IIT Madras Online Degree in Data Science: Fees and Eligibility
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- 6 Jun 2026IIT Madras BS Data Science May 2026 Qualifier Exam
The qualifier exam for the May 2026 batch of the IIT Madras BS Data Science program takes place on June 06, 2026. - 21 Dec 2025IIT Madras Diploma in Data Science Qualifier Exam
The qualifier exam for the IIT Madras Diploma in Data Science program is scheduled for December 21, 2025.
Eligibility for the IIT Madras online BS Degree in Data Science requires passing Class 12 in any stream at any age, provided the candidate studied English and Mathematics in Class 10.
Candidates can choose multiple exit points after completing specific levels or progress to the full degree. Below is a complete guide to entry cutoffs starting at 30% for reserved categories, fee structures across 4 exit credentials, syllabus subjects, and B.Sc Data Science options across India.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Offered | BS Degree in Data Science & Applications (formerly BSc in Programming and Data Science) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 pass (any stream, any age) with Maths & English in Class 10; Class 11 students can also apply |
| Admission Pathways | Regular Entry (via Qualifier Exam) or Direct Entry (for JEE Advanced qualifiers) |
| Total Fee Range | INR 32,000 (Foundation) to INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 (BS Degree) |
| Application Fee | INR 3,000 (General/OBC), INR 1,500 (SC/ST/PwD), INR 750 (SC/ST + PwD) |
| Program Duration | 3 to 6 years (flexible completion pace) |
What is B.Sc Data Science
The IIT Madras online Data Science program is a flexible undergraduate program structured across 4 distinct levels: Foundation, Diploma, BSc Degree, and BS Degree. Students are allowed to exit at any level with an official credential depending on the coursework completed.
Exiting after the first level earns a Foundational Certificate issued by IITM CODE (Centre for Outreach and Digital Education). Completing the second level awards a Diploma in Programming or a Diploma in Data Science directly from IIT Madras.
B.Sc Data Science Eligibility
To be eligible for the IIT Madras BS Data Science program, candidates must have studied both English and Mathematics in Class 10. There is no age limit, and candidates from any stream in Class 12 can apply. Students currently appearing in Class 11 are also eligible to apply and take the qualifier process, but they can formally join the program only after successfully passing Class 12.
For regular entry, candidates must clear the qualifier coursework and achieve minimum cutoff marks in the best 2 out of 3 assessments per course. Cutoffs vary by candidate category:
- General: 40% minimum assessment score
- OBC-NCL / EWS: 35% minimum assessment score
- SC / ST / PwD (40%+ disability): 30% minimum assessment score
- SC / ST who is also PwD: 30% minimum assessment score
B.Sc Data Science Admission Process
Admission to the IIT Madras online BS Data Science program follows two primary pathways: Regular Entry via the Qualifier Exam and Direct Admission for JEE Advanced candidates.
Under Regular Entry, candidates complete 4 weeks of online coursework and submit weekly assignments. While learning video lectures are delivered online, all quizzes and end-term examinations are conducted in person at designated examination centres across India and selected international cities.
Candidates eligible to appear for JEE Advanced can bypass the standard qualifier process. They get direct entry to the foundation level after submitting the first 4 weeks of assignments and appearing for a 4-hour in-person quiz. Their quiz performance determines their course registration capacity:
- Score less than 50%: Allowed to register for up to 2 courses
- Score between 50% – 70%: Allowed to register for up to 3 courses
- Score more than 70%: Allowed to register for up to 4 courses
B.Sc Data Science Syllabus and Subjects
The curriculum is designed for flexible learning, with a suggested study pace of 10 hours per course per week. The academic year is organized into 4-month terms consisting of 12 weeks of coursework, 3 quizzes, and end-term exams.
