IITM BS Data Science: The BSc Degree Level Explained

The BSc level is the third level of the IITM BS in Data Science. It is worth 28 credits: 5 mandatory courses (20 credits) and 8 credits of electives. When you finish it, you have 114 credits and can exit with a BSc degree in Programming and Data Science, or continue to the BS level.

Who can enter the BSc level

You need all of these:

• All 8 foundation courses, all 12 diploma courses and all 4 diploma projects done. In other words, both diplomas.
• CGPA at the end of the diploma level of 6.0 or more.
• CGPA of your diploma projects of 7.0 or more.
• If you joined the programme from the May 2026 term: foundation and diploma finished within 5 years (15 terms) of starting the foundation level.

These CGPA rules apply to everyone entering the BSc level from the May 2024 term. If you joined from May 2026 and miss the 15 term limit or the CGPA rules by your 15th term, you exit with the diploma. Skipped terms and RKA terms count in the 15.

Early batches (September 2021 and January 2022 terms) had some projects inside theory courses. For them, only the standalone projects count towards the 7.0 project CGPA. More on this in checkpoints to enter the degree level.

The five mandatory courses

The handbook calls these two "core pairs" plus one mandatory course.

When you enter the BSc level, you must select all five. You can add electives in the same term or after you finish these, but you cannot take more than 4 courses in a term.

The other 8 credits

The remaining 8 credits come from electives. Up to 4 of them can come from NPTEL courses in the technical bucket. A fee table in the handbook shows these ways to fill the 8 credits:

The course code shows the level. A code like BSCS3xxx is a level 3 course and BSCS4xxx is a level 4 course. The full list is in IITM BS Data Science electives. For NPTEL rules and fees, see NPTEL credit transfer.

How long you have

The maximum time for the BSc level is 9 terms. The total time allowed for the whole BSc degree is 6 years.

What you get if you exit with a BSc

• A BSc degree in Programming and Data Science (114 credits).
• If you complete the BSc and quit, your status becomes "Alumnus".
• To collect the original degree certificate, you must first register with the IITM alumni association, pay Rs 6,000 and confirm this to the BS team. The certificate also needs Senate approval. See how to exit and get your certificate.
• Minors are not given with the BSc. They come only with the BS degree.

If you continue instead, you move to the final BS level, which adds 28 more credits.

Common questions

Can I take an elective in my first BSc term?

Yes. You can take electives along with the five mandatory courses, as long as your total stays within 4 courses in that term. You can also leave electives for later.

Can I still improve my diploma grades after I enter the BSc level?

No. From the January 2026 term, grade improvement is allowed only while you are in the same level. Your CGPA for a level is frozen once you move to the next level.

Can I earn a minor if I stop at the BSc?

No. The handbook says a minor can be earned only with the BS degree, not the BSc.

What if my diploma CGPA is just under 6.0?

You can repeat diploma courses and projects to raise your CGPA while you are still in the diploma level. If you joined from May 2026, this must happen within 15 terms of starting the programme. If you still miss the CGPA in your 15th term, you exit with the diploma.