Admissions
Learn more about the eligibility criteria, application process, fees, regular qualifier path, JEE-based entry path, and international student examination options for the IIT Madras Electronic Systems program.
Important Dates
Key calendar deadlines for the upcoming admissions batch and qualifier exam cycle. The schedule below is automatically synchronized with the official academic office feed.
|
Loading latest admissions schedule...
|
Mandatory Requirements to Enroll and Learn
Before applying, ensure you satisfy the baseline hardware, network, and in-person attendance prerequisites necessary to participate fully in the coursework and invigilated exams.
Device & Internet Access
Access to a reliable, good internet connection as well as a personal laptop or desktop computer is a key requirement to learn effectively and complete weekly graded programming assignments.
In-Person Exam Center Travel
Learners must be able to travel to assigned physical exam centers for invigilated quizzes and end-term examinations each term. Centers are available across numerous cities in India and select global hubs.
Eligibility to Apply
IIT Madras opens higher education to learners from all backgrounds, ages, and geographical locations without standard entrance exam bottlenecks.
BS Degree vs. Diploma-Only Track
The details below are for the full Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras. We also offer an exclusive Diploma Only Program for applicants interested strictly in earning diplomas in Programming or Data Science. Please visit the Diploma Program website for standalone diploma admissions.
Who can apply for admission?
Passed Class 12 or Equivalent
Anyone who has passed Class 12 or equivalent can apply irrespective of age, stream, board, or academic background. Candidates who qualify through the process can join the foundation program immediately.
Class 11 Final Exam Students
School students who have appeared for their Class 11 final exams can apply irrespective of their group, stream, or board. Those who qualify can secure their seat and formally join the program after passing Class 12.
Subject Background Expectation: It is expected that all applicants have studied Mathematics and English in Class 10.
Open Access Policy: No additional eligibility or competitive rank cutoff other than the criteria above is required to apply for the qualifier process or join Foundation Level courses after qualifying.
Application Process & Fee Structure
Begin your admission by completing the online application form, uploading supporting identity & educational documents, and paying the category application fee.
Qualifier Applications for September 2026 Batch are Open
Applications close on September 27, 2026. Qualifier exam will be conducted on November 15, 2026.
Application Fee Breakdown
One-time non-refundable fee for registration, 4-week coursework access, and the in-person qualifier exam.
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category / OBC Applicant | ₹4,000 |
| SC / ST Category / PwD (≥ 40% disability) Applicant | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST Category Applicant who is ALSO PwD (≥ 40% disability) | ₹1,000 |
Note on International Exam Centers: An additional exam facilitation fee will apply for learners opting to write the Qualifier Exam in an Exam Centre outside India.
Document Submission Requirement: Applications are validated only when, after fee payment, the applicant completes all profile fields and submits the for formal verification. Unverified applications will not be issued exam hall tickets.
Admission to the Foundation Level
IIT Madras offers two distinct admission entry channels to qualify and register for Foundation Level courses.
Regular Entry
All candidates, irrespective of their backgrounds, can earn direct admission to the Foundation Level by participating in 4 weeks of structured coursework and successfully passing the in-person Qualifier Exam.
JEE-based Entry
Candidates eligible to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced examination bypass the qualifier coursework and exam, gaining direct admission to register for Foundation Level courses.
1. Regular Entry Pathway
Detailed breakdown of the 4-week qualifier coursework, weekly assignment qualification cutoffs, qualifier exam passing criteria, score validity, course registration limits, and re-attempt rules.
Qualifier Preparation (4 Weeks Coursework)
The qualifier process includes 4 weeks of comprehensive online learning via lecture videos, weekly graded assignments, discussion forums, and live doubt-clearing sessions across four foundational courses:
English I
Mathematics for DS I
Statistics for DS I
Computational Thinking
Every week, an online graded assignment must be submitted in each of the 4 courses by the stipulated weekly deadline.
