Will AI Make an IITM BS in Data Science Pointless?

By Editorial TeamLast reviewed 24 Sept 2026

5 min readData Science

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No, AI does not make the IITM BS in Data Science pointless, but it does change what you should get out of it. The curriculum already includes deep learning, large language models and generative AI, as core courses, electives and minors. What no one can tell you, including us, is exactly how the job market will look in 2030. So treat this degree as a way to build skills that last, not as a ticket to one job title.

Below, facts come from the DS student handbook. Our opinions are marked "Our view".

Fact: what the DS curriculum teaches about AI now

Level	AI and machine learning courses in the handbook
Diploma in Data Science	Machine Learning Foundations, Techniques and Practice, plus an option of Introduction to Deep Learning and Generative AI with a project (from September 2025)
BSc level (core)	AI: Search Methods for Problem Solving, and Deep Learning
Degree electives	Large Language Models, Deep Learning Practice, Mathematical Foundations of Generative AI, Deep Learning for Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, MLOps, Introduction to Big Data, Speech Technology, Data Science and AI Lab
Minors (from September 2025)	Generative AI, Multimodal AI Systems, Cloud Computing for AI, Algorithmic Decision Making

After the BS, DS students with a CGPA of 8 or more can continue online to a PG Diploma and then an MTech, both in AI and ML.

Two honest limits. First, the handbook says electives run subject to enough registrations, and not every one runs every term. For example, its course table marks Introduction to Natural Language Processing as not offered in May 2026, September 2026 or January 2027. Second, a course title tells you the topic, not the depth. Look at each course page before you plan around it. See the full DS electives list and the Generative AI minor.

Fact: much of the degree builds general skills

Foundation covers maths, statistics, computational thinking, Python and English. The Diploma in Programming covers databases, data structures and algorithms in Python, Java, system commands and two application development courses with projects. The BSc core adds Software Engineering and Software Testing. Maths 1 alone runs from functions and straight lines to derivatives, integrals and graph algorithms.

Our view: skills that are likely to stay useful

This is opinion, not a forecast.

Maths and statistics. They let you understand why a model works, when it fails, and whether a result is real or noise.
Programming and data structures. AI tools write code, but someone has to read it, test it and fix it. Courses such as Software Testing train exactly that.
Data handling. Real data is messy. Cleaning it, storing it in databases and questioning it is still most of the work.
Evaluation and judgement. Knowing how to check a model, not just run one.
Communication and domain knowledge. Explaining results to people who do not code, in a field you understand.

Our view: why a degree plus projects still matters

A degree still gets you through filters where employers or masters programmes ask for one. The IITM BS is awarded by IIT Madras.
Projects show what you can build. The DS programme has graded projects built in: two application development projects, a Machine Learning Practice project, and optional labs such as the Data Science and AI Lab with a project and viva.
Neither is enough alone. A degree without projects looks thin, and projects without fundamentals break down in interviews. See building a portfolio from IITM BS projects.

What this means for using AI tools while you study

From January 2026, according to IIT Madras's grading document for that term, the graded assignment average carries no weight in Foundation course scores, and assignment-style questions moved into the in-person quizzes and end term exam. You cannot bring an AI tool into the exam hall. Our view: use AI to explain a concept or check your work, but do the weekly problems yourself, because you will meet them again on paper. More in the January 2026 grading change.

What we do not know

How many data science jobs will exist in 5 or 10 years, and what they will involve.
How employers will value an online IIT degree against AI-specific certificates.
IIT Madras's outcome reports do not measure the effect of AI on graduates, and we will not guess.

Anyone who tells you with certainty that data science is "dead" or "the safest career" is giving you an opinion, not a fact.

Common questions

Should I pick Data Science or something else because of AI?

Pick based on what you enjoy and can study for years. Data Science now includes AI courses, and Electronic Systems covers hardware and circuits. Our view: interest and consistency matter more than guessing which field AI will touch less.

Can I focus on Generative AI from the start?

Not really. Foundation and the diplomas come first, and the Generative AI minor sits at the degree level. The Diploma in Data Science does now offer an Introduction to Deep Learning and Generative AI option with a project.

Are the AI electives hands-on?

Some are designed that way. The handbook describes the Data Science and AI Lab and the Application Development Lab as fully hands-on courses with weekly graded assignments, a project and a viva, with limited seats. Check each other course's page for its format.