On one side, the first batch of the Inter-Disciplinary Dual Degree (IDDD) program on Data Science prepares for the conclusion of the program at IIT Madras, on the other side the institute is planning to double the number of seats due to the positive response it received from the industry and the demand of the course among the students. The first batch consists of 30 students and will appear for the placements shortly.
In 2015, IIT Madras introduced a massive overhaul in its curriculum under which it allowed flexibility of choosing courses across disciplines. The option was provided to the undergraduate students under which they can upgrade for the IDDD programs. As a result, they will study for five years at the institute and will receive a B.tech degree in the parent discipline and M.Tech. in an interdisciplinary area.
The IDDD Data Science Students will obtain a bachelor’s degree in the major they have applied for and a Master’s degree in data science and how it is applied to solve the problems in their parent discipline. The IDDD program offered by IIT-Madras is one of a kind program in the nation.
Prof. B. Ravindran said, "Data Science is greatly impacting every discipline and the graduates of this programme, by virtue of their interdisciplinary training, are well equipped to be leaders in a digital world."
Highlighting the benefits to students, Dr. Nandan Sudarsanam, one of the instructors in the program, and Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, said, "In addition to enabling the students with the tools to be more impactful in their respective domains, this program allows students to make lateral shifts in their prospective careers."