UPES M.Tech Admissions 2025
Ranked #46 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 590+ Recruiters | Last Date to Apply: 31st August | Admissions Closing Soon
The IIT Madras Qualifier Exam is the crucial first step for students aspiring to earn a degree from IIT Madras. This exam is a gateway to the BS Degree in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras, ensuring that candidates are academically prepared before moving ahead in their journey. The exam serves as a readiness filter, assessing whether learners can cope with the rigour of IIT-level courses.
From 2021 - 2025, IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications has received 168,740 applications. The latest term, January 2025, witnessed 5,456 applications, of which, 1,381 students started the foundation level. Currently, the programme has 38,534 active learners.
Students who wish to pursue the Online BS in Data Science and Applications or the Online BS in Electronic Systems must clear this exam. With a four-week preparation process involving lectures and assignments, followed by a rigorous exam, IIT Madras ensures that only well-prepared learners progress to the Foundation Level courses.
The Qualifier Exam is conducted in person at designated exam centres across India. It is a proctored test, meaning that candidates are closely monitored to ensure fairness and transparency in the examination process. This makes the exam credible and maintains the academic standards of IIT Madras.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Coursework Duration | 4 weeks |
Preparation | 4 weeks of coursework – Lecture videos, assignments, live sessions of the four foundational level courses |
Courses |
|
Application Fees |
|
Assignments | Weekly submissions required; average of best 2 out of 3 scores counted |
Minimum Average Assignment Score Required |
|
The test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge in four important subjects – English I, Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I, and Computational Thinking. At the end of the 4 weeks, a qualifier exam will be conducted for eligible candidates based on the content covered in the 4 weeks of study.
Only those who clear the Qualifier Exam are allowed to register for the Foundation Level courses of the IIT Madras Online BS programme. This ensures that students who enter the programme are academically ready and committed.
Application for the September 2025 batch is open. The last date to apply for Qualifier Application is September 4, 2025. The Qualifier Phase Week 1 starts on September 19, 2025 and Qualifier Exam 1-1 will be on October 26, 2025.
Particular | for May 2025 Batch | for September 2025 Batch |
---|---|---|
Qualifier Application Form Opens | Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | Friday, June 6, 2025 |
Qualifier Application Form Closes | Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | Thursday, September 4, 2025 |
Qualifier Phase Week 1 Starts | Friday, May 30, 2025 | Friday, September 19, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 1-1 | Sunday, July 13, 2025 | Sunday, October 26, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 1-1 : Results | Thursday, July 17, 2025 | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 1-1, if passed, Course registration opens | Thursday, July 17, 2025 | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 1-1, if passed, Course registration closes | Friday, July 18, 2025 | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
Qualifier 1-2: Re-attempt Form Opens | Thursday, July 17, 2025 | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
Qualifier 1-2: Re-attempt Form Closes | Friday, July 18, 2025 | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 2-1; Qualifier Exam 1-2 | Sunday, August 3, 2025 | Sunday, November 23, 2025 |
Results for Qualifier Exam 2-1; Qualifier Exam 1-2 | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
Qualifier 2-2; Reattempt form Opens | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
Qualifier 2-2; Reattempt form Closes | Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 2-2: Reattempt | Sunday, August 31, 2025 | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
Qualifier Exam 2-2: Results | Friday, September 5, 2025 | Monday, December 29, 2025 |
Registration Opens (if cleared re-attempt) | Course registration open in next term for those who passed Qualifier and have not registered for courses yet | Course registration open in next term for those who passed Qualifier and have not registered for courses yet |
Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications: Worth Pursuing or Just Hype?
In each course of the qualifier exam, the average of the best 2 out of the first 3 assignment scores will be calculated. Only those candidates who get the minimum required average assignment scores in all four courses will be eligible to appear for the Qualifier Exam.
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Required Assignment Scores | A minimum average score across assignments for each course |
Passing Average Assignment Score | General: 40% SC/ST/PwD: 30% OBC-NCL/EWS: 35% |
Minimum Number of Assignments | The average of the best 2 out of the first 3 assignment scores will be considered. |
Coursework Requirements | Complete assignments for each course to be eligible for the Qualifier Exam. |
The qualifier exam pathway ensures that candidates from different academic backgrounds, including current school students, can apply for the Foundation level of the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme.
Exam Type | Details |
---|---|
Exam Duration | 4 hours |
Exam Content | Covers all four courses: English I, Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I, Computational Thinking |
Exam Format | Written, in-person exam with a focus on the coursework material |
Exam Assessment | Separate scoring for each course with a minimum required score for each course |
Also Read: How Entry & Exit Option Works in IIT Madras BS Electronic Systems?
The exam is conducted offline at designated exam centres, covering all four courses from the preparatory period.
Category | Minimum Score in Each Course | Minimum Average Score |
---|---|---|
General Category | 40% | 50% |
OBC-NCL and EWS | 35% | 45% |
SC/ST/PwD (40% disability) | 30% | 40% |
Passing the exam is mandatory to join the Foundation Level of the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme.
Candidate Type | Result Validity |
---|---|
Class 12 Completed | 3 terms (1 year) |
Class 11 Students | 6 terms (2 years) |
The exam result is valid only for a specific duration.
