IITM BS Data Science Programme Structure at a Glance

The IITM BS in Data Science has four levels: foundation, diploma, BSc and BS. The credits are 32 + 54 + 28 + 28 = 142 for the BS degree. You can stop at 114 credits with a BSc, or earlier with a diploma or a foundation certificate.

The four levels in one table

One credit means 14 hours of learning. The handbook also says the programme has two entry points and four exit points. More on credits in how credits work.

Level 1: Foundation (32 credits)

Eight courses: English 1, English 2, Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Statistics 1, Statistics 2, Computational Thinking and Introduction to Python. You must pass all 8 before any diploma course. Details in the foundation level.

Level 2: Diploma (54 credits)

Two diplomas, each with 6 courses (23 credits) and 2 projects (4 credits).

To go on to the degree level, you need both diplomas, a diploma CGPA of at least 6.0 and a project CGPA of at least 7.0. See doing both diplomas.

Level 3: BSc (28 credits)

• Five mandatory courses: Software Engineering, Software Testing, AI: Search Methods for Problem Solving, Deep Learning, and Strategies for Professional Growth (20 credits).
• 8 credits of electives. Up to 4 credits can come from NPTEL.
• No more than 4 courses in a term.

Details in the BSc degree level.

Level 4: BS (28 credits)

• 2 programming stream courses and 2 data science stream courses at level 4 or higher.
• 4 credits from HS/MG courses, through NPTEL or programme electives.
• An optional apprenticeship worth up to 12 credits.
• Minors, if you want them. They fit inside the 142 credits and come only with the BS degree.

Details in the final BS degree level.

Time limits

Checkpoints inside these limits:

• Foundation (joined from May 2024): at least 4 courses in 4 terms, 6 in 6 terms, all 8 in 9 terms.
• Diploma (started from May 2024): at least 3 courses and 1 project in 3 terms, 6 and 2 in 6 terms, 9 and 3 in 9 terms, 12 and 4 in 12 terms.
• Joined from May 2026: finish foundation and diploma within 15 terms (5 years) to be allowed into the degree level.

Terms on RKA and terms where you dropped all courses still count towards these limits. See maximum time to finish IITM BS.

Common questions

Does 142 credits include the foundation level?

Yes. It is 32 for the foundation, 54 for the two diplomas, 28 for the BSc level and 28 for the BS level. The BSc is given at 114, which is everything except the last 28.

Can I skip the diploma level and go straight to degree courses?

No. The handbook says you cannot register for degree level courses without all 8 foundation courses and all 12 diploma courses plus 4 projects.

Are all courses worth the same credits?

No. Most courses that have a listed credit value are 4 credits. Tools in Data Science is 3 credits, each diploma project is 2 credits, and the two comprehensive exam courses are 2 credits each.

How long does the full programme usually take?

The handbook's suggested plan reaches the BSc in about 4 years, and its shortest path reaches it in 8 terms. It does not give a full suggested timeline for the BS level.