Eligibility to Appear for the Qualifier Exam
In each course, the average of the best 2 out of the first 3 assignment scores will be calculated. Only candidates securing the minimum required average in all 4 courses receive hall tickets for the Qualifier Exam.
| Learner Category | Min. Required Average Assignment Score in Each Course |
|---|---|
| General Learner | 40% |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% |
| SC / ST / PwD with ≥ 40% disability | 30% |
| PwD with ≥ 40% disability & SC / ST | 30% |
*Note: Relaxations in pass criteria indicated for various categories of learners are applicable ONLY for the qualifier process. There will be no relaxations in terms of grades / pass criteria once registered into the degree program.
Qualifier Exam and Passing Criteria
The in-person Qualifier Exam conducted at the end of the 4 weeks of study is 4 hours in duration and covers all 4 foundational subjects. To clear the qualifier, candidates must satisfy both the course-specific minimum and total average score criteria.
| Learner Category | Min. Req. Score in Each Course Individually | Min. Req. Average Qualifier Exam Score |
|---|---|---|
| General Learner | 40% | 50% |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% | 45% |
| SC / ST / PwD with ≥ 40% disability | 30% | 40% |
| PwD with ≥ 40% disability & SC / ST | 30% | 40% |
Validity of Qualifier Exam Results
For candidates who have already appeared for or cleared Class 12 board exams, the Qualifier Exam result is valid for 3 terms (1 year). You may choose to join immediately or in the second/third term following the exam.
For candidates who applied in Class 11, the Qualifier Exam result is valid for 6 terms (2 years), giving ample time to complete Class 12 before joining Foundation Level.
First Term Course Registration Limits
The number of courses allowed to be registered for in your initial foundation term is governed by your Average Qualifier Exam Score (M):
| Average Qualifier Score (M) | Allowed Courses |
|---|---|
| Minimum required ≤ M < 50% | up to 2 courses |
| 50% ≤ M < 70% | up to 3 courses |
| M ≥ 70% | up to 4 courses |
Re-attempt Qualifier Exam (Same Term)
Learners who were eligible to appear for the qualifier exam, but did not clear it or were absent on exam day, can re-attempt the exam in the same term without repeating the weekly coursework or assignments.
| Learner Category | Re-attempt Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category / OBC Applicant | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST Category / PwD (≥ 40% disability) Applicant | ₹1,000 |
| SC / ST Category Applicant who is ALSO PwD (≥ 40% disability) | ₹500 |
Next Term Repeat Rules: Learners who were not eligible to re-attempt OR who do not clear the re-attempt exam must re-apply for a future term by submitting the full application fee (₹4,000 for General Category) and completing the entire 4-week qualifier coursework and assignments anew.
2. JEE-based Entry Pathway
Direct admission channel for candidates eligible to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced examination. Bypass qualifier coursework and start foundation courses directly.
Complete Online Application
Submit the online form and pay the admission processing fee of ₹4,000/-.
JEE Advanced Verification
Upload your official JEE Advanced admit card/score card. Once verified, you are immediately eligible to register for courses.
Course Registration
Register for 1 to 4 foundational courses (English 1, Maths 1, Stats 1, Computational Thinking) based on your weekly study availability.
Schedule Notification
The academic office will notify you of official term start dates and portal access details.
Instant Content Access
Full lecture video library, assignments, and discussion portal unlock immediately upon course fee payment.
Dual Degree Flexibility
Continue the program as a regular student while simultaneously pursuing any other on-campus college degree.
International Students
Are you a learner outside India interested to join this program? Worried about in-person assessments? IIT Madras welcomes international learners across the globe.
Global Degree Opportunity from IIT Madras
This program is open to learners from all around the globe. You can study from anywhere and earn the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras irrespective of your country of residence.
In-Person Exam Centers Outside India
Students residing in these countries must attend physical exams roughly once a month at designated partner centers.
Remote Proctored Exams: Learners residing in any other country apart from those listed above can enroll and write remote proctored exams online.
For international inquiries and dedicated onboarding guidance, contact: ge@study.iitm.ac.in.
Outside India learners who have actively taken examinations with IIT Madras till date.