Applications for the May 2026 Qualifier Open Now

Frequently Asked Questions

all General Admissions Application Academics Fees Foundation Level
Does IIT Madras offer BS in Management and Data Science Program on-campus?
Does IIT Madras offer BS in Management and Data Science Program on-campus?

No. IIT Madras does not offer BS in Management and Data Science on-campus. This is a non-campus program only.

Will those enrolled to this program have access to IIT Madras campus facilities?
Will those enrolled to this program have access to IIT Madras campus facilities?

Due to limitations of campus facilities and students being spread out geographically, learners enrolled in the program will not have access to IITM campus facilities.

What is the language of instruction for these courses? Are they available in other regional languages?
What is the language of instruction for these courses? Are they available in other regional languages?

All our program courses are taught in English. Hence, we expect a minimum proficiency in English language to participate in the program.

I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?
I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?

It is not necessary to have a prior knowledge of coding to learn from our program. Our program is structured in such a way that once a learner starts from the Foundation level and progresses towards the Degree level, in sequence, he / she will obtain sufficient proficiency in relevant skills.

How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?
How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?

We expect full time students (students who are pursuing BS Degree as Sole Degree) to complete the BS degree within 4 years while those pursuing the BS degree in parallel with another physical college degree or while working can comfortably complete the BS degree in 5-8 years.

While this is the estimated time till BS degree, a diploma can potentially be obtained around 2 years. Check Academics page to better understand the program structure.

What are the technological requirements for this program?
What are the technological requirements for this program?

Access to good internet connection as well as a laptop/desktop device , Mobile/Smart phone for home proctored online exams will be a key requirement to learn effectively from our program.

Will the classes be taught live? Will there be any interaction?
Will the classes be taught live? Will there be any interaction?

In the Foundation and Diploma levels, there will be 6–8 hours of live interaction per week per course with the instructors. At the Degree level, there will be approximately 2–3 hours of live interaction per week per course.

Students can clarify their doubts either during these live sessions or through the written discussion forum.

What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?
What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?

The program is split into three levels that have to be done strictly in sequence:
1: Foundation Level (8 courses)
2: Diploma Level (14 courses + 2 Projects)
3: Degree Level (6 Core courses + electives)

Check Overall Structure in Academics page.

How much time do I need to spend on a course per day?
How much time do I need to spend on a course per day?

The 15 hours per week would typically include:
Watching the course videos
Making your own notes
Reviewing the notes provided (if any)
Attempting activity questions
Completing practice and graded assignments
Attending or watching the live interaction sessions

How you distribute these 15 hours depends on your other commitments.

If you are a full-time student, you are expected to study during the day, similar to attending a regular college.
If you are pursuing another degree alongside this program or are a working professional, you may spread your study time across evenings and weekends.

The learning structure is flexible and can be adapted to your schedule and availability.

How many courses can I complete in a year?
How many courses can I complete in a year?

There are 3 terms in a year. Learner may be allowed to register for a maximum of 4 courses in a term depending on their preferred pace of learning.

If a student is taking a maximum of 4 courses , a student can complete 12 theory courses in a year plus projects (applicable for the specific level) which they register.Note that all courses of one level need to be completed before registering for courses in the next level, and all prerequisites of a course need to be completed before registering for that course.

How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?
How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?

Each course will have a dedicated discussion forum where learners can post course-related questions and interact with the course instructor or the course support team.

Students can also attend the live interaction sessions to get their queries addressed by the instructors.

For queries not related to a specific course, please write to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

Are there any communication groups on WhatsApp, Telegram etc for the IITM BS Degree Program?
Are there any communication groups on WhatsApp, Telegram etc for the IITM BS Degree Program?

There are NO official WhatsApp or Telegram groups. We currently answer all questions / doubts via support email / calls.
We will use whatsapp from our side for communication or reminder purpose only.

I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?
I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?

Please send us your registered email ID and a screenshot of the error / issue with relevant description to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

If the error is after payment has been made, please forward the confirmation email from Razorpay along with email ID, application number and screenshot with description.

Is there an attendance policy for this program?
Is there an attendance policy for this program?

There is no daily attendance, but once you register for the courses, submission of weekly assignment is taken as an attendance indicator. Minimum required scores in weekly assignments of a course will determine if a learner will be allowed to write the end term exam for that course or not.

Can I take my exams from home?
Can I take my exams from home?

Students studying within India are required to take the quizzes and end-term examinations in person at their designated exam centers.

Students studying outside India should check the city list available in the website under Academics page. If an exam center is available in their city, they must attend the exams in person at the designated center.

Students residing outside India where no exam center is available in their respective cities will be required to take the examinations in an online, home-proctored mode.

Check Exam Cities in Academics Page.

What is a quiz?
What is a quiz?

A quiz is similar or equivalent to a monthly test in schools and colleges. Marks obtained in quizzes count towards the total score obtained in the course. All quizzes will be in-person, invigilated exams at designated centres across the country.

Are the exam dates flexible?
Are the exam dates flexible?

No, the exam dates are not flexible. The quiz and end term exam dates are fixed for all learners of all Non Campus BS progrms.

What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?
What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?

We will review such requests and based on the number of learners making the request and the availability of examination centres in the city, take appropriate action accordingly.

Will there be multiple exam centres within an exam city? How many?
Will there be multiple exam centres within an exam city? How many?

There may be more than one exam centre in any exam city. The count depends on the number of learners in each city and availability of centres on given date with our exam partner.

When will the term start? What is the timeline?
When will the term start? What is the timeline?

Learners who clear the Qualifier Exam will be expected to register for the program right after their results are announced. In the first term alone, classes start (with week 5) immediately after the completion of week 4 in the qualifier phase with no gap. Please check Important Dates in Admissions page to get to know the timeline.

Can I pursue only a Diploma instead of Degree?
Can I pursue only a Diploma instead of Degree?

Learners who join the IIT Madras BS in Management and Data Science program have the option of exiting the program earlier with a Diploma in Data Analytics for Business at Diploma level

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?

Check Eligibility section in Admissions page for the latest update of the eligibility criteria.

Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?
Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?

Students currently in class 12 (or equivalent) will be allowed to apply for the program, go through the qualifier phase and write the qualifier exam, but will not be allowed to register for the Foundation level of the program until they clear class 12 (or equivalent).

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?
I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?

Yes, you may apply for the Program if you have studied Mathematics & English in class 10 and have cleared class 12 or equivalent.

I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?
I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?

Yes. If you have completed Class 12 or equivalent, you are eligible to apply for the program. There is no requirement to have completed a degree program.Check our latest eligibility criteria.

How and where can I apply for the program?
How and where can I apply for the program?

Anyone who is eligible may apply when the application form is open by visiting our website https://study.iitm.ac.in/mg/ and clicking ""APPLY NOW"" in the banner and filling in the application form, paying the application fee and uploading required documents.
We recommend that you go through the Academics page and Admissions page to better understand the program and the admission process before applying.

What is the qualifier process?
What is the qualifier process?

All applicants who apply through the regular entry have to go through a Qualifier Process wherein they will get access to 4 weeks of content for the four Foundation level courses - English I, Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I and Computational Thinking. Check Qualifier Process in Admissions page

Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?
Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?

