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    Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It? - A Look at the Numbers
    • Articles
    • Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It? - A Look at the Numbers

    Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It? - A Look at the Numbers

    #IIT Madras (IITM)
    Vivek KumarUpdated on 17 Jul 2026, 10:36 AM IST

    IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme has gained intense traction since its launch in 2021, with 2,58,294 applicants between January 2021 and January 2026. Out of these 2.5 lakh applicants, only 32 per cent have become qualified for admission to the Foundation level of the programme.

    This Story also Contains

    1. IIT Madras BS in Data Science: Hiring Trends
    2. Compensation Statistics - The Real ROI
    3. Opportunities Over CGPA
    4. Top Recruiters 2026
    5. Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It?
    Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It? - A Look at the Numbers
    Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It?

    Students choose to pursue IIT Madras BS Data Science programme as a standalone degree or alongside a physical college degree. However, many students have a common concern: Is IIT Madras BS in Data Science actually worth it? To answer this question, we have analysed the IITM's BS placement cell (IIC) data for internships and placements 2026, CGPA scenario, top recruiters, and the overall ROI.

    IIT Madras BS in Data Science: Hiring Trends

    When we look at cycle-wise hiring trends from 2023 C2 to 2026 C1, the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme has witnessed exponential opportunity growth, from 15 opportunities in 2023-C2 to 199 in 2026-C1. The data also shows nearly 216 per cent growth between 2025-C2 (85 opportunities) and 2025-C3 (184 opportunities).

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    IIT Madras BS Data Science Hiring Trend (Cycle-wise Opportunities)

    YearTotal Opportunities

    2023

    31

    2024

    173

    2025

    352

    2026 (C1)

    199


    The data in the table shows the total growing number of opportunities year over year, from 31 opportunities in 2023 to 352 in 2025, with already 199 opportunities in the first cycle of 2026.


    1784264178260

    The data is available from 2023, as the students who joined in 2021 were passed with the diploma level and started receiving opportunities.

    Internships & Job Opportunities

    The data further shows 795 total opportunities, with 639 internships, 86 internship+PPO conversions, 69 full-time offers, and 1 apprenticeship. This reflects how a degree that runs mostly online can scale fast.

    1784264178294


    Also Read: Reality of IIT Madras Online BS Data Science Program 2026

    Compensation Statistics - The Real ROI

    The full-time compensation stats for 2026 of IIT Madras BS Data Science programme shows that the average annual CTC has increased from Rs 7,90,000 in 2024 to Rs 11,30,667 in 2026. In 2025, the average CTC saw a slight decline to Rs 7,45,435. However, the placement cell did not mention how many students or working professionals have received such compensation.


    1784264178329


    According to the IIC Placements and Internships data 2026, the IIT Madras Data Science highest salary for full-time role till date has been Rs 22 LPA, with a median salary of Rs 7 LPA and an average salary of Rs 8.23 LPA.

    1784264178361

    For internships, the average stipend till now has been Rs 20,874 per month, with a highest stipend of Rs 83,333 per month and a median stipend of Rs 20,000 per month.

    When it comes to internship+PPO roles, the average stipend stood at Rs 24,628 per month, with a maximum stipend of Rs 40,000 per month.

    1784264178394


    Observation: The gap between an average salary (Rs 8.23 LPA) and a median salary (Rs 7.00 LPA) reflects a small set of high-paying offers pulling the average up.

    Also Read: IIT Madras BS Data Science: A Comprehensive Analysis of Enrollment & Success Trends

    Opportunities Over CGPA

    The IIT Madras BS Data Science Placements and Internships 2026 data shows that even if a student has low CGPA, he or she can get an opportunity. This becomes more interesting when 87 students with less than 7 CGPA secured opportunities.

    Opportunity Trends by CGPA

    CGPA BracketTotal Opportunities

    < 7

    87

    7 – 8

    259

    8 – 9

    334

    > 9

    115


    • The data shows the 8-9 CGPA bracket pulling in the most opportunities (334), followed by 7-8 (259), and >9 (115).
    • The IIT Madras BS in Data Science programme becomes worth it when the students under 7.5 CGPA secured up to Rs 12 LPA, with 6.56 CGPA students securing a Rs 10 LPA job.
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    This shows how rigorous is IIT Madras BS Data Science programme where students with decent CGPA land high package jobs. This also highlights how projects, interview performance, and specific skill sets help students land a job with decent CGPA.

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

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    Top Recruiters 2026

    According to the IIT Madras BS Data Science Placements and Internships 2026 report, there are several prominent recruiters. Companies like SimHatel (IIT Mandi), TensorPlanet, and Uncia Technologies offered internships at a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000. On the other hand, companies like Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi and Senito Mind offered internships at a stipend of Rs 50,000 per month and Rs 60,000 per month, respectively.

    When it comes to full-time jobs, companies like AI CoE, Manipal Institute of Technology and Aivar recruited with a CTC of Rs 4,20,000 and Rs 22,00,000, respectively.

    The IIT Madras BS Data Science placement drive also saw a repeat hiring pattern, where recruiters like Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, Syngenta, CyStar, and Annam.AI come back cycle after cycle and keep hiring students.

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    Source: IIC IIT Madras BS Data Science & Applications Placements and Internships Session with Students

    Also Read: IIT Madras Data Science Fees vs Placement 2026: Total Cost, Highest, Median & Average Salary

    Is IIT Madras BS Data Science Worth It?

    The placement statistics for IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications shows the growth trajectory. But what matters most is the students’ willingness to the programme, projects and assignments, and clearly showcase their learning in front of the recruiters.

    This is not just a student who joins the IIT Madras BS Data Science programme and will get a good package. It is all about the portfolio, projects, and the skills students learn from the programme that makes it worth pursuing.

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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 Sir, We have to choose between Iit kanpur cse vs iit Madras AI and data analytics. We are from Chennai and we prefer iit Madras. As AIDA is more specialized compared to CSE, what will be the future prospects for students graduating in 2030. Please share your opinion

    Hello Dear Student,
    Between IIT Kanpur CSE and IIT Madras AI & Data Analytics (AIDA) , I would generally place IIT Kanpur CSE slightly ahead for most students.

    Why?

    • Broader degree

    • CSE gives you access to AI/ML, systems, cybersecurity, quant, software engineering, research, startups, and higher studies.
    • You can
    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Samyak Jain
    15 Jun'26
    my sc category prep rank is 1661 can I get IIT Madras? or palakkad or tripathi or any IIIT?

    Hello Dear Student,
    For admission to IIITs, eligibility is determined primarily by your JEE Main rank, with reservation benefits applicable to SC candidates. While admission to the most competitive IIIT programs may be difficult, you could have opportunities in newer or developing IIITs, including sought-after branches such as Computer Science,

    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Samyak Jain
    4 Jun'26
    Hi I am a b.tech BME student now how can apply for data science course in IIT Madras

    Hello Student,

    As a B.Tech BME student, you can apply for an online BS Degree in Data Science and Application programme through the regular entry step, where no JEE is required.

    There is a qualifier process for which preparation material will be given to you. You will have to submit

    Read Complete Answer
    B
    Bhanu Pratap
    8 May'26
    What is the closing jee advance rank in iit madras

    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

    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Sankalp Agrawal
    16 Nov'25
    Hello sir in IAT exam how many marks and ranks are required to get admission into IIT Madras in bs medical science and engineering for obc ncl female category??

    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

    Read Complete Answer
    G
    gopi
    30 Jun'25
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