility and software engineering technologies

Meet your mentors here.

This is an expertise building programme for experienced professionals. You will obtain a certification from IISc, the #1 Research University in the world.

A certificate of successful completion is provided upon completion of all requirements of the program. All examinations and evaluations related to the certification are carried out by IISc.

The programme format with LIVE Interactive Sessions, capstones, group projects and case study analysis enables a conducive environment to network with your peers in the cohort. Most participants can continue to network even after the cohort by using the alumni portal.

As an Institution of National Importance, IISc is one of the one of six institutes in India selected under the prestigious IoE (Institutions-of-Eminence) initiative of the Ministry of HRD. This program is a fully approved certificate program offered through IISc.

All participants are required to execute, before the start of the program, an agreement that consists of the standard programme Terms and Conditions. It has the following components:

Part A:

• Etiquette and Platform Rights
• Classroom Etiquette & General Policy Guidelines
• Tools and Platforms in Use
• Tools and Platforms: Terms of Use

Part B:

• Honor Code

Part C:

• Certification

Part D:

• Programme Fee, Refund, and Termination Policy

Candidates will be selected based on the details of education, work experience, and a statement of purpose submitted along with the application.

A Relationship Manager will be assigned to the applicant, who will gather all the necessary information and represent his/her candidature to the selection committee for review. The profiles will be sent to IISc for selection.

The programme enables professionals to build expertise and leverage the global demand for 5G professionals across industries and the telecom ecosystem.

• Education:Working professionals with BE/BTech/ME/MTech in any stream, BCA, B.Sc. CS, MCA, M.Sc. CS
• Experience: Minimum 2 years
• Coding Experience: Programming Knowledge Required preferably in C or C++

Join in these easy steps:

• Share your details and apply for the programme
• Submit all the necessary documents
• The programme selection committee will evaluate your candidature
• Upon selection, complete your enrollment and join the programme

Module I

I. 5G Foundation

1. Back to basics

   1. Digital communications, modulation, coding
   2. Channel effects, frequency and timing offset correction
   3. Demodulation and data decoding
   4. Signal processing: Fourier transforms, convolution, sampling
   5. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)
   6. Matlab OnRamp course [exercise]
   7. Revisit Cellular communication systems
      • Basics of Cellular architecture, the need for cell structure
      • Ingredients of mobile communications and cellular fundamentals
   8. Mobile communications and evolution (2G to 5G)
   9. Spectrum for mobile communication, cell planning and concept of frequency reuse
2. Introduction to 5G NR
   1. 5G Terminology
   2. Principles of 5G NR architecture and operation
   3. Specific interfaces that support split architecture models
3. 5G Network elements and system overview
   1. Service based architecture and core network elements
   2. RAN elements and interfaces with the core network
   3. Deployment models – SA and NSA
   4. Dual connectivity models

II. 5G Standards and theory

1. Standards revisited
   1. 3GPP standards and release numbers and significance
   2. Overview of FR1 and FR2 operations
   3. Physical and access layers
2. The 5G Technology – Theory
   1. 5G NR PHY layer
      • PHY layer fundamentals and design discussion
      • Frame and slot structure and Resource blocks
      • Frequency bands and Numerology
   2. 5G MAC layer and schedulers
      • Principles of MAC layer design
      • MAC scheduler models in 5G
   3. Radio Resource Control state machine
   4. Transmission modes and multi-antenna support in 5G
3. Assignment: 3 experiments using a network simulator