No. Only learners who obtain the minimum required marks in the online assignments conducted during the four-week Qualifier process in all four courses will be eligible for the Qualifier exam as we will be calculating the average of the best two scores out of the first three assignment scores. Only learners who secure the minimum required average assignment score in all four courses (as specified below) will be permitted to appear for the Qualifier Exam and will be issued hall tickets.


Refer to Qualifier Process and the section below it to learn about the minimum required marks in the qualifier assignments and minimum required marks to pass / clear the qualifier exam.

How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?
How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?

The Qualifier Exam result is valid for a period of 3 terms (or 1 year). So, a learner may choose to not register for Foundation Level immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam and register for the Foundation level in the second or third term following the Qualifier Exam.

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?
How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?

For now, we are running applications / admissions thrice a year.

What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?
What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?

The list of required documents is available on the Application Process section of the admissions page.

Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?
Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?

If the credits earned have been used to obtain a Diploma or Degree from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, they cannot be transferred or credited elsewhere.

If you have completed a few courses at the Foundation or Diploma level, but have not completed the entire Diploma, you may be eligible for credit transfer into your college or university program—subject to their policies. The decision regarding credit transfer rests solely with the accepting university, not with us.

Please note that these courses are part of a structured degree program and are not intended purely for certification or credit transfer, unlike courses offered through NPTEL.

Will IIT Madras provide the course material for the program in hard copy through courier (like IGNOU)?
Will IIT Madras provide the course material for the program in hard copy through courier (like IGNOU)?

No, the course content will be provided only in online mode so you can watch them anytime, anywhere. There will be no hard copy provided. Depending on the course, learners may be recommended reference books / material that they may buy separately.

Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?
Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?

Student has to submit valid OBC-NCL / EWS certificates while applying / registering. These will be verified by our team. An approved certificate will be valid for three terms.

After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?
After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?

Once the payment is completed, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, including if a student is absent for the Qualifier Exam or does not pass the Qualifier Exam.

After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?
After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?

No. A course registration is valid only for one term. If a learner is not able to clear a course in a term, they will be considered as having failed the course and will need to register for the course again at a later term along with the required fee.

Note that a learner will be allowed to drop off from a course within the first four weeks of the term. In such cases, a part of the course fee will be retained as admin charges and the balance, if any, may be carried over to the next term.

What is the Fee structure? Should we submit the entire fees at once or in installments?
What is the Fee structure? Should we submit the entire fees at once or in installments?

The overall program fees will not be paid at one stretch. The actual fees you will be paying in each term will be in proportion to the number of courses you register for in the respective term. So, if you register for 2 courses in a term, you have to pay the fees only for those 2 courses. For more details, please refer to Fee Structure in Academics Page.

What is the mode of payment?
What is the mode of payment?

Fees can be paid only through online mode. Fees through DD will not be accepted.

Note that payment cannot be made using Debit Card. You can pay using any Credit Card, Netbanking (all Indian Banks), Wallet, UPI (Google Pay, BHIM, etc.).

Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?
Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?

Yes. After successful completion of payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Razorpay.

If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?
If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?

In case of failed payments, it will take 3 to 4 weeks for the money to be credited back in your bank account.

Can I edit my application form after submitting it?
Can I edit my application form after submitting it?

Your application form will be considered as submitted only upon making the application fee payment. Until then, you may edit the contents of your application form. After the application fee has been paid, you will not be allowed to edit the application form.

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "returned / rejected" during verification, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline only one time after qualifier application

My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?
My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?

Verification of documents may take upto 3 weeks. Please be patient. We will keep you updated about your application status by email / SMS.

How to avoid getting my application rejected ?
How to avoid getting my application rejected ?

After you submit your application, we verify the same before changing the status of uploaded document(s) to "accepted" or "rejected".

Be careful when filling the application form and double check the information you enter. We verify the files / documents you have uploaded (photograph, signature, ID card, SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD document if applicable). If any of the files / documents uploaded is unclear or broken or found to be wrong or incorrect, your documents may be "rejected".

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "rejected" during verfication, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline.

Check Application Process for required documents, document formats and sizes.

Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?
Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?

No. You will need to pick two different preferences for exam cities in the order of your preference. Your exam centre shall be allotted in any one of the two exam cities picked depending on availability. We recommend that you familiarise with the current available Exam City options to be able to pick your preferred exam cities.

Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?
Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?

You will be allowed to change your exam city for qualifier exam till 4 weeks before the qualifier exam date.

Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?
Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?

No. The Exam city preferences selected in the application form is for the Qualifier Exam only. You will have the option of picking a different set of Exam City options, if you wish, after qualifying for the later invigilated exams.

Will I get a scholarship / loan for this program?
Will I get a scholarship / loan for this program?

Once you enter the program based on various criteria Scholarship support is provided for the eligible students.

Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?
Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?

SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS /PwD candidates will have concession in minimum scores required during the qualifier process to enter the program. Check out Qualifier Process in Admissions page. Note that there will be no such concessions after entering the program. (OBC candidates not belonging to the OBC-NCL category cannot avail any concession)

Is there any fee waiver for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates or candidates with lower family income?
Is there any fee waiver for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates or candidates with lower family income?

Only SC / ST / PwD candidates may avail fee waivers in the application stage. After clearing the qualifier process and exam, candidates belonging to any category (General / OBC / EWS / SC / ST / PwD) may avail fee waivers in course fees based on family income. Check Fee Structure in Academics page for details.

What does "family income" in the fee structure mean?
What does "family income" in the fee structure mean?

The term family income for the purpose of availing fee waivers includes the income of the candidate, the income of his/her parents and spouse, also the income of his/her siblings and children below the age of 18 years.

After clearing the Qualifier Exam, all learners who wish to avail fee waivers based on Family Income required to submit Family Income Certificate in the format provided in the Fee Structure section. Note that the Family Income Certificates are valid only for one year and will need to be submitted afresh each year to continue availing fee waiver based on Family Income through the program.

I belong to the general category and I want to avail fee waiver since my family income in below 5 lakhs per annum. Why do I need to submit EWS + Family Income Certificate to avail the waiver?
I belong to the general category and I want to avail fee waiver since my family income in below 5 lakhs per annum. Why do I need to submit EWS + Family Income Certificate to avail the waiver?

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India, as defined by the Govt. of India, is a sub-category of people belonging to the General category with an annual family income less than ₹8 lakhs per annum and who do not belong to any category such as SC/ST/OBC. Course fee waivers from IIT Madras are available for general category learners with family income less than ₹5 lakhs per annum. As per the policy of IIT Madras, and as part of our documentation process to ensure that we give fee waiver benefits to the deserving learners, we require general category learners with family income less than ₹5 lakhs per annum to submit both EWS certificate and Family Income certificate. EWS and Family Income certificates will need to be obtained in the format mentioned in the Fee Structure section in Academics page.

Will students enrolled in the program receive internship and recruitment (placement) opportunities through IIT Madras, and how does IIT Madras plan to facilitate placements for a large number of applicants upon completion of the BS Degree?
Will students enrolled in the program receive internship and recruitment (placement) opportunities through IIT Madras, and how does IIT Madras plan to facilitate placements for a large number of applicants upon completion of the BS Degree?

