The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Madras, has announced the commencement of applications for its BS Data Science program. Introduced in June 2020, this program offers students the opportunity to pursue studies at IIT Madras without the need to appear for the highly competitive JEE exam. Interested candidates can apply for the IIT Madras BS Data Science program until May 26, 2024, with the BS Data Science examination scheduled for July 7, 2024.

The examinations will be conducted online across 150 exam centers.

IIT Madras is at the forefront of establishing partnerships with esteemed institutions to enhance students' educational experiences, providing opportunities for face-to-face mentorship. The BS Data Science programme is unique as it allows students to study at IIT Madras without the requirement of appearing for the JEE exam. Currently, the program has over 27,000 students enrolled.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed pride in the achievements of the BS Data Science program and its students. He emphasized that the program has opened doors to IITM for individuals willing to work hard and pursue learning opportunities. Prof. Kamakoti also expressed the institute's commitment to introducing more such programs to cater to all sections of society.

The BS Data Science program offers multiple exit options, enabling students to acquire the necessary skills at each level and pursue their desired goals effectively. The program adopts a holistic approach, including project-based assignments, research projects, academic competitions, and leadership roles within student communities to enhance the educational experience and cultivate valuable skills among participants.

Furthermore, the program provides fee exemptions for female students with annual family incomes less than Rs. 5 lakh per annum (LPA) and male students with yearly family incomes of Rs. 1 LPA. This initiative has benefited more than 3,645 students, enabling them to focus solely on their academics without financial concerns.