How Entry & Exit Option Work in IIT Madras BS Data Science & Applications?
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications is an online degree programme offering credibility and academic excellence. Designed to provide technical education, it allows learners to pursue a world-class data science curriculum. Understanding the entry and exit processes of IIT Madras online degrees is essential for making the most out of the course’s flexible and learner-focused structure.
Unlike traditional degree courses, the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications helps students gain the foundations of data science and programming along with hands-on experience with real-world data. The flexible mode of the course with multiple exit points empowers learners to decide how far they wish to go based on their career goals and academic performance.
In each level of the programme, students receive a completion certificate. However, after successful completion of all levels, students receive a final IIT Madras BS degree certificate, officially recognising their achievements within the curriculum and awarding them the full IIT Madras Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and Applications.
IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications Entry & Exit Routes
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications allows students to progress based on their goals and performance. With multiple certifications at different levels, students can choose to exit with a qualification or continue toward a full degree.
There are three levels in the BS degree in data science and applications program, including the foundation level, diploma level, and degree level.
Foundation Level: The foundation level comprises courses in mathematics, statistics, and the basics of programming and Python, and English. These courses ensure that learners are successfully prepared to proceed to the diploma level courses.
Total Courses | 8 Foundation-Level Courses |
|---|---|
Total Credits | 32 |
Duration | 1-3 years (10hrs/course/week) |
Entry | Regular Entry: - Includes Qualifier Process (4 weeks of coursework based on lecture videos, assignments, and live sessions of the four foundational level courses). - Qualifier Examination (Best 2 out of the first 3 assignment scores are calculated, minimum score in all 4 courses is needed to qualify for the exam.) JEE based Entry: Candidates who cleared the JEE Advanced directly secure admission to the foundation level courses. |
Exit | Exit with a Foundation Certificate from Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras. |
Total Fees | Rs 32,000 |
Diploma Level: The Diploma Level includes two sections, Programming and Data Science, each with 5 core courses, 2 projects, and 1 skill enhancement course. The diploma in programming lays a strong foundation in databases and programming concepts, whereas data science diploma prepares learners for building skillset in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
| Total Courses | 12 courses + 4 projects |
|---|---|
Total Credits | 54 credits |
Duration | 1-3 years (15hrs/course/week) |
Entry | Completion of all the courses and projects in Foundation Level. |
Exit | Exit with a Diploma in Programming from IIT Madras. or Exit with a Diploma in Data Science from IIT Madras |
Total Fees | Rs 94,500 to Rs 1,57,000 |
BSc Degree Level (BSc in Programming and Data Science): The BSc degree in programming focuses on advanced programming, data systems, and real-world applications. Learners gain access to core courses and electives to build technical depth and industry readiness.
| Total Courses | Core Courses + Electives |
|---|---|
Total Credits | 114 credits |
Duration | 1-3 years (15hrs/course/week) |
Entry | Cleared all 8 courses in Foundation Level and all 12 courses + 4 projects in Diploma Level. |
Exit | Exit with a BSc Degree in Programming & Data Science from IIT Madras. |
Total Fees | Rs 2,21,000 - Rs 2,27,000 |
BS Degree Level (BS in Data Science and Applications): The BS Degree level in data science and applications offers a comprehensive insight into data science, big data, and electives, preparing students for data-driven careers and higher studies.
| Total Courses | Core Courses + Electives |
|---|---|
Total Credits | 142 credits |
Duration | 4 years (15hrs/course/week) |
Entry | Earned 114 credits and completed the BSc Degree Level to enter the BS Degree Level. |
Exit | Exit with a BS Degree in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras. |
Total Fees | Rs 3,15,000 - Rs 3,51,000 |
Also Read: Government Banned Universities for Online Degrees - Is Yours on the List?
Is BS Data Science and Applications Programme Worth Pursuing?
The BS in Data Science and Applications offered by IIT Madras is designed to help students gain access to high-quality education and equip learners with essential skills in data science, programming, and analytics. However, many students often wonder whether the programme is truly worth pursuing. This section aims to address that question in detail.
Prestigious IIT Tag
One of the key components of this programme is the IIT Madras brand, widely respected across the globe. Earning a degree from such a renowned institution offers students the valuable IIT tag, thus enhancing their credibility and opening doors to wider career opportunities and further education prospects.
Flexible Structure With Multiple Exit Options
The flexible format of the IIT Madras online degrees allows students to exit at different stages based on their performance and professional goals. This makes it an ideal programme for students, working professionals and even homemakers who wish to continue their education at their own pace.