We have a dedicated placement team to support students with internship and placement opportunities, along with training to help them prepare for interviews.

For more details regarding job opportunities, you may also refer to the introductory video.

What is the registration process for the Foundation Level?
What is the registration process for the Foundation Level?

After clearing the Qualifier Exam, you will be able to access the Course Registration Form from your dashboard upon logging in. Through this form, you will need to provide the required details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the course fee to register for the first term of the Foundation Level.

You may choose to register for one or more Foundation Level courses based on the other degree you are enrolled in and/or your working status.

Please note that an additional exam fee will be applicable for learners who opt to take quizzes and end-term examinations outside India.

What are the documents / files that are required to be uploaded while registering for the Foundation Level?
What are the documents / files that are required to be uploaded while registering for the Foundation Level?

It is mandatory any one of these documents while registering for Foundation Level:
- 12th or equivalent mark sheet OR
- Degree Certificate OR
- Certificate of the highest level of education

What are the documents needed to avail fee waiver at Foundation Level and later?
What are the documents needed to avail fee waiver at Foundation Level and later?

Please refer to the Fee Structure section in the Academics page to see which fee waiver may be applicable to you and the relevant documents / certificates that will need to be submitted.

I have already submitted my category certificate while applying for the Qualifier Process. Do I need to submit them again while registering for the Foundation Level?
I have already submitted my category certificate while applying for the Qualifier Process. Do I need to submit them again while registering for the Foundation Level?

No, not required to submit again. However, the EWS / OBC-NCL certificate need to be submitted again if the previously submitted certificate is not valid until the end of the current financial year.

I can't afford to pay the entire Foundation Level fees at one shot and I do not come under any fee waiver category too, can I pay the fees in 2 or 3 installments?
I can't afford to pay the entire Foundation Level fees at one shot and I do not come under any fee waiver category too, can I pay the fees in 2 or 3 installments?

Please be informed that you will not be paying the entire Program fee or Foundational Level fee at one stretch. The actual fees you will be paying will be in corresponding to the number of courses you register in every term. So, if you register for 2 courses you have to pay the course fees only for the 2 courses.

Can I change my email ID in the Foundation Level? Will we get any official student email ID?
Can I change my email ID in the Foundation Level? Will we get any official student email ID?

The personal email ID you applied for the program with cannot be changed. This email ID is used to access the whole Qualifier Process and the Foundation Level Course registration Form.

Once all the documents uploaded in the foundation level course registration form are approved, each registered learner will be assigned a roll number and a corresponding official IIT Madras BS in Management and Data Science student email ID. After that, all further communication and course access will be through the official student email ID.

Is it possible to get an educational loan for this Program?
Is it possible to get an educational loan for this Program?

Banks may offer education loans for this degree program, and we provide the necessary supporting documents to assist with the loan application process.

For more details, once you enroll in the program, you will receive the handbook, which includes all relevant information regarding the same.

Will I be given a new portal to access courses at Foundation Level?
Will I be given a new portal to access courses at Foundation Level?

No, the current portal will be used for all the Levels. You will be given a new official IIT Madras BS in Management and Data Science student email ID to access the portal.

Will I be issued an ID card?
Will I be issued an ID card?

An ID card in electronic format will be provided, subject to conditions on use of ID card.

Can I take a break of 1 or 2 year(s) after completing the Foundation Level?
Can I take a break of 1 or 2 year(s) after completing the Foundation Level?

Yes, learners may take a break of one or more terms after starting the Foundation Level. However, learners must meet the intermediate milestone requirements, which is the maximum duration permitted for each level of the program.

Please note that break terms are included while calculating these intermediate milestones. Learners who do not complete a level within the specified maximum duration will be removed from the program.

I am unable to attend the Qualifier Exam but received hall ticket / I didn't clear the Qualifier Exam. What will be the procedure to re-attempt? Do I need to pay application fee again?
I am unable to attend the Qualifier Exam but received hall ticket / I didn't clear the Qualifier Exam. What will be the procedure to re-attempt? Do I need to pay application fee again?

You can re-attempt again for the immediate next Qualifier Process within the same term with partial application fee payment. Your previous assignment scores will be considered and you will be directly eligible to write the Qualifier Exam without having to submit assignments again.

I applied for the Qualifer Exam but I didn't obtain the minimum required average assignment scores to take Qualifier Exam/ Missed to reattempt and hence didn't receive any hall ticket for the same. What will be the procedure to re-apply?
I applied for the Qualifer Exam but I didn't obtain the minimum required average assignment scores to take Qualifier Exam/ Missed to reattempt and hence didn't receive any hall ticket for the same. What will be the procedure to re-apply?

You have to re-apply as a new applicant with payment of full application fee.

I'm eligible to apply 4 courses in the upcoming term, but I have only 2 Foundation Level courses left to complete. Will I be allowed to register for Diploma Level courses along with the Foundation Level courses?
I'm eligible to apply 4 courses in the upcoming term, but I have only 2 Foundation Level courses left to complete. Will I be allowed to register for Diploma Level courses along with the Foundation Level courses?

No, you have to complete all the 8 courses in Foundation Level before enrolling to the Diploma Level courses.

What is the eligiblity to write the End Term Exam for a course?
What is the eligiblity to write the End Term Exam for a course?

To be eligible to write the End Term Exam for a course, it is mandatory for the learner to have (i) obtained in the course an Average Assignment Score >= 40/100 AND (ii) appeared for at least one out of the 2 in-person Quizzes.

Learners who are not eligible to write a specific course's End Term Exam will not be issued hall ticket for the same. They will have to repeat the entire course including assignments and quizzes in a later term.

Is it mandatory to take the proctored in-person Quizzes?
Is it mandatory to take the proctored in-person Quizzes?

It is mandatory to attempt at least one of the 2 in-person quizzes in a term to be eligible to appear for the End Term Exams.

Will Qualifier phase assignment scores be included while calculating the eligilibity for the End Term?
Will Qualifier phase assignment scores be included while calculating the eligilibity for the End Term?

For the courses you register for immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam, your Qualifier phase assignment scores will be included while calculating eligibility for the End Term Exam.

For courses that you register for in a later term, you will be required to repeat the assignments completed in the Qualifier phase.

Will my Qualifier Exam Score be considered in the subsequent term?
Will my Qualifier Exam Score be considered in the subsequent term?

The Qualifier Exam Score will be counted as Quiz 1 Score for the courses registered in the Foundation level in the term immediately after the Qualifier exam.

For courses that you register for in a later term, you will be required to repeat the assignments completed in the Qualifier phase.

What will happen if I am absent for an End Term Exam?
What will happen if I am absent for an End Term Exam?

Learner has two options:

1. Register for the course in the subsequent term with the option of taking the End Term Exam alone and by paying a reduced fee (marks of assignments and quizzes will be carried over )
2. Repeat the entire course (including assignments and quizzes) by paying the full course fee.

What is the procedure to add / drop a course?
What is the procedure to add / drop a course?

Once the registration window closes in any term, adding courses will not be allowed. Dropping a course will be allowed within 4 weeks of the term start.

Can I get a refund if I drop a course within the first four weeks of the term start?
Can I get a refund if I drop a course within the first four weeks of the term start?