III. 5G in Operation

1. Opensource 5G systems
   1. Opensource platforms - OAI RAN
   2. Building blocks of OAI
      • Architecture of gNodeB stack
      • Architecture of UE stack
   3. OAI supported hardware and instructions to configure and use with host systems
2. 5G Technology – Practical sessions
   • MAC/PHY operation using OAI with different MCS values, using RFSIM, measure and benchmark the throughput against back-of-the-envelope theoretical calculations [demonstration]
   • Three or four more experiments using a network simulator
3. 5G Case Study – 1: Participants from groups and select a topic from the list
   • A list of topics in 5G standards will be provided
   • Participants pick a topic from the given list, prepare and present
4. Disaggregated implementation support in 5G NR
   • Need for functional split options
   • Various split options supported in 5G NR
   • Disaggregated implementation
5. 5G Procedures
   • NAS procedures
   • Initial access procedures
   • UE procedures
   • Connection and mobility management, handover
6. OAI simulators - Practical session/Demonstration of simulators usage
   • Design principles and usage of simulators in OAI
   • gNB sim, RFSIMULATOR, Channel simulators, PHYSIM
   • Run the OAI system with selected set of simulators (Assignment)
7. Introduction to O-RAN
   • Why O-RAN?
   • Components of O-RAN system
   • Architecture framework and interfaces/libraries
   • Acceleration technologies – DPDK fundamentals
   • Network slicing, RAN intelligent controller (RIC)
8. Run the 5G OAI stack in the lab – Practical session
   • Observe the constellation using RFSIM
   • Repeat the experiment with B210/X310
   • Run the 5G system using RFSIM or SDR in the lab - change the modulation scheme, build the code and run the system
   • Run the 5G system with core network
9. 5G Case Study – 2: On the RAN elements by participant groups
   • A list of topics in 5G architectures will be provided. Participants select a topic, prepare and present to the class.
10. Case Study – 3: On the core network elements by participant groups
    • A list of topics in 5G core network will be provided. Participants select a topic, prepare and present to the class.
11. Case Study – 4: Presentation on a 5G application by participant groups
    • EXAMPLE TOPIC 1: extended Reality in 5G
    • EXAMPLE TOPIC 2: IoT applications

IV. AI/ML in 5G

1. Basics of AI/ML tools and techniques
2. Example uses of AI/ML in 5G

V. Network Deployment in the Cloud

1. Tools for cloud-based deployments
2. Cloud-based deployment models

VI. Future of Mobile Communications

1. Key technologies that will be important in 5G advanced and 6G

VII. Graduation

1. Test – covering all topics covered in the course [Take-home]
2. An open day in 5G Lab and graduation ceremony
   • FR1-FR2 integration demo
   • Demonstration of VLC systems [subject to feasibility]
   • V2X demo [subject to feasibility]

Module II

I. 5G network design and engineering

1. Understanding applications and their requirements (TCP, streaming video, real-time voice/video/gaming, real-time control)
2. MAC scheduling and network slicing
3. Inter-gNB orchestration (for the above purposes)

II. Cloud and AI/ML for network management

1. 5G RAN deployment in cloud – typical scenarios
2. Fundamental concepts of RIC and RAN management and use of XAPPs
3. Network slicing

III. Cloud-enabled 5G applications

1. Applications (Healthcare, Industry 4.0, etc)
2. MQTT, COAP, TSN, Web-sockets etc
3. Demonstration of a robotic arm application
4. Edge intelligence
5. Scheduling for mMTC and URLLC applications

IV. Graduation

Module I

I. 5G Foundation

1. Back to basics

   1. Digital communications, modulation, coding
   2. Channel effects, frequency and timing offset correction
   3. Demodulation and data decoding
   4. Signal processing: Fourier transforms, convolution, sampling
   5. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)
   6. Matlab OnRamp course [exercise]
   7. Revisit Cellular communication systems
      • Basics of Cellular architecture, the need for cell structure
      • Ingredients of mobile communications and cellular fundamentals
   8. Mobile communications and evolution (2G to 5G)
   9. Spectrum for mobile communication, cell planning and concept of frequency reuse
2. Introduction to 5G NR
   1. 5G Terminology
   2. Principles of 5G NR architecture and operation
   3. Specific interfaces that support split architecture models
3. 5G Network elements and system overview
   1. Service based architecture and core network elements
   2. RAN elements and interfaces with the core network
   3. Deployment models – SA and NSA
   4. Dual connectivity models

II. 5G Standards and theory

1. Standards revisited
   1. 3GPP standards and release numbers and significance
   2. Overview of FR1 and FR2 operations
   3. Physical and access layers
2. The 5G Technology – Theory
   1. 5G NR PHY layer
      • PHY layer fundamentals and design discussion
      • Frame and slot structure and Resource blocks
      • Frequency bands and Numerology
   2. 5G MAC layer and schedulers
      • Principles of MAC layer design
      • MAC scheduler models in 5G
   3. Radio Resource Control state machine
   4. Transmission modes and multi-antenna support in 5G
3. Assignment: 3 experiments using a network simulator

