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Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) conducted the Convocation and Certificate Distribution Ceremony for its BS Degree Programs in the campus on 8th June 2025.
More than 38,000 students from across India and some even abroad are pursuing this program with more than half the students (52%) pursuing this degree in parallel with another undergraduate program.
IIT Madras offers four-year BS programmes in Data Science and Applications and in Electronic Systems to provide quality education to all, irrespective of age, educational background, or location. The programmes are carefully designed to impart industry-relevant skills through rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and projects.
Keeping in mind the high demand for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, the programmes have been designed in consultation with industry leaders. Its graduates will have strong fundamentals and industry-ready skills, ensuring high employability.
The Convocation and Certificate Distribution Ceremony was held in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Chief Guest Mr. Aravind Krishnan, Managing Director and Head, South East Asia Private Equity, Blackstone, faculty, students and parents.
Congratulating all the graduating students of the BS Degree Program, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “This is the first batch graduating with the 4-year BS Degree. This year, 867 students are graduating with either a 3-year BSc Degree or a 4-year BS Degree. Out of these 867 students, close to 150 have a family income of less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum and another 100 students, less than Rs. 5 lakh per annum. (Further, 365 students are graduating with a diploma.)‘IITM for All’ or ‘Annaivarakum IITM’ is the inspiration for us to launch the BS (Data Science and Applications) and BS (Electronic Systems) courses. Over 38,000 students are currently enrolled in the program. This is truly the democratisation of Education that is necessary for Viksit Bharat 2047, as envisaged by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti added, “I am also very happy to inform all of you that in the GATE Data Science and AI Paper, three of the top 10 ranks were secured by BS Data Science Students. I am also excited to inform you that the topper is an MBBS Doctor from AIIMS Delhi, who is planning to pursue MTech in Data Science and AI at IIT Madras.”
Further, Prof. V. Kamakoti said, “We are on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal #4 of the United Nations, wherein we need to provide accessible and affordable quality education for all. With this BS Data Science and BS Electronic Systems program's approach, I am sure we are meeting SDG #4.”
The content in BS programmes is delivered online, whereas the quizzes and exams are conducted in person at exam centres across India and abroad. This allows students to learn from anywhere, irrespective of geographical location. The in-person exams ensure academic rigour and fairly assess the quality of training. The curriculum, academic rigour, and quality of the programme are on par with regular degree programmes offered by IIT Madras.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Coordinator, BS Program, IIT Madras, said, “This graduating batch is a testament to what is possible when high-quality education meets accessibility and determination. Our BS Program has empowered learners from remote villages, top metros, and even international cities to reimagine what’s possible for their futures at their own pace. We’re proud to be shaping a generation of data-literate problem solvers for India and the world.”
Further, Chief Guest Mr. Aravind Krishnan, Managing Director and Head, South East Asia Private Equity, Blackstone, said, “We live in a world where data is not just powering decisions — it’s reshaping industries, policy, and everyday life. The ability to extract insight from complexity is becoming one of the most valuable skills of our time. Through this pioneering hybrid program, IIT Madras has opened the doors of data science to a much wider talent pool, setting a global example in accessible, future-ready education. I am glad to be part of this celebration and look forward to the impact this cohort will create globally.”
The BS programme has multiple levels, which provide flexibility to students to exit at any of these levels. Depending on the courses completed and credits earned, the learner can receive a Foundation Certificate from IITM CODE, Diploma(s) from IIT Madras, or BSc/BS Degrees from IIT Madras.