Direct Entry to the IITM BS Diploma Level (Data Science)

Yes, the IITM BS in Data Science has a direct entry into the diploma level. If you have completed 2 years of any UG degree, you can write a separate Direct Admission to Diploma (DAD) exam. Pass it and you enter the diploma level, with only a few foundation courses to do first. There is one DAD exam for the Diploma in Programming and another for the Diploma in Data Science. Electronic Systems has no such route.

Who this route is for

The handbook says direct entry is mainly meant for working professionals, and for learners who already know the basics taught in the first year of the programme. It also suits people who only want a diploma and plan to exit with it. The exit listed for this route is one or both diplomas from IIT Madras.

Who can apply

You must have completed 2 years of any UG degree programme. As proof, you submit your second year marksheet or a higher one. The handbook does not restrict the subject of the degree.

The two DAD exams

Both routes still include a few foundation courses. The Programming route asks you to study Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python before the diploma courses. The Data Science route starts with Maths 2 and Statistics 2. Read about each diploma in Diploma in Programming and Diploma in Data Science.

When the DAD exams happen

They are held on the same dates as the DS end term exams. That means three times a year.

Fees and cutoffs

To pass, you need a minimum score in each subject and an overall cutoff mark out of 100.

OBC-NCL and EWS candidates pay the full Rs 6,000 but get lower cutoffs. If you cross the cutoff, you can enter the diploma that matches the exam you wrote and register for its courses.

Attempts

There is no limit on how many times you can try the DAD exam. But the handbook recommends that if you do not pass, you consider coming in through the foundation level instead. That is the regular route through the qualifier process.

Moving between the two diplomas

The handbook treats the two diplomas differently:

• If you finish the Diploma in Data Science through direct admission, you can also do the Diploma in Programming without another qualifier.
• If you finish the Diploma in Programming and then want the Diploma in Data Science, you must appear for the qualifier for the Data Science diploma. This is because you would not have studied Maths 1 and Statistics 1 as part of your course work.

More on this in doing both diplomas.

What about Electronic Systems?

The ES handbook says clearly that there is no direct entry into its diploma. Every ES student starts at the foundation level. See direct diploma entry in Electronic Systems.

Common questions

Can I go on to the BSc or BS degree after direct diploma entry?

The handbook lists the exit for this route as one or both diplomas. It does not describe how a direct entry student moves to the degree level. If you want the full degree, ask the support team before you choose this route.

I am in my third year of college. Can I apply?

Yes, if you have completed 2 years. The handbook asks for your second year marksheet or a higher one as proof.

Is the DAD exam the same as the regular qualifier?

No. The regular qualifier comes after 4 weeks of weekly assignments and covers four foundation courses. The DAD exam is a separate exam with its own subjects, length, fee and cutoffs, held on end term exam dates.