III. 5G in Operation

1. Opensource 5G systems
   1. Opensource platforms - OAI RAN
   2. Building blocks of OAI
      • Architecture of gNodeB stack
      • Architecture of UE stack
   3. OAI supported hardware and instructions to configure and use with host systems
2. 5G Technology – Practical sessions
   • MAC/PHY operation using OAI with different MCS values, using RFSIM, measure and benchmark the throughput against back-of-the-envelope theoretical calculations [demonstration]
   • Three or four more experiments using a network simulator
3. 5G Case Study – 1: Participants from groups and select a topic from the list
   • A list of topics in 5G standards will be provided
   • Participants pick a topic from the given list, prepare and present
4. Disaggregated implementation support in 5G NR
   • Need for functional split options
   • Various split options supported in 5G NR
   • Disaggregated implementation
5. 5G Procedures
   • NAS procedures
   • Initial access procedures
   • UE procedures
   • Connection and mobility management, handover
6. OAI simulators - Practical session/Demonstration of simulators usage
   • Design principles and usage of simulators in OAI
   • gNB sim, RFSIMULATOR, Channel simulators, PHYSIM
   • Run the OAI system with selected set of simulators (Assignment)
7. Introduction to O-RAN
   • Why O-RAN?
   • Components of O-RAN system
   • Architecture framework and interfaces/libraries
   • Acceleration technologies – DPDK fundamentals
   • Network slicing, RAN intelligent controller (RIC)
8. Run the 5G OAI stack in the lab – Practical session
   • Observe the constellation using RFSIM
   • Repeat the experiment with B210/X310
   • Run the 5G system using RFSIM or SDR in the lab - change the modulation scheme, build the code and run the system
   • Run the 5G system with core network
9. 5G Case Study – 2: On the RAN elements by participant groups
   • A list of topics in 5G architectures will be provided. Participants select a topic, prepare and present to the class.
10. Case Study – 3: On the core network elements by participant groups
    • A list of topics in 5G core network will be provided. Participants select a topic, prepare and present to the class.
11. Case Study – 4: Presentation on a 5G application by participant groups
    • EXAMPLE TOPIC 1: extended Reality in 5G
    • EXAMPLE TOPIC 2: IoT applications

IV. AI/ML in 5G

1. Basics of AI/ML tools and techniques
2. Example uses of AI/ML in 5G

V. Network Deployment in the Cloud

1. Tools for cloud-based deployments
2. Cloud-based deployment models

VI. Future of Mobile Communications

1. Key technologies that will be important in 5G advanced and 6G

VII. Graduation

1. Test – covering all topics covered in the course [Take-home]
2. An open day in 5G Lab and graduation ceremony
   • FR1-FR2 integration demo
   • Demonstration of VLC systems [subject to feasibility]
   • V2X demo [subject to feasibility]

• Application closed for Batch 3

This is a programme with two certificate options.

• 6 months Advanced Certificate in 5 Technologies with AI and Cloud

OR

• 9 months PG Level Advanced Certificate Programme in 5G Technologies with AI and Cloud

Note: Participants can choose either of the options.

The 9 months programme includes

• Live Interactive Sessions by IISc Faculty and Industry Experts
• Best-in-class Self-learning Content, Projects, Case Studies and Hands-on Sessions
• Campus Visit of 2 Days to IISc, Bangalore

The programme will be delivered through faculty-led interactive live sessions on TalentSprint’s ipearl.ai. These online sessions will be held at a schedule convenient for working professionals. Participants will be able to interact with the faculty through video, audio, and chat. They will also be able to chat with fellow participants of the programme during online sessions.

As per the programme norms, participants have to maintain at least 75% of attendance during the programme. Going by the curriculum, it is recommended that participants maintain attendance for enriched learning. In the event of unavoidable circumstances, if any, one can access the recorded lectures on our platform to cover up for the missed sessions.

The programme includes continuous formative and summative assessments. The final scores will be determined based on the sum of scores of various assessments.

Yes, participants are required to have their laptops.

