177 IIT Madras students graduate in BS Data Science and Applications

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras celebrated a milestone as 177 students graduated from India’s first four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science and Applications programme. This marks the first batch of students completing the programme, with 10 graduating in just three years through an accelerated track.

IIT Madras BS toppers

Topper Ayushi Sharad Gang, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 9.74, completed her BS in three years and will pursue a master's degree in computer science at the University of Southern California. Other notable graduates include Nikhil Sadineni with a CGPA of 9.95 and Sherry Thomas with a CGPA of 9.94.

Degree and Diploma awards at IIT Madras

During the event, 26 students received their BSc degrees in programming and data science. Additionally, 120 students were awarded provisional BSc degree certificates while continuing their studies towards a BS degree.

The ceremony also saw the distribution of diplomas: 122 in data science, 19 in programming, and 10 students receiving both. Moreover, 411 students were awarded provisional double diplomas.

Certificates of academic distinction and certificates of merit were awarded to 85 students for their exemplary performance.

The BS programme, currently hosting over 29,000 students, received more than 25,000 applications for the May 2024 term. Applications for the upcoming term open on June 15, 2024, for both the BS in data science and the BS in electronic systems programmes.

IIT Madras director V Kamakoti highlighted the programme's alignment with industry needs, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, predicting an array of new job opportunities in India's advancing economy.

Andrew Thangaraj, coordinator of the BS programme, announced ongoing agreements with institutes globally to facilitate master's and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) opportunities for students.