IIT Madras Awards Degrees to 177 BS Data Science and Applications Graduates

IIT Madras conferred degrees and diplomas upon 177 graduates of the BS in Data Science and Applications program. Among them, 26 students opted to exit with a BSc in Programming and Data Science, receiving their degrees during the ceremony.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) conducted a certificate distribution ceremony for its inaugural batch of BS (Data Science and Applications) students. A total of 177 graduates participated in this event. The ceremony holds particular importance as it marked the awarding of Course completion certificates to the first batch of 10 BS graduates.

These students have pursued an accelerated track, fulfilling the credit requirements of the 4-year program in just 3 years, as stated by the institute. One distinctive aspect of this program, making it the world's first 4-year BS Degree in Data Science and Applications, is its provision of early exit options for students at the foundation, Diploma, or BSc degree levels.

At the event, 26 students who opted to conclude their program with a BSc in Programming and Data Science were presented with their degrees. Additionally, 120 students received provisional BSc degree certificates while still pursuing their BS degrees. Furthermore, 122 students obtained their Diplomas in Data Science, 19 students acquired Diplomas in Programming, and 10 students earned both Diplomas in Data Science and Programming. A total of 411 students were granted provisional Double Diplomas as they progressed with their degree studies.

Currently, over 29,000 students are enrolled in the BS program, with over 25,000 applications received for the May 2024 term. The next application window for IIT Madras BS in Data Science and BS in Electronic Systems programs will open by June 15, 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, IIT Madras Alum (1998 BTech), Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., said, “It is truly amazing to see the kind of students going through this program as I saw an IAS Officer, cardiologists and even an octogenarian. This program truly democratizes education without diluting the quality of program...I have no doubt that each of you are going to be extremely successful in your careers.”

In a Video Message, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “As we see hundreds of students collecting their degrees and provisional certificates, we are excited that we have, as an Institute, contributed to your professional development. With the advent of AI and massive digitization, and also with the advent of advanced communication techniques like 5G, India is aspiring to become a multi trillion economy at the earliest possible time.”

Addressing the students, Prof. Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, and one of the founding coordinators for this program, said, “I take this opportunity to welcome to the campus all the students and their parents, and I even see the kids of our students. I also congratulate all the degree winners on this occasion.”

IIT Madras BS (Data Science and Applications) Toppers

Ayushi Sharad Gang from Hyderabad fulfilled her BS credit requirements in December 2023, accomplishing the fastest track of three years with an impressive CGPA of 9.74. Among the top performers after two diplomas are Dr. Nikhil Sadineni, a medical doctor, boasting a remarkable CGPA of 9.95. Following closely is Sherry Thomas, holding a BA in Philosophy, with a commendable CGPA of 9.94.

Sanjana Mohan, employed as a Marketing Associate with HDFCI, ranks third with a CGPA of 9.94. Mr. Srikanth, an alumnus of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras has achieved the fourth-highest CGPA of 9.91.

The toppers in the Diploma in Data Science admitted through this stream are Shilpa Paul and Aashrit B.K, who have both secured a CGPA of 9.94. Ashish Pukale, who is a System Engineer at TCS, is the topper in the Direct Diploma for Programming stream with a CGPA of 9.91.

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