IIT Madras: 1,460 graduate with degrees, diplomas from online BS Data Science programme

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has awarded degrees and diplomas to 1,460 students enrolled in its BS degree programmes, one of the world's largest non-campus higher education initiatives. The students were honoured during a special convocation ceremony held at the institute's campus.

The graduating batch included 634 BS degree recipients, 197 BSc graduates, 604 diploma holders and 25 postgraduate diploma recipients. In addition, 173 students received certificates of academic distinction and merit for their academic performance.

The programme has also attracted candidates from varied economic backgrounds. Of the graduating students, 221 belonged to families earning less than Rs 1 lakh annually, while 101 came from households with annual incomes between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.

BS programme draws diverse learners

With more than 42,000 active learners from across India and several countries, the BS degree programmes have grown into one of the largest non-campus education initiatives globally. The applicant base includes college students pursuing another degree simultaneously, working professionals, entrepreneurs and lifelong learners.

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The convocation also marked some memorable milestones, including father-son and mother-son pairs receiving their qualifications together.

Congratulating the graduates, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti said, "Data science, electronic systems, aeronautics and space technology, and management are critical emerging fields that will shape India's future. Through these programmes, we are building the technological talent required for Viksit Bharat 2047. Our graduates are not merely degree holders; they are future innovators and problem-solvers who will contribute meaningfully to national development."

The programmes are designed to combine flexibility with academic rigour, allowing learners from different backgrounds and locations to access quality education while preparing for emerging industries.

IIT Madras students shine in competitions

The annual report of the BS Programmes highlighted several student achievements during the year.

Shriprasad, Saranath and Shruthi, who graduated from the BS in data science and applications programme, secured first place in the EconUnion validation challenge. The team won a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with a sponsored trip to Switzerland. Another student, A.K. Deepankar, won USD 20,000 at the RevenueCat Shipaton 2026 Hackathon for developing the application 'Bloom'.

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Students from the programme have also performed well in competitions organised by organisations and institutions such as ISRO, IIT Bombay, Anthropic and Google, besides winning the Mark Rober Jugaad Contest.

IIT Madras expands access to education

The programme continues to make higher education accessible to students from economically weaker sections. Around 25 per cent of active learners come from families with annual incomes below Rs 1 lakh, while another 15 per cent belong to households earning between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.

Institutional scholarships and CSR support have enabled thousands of students to pursue their studies at reduced or no cost.

More than half of the students are pursuing the programme alongside another degree, while around 14 per cent are working professionals balancing academics with their careers. Learners from every state and Union Territory, as well as several countries abroad, are currently enrolled in the programme.