IIT Madras BS Data Science Admission 2026: How to Apply, Eligibility & Application Details
IIT Madras: IIT Madras is accepting applications for its BS in Data Science and Applications September 2026 term until September 27. Offering a non-JEE entry route via a four-week qualifier process, the program is open to Class 12 graduates of any age or academic stream, as well as Class 11 students.
IIT Madras: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is calling for online applications from interested aspirants for four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Programme in Data Science & Applications offered in the September 2026 intake. The programme offers a pathway towards democratising quality education by ensuring that a regular pathway into the institution does not include clearing Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Rather, the candidates will be required to complete the mandatory four-week qualifying period comprising introductory courses along with weekly homeworks followed by qualifying exam in person.
The candidates who successfully qualify for the programme can be admitted to the Foundation level. The deadline for the application for the September 2026 intake will be September 27, 2026. The eligibility criteria for the programme is very wide. Candidates who have completed class 12 or its equivalent irrespective of age, stream, and educational background on the condition that they have studied mathematics and English in class 10 can apply. Students who have appeared in their final exams of Class 11 are eligible to appear in the qualifier process and join the programme after passing Class 12.
IIT Madras: Overview of the Academic Programme
Below are the overview of the academic programme for IIT Madras:
| Parameter | Details & Key Requirements |
| Programme Offered | BS in Data Science and Applications (4-Year Degree with Exit Options) |
| Conducting Institute | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Admission Modes | Regular Entry (via Qualifier Process) and JEE Advanced Entry |
| Official Application Portal | study.iitm.ac.in/ds |
| Eligibility Age & Stream | No age limit; open to students from Science, Commerce, and Arts streams |
| Flexibility | Multiple exits (Foundational Certificate, Diploma, BSc, BS Degree) |
IIT Madras: Eligibility Criteria & Entry Routes
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Educational Eligibility: Applicants should have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination. Students studying Class 11 are also eligible for applying for deferred admission after passing Class 12.
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Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics and English are compulsory subjects at Class 10.
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Normal Admission Process: Applicable to all applicants. The candidates will undergo 4 weeks of foundational courses offered by IIT Madras and then give the Qualifier Examination. On qualifying for the examination, candidates will be admitted directly to the Foundational Level.
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JEE Advanced Admission Process: Those applicants who were qualified to take JEE Advanced Examination 2025 or 2026 will directly be admitted to the Foundational Level without appearing for Qualifier Exam.
IIT Madras BS Admission 2026 Application Process
The process for submitting application for Bachelors' degree in Engineering program at IIT Madras includes filling of online application form, payment of application fee and providing of necessary details along with uploading of documents. The application fee is:
| Categories | Application Fee |
| General/OBC | INR 4000 |
| SC/ST/PwD (40% or more disability) | INR 2000 |
| SC/ST and PwD (40% or more disability) | INR 1000 |
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Siddhi Sharma is an education journalist at Jagran Josh. A Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from IP University, she brings sharp newsroom instincts developed during her previous stint at Zee News. At Jagran Josh, Siddhi specializes in decoding the educational updates. Her coverage is highly exam-centric, ranging from curated news blogs for competitive exams to crucial school board and university news. Combining her strong media foundations with a research-driven approach, she creates reliable, high-utility content that helps students and aspirants stay ahead of the curve. Her writing is factual, engaging, and tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of modern learners and exam aspirants.
