B.Sc. in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras

If you are looking at B.Sc. in Data Science and Applications, IIT Madras in Chennai runs it as a 48-month, full-time undergraduate course. The total fee on record is ₹5.13 lakh – ₹13.89 lakh, which works out to about ₹11,000 a year.

At its core, the programme covers turning raw data into decisions: statistics, Python and SQL, data cleaning, visualisation and machine learning.

IIT Madras is a public/government institute, founded in 1959. This page brings together what is on record for this course at IIT Madras — fees, seats, eligibility, the admission route and placements — so you can judge it before you apply.

Most B.Sc programmes follow a similar pattern: the first year builds the foundations, the middle years go deep into the subject, and the final year is given over to electives, a major project and usually an internship.

Here that means turning raw data into decisions: statistics, Python and SQL, data cleaning, visualisation and machine learning. Typical first jobs: data analyst, data scientist, business analyst or analytics consultant. Many graduates also go on to a master's degree.

The exact syllabus is set by the college or its affiliating university and changes from year to year, so ask IIT Madras for the current semester-wise plan.

Here is how the fee on record breaks down. Fees are for the whole course unless marked otherwise, and apply to B.Sc programmes at IIT Madras as a group.

Colleges revise fees most years, and hostel, transport and exam charges are often billed separately. Confirm the current figure with IIT Madras before you pay anything.

To be considered for B.Sc. in Data Science and Applications, you usually need Class 12 with Science subjects.

IIT Madras accepts National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test and Joint Entrance Exam Main for its courses. Reserved-category candidates generally get a relaxation in the minimum marks. Check IIT Madras's prospectus for the exact cut-off this year.

Here is the usual route in:

1. Check that you meet the eligibility above and register for the entrance exam in time.
2. Take National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test and Joint Entrance Exam Main and keep your scorecard.
3. Apply to IIT Madras on its website (www.iitm.ac.in) or through the enquiry form on this page, and take part in counselling if a state or central body runs it.
4. Once you are offered a seat, verify your documents (marksheets, ID, category certificate if any) and pay the admission fee to confirm it.

The latest placement figures on record (2024) show a placement rate of 50% students placed and a median package of ₹19 lakh at IIT Madras. These are college-wide figures, not only for this specialisation.

Placement numbers vary a lot by year and by branch. Ask the placement cell for the branch-wise report of the last two batches.

IIT Madras runs 9 B.Sc specialisations in all. Worth comparing before you decide:

• B.S. in Medical Sciences & Engineering
• Online B. Sc. in Electronic Systems
• B.S. + M.S in Biological Science
• Online B.Sc. in Data Science and Applications
• Bachelor of Science in Programming and Data science
• B.S. + M.S. in Physics
• B.S. in Biological Science
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Electronic Systems

Before you decide, it helps to be clear on these:

• Are you genuinely interested in turning raw data into decisions? You will spend 48 months on it.
• Can you manage ₹5.13 lakh – ₹13.89 lakh over the course, plus hostel and living costs? Ask about scholarships and education loans.
• Are the placement figures above good enough for your goals? Ask for the branch-wise numbers.
• How does IIT Madras compare with other colleges offering B.Sc in and around Chennai?