IIT Madras had launched a new B. Sc degree in Programming and Data Science, the first of its kind in the history of IITs, keeping in mind the growing need for data science as a job requirement. The course is built on an online teaching framework, although the appearance of tests is flexible and students can choose from a number of IIT Madras-affiliated centres to write the test.

This course provides students with opportunities because it serves as a foundational course, a diploma course, and a B. Sc course. Candidates who wish to enrol in this course on a regular basis must meet the following criteria:

1. In 10th grade, the student must have studied Mathematics and English.
2. The student must pass 12th grade or its equivalent.
3. The student must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme OR have completed a bachelor's degree OR have dropped out of a bachelor's degree programme.

The following tiers make up the framework of this programme:

1. Foundational Course
2. Diploma in Programming
3. Diploma in Data Science
4. B. Sc Degree in Programming and Data Science

The foundational level comprises Mathematics, Statistics, Basics of Programming and Python, and English. IIT Madras further claims that these courses are chosen to guarantee that students who complete them are well equipped to progress to diploma level courses and then to the B. Sc level. The students can exit after completing any of the aforementioned tiers upon completion of the course and will definitely receive certificates.

The fees structure for each individual tier is as follows:

1. Rs. 32,000 for the Foundational Course (1-3 years, 10 hours/course/week)
2. Rs. 1,10,000 for the Diploma Courses - Rs. 55,000 each (1-3 years, 10 hours/course/week)
3. Rs. 1,00,000 for the Degree Course (1-3 years, 10 hours/course/week)

But, let’s face reality. This is too much to ask from an “Online Course.” Let’s straightaway talk about the disadvantages of the IIT Madras course:

1. The course hierarchy and slow advancement make the entire procedure exceedingly long and boring. Despite the fact that the institution is a ‘Big Name’ in the country, the course is relatively new and difficult to grasp with such levels of progression.
2. The fees-structure is segregated, and the overall cost is greater than other online courses with comparable or superior results. UpGrad, SkillSlash, and Great Leaning, for example, provide the same or better courses with a reasonable price range.
3. The courses are entirely online, whereas the examinations are held offline and in selected centres. As a result, the entire learning process becomes highly uneven and stressful.

I've found several online platforms that offer the same course with much simpler and organised functionality and lower fees. SkillSlash is one such example. The major reasons for its rising popularity are the variety of courses and the extra efforts to make the course beneficial for students coming from different academic fields. Although a new venture from the alumni of IITKGP, they offer a great curriculum and a unique approach to education. They have developed an inexpensive course that costs Rs. 89,000 for Professionals and Rs. 35,000 for Freshers.