Study Cohorts

Q. What actually happens in a cohort?

You join a small group studying the same material over 6 to 8 weeks. There are scheduled live sessions each week, a curriculum with reading and coding assignments, and teaching assistants available when you're stuck. Expect to spend around 12 hours/week for beginner cohorts and 16+ hours/week for advanced ones. You do the learning, we give you the structure and people to do it alongside.

Q. Do I need to be a developer to join?

Not for the beginner cohorts. Mastering Bitcoin is pure theory, no code. Learning Bitcoin from the Command Line eases you into the terminal. If you can follow instructions and are willing to be uncomfortable for a few weeks, you're ready. The advanced cohorts expect you to be comfortable writing code.

Q. Is there a recommended order?

There's no enforced sequence, but there's a natural one. Most people start with Mastering Bitcoin for the theory, then Learning Bitcoin from the Command Line for hands-on basics. From there, Programming Bitcoin and Bitcoin Protocol Development go deeper. Lightning is its own track, you can start it once you have a grip on Bitcoin fundamentals.

Q. What happens after I finish a cohort?

Most cohort graduates go on to our Fellowship program, where you work on a real Bitcoin open-source project with mentorship and funding. Some get hired directly into Bitcoin companies. A few realize Bitcoin development isn't for them (and that's totally fine too.) The cohort gives you enough knowledge to make that call honestly.

Q. Are cohorts necessary to join the Fellowship?

Not technically. If you already have the knowledge, you can come in directly with a project proposal. But most of our fellows came through the cohorts first because most people do not have deep Bitcoin protocol knowledge on day one. The cohorts exist to close that gap.

Q. Are the cohorts free?

Yes. Completely free. Always. Only thing we ask is your time, curiosity, and commitment.

Q. What if I fall behind or can't finish?

It happens. Life gets in the way. You won't be penalized or shamed for it. Cohorts run in batches throughout the year, so you can pick up where you left off in the next one. The material isn't going anywhere, and neither are we.

Q. When do cohorts start?

We run cohorts in batches throughout the year. Check app.bitshala.org for the next start dates and open registrations. We deliberately don't put dates on this page, they go stale, and we'd rather you see what's actually live right now.

Q. I'm not from India. Can I still join?

Yes. Cohorts are open to everyone, everywhere. All sessions are conducted in English. Bitshala started in India and our community is strongest here, but the knowledge is borderless and so is the door.

Q. Are the sessions live? Do I need to show up at a specific time?

Yes, cohorts have scheduled live sessions that you're expected to attend. There isn't a playlist of recordings you watch whenever. The live format is the point, it keeps you accountable, lets you ask questions in real time, and connects you with the other people in your batch.

Q. Do I get a certificate when I finish?

Yes. You receive a certificate of completion. But honestly, in the Bitcoin open-source world, your contributions matter more than a credential. The real proof is the code you write, the PRs you review, and the knowledge you can demonstrate. The certificate is a nice marker... your work is the actual signal.

Q. How do I join?

Go to app.bitshala.org. Pick a cohort. Fill in your details. Register. That's it.