For courses dropped within the first four weeks of the term, admin charges will be retained and the balance course fee, if any, will be refunded.

Is it possible to repeat a course for improving grades?
Is it possible to repeat a course for improving grades?

You can choose to repeat courses to improve the grade in the course within the same level and not progressed to next level.

For eg: if a student completes the 8 courses of the foundation level and wishes to improve any course grade, they have to do it in the terms that are available within the maximum permissible terms. The student will not be allowed to take any foundation level improvement course once they start the Diploma Level.

The highest grade will be recorded in the transcript.
The highest score among all attempts of a course will be used for calculating the CGPA. Course fee Repeat for Improvement courses will be double the normal fee.

What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?
What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?

Please send an email to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

How can I change the exam city within India?
How can I change the exam city within India?

Each exam has a deadline before which change of exam city is allowed. Option to change the exam city will be available till each deadline in the student Dashboard, in the "Exam Cities and Hall Tickets" page.

What is the qualifier exam fee for the Management Program?
What is the qualifier exam fee for the Management Program?

The qualifier exam fee for the Management Program is ₹4,000.

What are the entry modes available for the Management Program?
What are the entry modes available for the Management Program?

The Management Program offers two modes of entry:
JEE-based Entry
Regular Entry

Can students from the Management degree transition to the Data Science program ?
Can students from the Management degree transition to the Data Science program ?

Yes , students from Management program transition to Data science program under conditions which will be announced shortly

Can I switch from Management degree to other BS program (Electronics System/Aeronautics and Space Technology) ?
Can I switch from Management degree to other BS program (Electronics System/Aeronautics and Space Technology) ?

No Transition from Management and Data Science Degree to Electronics System/Aeronautics and Space Technology is not allowed. If you are interested you have to enroll as qualifier student in respective program you're interested to apply.

Please note student cannot pursue more than one BS program at the same time.

Can I do 2 BS program in parellel ? For example : BS in Data Science and Application and BS in electronics/Aeronautics and Space Technology/ Management and Data Science
Can I do 2 BS program in parellel ? For example : BS in Data Science and Application and BS in electronics/Aeronautics and Space Technology/ Management and Data Science

A student cannot pursue two non-campus BS degree programs from IIT Madras simultaneously. Only one such program can be enrolled in at a time.

I am interested to know about the other Non - campus program offered by IITM ?
I am interested to know about the other Non - campus program offered by IITM ?

For any queries related to the other program you can visit the respective websites below :

BS Degree in Data Science and Applications
Mail to : support@study.iitm.ac.in
Contact : +91-7850999966
Website : https://study.iitm.ac.in/ds/

BS Degree in Electronic Systems
Mail to : support-es@study.iitm.ac.in
Contact : +91-9711397993
Website : https://study.iitm.ac.in/es/

BS Degree in Aeronautics and Space Technology
Mail to : support-ae@study.iitm.ac.in
Contact : +91-9711397993
Website : https://study.iitm.ac.in/ae/

Does IIT Madras offer BS in Management and Data Science Program on-campus?
Does IIT Madras offer BS in Management and Data Science Program on-campus?

No. IIT Madras does not offer BS in Management and Data Science on-campus. This is a non-campus program only.

Will those enrolled to this program have access to IIT Madras campus facilities?
Will those enrolled to this program have access to IIT Madras campus facilities?

Due to limitations of campus facilities and students being spread out geographically, learners enrolled in the program will not have access to IITM campus facilities.

What is the language of instruction for these courses? Are they available in other regional languages?
What is the language of instruction for these courses? Are they available in other regional languages?

All our program courses are taught in English. Hence, we expect a minimum proficiency in English language to participate in the program.

I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?
I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?

It is not necessary to have a prior knowledge of coding to learn from our program. Our program is structured in such a way that once a learner starts from the Foundation level and progresses towards the Degree level, in sequence, he / she will obtain sufficient proficiency in relevant skills.

How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?
How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?

We expect full time students (students who are pursuing BS Degree as Sole Degree) to complete the BS degree within 4 years while those pursuing the BS degree in parallel with another physical college degree or while working can comfortably complete the BS degree in 5-8 years.

While this is the estimated time till BS degree, a diploma can potentially be obtained around 2 years. Check Academics page to better understand the program structure.

What are the technological requirements for this program?
What are the technological requirements for this program?

Access to good internet connection as well as a laptop/desktop device , Mobile/Smart phone for home proctored online exams will be a key requirement to learn effectively from our program.

What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?
What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?

The program is split into three levels that have to be done strictly in sequence:
1: Foundation Level (8 courses)
2: Diploma Level (14 courses + 2 Projects)
3: Degree Level (6 Core courses + electives)

Check Overall Structure in Academics page.

How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?
How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?

Each course will have a dedicated discussion forum where learners can post course-related questions and interact with the course instructor or the course support team.

Students can also attend the live interaction sessions to get their queries addressed by the instructors.

For queries not related to a specific course, please write to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

Are there any communication groups on WhatsApp, Telegram etc for the IITM BS Degree Program?
Are there any communication groups on WhatsApp, Telegram etc for the IITM BS Degree Program?

There are NO official WhatsApp or Telegram groups. We currently answer all questions / doubts via support email / calls.
We will use whatsapp from our side for communication or reminder purpose only.

When will the term start? What is the timeline?
When will the term start? What is the timeline?

Learners who clear the Qualifier Exam will be expected to register for the program right after their results are announced. In the first term alone, classes start (with week 5) immediately after the completion of week 4 in the qualifier phase with no gap. Please check Important Dates in Admissions page to get to know the timeline.

Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?
Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?

If the credits earned have been used to obtain a Diploma or Degree from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, they cannot be transferred or credited elsewhere.

If you have completed a few courses at the Foundation or Diploma level, but have not completed the entire Diploma, you may be eligible for credit transfer into your college or university program—subject to their policies. The decision regarding credit transfer rests solely with the accepting university, not with us.

Please note that these courses are part of a structured degree program and are not intended purely for certification or credit transfer, unlike courses offered through NPTEL.

Will students enrolled in the program receive internship and recruitment (placement) opportunities through IIT Madras, and how does IIT Madras plan to facilitate placements for a large number of applicants upon completion of the BS Degree?
Will students enrolled in the program receive internship and recruitment (placement) opportunities through IIT Madras, and how does IIT Madras plan to facilitate placements for a large number of applicants upon completion of the BS Degree?

We have a dedicated placement team to support students with internship and placement opportunities, along with training to help them prepare for interviews.

For more details regarding job opportunities, you may also refer to the introductory video.

I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?
I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?

It is not necessary to have a prior knowledge of coding to learn from our program. Our program is structured in such a way that once a learner starts from the Foundation level and progresses towards the Degree level, in sequence, he / she will obtain sufficient proficiency in relevant skills.

How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?
How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?

Each course will have a dedicated discussion forum where learners can post course-related questions and interact with the course instructor or the course support team.

Students can also attend the live interaction sessions to get their queries addressed by the instructors.

For queries not related to a specific course, please write to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?
I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?

Please send us your registered email ID and a screenshot of the error / issue with relevant description to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

If the error is after payment has been made, please forward the confirmation email from Razorpay along with email ID, application number and screenshot with description.

