IIT Madras Online Degree Programs: Every BS, Diploma and PG Option
Editorial Team
As of 25 September 2026, IIT Madras's official pages list these online routes to a degree or diploma: four online BS degrees, a Diploma Only Program for people who have done some college, a PG Diploma and MTech in AI and ML for Data Science students, and web-enabled MTech and PG Diploma programmes for graduates. We found no online BTech, no online MBA and no online MSc from IIT Madras.
The full list
| Programme | Who it is for | How you get in |
|---|---|---|
| BS in Data Science and Applications | Class 12 pass, any stream | Qualifier, or JEE Advanced eligibility |
| BS in Electronic Systems | Class 12 with Physics and Maths | Qualifier, or JEE Advanced eligibility |
| BS in Aeronautics and Space Technology | Class 12 with Physics and Maths | Qualifier, or JEE Advanced eligibility |
| BS in Management and Data Science | Class 12 pass, any stream | Qualifier, or JEE Advanced eligibility |
| Diploma in Programming or Diploma in Data Science (Diploma Only Program) | Any UG degree, or at least 2 years of UG | Diploma qualifier exam |
| PG Diploma and MTech in AI and ML | Data Science BS students with a CGPA of 8 or more | Upgrade inside the DS programme |
| Web-enabled MTech and PG Diploma | Graduates. The MTech also needs 2 years of work experience | Apply to the programme |
The four online BS degrees
IIT Madras calls these its non-campus BS programmes. Content is online, and quizzes and exams are held in person at centres in India and abroad. Electronic Systems and Aeronautics also need some lab work on campus. Each BS needs 142 credits, and you can exit earlier with a Foundation certificate or a diploma.
Full fees for students joining from January 2026, general category, before any waiver:
- Data Science and Applications: Rs 3,86,000 to Rs 4,50,000
- Electronic Systems: Rs 5,80,000
- Aeronautics and Space Technology: Rs 6,12,000
- Management and Data Science: Rs 3,82,000 to Rs 4,46,000
How the four compare on entry and subjects is in IIT degrees without JEE.
Diploma Only Program
This is for people who already have a UG degree, or at least 2 years of any UG, through any mode. You pick the Diploma in Programming or the Diploma in Data Science. Each has 8 theory courses and 2 projects, costs Rs 93,000, and offers waivers of up to 75%. The shortest time to finish is 8 months.
For the current intake, the diploma qualifier exam was on 13 September 2026 and classes start on 2 October 2026. Admissions are now closed. Queries go to support-diploma@study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab). Compare it with direct entry to the diploma level.
PG Diploma and MTech in AI and ML
Data Science BS students who meet the CGPA 8 rule can continue online to a PG Diploma in AI and ML (162 credits in total) and then an MTech in AI and ML (182 credits in total). For students joining from January 2026, the full cost including the BS is Rs 4,86,000 to Rs 5,90,000 up to the PG Diploma, and Rs 6,86,000 to Rs 7,90,000 up to the MTech. See the online PG Diploma or MTech after the BS.
Web-enabled MTech and PG Diploma
IIT Madras invited applications for these on 18 May 2026. Classes are live online sessions, usually in the evenings or on weekends. Assessments include remote-proctored exams, and end-semester exams are held at centres across India.
- MTech: needs a relevant educational background and at least 2 years of work experience.
- PG Diploma: open to graduates, including freshers.
- Specialisations listed: Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security (Computer Science), Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Analytics, Mechanical Engineering, E-Mobility and Process Safety.
What IIT Madras does not offer online
| You searched for | What IIT Madras actually has |
|---|---|
| Online BTech | None. The BTech is a campus programme through JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The closest online options are the BS in Electronic Systems or Aeronautics |
| Online MBA | None found. The Executive MBA has in-person classes on alternate weekends and needs 3 years of work experience. The online management option is the BS in Management and Data Science |
| Online MSc in data science | None. Online data science routes are the DS BS, the Diploma in Data Science and the AI and ML upgrade |
| Business analytics | The Diploma in Data Analytics for Business, an exit inside the Management and Data Science BS |
| Cyber security | The new Bachelor of Cybersecurity, run with IIT Kanpur, is not online: 2 years of course work at IIT Madras, then 2 years of field deployment in government organisations. Online, look at the Information Security specialisation of the web-enabled programmes |
| Mechanical, biotech or AI bachelor's | No online bachelor's in these. Web-enabled MTech options exist in Mechanical Engineering and AI for graduates |
IIT Madras's website lists NPTEL under its learning-for-all work. NPTEL gives certificates for single courses, not degrees. See IITM BS vs NPTEL. IIT Madras Zanzibar is a campus abroad, not an online programme.
How to check a programme is really from IIT Madras
- Find it on an iitm.ac.in or study.iitm.ac.in page before you pay anyone.
- For the BS, only IIT Madras runs the qualifier and awards the degree.
- If an ad promises an "IIT Madras online MBA" or a guaranteed seat, treat it as a red flag. Our list of scams to avoid shows common patterns.
Common questions
Which online IIT Madras degree can I start right after Class 12?
Any of the four BS degrees. DS and Management accept any stream. Electronic Systems and Aeronautics need Physics and Maths in Class 12. The Diploma Only Program and the MTech options need college study first.
Do I need GATE for the web-enabled MTech?
The May 2026 release lists a relevant educational background and 2 years of work experience for the MTech. It does not mention GATE. Check the programme page for the full selection process.
Is an online IIT Madras BS a real degree?
Yes. The IIT Madras Senate approves and awards it. It is a different programme from a campus BTech, though. See is the IITM BS a real IIT degree.
Official sources
- IIT Madras non-campus BS programmesIIT Madras · iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras BS Data Science academics pageIIT Madras · study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras BS Electronic Systems academics pageIIT Madras · study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras BS Aeronautics and Space Technology academics pageIIT Madras · study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras BS Management and Data Science academics pageIIT Madras · study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras Diploma Program (Diploma in Programming or Data Science)IIT Madras · study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras press release: Applications for Web-Enabled M.Tech and PG Diploma Programs (18 May 2026)IIT Madras · iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras Department of Management Studies: Executive MBAIIT Madras · doms.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras: Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber.)IIT Madras · iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)
- IIT Madras undergraduate programmesIIT Madras · iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab)