IIT Madras BS Degree: Why Students Are Exploring This New-Age Program

For decades, the standard roadmap to enter IIT Madras has been to crack JEE. But with the newly introduced BS Degree, a fresh gateway to the institute has sparked excitement among aspirants. Moreover, BS degree offered by IIT Madras is not just a degree; it is a “new age” philosophy that breaks the gatekeeping of the traditional IIT system while maintaining its rigorous excellence. With a curriculum built just for AI and Big Data, it removes the age and stream barriers that have historically limited the top-tier engineering education. It will have subjects like Mathematics, Statistics, Basics of Programming and Python, and English, which will prepare you for not only the AI and Big Data field but also for basic programming.
Based on the data, students are going for this course due to several perks, such as its flexibility for working professionals or those balancing other degrees, strong prestige from an IIT brand, and relevance to booming fields like AI, ML, and Data Science, with practical projects and career opportunities. In this article, we will understand more IIT Madras BS Degree in depth, its relevance, etc.

Reasons Why Students are Exploring IIT Madras BS Degree

This program acts as a departure from the traditional gateway to entering IIT Madras. Also, not only is this program conducted in an online mode, but it also spans 3-6 years, depending on the learning pace of the student. Let us learn more about how IIT Madras BS degree offers a new pathway to enter the institute:-

• Death of the JEE Barrier - For decades, in order to enter IIT Madras, students had to attempt JEE Main and secure a good score. But this degree tends to eliminate this process. For the BS degree by IIT Madras, the students are given four weeks of actual IIT-level coursework in Mathematics, Statistics, Computational Thinking, and English. If you can master the material and pass the qualifier exam, you are in.
• Different from Traditional Degrees - Generally, it was tough being a multitasker while being a student of IIT Madras, as you had to put all of your focus into the degree. But for the IIT Madras BS degree, not only can you pursue this while being a school student, but it is also for those who are working professionals looking to upskill without quitting your job, or from diverse backgrounds, as long as you have studied Math in your 10th grade. Based on the official data, over 38,000 students are actively enrolled as of June 2025, with more than 52% pursuing it alongside another degree
• Online but “On Brand” - While the gateway is digital, the standards are classic IIT. This isn't a "lite" version of the curriculum. The faculty members are the same professors who teach on campus in Chennai. By passing through this gateway, students earn the right to call themselves IIT Madras Alumni, gaining access to the same prestigious network and placement support that has long been the exclusive domain of the JEE-rankers.
• Booming Demand in Data Science - This program has a major focus on high-demand skills like AI, ML, and Data Analytics, attracting students amid the ongoing job surge. With alumni securing roles at top firms with packages ranging from INR 30k-12LPA and top GATE ranks for further studies, this program stands as a launchpad for aspiring data scientists.
• Proven Scale and Growth - From 8,154 in the first batch to 38,500+ active by June 2025, the enrollment has exploded, shown by repeated qualifier intakes and convocation of 100+ graduates.

Understanding the Learning Model of IIT Madras BS Degree

This program offers a different approach from the typical “one size fits all” four-year degree and replaces it with a modular credit-based system. The whole BS program offered by IIT Madras is basically built on three specific pillars, mentioned below:-

• The Pedagogy: "Watch, Practice, Test" - Unlike the typical degrees, where completion was optional, and you had to move with the traditional course pace, in this degree, you will have a recorded course, where the whole course will be broken down into digestible modules. Each week, you will have to submit grade-based assignments. Along with this, the exams won’t be conducted in a traditional offline format. Your midterms and finals will be held in an online proctored format.

• The Stackable Credential System - This model motivates the students' time and career goals by allowing them to earn certificates at every milestone. The table below explains the credential system of the IIT Madras BS Degree in a detailed way:-

• The Hybrid Support System - Despite being an online degree, it ensures a strong support system for the students. With features such as live sessions, discussion forums, and in-person interaction, it allows more students to engage deeply with their coursework, collaborate with peers, and receive personalized guidance from faculty, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

IIT Madras BS Degree: Career Relevance

The ultimate test for any new-age degree is its value in the eyes of the recruiters. The IIT Madras BS Degree was engineered to address the void of the massive global shortage of professionals who are fluent in both data and business logic. In the points below, we will understand the career relevance that this degree holds:-

• Job-Ready Skills from Day One - The curriculum of this degree has been designed by a mix of world-class academics and industry experts from companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. With languages like Python, R, Java, and SQL, tools such as Tableau, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and Power BI, and specializations like ML, Business Analytics, etc., this degree doesn’t just teach theory. It helps the students in mastering the "modern tech stack" currently used in Silicon Valley and Bangalore.

• Real Outcomes - This program is already witnessing impressive growth. Based on the official data, the average salary package for placed students stood at approximately INR 10 LPA, with some high-performers reaching packages up to INR 25-50 LPA. Moreover, the top recruiters for the degree included companies like Amazon, TCS, L&T Infotech, Aditya Birla Group, McKinsey, etc.

• Global Academic Recognition - Not just employment, but this degree is also for those who are looking forward to studying abroad. As of now, over 850+ students from this program have already secured admissions into top-tier international universities like Cornell, Georgia Tech, and Aalto University for their Master’s or PhD programs.

Who is IIT Madras BS Degree Best Suited For?

One of the best things about the IIT Madras BS degree is that it acts as a gateway to a diverse range of people. From class 12 students to those who are working professionals or those who wish to give a second chance to their careers, this degree serves the aim of all. Read more about who this degree is for, below:-

• The High School Aspirationist - If you are currently in Class 12 or have just finished, this is your direct line to an IIT. It’s ideal for the students who want an IIT tag without the high-stress JEE coaching cycle. Also, since the UGC now allows pursuing two degrees simultaneously, many students enroll in a local college for a BA/B.Com/B.Sc while pursuing this BS degree from IITM to supercharge their resume.

• The Multi-Tasking College Student - Many students currently enrolled in engineering, arts, or commerce colleges join this program to gain technical depth. If your current college doesn't offer a strong Data Science or AI curriculum, this program serves as a high-quality "add-on." Moreover, if you are stuck in a branch you don't like (e.g., Civil or Mechanical), this degree gives you a legitimate pathway into the IT and Data Science workforce.

• Working Professionals - With no upper age limit, the program has learners ranging from 18 to 81 years old; it is a goldmine for professionals like upskillers, career switchers, or flexibility seekers.

• The Lifelong Learner & "Second Chancers" - This program is a boon for those who had to drop out of education years ago or those who simply have a passion for learning. It can be pursued by the mothers returning to work after a break, retirees looking to keep their minds sharp by learning the technologies of the future, and as well as the students from remote areas who cannot relocate to a major city for quality education.

The IIT Madras BS Degree represents a transformative shift in how one can access world-class education and opportunities at one of India’s premier institutions. Breaking away from the traditional JEE pathway, this program opens doors for students of all ages and backgrounds, allowing them to gain deep knowledge in fields like AI, Big Data, and Data Science. With a flexible learning model, a rigorous curriculum, and strong career support, it ensures that graduates are not only job-ready but also prepared for global opportunities. Whether you are a high school student, a professional looking to upskill, or a lifelong learner, the IIT Madras BS Degree offers a unique and promising gateway to excellence.