What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?
What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?

We will review such requests and based on the number of learners making the request and the availability of examination centres in the city, take appropriate action accordingly.

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?

Check Eligibility section in Admissions page for the latest update of the eligibility criteria.

Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?
Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?

Students currently in class 12 (or equivalent) will be allowed to apply for the program, go through the qualifier phase and write the qualifier exam, but will not be allowed to register for the Foundation level of the program until they clear class 12 (or equivalent).

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?
I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?

Yes, you may apply for the Program if you have studied Mathematics & English in class 10 and have cleared class 12 or equivalent.

I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?
I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?

Yes. If you have completed Class 12 or equivalent, you are eligible to apply for the program. There is no requirement to have completed a degree program.Check our latest eligibility criteria.

How and where can I apply for the program?
How and where can I apply for the program?

Anyone who is eligible may apply when the application form is open by visiting our website https://study.iitm.ac.in/mg/ and clicking ""APPLY NOW"" in the banner and filling in the application form, paying the application fee and uploading required documents.
We recommend that you go through the Academics page and Admissions page to better understand the program and the admission process before applying.

What is the qualifier process?
What is the qualifier process?

All applicants who apply through the regular entry have to go through a Qualifier Process wherein they will get access to 4 weeks of content for the four Foundation level courses - English I, Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I and Computational Thinking. Check Qualifier Process in Admissions page

Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?
Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?

No. Only learners who obtain the minimum required marks in the online assignments conducted during the four-week Qualifier process in all four courses will be eligible for the Qualifier exam as we will be calculating the average of the best two scores out of the first three assignment scores. Only learners who secure the minimum required average assignment score in all four courses (as specified below) will be permitted to appear for the Qualifier Exam and will be issued hall tickets.


Refer to Qualifier Process and the section below it to learn about the minimum required marks in the qualifier assignments and minimum required marks to pass / clear the qualifier exam.

How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?
How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?

The Qualifier Exam result is valid for a period of 3 terms (or 1 year). So, a learner may choose to not register for Foundation Level immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam and register for the Foundation level in the second or third term following the Qualifier Exam.

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?
How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?

For now, we are running applications / admissions thrice a year.

What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?
What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?

The list of required documents is available on the Application Process section of the admissions page.

Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?
Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?

Student has to submit valid OBC-NCL / EWS certificates while applying / registering. These will be verified by our team. An approved certificate will be valid for three terms.

After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?
After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?

Once the payment is completed, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, including if a student is absent for the Qualifier Exam or does not pass the Qualifier Exam.

What is the mode of payment?
What is the mode of payment?

Fees can be paid only through online mode. Fees through DD will not be accepted.

Note that payment cannot be made using Debit Card. You can pay using any Credit Card, Netbanking (all Indian Banks), Wallet, UPI (Google Pay, BHIM, etc.).

Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?
Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?

Yes. After successful completion of payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Razorpay.

If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?
If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?

In case of failed payments, it will take 3 to 4 weeks for the money to be credited back in your bank account.

Can I edit my application form after submitting it?
Can I edit my application form after submitting it?

Your application form will be considered as submitted only upon making the application fee payment. Until then, you may edit the contents of your application form. After the application fee has been paid, you will not be allowed to edit the application form.

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "returned / rejected" during verification, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline only one time after qualifier application

My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?
My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?

Verification of documents may take upto 3 weeks. Please be patient. We will keep you updated about your application status by email / SMS.

How to avoid getting my application rejected ?
How to avoid getting my application rejected ?

After you submit your application, we verify the same before changing the status of uploaded document(s) to "accepted" or "rejected".

Be careful when filling the application form and double check the information you enter. We verify the files / documents you have uploaded (photograph, signature, ID card, SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD document if applicable). If any of the files / documents uploaded is unclear or broken or found to be wrong or incorrect, your documents may be "rejected".

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "rejected" during verfication, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline.

Check Application Process for required documents, document formats and sizes.

Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?
Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?

No. You will need to pick two different preferences for exam cities in the order of your preference. Your exam centre shall be allotted in any one of the two exam cities picked depending on availability. We recommend that you familiarise with the current available Exam City options to be able to pick your preferred exam cities.

Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?
Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?

You will be allowed to change your exam city for qualifier exam till 4 weeks before the qualifier exam date.

Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?
Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?

No. The Exam city preferences selected in the application form is for the Qualifier Exam only. You will have the option of picking a different set of Exam City options, if you wish, after qualifying for the later invigilated exams.

Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?
Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?

SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS /PwD candidates will have concession in minimum scores required during the qualifier process to enter the program. Check out Qualifier Process in Admissions page. Note that there will be no such concessions after entering the program. (OBC candidates not belonging to the OBC-NCL category cannot avail any concession)

I am unable to attend the Qualifier Exam but received hall ticket / I didn't clear the Qualifier Exam. What will be the procedure to re-attempt? Do I need to pay application fee again?
I am unable to attend the Qualifier Exam but received hall ticket / I didn't clear the Qualifier Exam. What will be the procedure to re-attempt? Do I need to pay application fee again?

You can re-attempt again for the immediate next Qualifier Process within the same term with partial application fee payment. Your previous assignment scores will be considered and you will be directly eligible to write the Qualifier Exam without having to submit assignments again.

I applied for the Qualifer Exam but I didn't obtain the minimum required average assignment scores to take Qualifier Exam/ Missed to reattempt and hence didn't receive any hall ticket for the same. What will be the procedure to re-apply?
I applied for the Qualifer Exam but I didn't obtain the minimum required average assignment scores to take Qualifier Exam/ Missed to reattempt and hence didn't receive any hall ticket for the same. What will be the procedure to re-apply?

You have to re-apply as a new applicant with payment of full application fee.

What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?
What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?

Please send an email to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

How can I change the exam city within India?
How can I change the exam city within India?

Each exam has a deadline before which change of exam city is allowed. Option to change the exam city will be available till each deadline in the student Dashboard, in the "Exam Cities and Hall Tickets" page.

I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?
I am a CA / B.Com Graduate / Lawyer / B.Sc Graduate / Mechanical engineer / MBBS student and do not have any knowledge of coding. Does this course cover the basics of coding before progressing to advanced levels?

It is not necessary to have a prior knowledge of coding to learn from our program. Our program is structured in such a way that once a learner starts from the Foundation level and progresses towards the Degree level, in sequence, he / she will obtain sufficient proficiency in relevant skills.

I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?
I ran into an error or issue in the application form. What do I do?

Please send us your registered email ID and a screenshot of the error / issue with relevant description to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

If the error is after payment has been made, please forward the confirmation email from Razorpay along with email ID, application number and screenshot with description.

What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?
What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?

We will review such requests and based on the number of learners making the request and the availability of examination centres in the city, take appropriate action accordingly.

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?
What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Degree Program?

Check Eligibility section in Admissions page for the latest update of the eligibility criteria.

Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?
Is the program available to students currently in class 12 or equivalent?

Students currently in class 12 (or equivalent) will be allowed to apply for the program, go through the qualifier phase and write the qualifier exam, but will not be allowed to register for the Foundation level of the program until they clear class 12 (or equivalent).

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?
I took a break year after class 12 to prepare for JEE / NEET. Can I Apply for the Program?

Yes, you may apply for the Program if you have studied Mathematics & English in class 10 and have cleared class 12 or equivalent.

I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?
I had dropped out of degree over two decades ago. Would I be eligible to apply?

Yes. If you have completed Class 12 or equivalent, you are eligible to apply for the program. There is no requirement to have completed a degree program.Check our latest eligibility criteria.

How and where can I apply for the program?
How and where can I apply for the program?

Anyone who is eligible may apply when the application form is open by visiting our website https://study.iitm.ac.in/mg/ and clicking ""APPLY NOW"" in the banner and filling in the application form, paying the application fee and uploading required documents.
We recommend that you go through the Academics page and Admissions page to better understand the program and the admission process before applying.

What is the qualifier process?
What is the qualifier process?

All applicants who apply through the regular entry have to go through a Qualifier Process wherein they will get access to 4 weeks of content for the four Foundation level courses - English I, Mathematics for Data Science I, Statistics for Data Science I and Computational Thinking. Check Qualifier Process in Admissions page

Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?
Will everyone who goes through the qualifier process be allowed to write the qualifier exam? What is the passing criteria?

No. Only learners who obtain the minimum required marks in the online assignments conducted during the four-week Qualifier process in all four courses will be eligible for the Qualifier exam as we will be calculating the average of the best two scores out of the first three assignment scores. Only learners who secure the minimum required average assignment score in all four courses (as specified below) will be permitted to appear for the Qualifier Exam and will be issued hall tickets.


Refer to Qualifier Process and the section below it to learn about the minimum required marks in the qualifier assignments and minimum required marks to pass / clear the qualifier exam.

How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?
How long is the qualifier exam result valid for? Can I join the program at a later term if I clear the qualifier exam now?

The Qualifier Exam result is valid for a period of 3 terms (or 1 year). So, a learner may choose to not register for Foundation Level immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam and register for the Foundation level in the second or third term following the Qualifier Exam.

For students who have not yet passed class 12th (and are currently studying for class 12th), the validity is 3 terms after passing their class 12th exam, OR 6 terms after the qualifier exam date - whichever is earlier.

How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?
How many times a year will there be admissions? Will it be only once a year?

For now, we are running applications / admissions thrice a year.

What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?
What are the documents / files required to apply for the qualifier process of the program?

The list of required documents is available on the Application Process section of the admissions page.

Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?
Can I submit an older version of the OBC-NCL / EWS certificate while applying or registering for courses?

Student has to submit valid OBC-NCL / EWS certificates while applying / registering. These will be verified by our team. An approved certificate will be valid for three terms.

After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?
After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?

Once the payment is completed, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, including if a student is absent for the Qualifier Exam or does not pass the Qualifier Exam.

What is the mode of payment?
What is the mode of payment?

Fees can be paid only through online mode. Fees through DD will not be accepted.

Note that payment cannot be made using Debit Card. You can pay using any Credit Card, Netbanking (all Indian Banks), Wallet, UPI (Google Pay, BHIM, etc.).

Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?
Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?

Yes. After successful completion of payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Razorpay.

If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?
If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?

In case of failed payments, it will take 3 to 4 weeks for the money to be credited back in your bank account.

Can I edit my application form after submitting it?
Can I edit my application form after submitting it?

Your application form will be considered as submitted only upon making the application fee payment. Until then, you may edit the contents of your application form. After the application fee has been paid, you will not be allowed to edit the application form.

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "returned / rejected" during verification, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline only one time after qualifier application

My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?
My application status says "Verification Under Process". How long will it take for my application to be verified?

Verification of documents may take upto 3 weeks. Please be patient. We will keep you updated about your application status by email / SMS.

How to avoid getting my application rejected ?
How to avoid getting my application rejected ?

After you submit your application, we verify the same before changing the status of uploaded document(s) to "accepted" or "rejected".

Be careful when filling the application form and double check the information you enter. We verify the files / documents you have uploaded (photograph, signature, ID card, SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD document if applicable). If any of the files / documents uploaded is unclear or broken or found to be wrong or incorrect, your documents may be "rejected".

In case your uploaded document(s) gets "rejected" during verfication, you will be given a chance to re-upload a valid document within a stipulated deadline.

Check Application Process for required documents, document formats and sizes.

Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?
Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?

No. You will need to pick two different preferences for exam cities in the order of your preference. Your exam centre shall be allotted in any one of the two exam cities picked depending on availability. We recommend that you familiarise with the current available Exam City options to be able to pick your preferred exam cities.

Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?
Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?

You will be allowed to change your exam city for qualifier exam till 4 weeks before the qualifier exam date.

Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?
Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?

No. The Exam city preferences selected in the application form is for the Qualifier Exam only. You will have the option of picking a different set of Exam City options, if you wish, after qualifying for the later invigilated exams.

Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?
Is there any concession for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates in terms of scores?

SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS /PwD candidates will have concession in minimum scores required during the qualifier process to enter the program. Check out Qualifier Process in Admissions page. Note that there will be no such concessions after entering the program. (OBC candidates not belonging to the OBC-NCL category cannot avail any concession)

How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?
How long will it take to complete the BS degree in Management and Data Science if I am working?

We expect full time students (students who are pursuing BS Degree as Sole Degree) to complete the BS degree within 4 years while those pursuing the BS degree in parallel with another physical college degree or while working can comfortably complete the BS degree in 5-8 years.

While this is the estimated time till BS degree, a diploma can potentially be obtained around 2 years. Check Academics page to better understand the program structure.

Will the classes be taught live? Will there be any interaction?
Will the classes be taught live? Will there be any interaction?

In the Foundation and Diploma levels, there will be 6–8 hours of live interaction per week per course with the instructors. At the Degree level, there will be approximately 2–3 hours of live interaction per week per course.

Students can clarify their doubts either during these live sessions or through the written discussion forum.

What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?
What is the overall structure of the program? What are Levels?

The program is split into three levels that have to be done strictly in sequence:
1: Foundation Level (8 courses)
2: Diploma Level (14 courses + 2 Projects)
3: Degree Level (6 Core courses + electives)

Check Overall Structure in Academics page.

How much time do I need to spend on a course per day?
How much time do I need to spend on a course per day?

The 15 hours per week would typically include:
Watching the course videos
Making your own notes
Reviewing the notes provided (if any)
Attempting activity questions
Completing practice and graded assignments
Attending or watching the live interaction sessions

How you distribute these 15 hours depends on your other commitments.

If you are a full-time student, you are expected to study during the day, similar to attending a regular college.
If you are pursuing another degree alongside this program or are a working professional, you may spread your study time across evenings and weekends.

The learning structure is flexible and can be adapted to your schedule and availability.

How many courses can I complete in a year?
How many courses can I complete in a year?

There are 3 terms in a year. Learner may be allowed to register for a maximum of 4 courses in a term depending on their preferred pace of learning.

If a student is taking a maximum of 4 courses , a student can complete 12 theory courses in a year plus projects (applicable for the specific level) which they register.Note that all courses of one level need to be completed before registering for courses in the next level, and all prerequisites of a course need to be completed before registering for that course.

How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?
How / where do I ask questions or doubts related to the course content of the program?

