Can You Switch Between IITM BS Programmes? Every Allowed Route

IIT Madras runs four non-campus BS programmes: Data Science (DS), Electronic Systems (ES), Aeronautics and Space Technology (AE), and Management and Data Science (MG). Only two switches are open today: DS to MG, and ES to AE from the ES Foundation level. MG to DS is promised "under conditions which will be announced shortly". For every other move, you leave your programme and clear the other programme's qualifier as a new applicant.

Every route in one table

"No route published" means we found no official rule either way. Treat it as closed unless support confirms otherwise in writing.

The two open routes

Data Science to Management and Data Science

You must have passed English I, Statistics I, Mathematics I and Computational Thinking, and be at the Foundation or Diploma level. The switch can be used only once. After it, MG counts only those four courses (16 credits), and your programme clock does not restart. Batches that started between May 2024 and May 2025 had a single window, at the May 2026 term registration. Full details are in switching from DS to MG.

Electronic Systems to Aeronautics

The AE FAQ says only students at the ES Foundation level can move to AE. The criteria are told to students once they enter the Foundation level. The ES handbook (section 29.1) links switch slides and sheets for six ES batches, from May 2024 to January 2026. Both programmes use the same four qualifier courses: English I, Math for Electronics I, Electronic Systems Thinking and Circuits, and Introduction to C Programming. See switching from ES to AE.

The route that is not ready: MG to DS

The MG FAQ says MG students can move to DS "under conditions which will be announced shortly". As of September 2026, no conditions have been published. Do not join MG counting on this route until the rules are out.

Blocked routes: what to do instead

When a route is blocked, the official answer is the same each time. Apply to the other programme as a fresh candidate and clear its qualifier.

• DS to AE. The AE FAQ says this is not permitted. You must apply as a fresh applicant through the qualifier.
• AE to DS or MG. Not allowed. You must enrol as a qualifier student in the other programme.
• MG to ES or AE. Not allowed, with the same advice.

Before you apply fresh, check three things:

1. Eligibility. ES and AE need Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics and Maths. A DS or MG student who took commerce or arts cannot apply to AE without them. The AE admissions page does accept Maths and Physics passed separately through NIOS or a similar board. See NIOS eligibility.
2. Carry-over. For a fresh MG application, the switch FAQ says your earlier progress is not counted. The other programmes describe no credit carry-over for fresh applicants at all.
3. One programme at a time. You cannot stay in one programme while you study another. Ask support how to close your current enrolment before you start the new one.

Why you cannot just do two programmes

Three official FAQs say no:

• MG FAQ: a student cannot pursue two non-campus IITM BS programmes at the same time.
• AE FAQ: no, because all exam dates and assessment deadlines are common.
• ES FAQ: ES exam dates line up with DS, so both together are not possible.

You can still study one IITM BS alongside a degree from another college. More in two IITM BS degrees at once.

If you have not joined yet

Picking well now is easier than switching later. Compare all four in which IITM BS programme to choose. If you are torn between ES and AE, note the direction of the rules. ES Foundation students have an official route into AE, subject to the criteria. AE students have no published route into ES.

Common questions

If I drop Data Science, can I join Aeronautics?

Yes, as a new applicant, if you have Physics and Maths in Class 12 or equivalent. You go through the AE qualifier like anyone else. The AE pages describe no credit carry-over from DS.

Can I switch from Data Science to Electronic Systems?

No official switch route exists. You would have to apply to ES through its own qualifier, and the ES FAQ says you cannot do DS and ES at the same time.

Is there a fee to switch?

None of the official switch documents mention a switch fee. You pay the normal course fees of the new programme. A fresh application has its normal application fee.

Can I switch more than once?

The DS to MG switch can be used only once. No official page describes a second switch on any route.