Top Colleges offering Integrated BS-MS Dual Degree: Eligibility, Admission Process & Fees

Are you interested in pursuing a BS-MS dual degree/ BS degree programme from top institutions across the nation? Check out the top colleges in India offering BS-MS Dual Degree courses, the eligibility criteria, the admission procedure and how the course is different from a regular BSc.

Selecting a course in Science straight after class 12 is one option that needs plenty of discussion and thinking. Is it Mathematics that you excel in? Does Biology interest you? Or do you have a way with Physics? One always ponders over the idea of what course to take up after class 12. Generally, students opt to take up a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the course of their choice. Followed by a BSc, is a Master of Science (MSc) programme. Combining the two programmes, it is a total of 5 years. How about going in for a BS+MS Dual Degree Programme?

BS-MS dual degree programmes is an emerging field of Science stream as this course provides the bachelor's and master's degrees together and develops the analytical, cognitive and scientific skills of the candidates. A BS-MS programme will allow candidates to delve deeper into their chosen field. They will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and potentially specialize in a particular area. This advanced knowledge can be highly valuable to employers seeking candidates with a strong foundation and research skills.

Also Read: List of IISERs in India: Courses, Fee, Admission Process, Placements & Cutoffs  

What is a BS-MS Dual Degree?

A BS (Bachelor of Science) + MS (Master of Science) is a five-year dual degree programme that is offered to bright students after class 12. A BS+MS dual degree programme provides training and learning with research in multidisciplinary subjects. A BS-MS programme is offered in the following courses:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics

In the dual degree, students will learn about the core courses in the first year, select their pre-major courses in the second year, select major and minor courses in the third year, which will continue till the fourth year and in the final year, the students are required to register for an MS thesis in relevance to the major discipline.

However, do not get confused between BS-MS and BSMS as these are two different courses. BS-MS deals with integrated Science programmes, while BSMS is Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery. In this article, Shiksha only discusses BS-MS dual degree programme.

Advantages of Pursuing BS-MS Dual Degree Programme

Candidates can check out the different parameters of advantages of doing a BS-MS dual degree programme from here:

• Fast-Track Your Education: You can earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees in less time compared to pursuing them individually. This can save you a significant amount of time and potentially money on tuition fees.

• Deeper Dive & Specialization: The programme is designed to offer a more focused and in-depth exploration of your chosen field. You'll gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and potentially specialize in a specific area, making you highly knowledgeable and attractive to employers.

• Enhanced Job Prospects: A BS-MS degree makes you a standout candidate in the job market. Employers value the additional education and research experience gained through these programs. In some fields, a master's degree is becoming the new standard qualification for specific positions.

• Smoother Transition to PhD: If you have your sights set on a PhD, a BS-MS programme provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies. You'll be well-versed in research methodology and have a solid understanding of your field by graduation.

• Develop Valuable Skills: These programmes often incorporate research opportunities, allowing you to hone valuable research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities – highly sought-after qualities in today's workforce across various industries.

What is the difference between BSc (Regular) and BS-MS Degree?

The difference between the two programmes is that a BSc (Bachelor of Science), is a three-year programme and BS-MS (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science) is a five-year integrated programme. Students take up a BSc course to specialize in a particular subject. While, students who take up a BS-MS course, are allowed to select their pre-major disciplines in the second year after being taught the core courses in the first year. A student also gets to do their MS thesis in the final year in the major discipline elected. The main difference between the two courses is that after pursuing a BSc, a candidate can elect to take up a different programme or course in a different university/college, whereas the candidate can do their undergraduate and postgraduate course in one go and receive a dual degree programme.

Also Read: What is BSc course all about? Know the full-form, eligibility & scope 

Top Colleges offering BS-MS Dual Degree Courses

Below is the list of the top most colleges in India that offers BS-MS Dual Degree Courses:

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), one of the premier institutes in India, offers students admission in BS and BS-MS dual degree program. The curriculum focuses on breadth and depth in Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Economics. IISER is situated in seven cities across India.

All seven institutes offer BS-MS programmes. For candidates who are interested to pursue a BS degree, only IISER Bhopal offers the course. Students can secure admission in various Science subjects such as Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Data Science, Earth & Climate Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences, Economic Sciences, and many more. Here is the structure for the BS-MS programme which is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria: 

• The candidates must have passed the Class XII or equivalent level examination in 2022 or 2023 or 2024 from any board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education in India COBSE.

• Candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.

• Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD require to score a minimum of 55 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination. Candidates belonging to other categories require to score a minimum of 60 per cent marks in aggregate or equivalent grade in their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.

Candidates can check out the complete IISER entrance exam eligibility criteria from here: IISER Eligibility Criteria 2024: Check Nationality, Educational Qualification and Reservation Policy Here 

Admission Process: Students who are eligible, can apply for admission online on the official website of the university. From this year's academic session on, admissions to the BS-MS dual degree programme, and BS degree programmes will be done through the IAT 2024 exam channel only. KVPY and JEE advanced scores are not applicable from now on. For the academic session 2024-2025 the registration is over and the IISER 2024 counselling process is underway. IAT 2024 Round 1 seat allotment result was released on July 18, 2024 and the exam officials will release Round 2 seat allotment result on July 30, 2024.

Also Read: IISER 2024 Marks vs Rank: Check IAT 2024 Round 1 Closing Rank List Here 

For more information on the IISER Entrance Exam, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:

Also Read: Which is the best IISER in India? 

Academic Programmes Offered by IISER

Programmes offered by the participating IISER institutions are mentioned below:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Earth & Climate Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Economic Sciences
• Engineering Sciences (Chemical Engineering, Data Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science)
• Geological Sciences
• Integrated & Interdisciplinary Sciences (Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences)
• Mathematical Sciences
• Physical Sciences

Note: The Four-year BS program in Engineering Sciences and Economics Sciences is offered only by IISER Bhopal.

IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur offers students admission in BS-MS courses. One of the most sought after institute in India, millions of students aspire to get admission in IIT. Other than engineering, IIT Kanpur also offers a BS-MS dual degree course. IIT Kanpur also offers a dual-degree programme in engineering which is BTech-MTech. Students can opt to take up a Bachelor of Science (BS) which is a four-year degree course and can opt to take up a postgraduate course. However, IIT Kanpur offers students two options which is as follows:

• BS-MS (with MS in the same department)
• BS-MS (with MS in other departments)

The courses offered is BS-MS are as follows:

• Chemistry
• Economics
• Mathematics and Scientific Computing
• Physics

The course structure for BS-MS at IIT Kanpur is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria: Students need to have passed class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 60% in their boards.

Admission Process: Students need to apply online and appear for JEE Advanced. Candidates who clear JEE advance, can submit their scores and apply for admission at the renowned institute. For more information on JEE Advanced, candidates can go through the following links mentioned below:

Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, offers student admission in Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme. The IISc offers a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization. Students can opt to take up Master of Science as a fifth year. That is only if candidates complete all the requirements of the award of Bachelor of Science. The programme is a unique research-based programmes which are well suited to meet the present vocational and post-graduate requirements. After three semesters, candidates need can opt to take up a specialization (major) in subjects such as:

About the BS (Research Course) Programme

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates who have completed their class 12 in Science stream with PCM, are eligible to apply for admission. The candidate must have secured a minimum of 60% in their class 12.

Admission Process: Candidates need to firstly apply online and students will have to appear for either of the following entrance exams which are as follows:

• JEE Main– Securing a minimum of 60%.
• JEE Advanced– Securing a minimum of 60%.
• NEET-UG- Securing a minimum of 60%.

Relaxation is given to SC/ST, OBC-NCL and EWS. Based on the scores, a merit list will be released and students who meet the cut-offs, are eligible for admission and can visit the institute to complete the admission formalities.

NISER

The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), which is established by the Department of Atomic Energy, visualizes to impart high-quality science education in vibrant academic ambience to students. This is not a BS-MS dual degree programme which is being offered, but NISER offers students admission in a five-year integrated MSc programme in Biological, Chemical, Mathematical and Physical sciences. Degrees at NISER are awarded by the Homu Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a deemed to be university within the Department of Atomic Energy.

The structure of the program offered by NISER is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria: The candidate should be a class 12 pass in Science stream from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 60%. Candidates who have done PCM or PCB, are eligible for admission at the institute.

Admission Process: Students need to firstly apply online and appear for NEST (National Entrance Screening Test). According to cut-off marks released, students who make the cut-off can apply for admission after the merit list has been released online. The candidate will have to visit the institute to complete the admission formalities.

For more information on NEST, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:

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