Patel Tirth Sanjaykumar from Gujarat shares his experience with the IITM BS Data Science and Applications programme, emphasising the use of online classrooms in the course and the growing demand for data science in today’s world.
Supportive Learning Environment
IIT Madras online degree programme offers a strong support system, including discussion forums, live sessions, mentorship, and doubt-solving sessions, making it a suitable course for students new to coding or data science. The structured assignments and exams helps learners maintain discipline and track progress.
Meghna Chaturvedi, a student of the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme, shares her valuable experience, highlighting the academic rigor, and engaging hands-on projects in the course.
Career and Higher Education Opportunities
Graduates can pursue roles such as data analyst, business analyst, data scientist, and machine learning engineer or pursue higher education in data science, computer science, or analytics globally. The IIT Madras association adds strong credibility to resumes and applications.
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications course offers a globally respected online degree designed for today’s data-driven world. With industry-relevant curriculum, flexible structure, and the prestigious IIT tag, the course stands as a valuable opportunity for students seeking career advancement in data science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students can enter through the Qualifier Process or directly via JEE Advanced scores, depending on their eligibility and academic background.
Students can exit with a Foundation Certificate, Diploma in Programming, or Diploma in Data Science at different levels of the programme.
The programme is designed for flexible learning, making it suitable for working professionals, college students, and even homemakers.
The course offers recorded video lectures for self-paced learning and one or two live sessions per course to clear student doubts.
Each course has 3 quizzes and one end-term exam per term. IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications examinations are conducted in person at designated centres across India.
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Questions related to IIT Madras (IITM)
Hello Aspirant,
When applying to BS in Medical Sciences and Engineering at IIT Madras via the IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) for the OBC-NCL Female category, the suggested ranks and marks can differ every year depending on the level of difficulty or how many took the exam. However, based on the trends from year-to-year:
- Safe Rank: Within the overall OBC-NCL Female rank of the top 850–1000 would be classified as a competitive rank.
- Safe Marks: With a mark of around 120–140 marks out of 180 will increase your chances very significantly.
Hello aspirant,
To get admission in the Dual Degree Aerospace Engineering (B.Tech + M.Tech) program at IIT Madras through JEE Advanced under the female quota, you should aim for a rank around 6000 to 6300 based on the previous year’s trends. In 2025, the closing rank for female supernumerary seats for this program was approximately 6279. It’s always advisable to aim for a better rank to increase your chances of getting into this prestigious program. Keep an eye on the official JoSAA counselling schedule for updated cutoffs.
All the best for your preparation and future!
Hello,
Yes, If you work hard and study regularly, you can definitely crack JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
IIT Madras is tough, but many students from state boards have made it with good preparation. Focus on understanding concepts well, practice lots of questions, and solve previous years’ papers.
Also, try to join a good coaching or online classes if possible. Believe in yourself and stay consistent. You have a good chance!
Hope it helps !
With a preparatory rank of 3935, your chances of getting a seat at IIT Madras are unlikely. While a preparatory rank can sometimes lead to admission in less competitive IITs or specific courses, 3935 is a high rank within the preparatory category, and IIT Madras is one of the most sought-after IITs.
Preparatory Courses:
IITs offer preparatory courses for SC, ST, and PwD students who didn't qualify for regular IIT programs but have a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced.
Limited Seats:
The number of seats in preparatory courses is limited, and the competition for these seats can be high, especially for the most prestigious IITs.
Rank Significance:
A rank of 3935 within the preparatory category means you're among the lower-ranked candidates within that group, and IIT Madras is highly selective even within the preparatory program.
Factors Influencing Admission:
Besides rank, other factors like category, branch preferences, and the specific IIT's admission policies can influence seat allocation.
Alternative Options:
If you don't get a seat at IIT Madras, explore other IITs with more lenient admission criteria or consider NITs or other engineering colleges where you might have better chances.
Hello Aspirant,
If you get admitted into the B.S. program at IIT Madras this year and this year happens to be your first JEE Advanced attempt, then yes, you will remain eligible to take JEE Advanced again next year if you satisfy the other eligibility norms laid down by the conducting authorities of the exam. The important thing is that the candidate gets two chances at JEE Advanced at the most, and these chances have to come within two successive years from the year when they first appeared for the test. Since you are trying for the first time, you have one chance remaining for the next year.
But once you are admitted into an IIT undergraduate course, you cannot sit for JEE Advanced again to get into the same course. But if you are interested in a different course or a double degree (such as B.Tech + M.Tech), you may want to look up the particular rules from the JEE Advanced official website or the IITs.