| Program Level | Core Subjects / Specializations | Completion Window |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Level (8 Courses) | Maths I & II, Statistics I & II, Computational Thinking, Python Programming, English I & II | 1 – 3 Years |
| Diploma in Programming (6 Courses) | DBMS, Programming & Data Structures in Python, Java, MAD I & II, System Commands | 1 – 3 Years |
| Diploma in Data Science (6 Courses) | Machine Learning Foundations/Techniques/Practice, Business Data Management, Business Analytics, Tools in Data Science | 1 – 3 Years |
| Degree Level (40 Credits) | Core (OS, Computer Architecture, Software Engg/Testing, Deep Learning, AI), Electives, NPTEL credits | Flexible |
B.Sc Data Science Fees
| Program Exit Level | Credential Awarded | Issuing Body | Cumulative Course Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Foundation Level | Foundational Certificate | IITM CODE | INR 32,000 |
| Level 2: Foundation + 1 Diploma | Diploma in Programming or Data Science | IIT Madras | INR 94,500 |
| Level 2: Foundation + 2 Diplomas | Diplomas in Programming & Data Science | IIT Madras | INR 1,57,000 |
| Level 3: BSc Degree Level | BSc Degree in Programming & Data Science | IIT Madras | INR 2,21,000 – INR 2,27,000 |
| Level 4: BS Degree Level | BS Degree in Data Science & Applications | IIT Madras | INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 |
The foundation level costs INR 32,000 for 8 subjects, while cumulative fees reach up to INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 for the BS degree. Application fees are INR 3,000 for General/OBC, INR 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD, and INR 750 for SC/ST who is also PwD.
Top B.Sc Data Science Colleges
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai | Government | INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 | 1 (Overall, 2025) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Symbiosis Skills & Open University | Pune | — | ₹4.10 lakh | 1 (Overall, 2025) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | Kanpur | Government | ₹40,080 | 5 (Overall, 2025) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | — | ₹17.35 lakh | 8 (Overall, 2025) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Xavier’s College Kolkata | Kolkata | Private (aided) | ₹4.44 lakh | 8 (Overall, 2025) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSGR Krishnammal College for Women | Coimbatore | Private (aided) |
B.Sc Data Science Career Scope and SalaryGraduates with a degree in Data Science enter roles across software development, data analytics, machine learning engineering, and business intelligence. The median average placement package across 24 reporting colleges stands at 2.98 LPA. Prominent private institutions demonstrate strong salary packages for graduates, with institutions like Thiruthangal Nadar College in Chennai recording average packages of 6.82 LPA and Fergusson College in Pune reaching 5.02 LPA.
How to Apply for B.Sc Data Science Admission in 2026: Step by Step
Applicants can secure admission via regular entry by passing the qualifier exam or through direct entry if eligible for JEE Advanced. While video lectures are online, quizzes and exams are conducted in person at designated centres. FAQsDoes B.Sc or BS Data Science at IIT Madras require Maths?Yes. Candidates are expected to have studied Mathematics and English in Class 10. The foundation level also includes core courses in Mathematics for Data Science I & II and Statistics I & II. Is the IIT Madras online Data Science degree completely free?No, it is not free. Fees range from INR 32,000 for the Foundation level up to INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 for the full BS Degree. However, application fee concessions exist for SC/ST/PwD categories. Can Class 11 students apply for the IIT Madras Data Science program?Yes. Class 11-appearing students can apply and take the qualifier process, but they will only be eligible to join the course after successfully passing Class 12. What is the syllabus for the BS Data Science program at IIT Madras?The syllabus covers 4 levels: Foundation (Maths, Stats, Python, English, Computational Thinking), Diplomas (Programming, DBMS, Java, MAD, ML Foundations/Techniques, Business Analytics), and Degree level (OS, Computer Architecture, AI, Deep Learning). Can JEE Advanced qualified students get direct entry into IIT Madras BS Data Science?Yes. Candidates eligible for JEE Advanced get direct entry to the foundation level. They complete 4 weeks of coursework and take a 4-hour quiz, which decides how many courses (2 to 4) they can register for. |