Each course will have a dedicated discussion forum where learners can post course-related questions and interact with the course instructor or the course support team.

Students can also attend the live interaction sessions to get their queries addressed by the instructors.

For queries not related to a specific course, please write to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

Is there an attendance policy for this program?
Is there an attendance policy for this program?

There is no daily attendance, but once you register for the courses, submission of weekly assignment is taken as an attendance indicator. Minimum required scores in weekly assignments of a course will determine if a learner will be allowed to write the end term exam for that course or not.

Can I take my exams from home?
Can I take my exams from home?

Students studying within India are required to take the quizzes and end-term examinations in person at their designated exam centers.

Students studying outside India should check the city list available in the website under Academics page. If an exam center is available in their city, they must attend the exams in person at the designated center.

Students residing outside India where no exam center is available in their respective cities will be required to take the examinations in an online, home-proctored mode.

Check Exam Cities in Academics Page.

What is a quiz?
What is a quiz?

A quiz is similar or equivalent to a monthly test in schools and colleges. Marks obtained in quizzes count towards the total score obtained in the course. All quizzes will be in-person, invigilated exams at designated centres across the country.

Are the exam dates flexible?
Are the exam dates flexible?

No, the exam dates are not flexible. The quiz and end term exam dates are fixed for all learners of all Non Campus BS progrms.

What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?
What if I want to request for a city not listed in the current list of exam cities?

We will review such requests and based on the number of learners making the request and the availability of examination centres in the city, take appropriate action accordingly.

Will there be multiple exam centres within an exam city? How many?
Will there be multiple exam centres within an exam city? How many?

There may be more than one exam centre in any exam city. The count depends on the number of learners in each city and availability of centres on given date with our exam partner.

Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?
Can the credits from this BS in Management and Data science program be transferred to learner's college or university (like on the NPTEL platform)?

If the credits earned have been used to obtain a Diploma or Degree from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, they cannot be transferred or credited elsewhere.

If you have completed a few courses at the Foundation or Diploma level, but have not completed the entire Diploma, you may be eligible for credit transfer into your college or university program—subject to their policies. The decision regarding credit transfer rests solely with the accepting university, not with us.

Please note that these courses are part of a structured degree program and are not intended purely for certification or credit transfer, unlike courses offered through NPTEL.

Will IIT Madras provide the course material for the program in hard copy through courier (like IGNOU)?
Will IIT Madras provide the course material for the program in hard copy through courier (like IGNOU)?

No, the course content will be provided only in online mode so you can watch them anytime, anywhere. There will be no hard copy provided. Depending on the course, learners may be recommended reference books / material that they may buy separately.

After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?
After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?

No. A course registration is valid only for one term. If a learner is not able to clear a course in a term, they will be considered as having failed the course and will need to register for the course again at a later term along with the required fee.

Note that a learner will be allowed to drop off from a course within the first four weeks of the term. In such cases, a part of the course fee will be retained as admin charges and the balance, if any, may be carried over to the next term.

Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?
Can I select only one city as my Exam City instead of selecting two preferences?

No. You will need to pick two different preferences for exam cities in the order of your preference. Your exam centre shall be allotted in any one of the two exam cities picked depending on availability. We recommend that you familiarise with the current available Exam City options to be able to pick your preferred exam cities.

Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?
Can I change my exam cities for the qualifier exam after having paid and submitted my application?

You will be allowed to change your exam city for qualifier exam till 4 weeks before the qualifier exam date.

Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?
Will the Exam City preferences I select for the Qualifier Exam in the application form be fixed for all the later exams?

No. The Exam city preferences selected in the application form is for the Qualifier Exam only. You will have the option of picking a different set of Exam City options, if you wish, after qualifying for the later invigilated exams.

After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?
After applying, can I get a refund of application fee if I can't write the qualifier exam or if I fail the qualifier exam?

Once the payment is completed, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances, including if a student is absent for the Qualifier Exam or does not pass the Qualifier Exam.

After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?
After registering for a course in a term, can I carry over the fees to the next term if I am not able to complete the course?

No. A course registration is valid only for one term. If a learner is not able to clear a course in a term, they will be considered as having failed the course and will need to register for the course again at a later term along with the required fee.

Note that a learner will be allowed to drop off from a course within the first four weeks of the term. In such cases, a part of the course fee will be retained as admin charges and the balance, if any, may be carried over to the next term.

What is the Fee structure? Should we submit the entire fees at once or in installments?
What is the Fee structure? Should we submit the entire fees at once or in installments?

The overall program fees will not be paid at one stretch. The actual fees you will be paying in each term will be in proportion to the number of courses you register for in the respective term. So, if you register for 2 courses in a term, you have to pay the fees only for those 2 courses. For more details, please refer to Fee Structure in Academics Page.

What is the mode of payment?
What is the mode of payment?

Fees can be paid only through online mode. Fees through DD will not be accepted.

Note that payment cannot be made using Debit Card. You can pay using any Credit Card, Netbanking (all Indian Banks), Wallet, UPI (Google Pay, BHIM, etc.).

Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?
Will I get any confirmation on successful payment of fee?

Yes. After successful completion of payment, you will receive a confirmation email from Razorpay.

If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?
If my payment fails, how many days will it take to the money back in my bank account?

In case of failed payments, it will take 3 to 4 weeks for the money to be credited back in your bank account.

Will I get a scholarship / loan for this program?
Will I get a scholarship / loan for this program?

Once you enter the program based on various criteria Scholarship support is provided for the eligible students.

Is there any fee waiver for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates or candidates with lower family income?
Is there any fee waiver for SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD candidates or candidates with lower family income?

Only SC / ST / PwD candidates may avail fee waivers in the application stage. After clearing the qualifier process and exam, candidates belonging to any category (General / OBC / EWS / SC / ST / PwD) may avail fee waivers in course fees based on family income. Check Fee Structure in Academics page for details.

What does "family income" in the fee structure mean?
What does "family income" in the fee structure mean?

The term family income for the purpose of availing fee waivers includes the income of the candidate, the income of his/her parents and spouse, also the income of his/her siblings and children below the age of 18 years.

After clearing the Qualifier Exam, all learners who wish to avail fee waivers based on Family Income required to submit Family Income Certificate in the format provided in the Fee Structure section. Note that the Family Income Certificates are valid only for one year and will need to be submitted afresh each year to continue availing fee waiver based on Family Income through the program.

I belong to the general category and I want to avail fee waiver since my family income in below 5 lakhs per annum. Why do I need to submit EWS + Family Income Certificate to avail the waiver?
I belong to the general category and I want to avail fee waiver since my family income in below 5 lakhs per annum. Why do I need to submit EWS + Family Income Certificate to avail the waiver?

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India, as defined by the Govt. of India, is a sub-category of people belonging to the General category with an annual family income less than ₹8 lakhs per annum and who do not belong to any category such as SC/ST/OBC. Course fee waivers from IIT Madras are available for general category learners with family income less than ₹5 lakhs per annum. As per the policy of IIT Madras, and as part of our documentation process to ensure that we give fee waiver benefits to the deserving learners, we require general category learners with family income less than ₹5 lakhs per annum to submit both EWS certificate and Family Income certificate. EWS and Family Income certificates will need to be obtained in the format mentioned in the Fee Structure section in Academics page.

