IITM BS Re-Entry After Diploma or Degree Exit

Yes, you can rejoin IITM BS Data Science after exiting with an original certificate. You must sit the final exams of a few set subjects, based on the certificate you hold and the level you want to join. The exam fee is Rs 5,000. You can register for next level courses whatever your score in these exams, but you must appear for every one of them.

This policy is in the DS handbook (updated 16 May 2025). It is for students who hold an original, Senate approved diploma or degree. It is different from getting back in after being struck off the rolls, which is covered in RKA and readmission fees.

Which exams you must take

The short forms stand for these courses: MAD2 is Application Development 2, PDSA is Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms using Python, MLT is Machine Learning Techniques and MLP is Machine Learning Practice.

How the readmission exams work

• The exams are held on the normal final exam date of a term.
• You must appear for the final exam in every subject listed for your case.
• You can register for courses at the next level whatever you score. But attending the exams is compulsory.
• If you score below 50% in a subject, that subject is added to your load as a pending course. It does not count toward your earned credits.
• The 50% cut-off is the same for every category of student.

Readmission exam fee

The handbook says the fee is Rs 5,000 "per exam", and then says this is the same whether you take 2, 3 or 4 subjects. The most likely meaning is one fee of Rs 5,000 for the whole set of readmission exams. But the wording is not fully clear, so confirm the amount before you pay.

What changes after you are readmitted

• Roll number: stays the same as your original one.
• Progress and grade cards: only list courses you take after readmission. Courses used for your earlier original certificate are not shown.
• Readmission exam subjects: shown as completed, but not counted for credits.
• Lateral Entry: this label appears on both cards. It shows you exited with an original certificate and came back at the next level.
• Provisional certificate: the process is the same as before.
• Original certificate: you do not have to return the one you already have.
• Readmission letter: you get a formal letter once your re-entry is approved.

Time limits after re-entry

There is no limit on when you can apply to rejoin. The terms between your exit and your re-entry are not counted in the overall programme time limit. Every other time rule still applies once you are back. See maximum time allowed for each level.

The handbook does not describe the application steps for re-entry. Raise a support ticket to ask how and when to apply.

Is exiting and rejoining a good plan?

It depends on your reason for leaving. Exiting gives you an original certificate now. Rejoining later costs the exam fee, an exam sitting and new course fees. Read how to exit and get the original certificate and the exit options before you decide.

Common questions

Do I have to pass the readmission exams to rejoin?

You must appear for all of them. The handbook says you can register for next level courses whatever your score. A subject where you score below 50% becomes a pending course that you still have to clear.

Will my old courses show on my new grade card?

No. After readmission, the cards only list the courses you take from then on, and mark you as Lateral Entry. Your earlier courses are covered by the original certificate you already hold.

Does this apply to Electronic Systems students?

This re-entry policy is in the Data Science handbook only. The ES handbook has no matching section, so ES students should ask support.

Can I rejoin at the same level I left?

The table only lists re-entry at the next level after the certificate you hold. The handbook does not mention rejoining at the same level.