IIT Madras launches world's first online BSc Degree in Data Science and Programming

You can now obtain a BSc degree from IIT Madras entirely online. The institute on Tuesday launched the world's first online BSc Degree in Programming and Data Science. Anybody who has completed their class XII can enter this online program which has two entry points and three exit points.

The program was launched by the Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' and the Minister of State, Human Resource Development, Sanjay Dhotre. Anil Sahasrabuddhe, Chairman, AICTE, Rakesh Ranjan, Additional Secretary, MHRD, Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, BoG, IIT Madras and MD and CEO Mahendra&Mahendra Ltd and Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras were present during the online launch. IIT Madras faculty Dr Andrew Thangaraj and Dr Prathap Haridoss, who were instrumental in designing the program, were also present. "I'm launching this program today with a lot of happiness and excitement. This is dedicated to the student community of India," said Pokhriyal.

The program has two entry points and three exit points. Those with a class XII certificate can enter the foundation level course. Upon completion, they can either exit the program with a certificate or move to the diploma level. Those who have a bachelor's degree can skip the foundation level course and enter the diploma level directly. Upon completing that, they can either exit the program with a diploma in data science or programming respectively or move to the degree level course. The course has no age, stream or geographical restrictions. "Through this program. we are trying to reach out to more number of students in this country," said Ramamurthi.

The course was brought on by the intense learnings that were a byproduct of the pandemic, "In the last three months, we have realised how much can be done online. IITM is ahead of its time, planning innovative programs," said Goenka.

More details about this program can be found here: onlinedegree.iitm.ac.in