What is the registration process for the Foundation Level?
What is the registration process for the Foundation Level?

After clearing the Qualifier Exam, you will be able to access the Course Registration Form from your dashboard upon logging in. Through this form, you will need to provide the required details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the course fee to register for the first term of the Foundation Level.

You may choose to register for one or more Foundation Level courses based on the other degree you are enrolled in and/or your working status.

Please note that an additional exam fee will be applicable for learners who opt to take quizzes and end-term examinations outside India.

What are the documents / files that are required to be uploaded while registering for the Foundation Level?
What are the documents / files that are required to be uploaded while registering for the Foundation Level?

It is mandatory any one of these documents while registering for Foundation Level:
- 12th or equivalent mark sheet OR
- Degree Certificate OR
- Certificate of the highest level of education

What are the documents needed to avail fee waiver at Foundation Level and later?
What are the documents needed to avail fee waiver at Foundation Level and later?

Please refer to the Fee Structure section in the Academics page to see which fee waiver may be applicable to you and the relevant documents / certificates that will need to be submitted.

I have already submitted my category certificate while applying for the Qualifier Process. Do I need to submit them again while registering for the Foundation Level?
I have already submitted my category certificate while applying for the Qualifier Process. Do I need to submit them again while registering for the Foundation Level?

No, not required to submit again. However, the EWS / OBC-NCL certificate need to be submitted again if the previously submitted certificate is not valid until the end of the current financial year.

I can't afford to pay the entire Foundation Level fees at one shot and I do not come under any fee waiver category too, can I pay the fees in 2 or 3 installments?
I can't afford to pay the entire Foundation Level fees at one shot and I do not come under any fee waiver category too, can I pay the fees in 2 or 3 installments?

Please be informed that you will not be paying the entire Program fee or Foundational Level fee at one stretch. The actual fees you will be paying will be in corresponding to the number of courses you register in every term. So, if you register for 2 courses you have to pay the course fees only for the 2 courses.

Can I change my email ID in the Foundation Level? Will we get any official student email ID?
Can I change my email ID in the Foundation Level? Will we get any official student email ID?

The personal email ID you applied for the program with cannot be changed. This email ID is used to access the whole Qualifier Process and the Foundation Level Course registration Form.

Once all the documents uploaded in the foundation level course registration form are approved, each registered learner will be assigned a roll number and a corresponding official IIT Madras BS in Management and Data Science student email ID. After that, all further communication and course access will be through the official student email ID.

Is it possible to get an educational loan for this Program?
Is it possible to get an educational loan for this Program?

Banks may offer education loans for this degree program, and we provide the necessary supporting documents to assist with the loan application process.

For more details, once you enroll in the program, you will receive the handbook, which includes all relevant information regarding the same.

Will I be given a new portal to access courses at Foundation Level?
Will I be given a new portal to access courses at Foundation Level?

No, the current portal will be used for all the Levels. You will be given a new official IIT Madras BS in Management and Data Science student email ID to access the portal.

Will I be issued an ID card?
Will I be issued an ID card?

An ID card in electronic format will be provided, subject to conditions on use of ID card.

Can I take a break of 1 or 2 year(s) after completing the Foundation Level?
Can I take a break of 1 or 2 year(s) after completing the Foundation Level?

Yes, learners may take a break of one or more terms after starting the Foundation Level. However, learners must meet the intermediate milestone requirements, which is the maximum duration permitted for each level of the program.

Please note that break terms are included while calculating these intermediate milestones. Learners who do not complete a level within the specified maximum duration will be removed from the program.

I'm eligible to apply 4 courses in the upcoming term, but I have only 2 Foundation Level courses left to complete. Will I be allowed to register for Diploma Level courses along with the Foundation Level courses?
I'm eligible to apply 4 courses in the upcoming term, but I have only 2 Foundation Level courses left to complete. Will I be allowed to register for Diploma Level courses along with the Foundation Level courses?

No, you have to complete all the 8 courses in Foundation Level before enrolling to the Diploma Level courses.

What is the eligiblity to write the End Term Exam for a course?
What is the eligiblity to write the End Term Exam for a course?

To be eligible to write the End Term Exam for a course, it is mandatory for the learner to have (i) obtained in the course an Average Assignment Score >= 40/100 AND (ii) appeared for at least one out of the 2 in-person Quizzes.

Learners who are not eligible to write a specific course's End Term Exam will not be issued hall ticket for the same. They will have to repeat the entire course including assignments and quizzes in a later term.

Is it mandatory to take the proctored in-person Quizzes?
Is it mandatory to take the proctored in-person Quizzes?

It is mandatory to attempt at least one of the 2 in-person quizzes in a term to be eligible to appear for the End Term Exams.

Will Qualifier phase assignment scores be included while calculating the eligilibity for the End Term?
Will Qualifier phase assignment scores be included while calculating the eligilibity for the End Term?

For the courses you register for immediately after clearing the Qualifier Exam, your Qualifier phase assignment scores will be included while calculating eligibility for the End Term Exam.

For courses that you register for in a later term, you will be required to repeat the assignments completed in the Qualifier phase.

Will my Qualifier Exam Score be considered in the subsequent term?
Will my Qualifier Exam Score be considered in the subsequent term?

The Qualifier Exam Score will be counted as Quiz 1 Score for the courses registered in the Foundation level in the term immediately after the Qualifier exam.

For courses that you register for in a later term, you will be required to repeat the assignments completed in the Qualifier phase.

What will happen if I am absent for an End Term Exam?
What will happen if I am absent for an End Term Exam?

Learner has two options:

1. Register for the course in the subsequent term with the option of taking the End Term Exam alone and by paying a reduced fee (marks of assignments and quizzes will be carried over )
2. Repeat the entire course (including assignments and quizzes) by paying the full course fee.

What is the procedure to add / drop a course?
What is the procedure to add / drop a course?

Once the registration window closes in any term, adding courses will not be allowed. Dropping a course will be allowed within 4 weeks of the term start.

Can I get a refund if I drop a course within the first four weeks of the term start?
Can I get a refund if I drop a course within the first four weeks of the term start?

For courses dropped within the first four weeks of the term, admin charges will be retained and the balance course fee, if any, will be refunded.

Is it possible to repeat a course for improving grades?
Is it possible to repeat a course for improving grades?

You can choose to repeat courses to improve the grade in the course within the same level and not progressed to next level.

For eg: if a student completes the 8 courses of the foundation level and wishes to improve any course grade, they have to do it in the terms that are available within the maximum permissible terms. The student will not be allowed to take any foundation level improvement course once they start the Diploma Level.

The highest grade will be recorded in the transcript.
The highest score among all attempts of a course will be used for calculating the CGPA. Course fee Repeat for Improvement courses will be double the normal fee.

What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?
What is the procedure to change exam city from Outside India to India / India to Outside India?

Please send an email to support-mg@study.iitm.ac.in

How can I change the exam city within India?
How can I change the exam city within India?

Each exam has a deadline before which change of exam city is allowed. Option to change the exam city will be available till each deadline in the student Dashboard, in the "Exam Cities and Hall Tickets" page.