How Much Coding Is There in IITM BS Management and Data Science?

The BS in Management and Data Science (MG) has some coding, but less than the BS in Data Science (DS). The official DS to MG switch FAQ says MG "generally involves less intensive coding" than DS. You still must pass Computational Thinking in the Foundation, and Python for Data Analytics and Data Management in the Diploma. You do not need any coding before you start. The MG FAQ says the courses build the skills in order, from the Foundation level up.

MG courses with programming or computing

The MG pages publish course names, codes and credits, but no syllabi. So the amount of code each course asks for is not stated. The academics page does say the Diploma in Data Analytics for Business builds a base in database systems and data structures. See what that diploma covers.

How that compares with Data Science

In DS, you need both diplomas to reach the BSc and BS levels, so the Diploma in Programming is not optional. In MG, the other 12 Diploma courses cover subjects such as marketing, HR, financial and supply chain analytics, operations, corporate finance and macroeconomics. For the full course lists side by side, see DS vs Management and Data Science.

You cannot skip Computational Thinking

Computational Thinking is one of the four MG qualifier courses, with English I, Mathematics for Data Science I and Statistics for Data Science I. It uses the same course code as in DS. The DS course page says it introduces programming concepts through examples that are solved almost entirely by hand. Our Computational Thinking guide covers the later weeks.

To see the style before you apply, watch the official Computational Thinking lectures and try the past qualifier papers for CT (opens in a new tab).

One mismatch on the MG page

The MG academics page describes the Foundation as covering English, Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Thinking, "Basics of Programming", Economics, Accounting, Finance and Management. But the Foundation course table lists eight courses, and none of them is called Basics of Programming. The eight are Maths I, Stats I, Computational Thinking, English I, Principles of Economics, Financial Accounting, Business Statistics, and Management Thought and Practice. Go by the course table, and ask support if the wording worries you.

Less coding does not mean less maths

MG still has a lot of numbers. The Foundation has Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I and Business Statistics. The Diploma has Analysis of Economic Data and Financial Analytics, and the BS level core has Applied Time Series Analysis. If maths is what you fear, rather than code, MG will not remove that.

If you are a CA, B.Com graduate or lawyer

The MG FAQ answers this group directly. It says no prior coding knowledge is needed. If you take the levels in order, it expects you to build enough skill along the way. The same FAQ answer appears for DS, so it is not a promise that MG has no coding.

If you are in DS and finding code hard

The switch FAQ says students who find programming difficult may consider moving to MG. The switch is allowed only once, only at the Foundation or Diploma level, and MG then counts only your first four courses. Read switching from DS to MG before you decide.

Common questions

Is there a programming exam or OPPE in MG?

The MG pages do not list OPPEs by course. The academics page says that, depending on the course, assessments may include programming exams, mini projects or vivas. Check the grading document of each course when you register.

Which programming language does MG use?

Python is the only language named in an MG course title, in Python for Data Analytics. The tools used in other courses are not published.

I really do not want to code at all. Is MG still right for me?

You will have to pass at least Computational Thinking, Python for Data Analytics and Data Management to finish the Diploma level. If even that much is not for you, think again before you apply.

Is MG easier than DS?

The official line is only that MG has less intensive coding. The programmes are different, not officially easier or harder. MG makes economics, accounting and finance courses compulsory, which DS does not.