SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Data scientist / AI
Finding patterns in data and building AI tools that use them.
Facts checked 17/10/2026
- Class 11–12 subjects
- Maths in Class 12 helps a lot and many B.Tech/B.Sc courses require it. IIT Madras's online BS accepts any stream (with maths and English in Class 10).
- First degree
- B.Tech (CSE/AI/Data Science), B.Sc Statistics/Maths/Data Science, or IIT Madras's online 4-year BS in Data Science.
- Entrance exams
- JEE and state tests for B.Tech; CUET or university tests for B.Sc; IIT Madras runs its own 4-week qualifier.
- Licence or registration
- None needed to start working.
What the work is like
Cleaning and analysing data, building models, testing AI systems, explaining results to decision-makers.
The path, step by step
- Class 11–12Maths if you can. Start a little coding (Python) and statistics.
- After Class 12Choose a route: B.Tech, B.Sc, or the IIT Madras online BS (apply after Class 12 — or after Class 11 and join later).
- During the degreeProjects with real data, internships, and a portfolio you can show.
- AfterAnalyst or junior ML roles, or an M.Tech/MS.
Good to know
- The IIT Madras BS lets you exit early with a certificate, diploma or B.Sc.
- Employers look closely at projects and skills, not only the degree name.
Read more
About pay: it varies a lot by city, employer and skill, and changes year to year, so we don't print salary numbers. Ask us in a session and we'll show you current, sourced figures for your case.
Sources: IIT Madras BS admissions · IIT Madras BS programme · JEE Main 2026 information bulletin (NTA)
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