Diploma in Data Science (IITM BS): Courses and Projects

The Diploma in Data Science has 27 credits: 23 credits of theory and 4 credits of projects. Of these, 21 credits are fixed for everyone. For the other 6 credits you pick one of two options, each with one theory course and one project. You can start this diploma only after you pass all 8 foundation courses.

The fixed courses (21 credits)

Every student in this diploma must pass these:

The handbook does not print course codes for these fixed courses.

Choose one option (6 credits)

From the September 2025 term, there are two options. You must complete one full option, both the theory course and its project.

Corequisites for Option 2:

• BSDA2001 has MLP as a corequisite. Take MLP first or in the same term.
• BSDA2001P has the Deep Learning and Generative AI theory course as a corequisite.

Add it up: 19 theory credits from the fixed courses + 4 from the option theory course = 23. The MLP project + the option project = 4 project credits.

How your choice affects the degree level

• If you finish Option 1 in the diploma, you cannot take the Option 2 courses at the degree level. The handbook says this is because the degree level already has other deep learning courses.
• If you finish Option 2 in the diploma, you can still take the Option 1 courses later as degree level electives.

This rule covers all students currently in the diploma level and all batches from the September 2025 term.

How the projects are graded

• MLP project: You must cross the cutoff in the Kaggle contest and declare that you have finished all the models. Then your L1 viva is scheduled. After that the same two cutoff viva system applies as for the other projects.
• BDM project: From January 2024, you may web scrape data and analyse it, as long as you share the source. If you do this, the highest grade you can get is D.

For the full viva rules and project improvement, read how IITM BS projects are graded.

Start the BDM project early

If you choose Option 1, the handbook recommends registering for the BDM project by your 2nd term at the diploma level. Students usually need at least 2 to 3 terms to finish it, because it has several stages and may need resubmissions. Some students missed their diploma checkpoints because they registered for it only in their final checkpoint term. See diploma level checkpoints.

What the diploma gives you as an exit

• You can leave with the Diploma in Data Science alone. If you quit after it, your status is shown as "DS certified", without alumnus status.
• To move on to the BSc level you need both diplomas: all 12 diploma courses and 4 projects. The other one is the Diploma in Programming.

Common questions

Which option should I pick, BA with BDM project or Deep Learning and GenAI?

The handbook does not recommend one. Two facts may help you decide. Option 2 keeps the Option 1 courses open as degree electives, while Option 1 closes the Option 2 courses for you. The BDM project also tends to take 2 to 3 terms.

Can I take the Deep Learning and GenAI project before the theory course?

No. The theory course is a corequisite of the project. So you take the theory course first or in the same term as the project.

Can I use web scraped data for my BDM project?

Yes, from January 2024, as long as you share where the data came from. But your grade for that project cannot go above D. A low project grade can matter later, because entry to the degree level needs a project CGPA of at least 7.0.

I joined the Data Science diploma through direct entry. Can I also do the programming diploma?

Yes. The handbook says students who complete the Diploma in Data Science through direct admission can also take the Diploma in Programming without another qualifier. See direct entry to the diploma level.