IIT Data Science Courses: Degree Programs, Eligibility & Fees
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- 6 Jun 2026IIT Madras BS Data Science Qualifier Exam Scheduled
The qualifier exam for the IIT Madras BS Data Science & Applications May 2026 batch is scheduled for June 06, 2026. - 21 Dec 2025IIT Madras Diploma in Data Science Qualifier Exam Date
The qualifier examination for admission into the IIT Madras Diploma in Data Science program takes place on December 21, 2025.
IIT Roorkee’s iHUB DivyaSampark also provides executive certificates and advanced programs in Data Science and AI.
Students looking for IIT data science courses can explore degree, diploma, and executive certification tracks. Below are the details regarding eligibility criteria, qualifier entrance examination steps, syllabus breakdown, fee structures, top institute options, and salary expectations in India.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Flagship IIT Degree | BS Degree in Data Science & Applications (IIT Madras) |
| Basic Eligibility (BS Degree) | Passed Class 12 (any stream, no age limit) + Class 10 English & Mathematics |
| Admission Modes | Qualifier Exam Process or Direct Entry via JEE Advanced |
| IIT Madras BS Fee Range | ₹32,000 (Foundation Exit) to ₹3,15,000 – ₹3,51,000 (BS Degree Exit) |
| Executive Certifications | Advanced & Executive PG Certifications in Data Science & AI (IIT Roorkee iHUB DivyaSampark) |
| Average Salary in India | ₹11 LPA – ₹15 LPA (Fresher starting package: ₹4.5 LPA – ₹10 LPA) |
What is Data Science
Data science combines programming, mathematics, statistical analysis, and machine learning to extract actionable insights from structured and unstructured datasets. In the technology and analytics sectors, data science systems drive automated decision-making, predictive modelling, and business intelligence across enterprise software platforms.
Core subjects taught across data science programs universally include Python, R, SQL, Statistics & Probability, Machine Learning, Data Visualization using tools like Tableau or Power BI, Big Data platforms like Hadoop and Spark, as well as AI Ethics & Data Privacy. Premier technical institutes such as IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee offer specialized academic options ranging from foundation certificates and undergraduate degrees to advanced executive post-graduate credentials.
Data Science Eligibility
To join the IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science & Applications, candidates must have passed Class 12 in any academic stream with no age restriction. Applicants must have studied English and Mathematics in Class 10. Class 11 students are eligible to apply for the qualifier process, but can formally join the degree program only after clearing Class 12.
Candidates who qualify for the current year’s JEE Advanced examination get direct admission to the foundation level without taking the regular qualifier entrance test. For all other applicants, qualifying depends on securing minimum marks in a 4-week qualifier assessment process.
| Category | Minimum Assessment Score Required per Course |
|---|---|
| General | 40% |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% |
| SC / ST / PwD (>= 40% disability) | 30% |
| SC / ST with PwD (>= 40% disability) | 30% |
Data Science Admission Process
Admission to IIT data science programs involves academic background evaluation followed by a qualifier entrance route or direct JEE Advanced entry. The qualifier exam application fee at IIT Madras is ₹3,000 for General and OBC candidates, ₹1,500 for SC, ST, and PwD applicants (with at least 40% disability), and ₹750 for SC/ST candidates who are also PwD.
Applicants complete 4 weeks of preliminary coursework featuring video lectures and mandatory weekly assignments in Mathematics, Statistics, Python, and English. Candidates who maintain the required average assignment scores earn eligibility to appear for the proctored, in-person Qualifier Exam held at designated examination centres nationwide. Passing candidates register for foundational term courses.
Data Science Syllabus and Subjects
Students can complete specific credit thresholds to earn exit credentials or finish all 40 degree-level credits.
| Program Level | Core Subjects / Modules |
|---|---|
| Foundation Level | Mathematics for Data Science I & II, Statistics for Data Science I & II, Computational Thinking, Programming in Python, English I & II |
| Diploma in Programming | Database Management Systems, Programming & Data Structures using Python, Modern Application Development I & II, Java Programming, System Commands |
| Diploma in Data Science | Machine Learning Foundations, Machine Learning Techniques, Machine Learning Practice, Business Data Management, Business Analytics, Tools in Data Science |
| Degree Level Core & Electives | Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, AI Search Methods, Deep Learning, Speech Technology, Computer Vision |
How to Apply for Data Science Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Academic Eligibility: Verify that you have passed Class 12 in any stream (no age restriction) and studied English and Mathematics in Class 10.
- Submit Online Application: Apply online for the IIT Madras Data Science program and pay the application fee of INR 3,000 for General/OBC, INR 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD (40%+ disability), or INR 750 for SC/ST candidates who are also PwD.
- Complete 4 Weeks of Qualifier Coursework: Watch video lectures and submit online assignments for 4 weeks in Mathematics, Statistics, Python, and English, securing the required minimum course score (30% for SC/ST/PwD, 35% for OBC-NCL/EWS, or 40% for General).
- Appear for In-Person Qualifier Exam: Take the proctored, in-person Qualifier Exam conducted at designated examination centres across India.
- Direct Entry Option via JEE Advanced: Candidates qualifying for the current year’s JEE Advanced exam can gain direct admission to the foundation level by submitting 4 weeks of coursework assignments and taking an in-person quiz.
- Register for Foundational Term Courses: After passing the Qualifier Exam, register for up to 4 foundational courses per regular 4-month term.
- Pay Course-wise Tuition Fees: Pay fees for registered courses at each level (INR 32,000 total for Foundation, up to INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,51,000 for the complete BS degree).
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Data Science colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Applicants who pass the qualifier process can progress through foundation, diploma, and degree levels at their own pace. Candidates qualifying for JEE Advanced can gain direct entry to the foundational level.
FAQs
Is data science in IIT?
Yes, premiere IITs offer data science programs. IIT Madras offers an online BS Degree in Data Science & Applications and Diplomas, while IIT Roorkee’s iHUB DivyaSampark offers Advanced and Executive PG Certifications in Data Science and AI.
What is the average salary for a data scientist in India?
The national average salary for a data scientist in India lies between ₹11 LPA and ₹15 LPA. Starting packages for freshers range from ₹4.5 LPA to ₹10 LPA, while experienced leads earn up to ₹65 LPA.
What are the fees for IIT Madras Data Science course?
At IIT Madras, Foundation level costs ₹32,000; Foundation + 1 Diploma costs ₹94,500; Foundation + 2 Diplomas costs ₹1,57,000; BSc degree exit costs ₹2,21,000–₹2,27,000; and the full BS degree costs ₹3,15,000–₹3,51,000.
Who is eligible for the IIT Madras Data Science program?
Anyone who has passed Class 12 in any stream without age limit is eligible, provided they studied Mathematics and English in Class 10. Admission requires clearing the 4-week qualifier process or qualifying for JEE Advanced.
What are the subjects in BSc Data Science 1st year?
The foundational subjects include Mathematics for Data Science I & II, Statistics for Data Science I & II, Computational Thinking, Programming in Python, and English I & II.
Is data science high paying in India?
Yes, Data Science is one of the highest paying technical careers. Top product companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta offer packages 3 to 5 times higher than service firms, with leadership roles exceeding ₹40–65 LPA.
