IIT Madras opens admissions for online BS programmes, no JEE score required
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) today opened admissions for its online BS Degree Programs in Data Science and Applications and Electronic Systems. These undergraduate programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, providing an alternative route to IIT-quality education without requiring the traditional Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).
Applications are open until May 20, 2025, through the official portal: study.iitm.ac.in. The programs are open to all students who have completed Class 12, with no age restrictions or seat limits.
This initiative is part of IIT Madras' broader mission to democratise access to premier technical education. While students qualifying through JEE can gain direct entry, others must complete a four-week online preparatory module and clear an in-person qualifier exam.
Currently, over 38,000 learners are enrolled in these programs, including working professionals, career changers, and students from diverse academic backgrounds. Notably, 25% of the cohort are women, and 20% are over the age of 30, indicating a significant shift from the typical engineering student demographic.
The curriculum is structured to support parallel commitments such as full-time jobs or other degree programs. It also offers multiple exit points, enabling students to earn certificates or diplomas before completing the full degree. The Data Science program is open to students from any academic stream with Class 10-level Mathematics and English, while the Electronic Systems program requires a background in Class 12 Physics and Mathematics.
The academic outcomes have been impressive. In a recent milestone, three students from these BS programs ranked among the top 10 in the GATE 2025 exam for Data Science and AI—including the All India Rank 1.
These online degree programs represent a transformative step in Indian higher education, leveraging technology to reach learners beyond traditional campuses.
IIT Madras, consistently ranked among India's top engineering institutes, has also expanded globally by launching its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, underscoring its growing global presence.
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