The best, after 1 month in IIT-B everyone wishes they were a RA instead of TA. If time isn’t a constraint M.tech RA has many advantages and I can go out on a limb and say that 95% of the TA’s will recommend RA over TA.

To be brief I’ll list advantages

1. Reduced course load: The first semester is very hectic for TA’s as they have to register for at least 3 courses and most go for 4. For RAs the situation pretty relaxed as you can choose a minimum of 2 subjects. This is one of the most important advantage.(NOTE: T̶h̶e̶ ̶m̶i̶n̶i̶m̶u̶m̶ ̶s̶u̶b̶j̶e̶c̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶q̶u̶i̶r̶e̶m̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶c̶h̶a̶n̶g̶e̶d̶ ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶n̶c̶i̶l̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶g̶e̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶r̶e̶v̶i̶s̶e̶d̶ ̶)
2. Chance to explore fields: TAs have to pick up a seminar in the second semester and the decision is generally taken without exploring many fields, the course load and the need to maintain the GPA ensures that subjects are chosen conservatively and are more relevant to fields you are already good in. The situation for RA’s is completely different you are free to choose seminar in any semester till the 4th semester. What this gets you is time to explore different courses and then finalise seminar.(NOTE: This is not applicable for Project RA’s as they have to do seminar and MTP only under their guide)
3. Extracurricular Activities: RA’s due to reduced course load are free to get involved in Co-curricular as well as extra-curricular activities. IIT-B is known for its culturals and RA’s are in a better position to enjoy as well as participate in it.
4. Project perks: Being an RA gets you 24*7 access to an air conditioned lab where you have a dedicated workstation and other things required. For example I have a dual monitor setup with a 5th gen Core i7 workstation to work with. Many project guides also give you a laptop to do project work.
5. Stipend: You receive INR 1000 more than the TA’s. This amount increments each year so in third year you have a stipend of INR 15400 per month.
6. Publication: Being an RA gives you a chance to work with your project guide closely. If you are motivated enough you can get papers published regularly.
7. Placements: You get more time to prepare for placements and also the option of un-tagging courses where you scored less by taking up more than the minimum required 10 courses.

Getting into IIT-B as an RA is tough as the total positions are very less compared to people who apply for it, but if you make it through be assured RA’s have many perks which make the efforts worthwhile.

PS: RA’s are known as Royal Assistants in IIT-B :)