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The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has redefined access to quality higher education with its online degree programme. This has opened doors for learners across age groups, academic backgrounds and career stages, making IIT-level learning possible without the barriers of competitive entrance exams like JEE.
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The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications was launched in 2021 as the first IIT's online degree in undergraduate. Within just four years, it has emerged as the largest IIT programme in terms of enrolment, reflecting its wide acceptance and impact. The format combines flexibility with academic rigour, attracting school graduates, college students and professionals alike.
What sets the programme apart is its design. With open entry, flexible exit points and direct career relevance, IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications represents one of the most inclusive and ambitious programmes in Indian higher education.
Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science Completion vs Dropout Trends: What Numbers Tell?
Every admission cycle shows strong participation and qualifying numbers. The following table presents term-wise data:
Term | Applicants | Qualified | Started |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
Total | 168,740 | 63,143 | 52,144 |
The data shows that every year between 6,000 and 13,000 students qualify. This makes it the single largest pathway into an IIT, far exceeding the intake capacity of traditional JEE-based undergraduate routes.
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 completion of Class 12 with English and Mathematics. Once eligible, learners can appear for the qualifying process conducted by IIT Madras.
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.
Explore How Difficult is IIT Madras BS Data Science? - Exam Pattern, Passing Marks, Study Plan
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme has been designed to improve employability.
3,233 internships were self-secured, with a monthly stipend of Rs 10k and going up to Rs 1,00,000 per month.
118 internships were secured through the institute’s Industry Interaction Cell (IIC), involving 143 companies. The highest stipend offered Rs 60,000 per month, with an average stipend of Rs 27,705 per month.
1,396 jobs were secured independently, within the Rs 5-20 LPA salary range.
16 placements came through IIC, with the highest salary package of Rs 15 LPA and an average salary of Rs 8,09,230.
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The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme currently has 38,534 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
On average, 6,000 to 13,000 students qualify for the IIT Madras BS in Data Science every year. Since its launch in 2021, more than 63,000 students have qualified and over 52,000 learners have started the programme. With more than 38,500 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)
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.
197 students completed the BS degree. Many have exited with Foundation, Diploma or BSc credentials.
Any student who has completed Class 12 with English and Mathematics is eligible. JEE is not required, making the course widely accessible.
Yes, the programme holds immense value with the IIT brand, flexible design and career outcomes. Graduates secure roles across industries.
Between 6,000 and 13,000 students qualify each year for the BS in Data Science and Applications programme. Since 2021, over 63,000 students have qualified and 52,000 have started the programme.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Aspirant,
When applying to BS in Medical Sciences and Engineering at IIT Madras via the IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) for the OBC-NCL Female category, the suggested ranks and marks can differ every year depending on the level of difficulty or how many took the exam. However, based on the trends from year-to-year:
Hello aspirant,
To get admission in the Dual Degree Aerospace Engineering (B.Tech + M.Tech) program at IIT Madras through JEE Advanced under the female quota, you should aim for a rank around 6000 to 6300 based on the previous year’s trends. In 2025, the closing rank for female supernumerary seats for this program was approximately 6279. It’s always advisable to aim for a better rank to increase your chances of getting into this prestigious program. Keep an eye on the official JoSAA counselling schedule for updated cutoffs.
All the best for your preparation and future!
Hello,
Yes, If you work hard and study regularly, you can definitely crack JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
IIT Madras is tough, but many students from state boards have made it with good preparation. Focus on understanding concepts well, practice lots of questions, and solve previous years’ papers.
Also, try to join a good coaching or online classes if possible. Believe in yourself and stay consistent. You have a good chance!
Hope it helps !
With a preparatory rank of 3935, your chances of getting a seat at IIT Madras are unlikely. While a preparatory rank can sometimes lead to admission in less competitive IITs or specific courses, 3935 is a high rank within the preparatory category, and IIT Madras is one of the most sought-after IITs.
Preparatory Courses:
IITs offer preparatory courses for SC, ST, and PwD students who didn't qualify for regular IIT programs but have a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced.
Limited Seats:
The number of seats in preparatory courses is limited, and the competition for these seats can be high, especially for the most prestigious IITs.
Rank Significance:
A rank of 3935 within the preparatory category means you're among the lower-ranked candidates within that group, and IIT Madras is highly selective even within the preparatory program.
Factors Influencing Admission:
Besides rank, other factors like category, branch preferences, and the specific IIT's admission policies can influence seat allocation.
Alternative Options:
If you don't get a seat at IIT Madras, explore other IITs with more lenient admission criteria or consider NITs or other engineering colleges where you might have better chances.
Hello Aspirant,
If you get admitted into the B.S. program at IIT Madras this year and this year happens to be your first JEE Advanced attempt, then yes, you will remain eligible to take JEE Advanced again next year if you satisfy the other eligibility norms laid down by the conducting authorities of the exam. The important thing is that the candidate gets two chances at JEE Advanced at the most, and these chances have to come within two successive years from the year when they first appeared for the test. Since you are trying for the first time, you have one chance remaining for the next year.
But once you are admitted into an IIT undergraduate course, you cannot sit for JEE Advanced again to get into the same course. But if you are interested in a different course or a double degree (such as B.Tech + M.Tech), you may want to look up the particular rules from the JEE Advanced official website or the IITs.
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