IIT Madras admission starts for BS Data Science, Electronic Systems without JEE or fixed seat limits

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is inviting applications for its online BS Degree programmes in Data Science and Applications and Electronic Systems. The undergraduate courses are designed for working professionals and students, seeking IIT education without Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) constraints or fixed seat limits.

Eligible candidates can apply for the BS Degree programmes through the official website of IIT Madras at study.iitm.ac.in. The deadline to register for the courses is May 20, 2025.

V Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras, said: “At IIT Madras, we are reimagining what it means to be a premier academic institution in the 21st century. These BS programs reflect our vision to democratize access to IIT-quality education, empowering learners from every corner of the country and the world. The fact that three of the top 10 ranks in the GATE 2025 Data science and AI paper were bagged by the BS Data science students including the top rank, show that this program does not compromise on rigour, and, through this we are paving the way for a more inclusive and future-ready India.”

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Notably, more than 38,000 candidates, including professionals, career switchers, international learners, and class 12 students, are currently enrolled in the degree courses, the institute said. “The program is seeing growing interest from non-engineering backgrounds and working women, with 25% female enrollment and 20% aged over 30,” it added.

Andrew Thangaraj, coordinator, IIT Madras BS in data Science and applications, IIT Madras, said: “This program exemplifies IIT Madras’ commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all. We are breaking barriers- geographic, economic, and academic — to build the next generation of global tech talent. Students who are excelling at the degree level of the program have the option to upgrade to an M.Tech or MS from IIT Madras.”

IIT Madras DS Degree Courses: Admission process, eligibility

Candidates, who have cleared JEE Main can directly take admission to IIT Madras’s UG courses, whereas other applicants have to complete a four-week online preparatory module followed by an in-person qualifier exam to be able to get admission.

The data science programme is available for students from any stream (commerce, science etc) having class 10 mathematics and English subjects. Students opting for the electronic system course, on the other hand, should have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 9 and 12.

In addition, the course is open to all learners who have passed Class 12 with multiple entry and exit options. Candidates can exit with a certificate or diploma or continue toward a BSc or BS Degree.

The programmes will be delivered online, with in-person exams conducted in centres across the country and abroad.

Furthermore, the programmes can be pursued alongside another undergraduate programme or as a standalone degree. Students can apply while studying in class 12.