IITM BS Foundation Level Checkpoints: The New Rules

At the foundation level you must pass at least 4 courses within 4 terms, at least 6 courses within 6 terms, and the whole foundation within 9 terms. If you miss any of these checkpoints, you are removed from the programme. Warnings start from your third term. The 9 term limit applies to every student. The 4 and 6 term checkpoints apply only to newer batches, and the start batch is different in the DS and ES handbooks.

The three checkpoints

Terms are counted from when you start the foundation level. There are three terms a year (January, May and September). So 9 terms is three years.

The ES handbook does not say if labs count toward the "4 courses" and "6 courses" checkpoints. Ask support if your plan depends on it.

Who these rules apply to

This is where the two handbooks differ.

• Data Science: the checkpoints apply to students admitted to the foundation level from May 2024. They do not apply to those who joined in January 2024 or earlier.
• Electronic Systems: the handbook says the checkpoints apply to students admitted from May 2026. But the very next line says they do not apply to students who entered in the May 2026 term or before. These two lines do not agree. So it is not clear if the May 2026 ES batch is covered, or if the rule starts after it. ES students from May 2026 should confirm with support.

In both programmes, the 9 term limit to finish the foundation applies to everyone, whatever your batch.

Terms you skip still count

The DS handbook is clear on this. Terms where you paid the RKA fee (registration keep alive) and did not study are counted. So are terms where you dropped all your courses. A break does not pause the clock. The ES version of this section does not repeat that line, but plan as if it applies. Read about RKA and student status if you plan a break.

CCC is no longer a limit at foundation level

Earlier, your Credit Clearing Capability (CCC) limited how many courses you could take in a term. Because the checkpoints can remove students, CCC at the foundation level is now only a recommendation. This change is for all foundation students in both programmes. It lets you take extra courses to catch up after a break. Details are in the CCC guide.

What happens if you cannot meet a checkpoint

The DS handbook (updated 17 May 2026) explains the process. Suppose you cannot reach the required count even by taking the maximum number of courses allowed. Then you are not allowed to register that term.

• A message shows on the first page of the registration portal.
• You also get system alerts, an e-mail and a WhatsApp message.
• This happens after end term results, two days before registration opens.
• A programme removal letter (the handbook calls it the FTQ letter) is placed on your dashboard.
• Your student ID card is revoked in the same term.
• Your student e-mail ID is switched off one month later. Back up anything saved in its drive before then.

A worked example

Say you start the foundation in the September 2026 term. Count the terms:

• Term 4 is September 2027. You need at least 4 courses by its end.
• Term 6 is May 2028. You need at least 6 courses by then.
• Term 9 is May 2029. The full foundation must be done by then.

The DS handbook advises finishing each checkpoint's requirement one term early. That leaves a spare term to redo a course you fail.

Once the foundation is done, a new set of limits starts. See diploma level checkpoints. ES students can also read the ES checkpoints overview.

Common questions

I joined DS in January 2024. Do these checkpoints apply to me?

The 4 in 4 and 6 in 6 checkpoints do not apply to you. But you still have to finish the foundation within 9 terms, like everyone else.

When will I get my first warning?

Both handbooks say warnings about slow progress start from term 3. That gives you term 4 to catch up before the first checkpoint.

Does a failed course count toward the 4 courses?

The handbook says you must "complete" the courses. A failed course is not completed, so plan to pass, not just to register.

Can I get back in after removal?

The handbook lines on checkpoints do not describe any way to rejoin after removal. Ask support before you assume anything.