IITM BS Data Science: The Final BS Degree Level Explained

The BS level is the fourth and last level of the IITM BS in Data Science. It adds 28 credits to the 114 you had at the BSc, for a total of 142. Finish it and you get the BS degree in Data Science and Applications.

What the 28 credits must include

• 2 courses at level 4 or higher in the programming stream.
• 2 courses at level 4 or higher in the data science stream.
• 4 credits from the HS/MG stream (humanities and management type courses). These can be NPTEL courses or programme electives.
• The rest from electives, NPTEL courses or an apprenticeship.

The four stream courses alone make 16 credits (4 courses of 4 credits each). The handbook does not explain how all these rules fit together with the full 12 credit apprenticeship. If you plan that, confirm your course plan with support.

How to tell a course's level and stream

The course code shows the level. A code with 4xxx is a level 4 course. In the handbook's course table, courses are marked DEGREE, L4_DEGREE or L5_DEGREE. L5 courses are harder than the others, but their fee and credits are the same as L4 courses.

Each course is also tagged BP, BD, BD/BP, HM or SE. The handbook does not spell out these letters. Going by the stream rules, BP appears to mean the programming stream and BD the data science stream. Some examples of level 4 and level 5 courses:

Several courses are tagged BD/BP, such as Deep Learning Practice (BSDA5013). The handbook does not say which stream such a course counts for. Ask support before you rely on one. The whole list is in IITM BS Data Science electives.

The two hands-on lab electives

Two newer 4 credit electives are fully hands-on. They have weekly graded assignments, a project and a viva, and extra industry topics. Seats are limited because of the project work.

Both are level 4 courses, one tagged BD and one tagged BP.

Apprenticeship in one line

The apprenticeship is optional. It has a 4 credit course for a 4 month internship, and an 8 credit course if you continue for months 5 to 8 in the same company and domain. The handbook says you can earn 0, 4, 8 or 12 credits from it, though its credit table lists 0, 4 or 12. Details in IITM BS apprenticeship.

Other credit options at the degree level

• NPTEL courses from the lists linked in the handbook. See NPTEL credit transfer.
• Two 2 credit comprehensive exam courses: BSDA4002 (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) and BSCS4009 (Computer Science and Information Technology). See comprehensive exam courses.
• The handbook caps credits from courses that do not count in your CGPA at 24.

How long you have

The BS level can take at most 9 terms. The total time allowed for the full BS degree is 8 years.

What you get

• The BS degree in Data Science and Applications (142 credits).
• Any minor you completed. Minors fit inside the 142 credits and come only with the BS degree. IITM issues a separate document for a minor. See IITM BS minors.
• Alumnus status if you complete the BS and leave. To collect the original certificate, you must register with the IITM alumni association and pay Rs 6,000 first.

Common questions

Is the apprenticeship compulsory for the BS degree?

No. It is optional. You can complete all 28 credits through courses, NPTEL and other allowed options.

Do L5 courses cost more than L4 courses?

No. The handbook says L5 courses are more complex, but the course fee and credits are the same as L4 courses.

Do I have to take an NPTEL course for the 4 HS/MG credits?

No. The handbook says these 4 credits can come from NPTEL or from programme electives. In the programme's own course table, courses such as Market Research (BSMS3002), Managerial Economics (BSMS3033) and Corporate Finance (BSMS3034) are tagged HM.

Do I get the minor on my degree certificate?

No. The handbook says there is no change in the transcript or degree certificate. IITM issues a separate document stating that you completed the minor.