IIT Madras’ BS Degree in Data Science and Applications, which is going to complete four years, has enabled more than 2,500 of its students to get jobs or promotions.
850+ students have secured admission for Masters and PhD programs at esteemed universities such as Cornell University & Georgia Institute of Technology, US and Aalto University, Finland, among others, even being able to switch streams from their primary domain to Computer Science or Data Science.
Launched in June 2020, this first-of-its-kind programme makes it possible for students to study from IIT Madras without writing the hypercompetitive JEE. More than 27,000 students from across India are enrolled currently. Being taught online with examinations held in physical mode at 150 centresall over the country and abroad as well, the BS Degree has succeeded in democratisingaccess to IIT-Quality higher education, breaking down barriers such as geography and age.
Applications for the May 2024 Batch will close by 26th May 2024. Those interested can apply through the website - https://study.iitm.ac.in/ds/
Congratulating the program on its success, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said,“I am proud of the achievements of our BS data science program and its students. The program has opened the doors of IITM to anyone who is willing to work hard and is interested in learning. We hope to introduce more such programs to reach all sections of society.”
The Program ensures equitable access to education even for the socially and economically challenged sections by providing fee waivers and other forms of support.
The Fee is completely waived for all female students with annual family income of less than Rs. 5 lakh per annum (LPA) and male students with annual family income Rs. 1 LPA, thanks to CSR support from companies such as Verizon, Renault Nissan, HSBC, Tata AIA, Sutherland, LTTS, L&T Thales, Dun & Bradstreet and Walmart, among others, besides donations from private individuals and support from various Government scholarship schemes. More than 3,645 students have availed these benefits, allowing the students to focus on academics alone and not let monetary concerns hold them back.
Elaborating on this, Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Professor-In-Charge, BS (Data Science and Applications), IIT Madras, said,“It is noteworthy that the inaugural batch of the 4-year BS degree program is yet to complete their 4 years in the program and graduate. However, the remarkable accolades already achieved by these students are quite impressive. From gaining admission into esteemed universities to securing valuable research and internship opportunities with reputable companies, their accomplishments speak volumes about their potential and the program's quality.”
Further highlighting the distinctive features of the BS programs, Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Professor-In-Charge, BS (Data Science and Applications), IIT Madras, said,“The program's integration of multiple exit options empowers students to acquire the necessary skills at each level and pursue their desired goals effectively. Moreover, its holistic approach, which encompasses project-based assignments, research projects, academic competitions, and leadership roles within student communities, enhances the educational experience and cultivates valuable skills among participants.”
IIT Madras BS team has also been proactively enhancing the opportunities available for students who perform well. It is partnering with various prestigious institutes to enable Degree level BS students to attend courses in-person on their campuses and credit the courses into the BS program. This permits such students to interact in-person with the faculty and explore options of working with them. The program also has created positions of Teaching Assistants and Mentors who provide academic assistance to the learners in the courses and are provided hostel accommodation on IITM campus for their duration of work.