IITM BS Prizes: Certificate of Merit, Distinction and Excellence

The IITM BS has three prizes, all based on CGPA, and each comes with a certificate and a medal. The Certificate of Merit is for a CGPA between 9.00 and 9.50. The Certificate of Academic Distinction is for 9.50 or more. The Certificate of Academic Excellence goes to the students with the highest CGPA. They are given at two points: after the foundation and diploma levels (86 credits) and when you graduate with the BS (142 credits).

The three prizes

Both the Merit and Distinction rules mention 9.50. A CGPA of exactly 9.50 meets the Distinction rule, which says "greater than or equal to 9.50". The handbooks do not say more on the overlap.

When prizes are given

The DS handbook lists no prize at the BSc exit. Prizes are tied only to these two points. Your CGPA is the only measure, so see the IITM BS grading system for how it is worked out.

How winners are chosen

• All students who finish the foundation and diplomas, or the BS degree, in one calendar year (January to December) are put on one list. Prizes are decided from that list.
• Certificates are given in all three categories, each with a medal.
• Data Science only: students who join the diploma through direct admission are a separate category. The DS handbook says this route is 8 courses and 2 projects (35 credits) for students who exit with the diploma. They can win prizes, with medals, in their own category. See direct diploma entry.

The ES handbook repeats the line about the 35 credit direct admission diploma but does not include the separate prize category.

Improvement courses and the diploma prize

For the diploma-level prize, only the CGPA up to the term you finish the diploma level counts. In DS, that is the term you complete both diplomas. In ES, it is the term you complete the diploma.

Any improvement in foundation or diploma courses after that term is ignored for this prize. The handbook's example: a student finished both diplomas in May 2023 and repeated a course for improvement in September 2023. The May 2023 CGPA is the one used. Diploma-level prizes are not given later on the basis of a better grade. For how improvement works, see grade improvement.

The clean record rule

To receive a Certificate of Merit or Distinction, you must have a clean academic and disciplinary record. Any case of academic malpractice or a disciplinary violation in your history disqualifies you, however high your CGPA. This rule was updated on 14 April 2025. As written, it names only Merit and Distinction. For what counts as a violation, see non-academic rules.

Common questions

Can I win a prize at both points?

The handbooks describe the two points separately and do not limit a student to one prize. If you are unsure about your case, ask the support team.

I had one malpractice case in my first term. Can I still get the Certificate of Merit?

No, not as the rule is written. Any instance of academic malpractice in your history disqualifies you from Merit and Distinction, whatever your CGPA.

When are the prizes announced?

Prizes are decided once students completing in a calendar year are put together. The handbooks do not give a date for the announcement or the award ceremony.

Does repeating a course after my diplomas help my diploma prize?

No. Only the CGPA up to the term you finish the diploma level counts for that prize. Later improvements are not considered.