🚀 January 2026 Admissions Now Open!

IIT Madras BS Data Science program has officially opened applications for the January 2026 batch. This marks another milestone in making quality education accessible to students across India and globally.

Key Dates:

• Application Opens: January 1, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: January 31, 2026
• Qualifier Exam: February 2026
• Classes Begin: March 2026

What's New:

• Enhanced online learning platform with AI-powered study tools
• Expanded scholarship opportunities for deserving students
• New elective courses in Generative AI and Advanced Analytics
• Improved placement support with dedicated career counseling

📚 New AI & GenAI Courses Announced

In response to industry demand, IITM BS program is introducing cutting-edge courses in Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI for the upcoming terms.

New Course Offerings:

• Generative AI Fundamentals: Covering LLMs, Prompt Engineering, and AI Applications
• Advanced Deep Learning: Focus on Transformers, GANs, and Diffusion Models
• AI Ethics & Governance: Understanding responsible AI development
• MLOps & Deployment: Production-ready ML systems

Industry Collaboration:

• Guest lectures from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI experts
• Real-world project opportunities with partner companies
• Access to cloud computing credits for hands-on practice

🏆 Students Win National Data Science Hackathon

A team of IITM BS students secured first place at the National Data Science Hackathon 2025, competing against teams from premier institutions across India.

Project Highlights:

• Problem: Predictive healthcare analytics for rural India
• Solution: ML model achieving 94% accuracy in disease prediction
• Impact: Potential to help 10,000+ patients in pilot phase
• Technology: Python, TensorFlow, React, Cloud deployment

Team Recognition:

• Featured in national tech publications
• Invited to present at industry conferences
• Received mentorship offers from leading tech companies

💼 Record-Breaking Internship Season

The September 2025 term witnessed unprecedented internship placements with students securing positions at top tech companies and startups.

Top Recruiters:

• Tech Giants: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta
• Startups: Razorpay, CRED, Zepto, PhonePe
• Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte
• Finance: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, HSBC

Student Success Stories:

• 15 students secured PPOs (Pre-Placement Offers)
• Multiple students received international opportunities
• Strong representation in AI/ML and Data Engineering roles

🎉 Outstanding Placement Results for 2024-25 Batch

The IITM BS Data Science program achieved remarkable placement outcomes for the 2024-25 academic year, with 210 students securing full-time positions and 35 securing apprenticeships.

Key Highlights:

• Internship Success: Average stipend of ₹30,000/month (range: ₹10,000 - ₹80,000)
• Top Recruiters: Amazon, Aditya Birla, TCS, L&T, Syngenta, and more
• Placement Rate: ~60% on-campus placement rate, higher including off-campus opportunities
• Industry Interaction Cell (IIC): Facilitated 120 full-time positions and 413 internships

📢 January 2026 Batch Applications Opening Soon

Applications for the January 2026 batch will open on January 1, 2026. The program continues to be accessible to all students who have passed Class 12, with no JEE requirement.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Passed Class 12 (any stream, any year)
• Studied Mathematics and English in Class 10
• No age limit
• No JEE or entrance exam required

Admission Process:

• Step 1: Register and complete 4-week foundational coursework
• Step 2: Appear for qualifier examination
• Step 3: Admission based on qualifier performance

🏆 Program Reaches 27,000+ Active Students

The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications program has crossed a significant milestone with over 27,000 active students enrolled across all levels.

Global Recognition:

• Students admitted to Cornell University, Georgia Tech, Aalto University
• Growing alumni network across 50+ countries
• Industry partnerships with leading tech companies

📚 September 2024 Term Commenced

The September 2024 term has officially begun with enhanced course offerings and updated curriculum across all program levels.

New Additions:

• Updated Machine Learning curriculum with latest industry practices
• Enhanced project guidelines for MAD I and MAD II
• New elective courses in AI and Deep Learning
• Improved assessment patterns for better learning outcomes

💰 Enhanced Fee Waiver Program

IIT Madras continues its commitment to diversity and inclusivity through comprehensive fee waiver programs supported by CSR initiatives and government scholarships.

Fee Waiver Eligibility:

• Female Students: 100% fee waiver for family income < ₹5 lakhs/year
• Male Students: 100% fee waiver for family income < ₹1 lakh/year
• Partial Waivers: Available for students from economically weaker sections
• Merit Scholarships: For top performers in each term

How to Apply:

• Submit income certificate during admission
• Apply through student portal after enrollment
• Renewal required each academic year

🎓 2024 Batch Graduation Highlights

The 2024 graduating batch consisted of 131 students, with 99 completing the full BS program and 32 completing BSc.

Career Outcomes:

• 91 students employed in leading companies
• 18 pursuing Master's/PhD programs
• 10 actively seeking full-time opportunities
• Others in internships or competitive exam preparation

📋 New Admission Pathways Introduced

IIT Madras introduced new admission processes for undergraduate programs in 2025, expanding opportunities for talented students.

New Admission Routes:

• Olympiad Route: Students excelling in national/international Olympiads can secure seats without JEE
• Sports Quota: National-level sports achievers (must qualify JEE Advanced)
• Fine Arts/Cultural Excellence: National-level achievements in arts (must qualify JEE Advanced)
• Traditional Route: BS Data Science program continues with no JEE requirement

📖 Program Structure Overview

The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications is a comprehensive 4-year online degree program with flexible completion options.

Program Levels:

• Foundation Level: 32 credits (8 courses) - Mathematics, Statistics, Programming, English
• Diploma Level: 54 credits total
  • Diploma in Programming: 27 credits (6 courses + 2 projects)
  • Diploma in Data Science: 27 credits (6 courses + 2 projects)
• Degree Level: 56 credits - Core courses + Electives

Key Features:

• Flexible completion: 3-6 years
• Exit options at Diploma level
• 36 theory courses + 4 project courses
• Tri-semester system (January, May, September)
• Suggested pace: 10 hours/course/week