IITM BS vs IIT Jodhpur BS in Applied AI and Data Science

Both are online bachelor's degrees in data science from an IIT, and both let you stop early with a certificate, diploma or BSc. The main differences are entry and delivery. The IIT Madras BS takes any Class 12 stream through its own qualifier and has no percentage cut-off. IIT Jodhpur's BS in Applied AI and Data Science asks for 60% in Class 12 with Maths and a qualifying test, and IIT Jodhpur runs it in collaboration with a partner, Futurense.uni.

IIT Jodhpur facts here come from its programme page (last updated 3 July 2026) and its 2025 brochure on the IIT Jodhpur website, both checked on 25 September 2026.

The two side by side

Getting in

At IIT Madras, you study 4 weeks of content in four courses and write an in-person qualifier exam. A general category student needs a 50% average and at least 40% in each course. Your Class 12 marks do not matter. See how the qualifier works.

IIT Jodhpur's page asks for at least 60% in Class 12 with Maths. Its fee table mentions a registration fee paid after a qualifying test. The 2025 brochure lists the steps as application, shortlisting, the qualifying test, approval, an offer letter and payment. It also lists 55% for SC and ST candidates. Check the current rules on the IIT Jodhpur page before you apply.

Who delivers each programme

IIT Jodhpur's page says it offers the programme "in collaboration with Futurense.uni". The 2025 brochure carries the partner's branding and describes partner services, such as a bridge course before classes and career assistance. What matters for you is who awards the degree, who teaches, and who you pay. Ask IIT Jodhpur these three questions in writing.

The IIT Madras BS is run by IIT Madras's own programme office. The FAQ mentions an exam partner only for running exam centres.

Fees

• IIT Madras: the full Data Science BS costs Rs 3,86,000 to Rs 4,50,000 for students joining from January 2026, before any waiver. You pay per course each term, and waivers of 50% or 75% exist based on category and family income. See Data Science fees.
• IIT Jodhpur: its page shows a programme fee of Rs 1,20,000 per year, paid yearly. Registration and enrolment fees total Rs 10,000, and a convocation fee of Rs 4,000 is paid to IIT Jodhpur. The page gives no waiver table. The 2025 brochure says campus visit costs are extra.

Compare the full cost on both official pages on the day you decide, because fees change.

Content and the fourth year

Both cover maths, statistics, programming and machine learning. IITM Data Science splits into a Diploma in Programming and a Diploma in Data Science before the degree level. IIT Jodhpur's fourth year has two tracks: Applied AI, with a capstone project, or Research, with a bachelor thesis. If you want a research track, look at the IITM options in masters pathways after IITM BS too.

Which one fits you

1. Class 12 marks and subjects. Below 60%, or no Maths in Class 12? Check IIT Jodhpur's rule first. IITM Data Science has no percentage rule.
2. How you learn. Both are online. Compare the live-class hours each one promises.
3. Exam travel. Both use in-person exams, so check centre cities.
4. Budget and payment style. A fixed yearly fee, or pay per course each term?
5. Evidence. IIT Madras publishes dated Data Science batch reports. We did not find dated outcome data for the IIT Jodhpur BS on the pages we checked, so we do not compare results.

Common questions

Is the IIT Jodhpur BS also an IIT degree?

IIT Jodhpur's page says students get IIT Jodhpur alumni status after completing the BS. Ask IIT Jodhpur for the exact degree name that will be printed. For IIT Madras, see is the IITM BS a real IIT degree.

Can I do both at the same time?

Nothing on IIT Madras's pages stops a student from doing its BS alongside another degree. But two online degrees means two sets of weekly work and exams. Count the hours honestly before you try.

Which one teaches more AI?

Both cover machine learning and AI. IIT Jodhpur's syllabus lists courses such as Computer Vision, Introduction to Robotics and Foundation Models. IITM Data Science has courses such as Machine Learning Techniques and Deep Learning, plus minors such as Generative AI and Multimodal AI Systems. Compare the course lists, not the programme names.

Which is better?

There is no official data to rank them. Choose the one whose entry rules, fees and study style fit your life. Our checklist in IIT degrees without JEE helps compare any online IIT programme.