Ranked #46 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 590+ Recruiters | Last Date to Apply: 31st August | Admissions Closing Soon
North India's Largest Educational Group | NIRF Ranked 86 | NAAC A+ Grade | Highest Package 1.6 Cr | Last date: 31st Aug'25
This gives flexibility to learners in planning their studies and progressing in the course.
Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science Completion vs Dropout Trends: What Numbers Tell?
The number of courses students can register for the Foundation Level depends on their average score (M) in the exam.
Average Qualifier Exam Score (M) | Number of Courses Allowed for Registration |
---|---|
Minimum required <= M < 50% | Up to 2 courses |
50% ≤ M < 70% | Up to 3 courses |
M ≥ 70% | Up to 4 courses |
This means, if the score is less than 50%, the student is allowed to register for up to 2 courses. Those who score between 50% and 70% can register up to 3 courses, while students with 70% or higher can register for up to 4 courses. This system helps students gradually take on courses based on their performance in the Qualifier Exam.
If any student is eligible but fails or misses the exam, he or she may re-attempt it within the same term. Learners do not need to repeat the assignments. However, they must apply again and pay the re-attempt fee.
Re-attempt Option | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility for Re-attempt | Available for candidates who were eligible but failed or were absent for the exam. |
Re-attempt Fee | General/OBC: Rs 1500 SC / ST / PwD: Rs 750 SC / ST & PwD: Rs 375 |
Re-attempt Process | Must apply for a re-attempt without repeating coursework. |
If a learner is ineligible due to poor assignment performance, he or she must reapply in the next semester as a fresh applicant. In that case, he or she needs to complete the assignments again and pay the full fee.
The IIT Madras qualifier exam is not just about entry. It helps candidates build strong basics, test their commitment and prepare for the intensity of an IIT course. The exam also ensures that only determined learners progress, maintaining the academic quality of the IIT Madras Online degree. For students across India and abroad, this exam is the first step towards earning an IIT degree flexibly.
Candidates who are eligible to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced can directly get admission to the Foundation Level.
Here are the steps to entry through JEE:
Note: Candidates can also pursue the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme alongside another college degree.
With 168,740 applicants, 63,143 students qualified for admission to the foundation level. Of those, 52,144 students started the programme. The number of students who are currently active is 38,534, accounting for 73% of students who started the programme.
Level | Active Students | Highest Level completed | Original certificates awarded to those who have chosen to exit |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 24,616 | 14,900 | NA |
Diploma | 12,781 | DP - 440, DDS - 831, Both Diplomas - 823 | 321 |
Degree | BSc - 752 | BSc - 507 BS - 197 | BSc - 165 BS - 130 |
Total | 38,534 | 16,994 | 616 |
This means, the number of students who have completed each level is 16,994 and those who have exited at each level is 616.
Exit Options:
The IIT Madras Qualifier Exam plays a crucial role in shaping one’s journey into the online BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. With a structured preparation, mandatory assignments, and a clear set of eligibility requirements, the process ensures that only those who are ready and committed move ahead. If you are aiming for a prestigious IIT degree online, your first step is to prepare and succeed in this exam.
The exam is designed to test basic understanding of English, Mathematics, Statistics, and Computational Thinking. It is not as tough as JEE but requires consistent effort during the four-week preparation process.
If you are eligible, you may re-attempt once in the same term by paying a re-attempt fee. If you are ineligible due to poor assignment scores, you need to apply again in the next semester as a fresh candidate.
No. The exam is conducted offline at designated exam centres across different cities in India. It is a proctored, in-person examination.
If you have already completed Class 12, your score is valid for one year. If you are yet to complete Class 12, the score remains valid for two years.
If you fail the exam but are eligible, you may re-attempt it. If you fail again, you will need to apply afresh in a later term.
Exam Date:15 January,2025 - 30 August,2025
Counselling Date:18 August,2025 - 25 August,2025
Counselling Date:18 August,2025 - 22 August,2025
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.
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager ensures workplace safety by developing policies, conducting training, assessing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They investigate incidents, manage workers’ compensation, and handle emergency responses. Working across industries like construction and healthcare, they combine leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to protect employees and maintain safe environments.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
An architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. Key skills include creativity, design software proficiency, and knowledge of building codes. In India, a 5-year B.Arch degree and registration with the Council of Architecture are required to practise professionally.
Having a landscape architecture career, you are involved in site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, suitable design, and construction specification. Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York introduced the title “landscape architect”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) proclaims that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design and advise on the stewardship, conservation and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment". Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as a landscape architect are those who are educated and experienced in landscape architecture. Students need to pursue various landscape architecture degrees, such as M.Des, M.Plan to become landscape architects. If you have more questions regarding a career as a landscape architect or how to become a landscape architect then you can read the article to get your doubts cleared.
Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities.
Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.
A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems in homes and buildings. Their duties include fixing leaks, installing fixtures, testing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and working with other professionals on projects. They also document repairs and may supervise apprentices. Plumbers play a key role in ensuring public health and the smooth functioning of essential utilities.
Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
Ranked amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings).
NAAC A+ Accredited | Scholarships worth 5 CR
Apply for Online MBA from UPES
Among Top 30 National Universities for Engineering (NIRF 2024) | 30+ Specializations | AI Powered Learning & State-of-the-Art Facilities
Ranked #42 among Engineering colleges in India by NIRF | Highest Package 1.3 CR , 100% Placements | Last Date to Apply: 31st August | Admissions Closing Soon
Apply for an Online MBA from Amity Online.