Reading material (pre/post session) will be shared regularly through the Online Learning Management System. The access will be available for 1 year from the date of the commencement of the programme.

A certificate of successful completion is provided upon completion of all requirements of the programme. All examinations and evaluations related to the certification are carried out by IISc.

For programme fee-related details, please visit here.

Yes, flexible EMI options are available that enable you to pay the programme fee in installments. Please reach out to your RM to know about the details of the schemes available.

For scholarship related details please visit fee.html. You can also reach out to your RM for more details.

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

No. The programme fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

Professionals have two options for funding.

• Sponsored by employer
• Self-funded: Based on our experience of enabling 3000+ professionals who have participated in our executive programs, self-funding is the most preferred option with over 80% choosing this.

  Three key reasons why professionals opt for it:

  Freedom: To opt for a programme of their choice, at a time of their choice, with an institution of their choice and not be restrained by the organization’s policy.

  Flexibility: To pursue greater career opportunities well even beyond their current employer or to nurture their entrepreneurial ambitions. Funding: Access to flexible EMI schemes (paying as low as Rs. 5,550 per lac per month).

  We have also observed that the commitment levels were higher among self-funding participants.

iPearl.ai (Interactive Platform for Experiential and Remote Learning) is created by TalentSprint’s engineering team led by our Chief Technology Officer, an IIT Kanpur alumni. The platform integrates best-in-class open source technologies and SaaS services and perfected them over the last seven years.

When this platform was built, we intended to offer it to our partners and customers for digital learning and delivery. Since 2013, the platform has been extensively used by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad, and many more of our customers and partners. To date, more than 300,000 students have used this platform, which is reputed for user experience, quality, and scale.

This feature-rich platform has become so popular that some of our partners are now using it for their academic needs.

The tried and tested direct-to-device platform enables 24 x 7 learning for its users. Some key benefits of the platform are:

• Intuitive student experience through a user-friendly LMS
• Seamless faculty experience through state-of-the-art Studios
• Highly Interactive Online Classes
• Effective group/peer learning/projects through Breakout Rooms
• Proctored Online Assessments with detailed analysis
• Insightful Reports on student engagement and performance
• Flexible integration with other components, as needed

A comparative study of iPearl.ai against Canvas, Impartus, Moodle, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom was conducted.

Features in the following categories were compared:

• Instructor-led Learning
• Self-paced Learning
• Assessments/Evaluations
• User Experience
• Customer Support
• Scalability and Performance
• Integration and Customization

Do not worry. In case you miss a session, you will be given access to view the recorded version of the session soon.

• An internet-connected device, Computer/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone, is enough to access the platform.
• Web-camera and Mic with necessary power backup will be needed for proctored online assessments.

IISc (Indian Institute of Science) tops among the oldest and the finest higher education institutes of India. It pursues excellence in research and education in several fields of Science and Engineering and is one of the first three publicly funded institutes to be awarded the Institute of Eminence status. The alumni of IISc hold significant academic and industry positions around the globe. For more information visit https://www.iisc.ac.in.

The Advanced Programme in Computational Data Science will be delivered by IISc’s Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). CCE delivers courses suitably designed to meet the requirements of various target groups, eg: research & development (R&D) laboratories and industries, research scientists and engineers, to enable them to grow into competent managers of technology-intensive and data-driven organizations. For more information visit http://cce.iisc.ac.in.

•  10 Years of Excellence
•  200K Empowered Professionals
•  95% Completion Rate
•  85 Net Promoter Score
• ‘Winner’ - Indian Achievers Award 2022 

Established in 2010, TalentSprint is a part of the NSE group and a global edtech company that brings transformational high-end and deep-tech learning programs to young and experienced professionals. The company’s digital learning platform ipearl.ai offers a hybrid onsite/online experience to seekers of deep technology expertise. TalentSprint partners with top academic institutions and global corporations to create and deliver world-class programs, certifications, and outcomes. Its programs have consistently seen a high engagement rate and customer delight. It is a leading Innovation Partner for the National Skill Development Corporation, an arm of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. A recipient of various prestigious accolades, TalentSprint was recently honoured with the Indian Achievers Award 2022, constituted by the Indian Achievers Forum for its excellence in building deeptech talent in India. For more information about TalentSprint, visit our website.