In a remarkable achievement, 850 students who pursued the BS Data Science and Applications program at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) have received offers from prestigious institutions worldwide. These offers include admissions to renowned universities, placements, promotions, and internships.
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The Program and Its Impact
The BS Data Science and Applications program, initiated during the Covid pandemic in 2020, has seen significant success. Here are some key highlights:
Global Admissions: A substantial 16% of students from this program have secured admission to esteemed institutions such as:
- Harvard University
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in the United States
- Aalto University in Finland
Flexible and Equitable: What sets this program apart is its flexibility and commitment to equitable access. Notably:
- The program has 28,013 enrolled students at present.
- Female students with annual family incomes of less than Rs 5 lakh per annum receive a complete waiver of fees.
- The degree program has attracted 418 foreign students from countries including the US, UAE, Singapore, Australia, the Netherlands, and neighboring Bangladesh.
Diverse Intake: The annual intake averages around 10,000 students, including:
- 26.2% females
- 53.4% college students
- 13.6% working professionals
Student Success Stories
One such success story is that of Shreya Singhal, who completed her class XII with a background in biology. Initially ineligible for a BTech program, she found her path through the BS degree from IIT-Madras. Shreya is now poised to embark on a journey at Harvard, delving into learning innovation, design, and technology.
Faculty Perspective
According to Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, professor-in-charge of the program:
“With so many talented students coming online to learn, it’s special. Moreover, the one week on campus has made a huge impact on the students. While the interest level is increasing each passing year, the only challenge now is for people pursuing two programs simultaneously or those working, which wasn’t the case during the pandemic.”
Recognition and Future Prospects
The program’s excellence has been recognized by QS Reimagine Education and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. As more students continue to benefit from this innovative program, the future looks promising for data science enthusiasts at IIT-Madras.
In conclusion, the success of these 850 students exemplifies the power of quality education, adaptability, and global collaboration. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring data scientists worldwide.
