Admissions
Learn about eligibility criteria, application process, qualifier exam requirements, JEE-based entry, important dates, and international student admissions for the BS Degree in Management and Data Science.
Important Dates
Key deadlines for qualifier application submissions, qualifier phase commencement, and in-person qualifier examinations across terms.
| Event | For Jan Term | For May Term | For Sep Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifier Application Form Opens | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Monday, July 13, 2026 |
| Qualifier Application Form Closes | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Qualifier Phase Week 1 Starts | Friday, February 6, 2026 | Friday, June 12, 2026 | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Qualifier Exam Date | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | Sunday, November 15, 2026 |
| Qualifier Exam Results | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | Thursday, November 19, 2026 |
Mandatory Requirements
To ensure an optimal learning experience, all candidates must fulfill these basic technological and travel prerequisites.
Device & Internet Access
Learners must have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a functional webcam, microphone, and a reliable high-speed internet connection. A smartphone is also required for proctoring mobile views during specific online evaluations.
In-Person Exam Center Travel
Invigilated quizzes and end-term exams are conducted in person at physical examination centers across 150+ cities in India and select international hubs. Learners residing in India must physically attend their chosen test center.
Eligibility to Apply
Anyone who has passed Class 12 or equivalent in ANY stream / subject is eligible to apply. There is NO age limit, NO cutoff percentage, and NO stream restriction.
Who Can Apply for Admission?
Anyone who has passed Class 12 or equivalent in any stream / subject.
Students from Arts, Commerce, Science, or Vocational streams are all equally eligible.
Students who have appeared for Class 11 final exams.
School students currently in Class 12 (or after finishing Class 11 final exams) can apply, prepare for, and clear the qualifier process now. They can join the Foundation Level courses once they pass their Class 12 board examinations.
Foundational Mathematics & English
Applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics and English in Class 10.
No Additional Criteria: There are no minimum percentage cutoffs in Class 12 and no upper age limit. Working professionals, college students pursuing dual degrees, and lifelong learners can all apply.
Application Process & Fees
The application process is completely online. Fill in your details, upload the required documentation, and pay the one-time application fee.
Applications for September 2026 are Open
Applications open: June 29, 2026 • Close: September 27, 2026 • Qualifier Exam: November 15, 2026
One-Time Application Fee Structure
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category / OBC Applicant | ₹3,000 |
| SC / ST Category / PwD (≥ 40% disability) Applicant | ₹1,500 |
| SC / ST Category Applicant who is ALSO PwD (≥ 40% disability) | ₹750 |
*An additional facilitation fee will apply for learners opting to write the in-person qualifier exam outside India.
Admission to the Foundation Level
There are two pathways to secure admission into the Foundation Level of the BS Degree Program:
1. Regular Entry
4-week qualifier coursework in Mathematics, Statistics, English, and Computational Thinking followed by an in-person qualifier exam. Open to everyone.
2. JEE-based Entry
Direct admission to the Foundation Level for candidates qualified to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced examination without taking the qualifier exam.
1. Regular Entry Process
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply through the Regular Entry route by completing 4 weeks of qualifier coursework and clearing the Qualifier Exam.
Apply Online
Fill out the application form and pay the application fee before the deadline.
4-Week Coursework
Access 4 weeks of content in 4 foundational courses and submit weekly assignments.
Qualifier Exam
Attend the 4-hour in-person invigilated exam at your designated exam center.
Register for Courses
On passing, register for up to 4 Foundation Level courses in the upcoming term.
4 Foundation Qualifier Courses
All applicants get access to 4 weeks of online lectures and weekly assignments for:
English I
Mathematics for DS I
Statistics for DS I
Computational Thinking
Assignment Eligibility Cutoff
Average of best 2 out of the first 3 weekly assignments
| Category | Min Avg Assignment Score |
|---|---|
| General | 40% |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% |
| SC / ST / PwD (≥ 40%) | 30% |
| SC / ST + PwD | 30% |
Only learners who achieve the minimum required score in each of the 4 courses get hall tickets for the in-person Qualifier Exam.
Qualifier Exam Passing Criteria
Criteria to qualify the in-person 4-hour Qualifier Exam
| Category | Min Score per Course | Min Overall Average |
|---|---|---|
| General | 40% | 50% |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 35% | 45% |
| SC / ST / PwD (≥ 40%) | 30% | 40% |
| SC / ST + PwD | 30% | 40% |
Learners who clear both the individual subject minimum and overall average become eligible to register for Foundation Level courses.
Validity of Qualifier Result & Course Limits
Validity Period
- Completed Class 12: Qualifier result remains valid for 3 subsequent terms.
- Class 11 School Students: Qualifier result remains valid for 6 terms (2 years) until completion of Class 12 board exams.
First Term Course Limit based on Qualifier Score (M)
| Average Qualifier Score (M) | Max Courses |
|---|---|
| Min required ≤ M < 50% | Up to 2 courses |
| 50% ≤ M < 70% | Up to 3 courses |
| M ≥ 70% | Up to 4 courses |
Qualifier Exam Re-attempt Option
If an eligible candidate appears for the Qualifier Exam but does not pass, or is absent on the exam date, they may re-attempt the Qualifier Exam in the same term without needing to re-do the 4 weeks of assignments.
| Category | Re-attempt Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Category | ₹1,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD (≥ 40%) Category | ₹750 |
| SC / ST + PwD Category | ₹375 |
2. JEE-based Entry
Candidates qualified to appear for the most recent JEE Advanced examination are directly admitted to the Foundation Level without writing the Qualifier Exam.
Eligible candidates who qualified to appear for JEE Advanced in 2025 or 2026 can directly register for Foundation Level courses.
Fill Application
Fill the application form and select JEE-based entry option.
Upload JEE Proof
Upload JEE Advanced admit card / scorecard for verification.
Direct Admission
Receive direct confirmation without appearing for Qualifier Exam.
Register Courses
Register for up to 4 Foundation Level courses and begin coursework.
International Students
The IIT Madras BS Degree program is open to learners residing anywhere in the world.
In-Person Centers & Remote Exams
IIT Madras operates physical in-person examination centers in UAE (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi), Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Salmiya), and Oman (Muscat).
Learners in all other international locations can take exams via remote proctored mode with mandatory continuous location and identity verification.
International Admissions Helpdesk
For questions regarding international fee structures, exam facilitation, or country-specific educational equivalence, please write to:
Have Questions About Admissions?
Read answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, application deadlines, qualifier scoring, and course registrations.