Can IITM BS Graduates Write UPSC, SSC and Bank Exams?

IIT Madras says its BS degree meets the requirement of any staff selection process that accepts a BS degree. But IIT Madras does not decide who can sit UPSC, SSC, bank or state exams. Each exam body sets its own rules in its notification. So there is no blanket guarantee. Read the notification of each exam before you apply.

What IIT Madras says

Neither statement says any exam body has accepted the degree. They say what IIT Madras stands behind, and they leave the decision to the exam body.

ES students also have a Dean (Academic Courses) letter of 1 September 2025. It confirms the ES diploma and BS are official IIT Madras programmes under the IIT Act. It is on the ES important documents page.

What "accepts a BS degree" means for you

• Any graduate posts: if a notification asks for a bachelor's degree in any subject, IIT Madras's position is that the BS fits.
• Named degrees: if a post asks for a BE or BTech, or a degree in a named subject, IIT Madras's statement does not cover it. Your certificate says Bachelor of Science.
• Only degrees count: the Foundation certificate and the diplomas are not degrees. For exams that need graduation, you need the BSc (DS only) or the BS.
• The DS BSc exit: it is also a degree from IIT Madras, but it is a 3-year award. IITM's statements talk about the BS. If you plan to use the BSc, ask support how their statement applies to it.
• Dual degree students: you may be able to apply with your other degree instead, if that exam accepts it.

Percentage, division and your name

Government forms often ask for things the IITM BS does not give. A Dean (Academic Courses) letter of 14 June 2024 answers most of them:

• Percentage: the Senate-approved rule is percentage = CGPA x 10. So a CGPA of 7.8 becomes 78%.
• Class, division or rank: none are awarded at the end of the programme.
• Backlog certificate: the programme does not issue one.

A separate letter of 12 August 2025 covers names. The name on your degree follows your Class 10 certificate, or a name change published in the Gazette. Names from Aadhaar, PAN or a passport are not used, and the name cannot be changed once the certificate is made. Make sure the name on your exam form matches, or be ready to explain.

If you have not finished yet

• There is no "final year" in this term-based programme. You need at least 9 terms for a BSc certificate and 12 terms for a BS, counted from your first term.
• The original certificate is made only after you fill the exit form and the Senate approves it. The Senate meets three to four times a year. BSc and BS students must also finish the alumni card step first.
• While you wait, you can ask for a provisional certificate at academic.documents@study.iitm.ac.in (opens in a new tab). The difference is explained in credit completion letters vs provisional certificates.
• If a notification lets students who are still studying apply, check what proof it asks for and by which date.

How to check any exam, step by step

1. Download the latest notification from the exam body's official website.
2. Read the educational qualification section, and the date by which you must hold the degree.
3. Note any required subject or degree type.
4. If it is unclear, write to the exam body and keep the reply.
5. If an exam body questions the degree, share the support desk answer and ask IITM support for a letter.
6. Check again every year, because rules change.

Common questions

Is the IITM BS "UGC approved" for government exams?

IITs do not come under UGC, so that label does not apply. IITM's FAQ says any IIT degree is a legal degree. If a notification asks for a UGC-recognised university, ask the exam body how it treats IIT degrees. Read why IITs do not need UGC approval.

Will IIT Madras write to an exam body for me?

The ES FAQ says IIT Madras is happy to write to exam bodies. The handbooks do not describe a process for this. Raise a support ticket, name the exam and explain what they asked for.

Does IITM guarantee I can sit these exams?

No. IIT Madras says the degree meets the need of any process that accepts a BS degree. The exam body makes the final decision.

Can I use this degree for PSU jobs through GATE?

Each PSU sets its own degree rules in its recruitment notice. The GATE 2027 website itself says qualifying GATE does not assure a PSU job. See GATE eligibility for IITM BS students and the exit and certificate timeline.