In Their 60s and Still Learning: The IIT Madras BS Data Science Story
Stepping into the classroom at 60 may sound uncommon, but for many it is a second chance to follow their dreams. The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications is one of the most inclusive and flexible degree programmes, attracting learners from the age of 15 to 60+.
This Story also Contains
- Learning in 60s: Demographics of Students
- Where Do These Students Come From?
- Why Learners in Their 60s Choose IIT Madras BS Data Science?
- Lifelong Learning
With 38,534 active learners, the programme majorly has a young population aged 15-25, making up nearly 87% of the total cohort size. Beyond this, there are learners aged 50 years or older, demonstrating that age is no barrier to learning skills such as data science and AI and ML.
Learning in 60s: Demographics of Students
The IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme attracts students from different age groups, including learners in their 50s and 60s.
Demographics of Students in 50s and 60s
Age | Number of Students | Percentage of Total Students |
|---|---|---|
50-60 years | 247 | 0.64% |
Above 60 years | 34 | 0.09% |
Total | 281 | 0.73% |
The data reveals that there are 281 students within the 50–60 years and above 60 years age bracket. This represents 0.73% of the total active student population of 38,534. Of these 281 students, 34 are above 60 years of age, making up 0.09% of the total active student population.
While these learners represent less than 1% of the total active student count, they show a lifelong learning trend, professional depth, and diverse motivations, ranging from career transitions to entrepreneurial growth.
Combined Representation of Different Age Group
| Age Group | Number of Students | Percentage of Total Students |
|---|---|---|
15–20 years | 18,143 | 47.1% |
21–25 years | 15,312 | 39.7% |
26–30 years | 2,045 | 5.3% |
31–40 years | 1,879 | 4.9% |
41–50 years | 874 | 2.3% |
50-60 years | 247 | 0.64% |
Above 60 years | 34 | 0.09% |
Total | 38,534 | 100% |
Among the majority of young learners aged between 15 and 20 years (47.1%) and between 21 and 25 years (39.7%), there are also learners in their 30s and 40s, emphasising the flexibility for continuing education.
Additionally, the participation of learners in their 50s and 60s demonstrates the programme’s inclusivity and its appeal to individuals beyond traditional college age. Their participation not only adds to the diversity of the student community but also gives a reminder that learning has no age limits.
Where Do These Students Come From?
The student population of IIT Madras BS Data Science programme is geographically diverse, with a growing global footprint.
State-wise Number of Students
| State | Number of Students |
|---|---|
Tamil Nadu | 6,415 |
Uttar Pradesh | 4,237 |
Maharashtra | 4,162 |
Delhi | 3,184 |
Karnataka | 2,827 |
West Bengal | 2,097 |
Telangana | 2,052 |
Bihar | 1,548 |
Madhya Pradesh | 1,427 |
Kerala | 1,420 |
Rajasthan | 1,321 |
Andhra Pradesh | 1,112 |
Gujarat | 996 |
Haryana | 872 |
Punjab | 802 |
Odisha | 707 |
Jharkhand | 688 |
Uttarakhand | 505 |
Chattisgarh | 360 |
Other States | 1,048 |
Outside India | 757 |
There is the overall state-wise distribution of students, with the highest from Tamil Nadu (6,415 students), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,237), Maharashtra (4,162), Delhi (3,184), and Karnataka (2,827), the majority of learners within the 50-60 age bracket are also concentrated in these high-enrolment states.
Also Read: IIT Madras BS in Data Science: Salaries, Career Growth for 2024 & 2025 Job Outcomes
Why Learners in Their 60s Choose IIT Madras BS Data Science?
The age demographics of students highlights a broader appeal of the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme. With its flexible course structure and focus on data-driven skills, the programme draws mid-career professionals who seek to upskill, as well as learners in their 60s who look for new intellectual pursuits.
Learners in this age group found this programme helpful for themselves to learn about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Programme Features
- No Age Limit: The programme is open to students from all age groups, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
- No JEE Requirement: Students without JEE exam can apply for the programme and get enrolled after clearing the qualifier process.
- Fully Online & Self-Paced: As the programme is delivered virtually, it becomes easier for learners to balance their study with work or family responsibilities.
- Multiple Exit Options: The IIT Madras Data Science programme offers multiple exit options at the Foundation, Diploma, BSc, and BS levels, providing flexibility to learners.
- Global Networking: As the programme attracts students from different age groups and academic backgrounds, learners can study alongside a diverse community of students from India and abroad and build a network.
Lifelong Learning
For many learners in the age group of 50-60 years and above 60 years, the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme is about career advancement, with personal growth and intellectual fulfilment.
Many see this programme as vital for staying competitive in the modern workplace.
Learners in this age group joined to gain an entrepreneurial edge and improve business decision-making, while following their passion in teaching and other fields.
Also Read: Study Abroad: IIT Madras BS Data Science Graduates land into these Foreign Universities
Bottom Line
Students after 50 are either still working full-time or are business owners or managing family responsibilities. The flexible nature of the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme allows them to study while balancing their other commitments. The programme’s no age limit and multiple entry-exit options make it particularly appealing to learners in their 60s.
They can join the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme at the Foundation level and choose to either pursue a full degree or exit with diploma(s) or a BSc Degree, depending on their goals and time availability.
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Questions related to IIT Madras (IITM)
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to IIT Madras (IITM) ?
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:
- Safe Rank: Within the overall OBC-NCL Female rank of the top 850–1000 would be classified as a competitive rank.
- Safe Marks: With a mark of around 120–140 marks out of 180 will increase your chances very significantly.
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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