Direct Entry

Direct Entry into the Diploma Programme (IIT Madras BS Data Science & Applications)

The IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications offers a Direct Entry into the Diploma Programme for learners who already have a strong academic foundation. This pathway is primarily designed for working professionals and students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Requirement: Applicants must have completed at least 2 years in any undergraduate degree programme.
  • Proof: A second-year marksheet or higher must be submitted as evidence.

Qualifying Process

• Separate Qualifier Exam:
  • A specific Direct Admission to Diploma (DAD) qualifier exam is conducted for each diploma:
    • Diploma in Programming (DP)
    • Diploma in Data Science (DS)
  • The DAD qualifier exams are held three times a year, coinciding with the end-term exams of the main BS programme.
• Exam Structure:
  • DAD-DP (Programming Diploma):
    • 3-hour exam
    • Subjects: English, Aptitude, and 6 weeks of Mathematics 1
    • After qualifying, students must study Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python before proceeding to diploma subjects.
  • DAD-DS (Data Science Diploma):
    • 4-hour exam
    • Subjects: English, Mathematics 1, Statistics 1, and Python Programming
    • After qualifying, students must start with Mathematics 2 and Statistics 2, then continue with diploma subjects.
• Passing Criteria:
  • General/OBC:
    • Fee: ₹6,000
    • Minimum: 40/100 in each subject, 50/100 overall average
  • SC/ST/PwD:
    • Fee: ₹3,000 (SC/ST/PwD), ₹1,500 (SC/ST and PwD)
    • Minimum: 30/100 in each subject, 40/100 overall average
  • OBC-NCL/EWS:
    • Fee: ₹6,000
    • Minimum: 35/100 in each subject, 45/100 overall average
• Attempts:
  • There is no limit on the number of attempts for direct entry. However, if a candidate does not pass, it is recommended to consider the regular Foundation route.

Programme Progression and Exit

• Entry:
  • Successful candidates can directly register for the Diploma level and start the relevant courses.
  • Students may choose to pursue one or both diplomas.
• Exit:
  • Learners can exit with one or both diplomas from IIT Madras if they do not wish to pursue the full degree.
• Further Progression:
  • Students who complete the Diploma in Data Science by direct admission are eligible to pursue the Diploma in Programming without another qualifier.
  • However, those who complete the Diploma in Programming and wish to pursue the Diploma in Data Science must appear for the DAD-DS qualifier, as they would not have completed the required statistics and mathematics courses.

Key Points

• Designed for: Working professionals or students with sufficient foundational knowledge who wish to fast-track their learning or only earn a diploma.
• Flexible: No cap on attempts, and students can exit after earning the diploma(s).
• Recognition: Diploma certificates are awarded by IIT Madras.

Summary Table

*Reduced fees for SC/ST/PwD categories.

Reference: All details are based on the official IIT Madras BS Degree Programme Student Handbook (September 2024 edition)¹.