IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications is a rigorous online postgraduate programme that allows students to enter the top tier IIT by bypassing the JEE requirement. Students seeking admission to the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme must check the eligibility criteria first. The IIT Madras BS Data Science eligibility criteria 2026 include the academic qualifications and minimum admission requirements a candidate must fulfil to pursue the programme.
This Story also Contains
Understanding who can apply for the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme, what is the application process, and what are Regular entry and JEE-based entry requirements helps candidates seamlessly apply for the programme.
IIT Madras BS Data Science programme is open to all candidates who have passed or yet to pass Class 12.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent can apply irrespective of age or academic background. |
Early Applicants | School students who have appeared for their Class 11 final exams can apply irrespective of their group/ stream/ board. Those who qualify can join the program after passing Class 12. |
Academic Background | Applicants must have studied Mathematics and English in Class 10. |
Alternative Pathways | Candidates eligible to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced can directly get admission to the Foundation Level. |
Must Check IIT Madras BS Degree Admission 2026 (January Session): Requirements, Application Link, Process
Admission to the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme is not only made based on application. It is done through a multi-stage assessment.
Candidates can directly apply for admission to IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications through regular entry. For this entry route, candidates have to sit for a qualifier exam and must score a minimum average mark in the first three weeks of assignments across four foundational courses.
Assignment Cut Off Score
| Category | Minimum Average Assignment Score in each course |
|---|---|
General | 40% |
SC / ST / PwD with 40% disability | 30% |
PwD with 40% disability & SC / ST | 30% |
OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% |
Only eligible candidates will appear in the qualifier exam at the end of four weeks of coursework. The qualifier exam is conducted in-person and to pass the exam, learners have to score a minimum average marks in the qualifier exam and a minimum qualifier exam score in each course individually.
Category | Minimum Requirement Qualifier Exam Score in each course | Minimum Requirement Average Qualifier Exam Score |
|---|---|---|
General | 40% | 50% |
SC / ST / PwD with 40% disability | 30% | 40% |
PwD with 40% disability & SC / ST | 30% | 40% |
OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% | 45% |
Note: Only candidates who pass the Qualifier Exam are eligible to enrol for the Foundation Level courses.
Also Read: How Difficult is IIT Madras BS Data Science? - Exam Pattern, Passing Marks, Study Plan
There is no age limit to join the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme. While the rigour is maintained in the programme, candidates can choose to join or choose not to join the programme immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam.
For Class 12 students, the qualifier exam result is valid for 3 terms (1 year).
For school students who are due to appear for class 12 board exams, the Qualifier Exam result is valid for a period of 6 terms (or 2 years).
Also Read: IIT Madras BS Data Science: A Comprehensive Analysis of Enrollment & Success Trends
Meeting the IIT Madras BS Data Science eligibility criteria 2026 opens a pathway to enter India’s top technical institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has passed Class 12 or equivalent or school students who have appeared for their Class 11 final exams can apply for the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme.
No, there is no age limit. Anyone who has passed Class 12 can enrol in the IIT Madras BS degree in Data Science and Applications.
While the programme is open to all candidates, irrespective of their academic background, studying Mathematics in Class 10 is expected.
Yes, you can do IIT Madras BS Data Science without JEE through regular entry. You need to appear in a qualifier exam and must qualify with a valid score.
You can join IIT Madras after 12th by qualifying the JEE exam. However, you can also enter IIT Madras without JEE by clearing their qualifier exam for online BS Data Science and Applications programme.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
In 2025, IIT Madras JEE Advanced, closing ranks are around 171 for CSE, 306 for AI & Data Analytics, 849 for Electrical, about 1300 for Computational Engineering, around 1440 for Engineering Physics, 2468 for Mechanical, and about 6112 for Civil.
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-advanced-cutoff-for-iit-madras
Hope
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
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
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
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
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
Recognized as Institute of Eminence by Govt. of India | NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | Upto 75% Scholarships | Application Deadline: 15th Jan
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
UG Admissions Open 2026 | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Average CTC 9.09 LPA | 60+ Collaborations with the world's best Universities
Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters
NAAC A+ Accredited | Among top 2% Universities Globally (QS World University Rankings 2026)