The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has formally opened the admission process for its newly introduced Bachelor of Science (Honours) course in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This integrated four-year undergraduate program will start from the 2025–26 academic year and is being presented by the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. With a curriculum that guarantees a mix of theoretical background and practical exposure, the program intends to develop capable professionals to spearhead the rapidly changing fields of data science and AI.

Applications for this highly coveted programme are now invited, with the deadline for submission being May 30, 2025. Eligible candidates can apply through the institute’s official website at https://www.iitg.ac.in/oes/odp/. The first batch classes are to commence on September 1, 2025. The program is designed not just for regular students with a science background but also for non-science students, professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to shift into the high-demand areas of artificial intelligence and data science.

In order to be eligible for the program, the students should have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 60% marks and should have mathematics as a mandatory subject. Direct admissions will be offered to candidates who are selected through the JEE (Advanced) test. Candidates not eligible through JEE (Advanced) can apply by appearing for an online entrance test conducted by the institute. This inclusive approach widens the reach of the programme and reflects IIT Guwahati’s commitment to making cutting-edge education accessible to a diverse group of learners.

The curriculum is structured around a trimester format, with each term spanning 12 weeks. It focuses on offering a strong foundation in data science and AI, while also covering advanced applications through interactive content. Students will be instructed through recorded video lectures, live sessions conducted by IIT Guwahati faculty and industry experts, and real-world case studies. Utilization of tools like Jupyter Notebook will be a part of the curriculum, which will facilitate practical learning.

In addition, the programme gives students access to some of the strongest computing facilities in the nation, such as the PARAM Kamrupa and PARAM Ishan supercomputers. Optional campus visits enable further interaction and hands-on experience, while involvement in the annual IITG AI Confluence provides useful exposure to the latest research and networking opportunities in the field.

One of the distinguishing features of this course is its multiple exit points. Students who finish the first year will be issued an advanced certificate, and those who finish the second year will be given a diploma. A three-year full BSc degree will be issued, and students who finish the whole four-year course will be given a BSc (Honours) degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Secondly, the programme also has the flexibility of exit for students who wish to exit early; they can rejoin the course after one year and complete their studies from where they had stopped.

This new undergraduate programme is career-focused and offers graduates many professional opportunities. After graduation, students can move into jobs like data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI researchers, data analysts, business intelligence analysts, big data engineers, and AI consultants. In addition, the graduates with the BSc (Honours) degree will qualify for appearing for GATE and other competitive exams, enabling them to move into postgraduate studies or get a job in research and industry.

Through this programme, IIT Guwahati continues to solidify its position as the leader in technological education and innovation in India. The institute’s innovative curriculum, focus on hands-on skills, and adaptive learning streams make this programme a bright choice for students looking to construct a solid future in the constantly expanding field of data science and artificial intelligence.