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    How Many Students Qualify for IIT Madras BS Data Science Every Year?
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    • How Many Students Qualify for IIT Madras BS Data Science Every Year?

    How Many Students Qualify for IIT Madras BS Data Science Every Year?

    #IIT Madras (IITM)
    Vivek KumarUpdated on 22 Apr 2026, 05:51 PM IST

    Every year, thousands of students and working professionals apply for BS Data Science and Applications in IIT Madras. The programme not only attracts students and working professionals but also learners above 60 age group. Launched in 2021, IIT Madras Data Science programme has received over 2 lakhs applications between January 2021 and September 2025. By combining re-application and first applications, there are 2,51,456 students applied for the programme during the same period.

    This Story also Contains

    1. Applications and Qualifiers
    2. Term-wise Qualifiers of IIT Madras BS Data Science
    3. IIT Madras BS Data Science: Is It Hard to Qualify?
    4. Job Outcomes
    5. Active Students Today
    How Many Students Qualify for IIT Madras BS Data Science Every Year?
    How Many Students Qualify for IIT Madras BS Data Science Every Year?

    With 47,319 active students, IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications is the largest IIT programme in terms of enrolment, reflecting its wide acceptance and impact among students. The format of the programme combines flexibility with academic rigour, attracting school graduates, college students and professionals alike. IIT Madras BS Degree comes with multi entry and exit options, giving students the flexibility to access IIT education anytime and from anywhere.

    Applications and Qualifiers

    • Between January 2021 and September 2025, the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme received 2,00,446 first-time applications.
    • With reapplications included, the total number of applications reached 2,51,456.
    • This strong demand highlights the growing appeal of data science as a career choice.
    • Out of all applicants, 72,449 students qualified for admission to the Foundation level.
    • Of those qualified students, 56,457 actually started the programme, reflecting that 77.93 per cent of qualified learners joined the programme, which is a high conversion rate compared to other online degrees in IITs.
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    Also Read: IIT Madras Data Science Fees vs Placement: Total Cost, Highest, Median & Average Salary

    Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science Completion vs Dropout Trends: What Numbers Tell?

    Term-wise Qualifiers of IIT Madras BS Data Science

    Every admission cycle shows strong participation and qualifying numbers. The following table presents term-wise data of IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications:

    Term

    		ApplicantsQualifiedStarted

    January 2021

    30,276

    8,164

    7,116

    May 2021

    10,419

    2,524

    2,384

    September 2021

    13,870

    2,824

    2,476

    January 2022

    7,610

    2,381

    2,246

    May 2022

    7,978

    2,077

    1,741

    September 2022

    16,236

    4,941

    4,251

    January 2023

    7,892

    2,788

    2,537

    May 2023

    17,382

    9,275

    7,019

    September 2023

    8,821

    4,482

    3,749

    January 2024

    6,103

    2,730

    2,308

    May 2024

    24,901

    13,008

    10,309

    September 2024

    11,796

    5,655

    4,627

    January 2025

    5,456

    2,294

    1,381

    May 202521,702
    		7,101
    		4,313
    September 202510,004
    		2,205
    		-

    Total

    2,00,446

    72,449

    56,457


    The data shows that every year thousands of students apply for IIT Madras Data Science, with the maximum number of 24,901 applications in may 2024, followed by 21,702 applications in May 2025. This makes the programme the single largest pathway into an IIT, far exceeding the intake capacity of other undergraduate programmes in IITs.

    IIT Madras BS Data Science: Is It Hard to Qualify?

    The high qualification numbers come from the open admission model of the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme. Unlike other IIT degrees, students do not need to clear JEE to apply. The minimum eligibility is Class 12 with English and Mathematics. Once eligible, learners can appear for the qualifying process conducted by IIT Madras.

    Pathway to Join IIT Madras BS Data Science

    Admission begins with an application to the Qualifier Process. Students take four online courses in subjects such as mathematics, statistics, English and computational thinking. These are delivered online with proctored exams at designated centres. Learners who secure the required grades in the qualifier are offered admission to the Foundation level.

    This process allows school graduates, college students, working professionals and even senior citizens to join. With online delivery and modular structure, learners can balance study with work or personal commitments. This open yet structured pathway is the key reason why so many learners are able to qualify for the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications.

    Must Read: How Difficult is IIT Madras BS Data Science? - Exam Pattern, Passing Marks, Study Plan

    Job Outcomes

    The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme has been designed to enhance students' academic and employment opportunities.

    Internships

    • Between January 2025 and January 2026, 4,575 internships were self-secured, with an average stipend of Rs 10, 000 per month and reaching more than Rs 1,00,000 per month.

    • 198 students secured internships through the IITM's BS placement cell (IIC), with a median stipend of Rs 20,000 per month and the maximum stipend of Rs 83,333 per month Between May 2024 and September 2025.

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    Jobs

    • Between January 2025 and January 2026, 1,637 jobs were secured independently, with salary package crossing Rs 20 LPA.

    • Between May 2024 and September 2025, 83 placements came through IIC, with the highest salary package of Rs 20 LPA and a median salary of Rs 6 LPA.

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    Active Students Today

    The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme currently has 47,319 active learners. These students are spread across different levels Foundation, Diploma, BSc and BS. The multiple exit points ensure that even if a learner does not continue till the end, they still leave with a valuable IIT Madras credential.

    This approach reduces dropout-related pressure while ensuring every learner has a recognised milestone. It also helps sustain engagement and keeps the number of active students high year after year.

    Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science: Salaries, Career Growth for 2024 & 2025 Job Outcomes

    Thus, thousands of students qualify for the IIT Madras BS in Data Science every year. Since its launch in 2021, more than 72,449 students have qualified, of which 56,457 have started the programme. With more than 47,319 active students today, the IIT Madras BS in Data Science is not only the preferred IIT programme but also the most inclusive, reshaping the future of higher education in India.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: How many students get into IIT Madras Data Science programme every year?
    A:

    Since 2021, over 72,000 students have qualified and 56,000+ have started the IIT Madras Data Science programme.

    Q: Is BS in Data Science from IIT Madras worth it?
    A:

    Yes, the programme holds immense value with the IIT brand, flexible design and career outcomes. Graduates secure roles across industries.

    Q: Who is eligible for IIT Madras BS Data Science?
    A:

    Any student who has completed Class 12 with English and Mathematics is eligible. JEE is not required, making the course widely accessible.

    Q: How many students completed the IIT Madras BS degree?
    A:

    197 students completed the BS degree. Many have exited with Foundation, Diploma or BSc credentials.

    Q: What are the exit options available in IIT Madras BS Data Science?
    A:

    Learners can exit with an IIT Madras credential at Foundation, Diploma, and BSc level or continue to the full BS degree depending on their goals.

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