Can You Do Both Diplomas in IITM BS Data Science?

Yes. The diploma level of IITM BS Data Science is made of two diplomas: the Diploma in Programming and the Diploma in Data Science. If you want the BSc or BS degree, you must complete both, because the degree level needs all 12 diploma courses and 4 projects. You can also stop after just one diploma.

What "both diplomas" means

Each diploma has 6 courses worth 23 credits and 2 projects worth 4 credits. The full diploma level is 54 credits. The course details are in Diploma in Programming and Diploma in Data Science.

Do you need both diplomas to reach the degree level?

Yes. Without all 8 foundation courses, all 12 diploma courses and all 4 project courses, you cannot register for degree level courses. On top of that, you must meet these rules:

• CGPA at the end of the diploma level of at least 6.0.
• CGPA of your diploma projects of at least 7.0.
• If you joined the programme from the May 2026 term: you must also finish the foundation and diploma levels within 5 years (15 terms) of starting the foundation level.

If you joined from May 2026 and miss the 15 term limit, you can still use 2 more years to finish the diploma level. But you then have to exit with the diploma and cannot go on to the degree level. Terms you skip, including RKA terms, count towards the 15. The full rules are in checkpoints to enter the degree level.

The handbook also mentions a temporary case: a few students ended the diploma level short of 54 credits. They must make up the gap with extra courses at the BSc level, since the BSc needs the full 114 credits.

Doing them together or one after the other

You can mix courses from both diplomas in the same terms, or finish one diploma before starting the other. The handbook suggests the same order of courses either way.

The maximum time for the whole diploma level (both diplomas) is 12 terms. The handbook's suggested pace for both:

• 4 terms, only if you study full time at 70 hours a week or more.
• 6 terms (2 years) at about 40 hours a week, for students and working people.
• 6 or 7 terms if you are from a non-technical background, new to programming or very busy.

See IITM BS learning paths for term by term plans.

If you entered through direct diploma admission

Direct entry works a little differently:

• If you completed the Diploma in Data Science through direct admission, you can go on to the Diploma in Programming without another qualifier.
• If you completed the Diploma in Programming through direct admission and want the Data Science diploma, you must pass the Data Science direct entry qualifier. This is because you would not have studied Maths 1 and Statistics 1.

What your record shows

If you leave after the diploma level, your status is shown as "DP certified", "DS certified" or "Both diplomas certified", depending on what you finished. None of these give alumnus status. Alumnus status is only for students who complete the BSc or BS level.

Common questions

Is there a single certificate for both diplomas?

The handbook's list of learning paths names this goal "Diploma in Programming and Data Science", and the exit status is "Both diplomas certified". For what the certificates look like, see certificates at each level.

I finished both diplomas but my project CGPA is below 7.0. What now?

You can repeat courses and projects to improve your grades. Project improvement is allowed only after you complete all 12 diploma courses and still miss the cutoff. If you joined from May 2026, this must happen within 15 terms of starting the programme, otherwise you exit with the diploma.

Do terms on RKA count towards the diploma limits?

Yes. Terms under RKA and terms where you dropped all courses count in the 12 term diploma limit. For students who joined from May 2026, skipped and RKA terms also count in the 15 term limit.

Can I do one diploma now and decide on the second later?

Yes, the order is up to you. Keep an eye on the diploma level checkpoints and the 12 term limit, which count from the term you start the diploma level.