The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is planning to launch two eight-month diploma programmes in programming as well as data science. Learners need not have an engineering or computer science background to apply for the diploma programme. It is open to the students, working professionals, and job seekers who have completed at least two years of undergraduate in any discipline through any mode.

The programme aims to enable learners of all the backgrounds in order to build the necessary fundamentals, enhance their knowledge, and hone their skills through extensive hands-on training, says the institute. It also claims that these are the only official diplomas offered at IIT Madras.

Candidates will have to take an entry qualifier exam and the last date to register is November 15 at the official website at diploma.iitm.ac.in. The exam is scheduled to be held on December 12^th and the applicants must attend the in-person exam at an exam centre in the applicant’s city of choice. Those who clear this exam will be eligible in order to join the diploma programme. A learner has to complete eight courses to obtain a diploma, either in programming or data science. As the content delivery will be in online mode, the programme has the flexibility required for working professionals and students.

“With these diplomas, IIT Madras aims to provide the highest-quality education and training to the largest possible audience. With this goal in mind, the programme offers significant financial flexibility through its pay-as-you-go model. Basically, the fee paid every term is based on the number of courses registered in that term. In addition, IIT Madras is offering course fee waivers up to 75 per cent based on the socio-economic background of the learners," the institute said.