UGC-Entitled Masters Degree Program

Online Master of Science Degree in
Data Science

Edition: 2026-04

At IIIT Hyderabad, the MSc in Data Science program combines deep research foundations with real-world applications in AI and Data Science, preparing you for future opportunities.

8 Terms
In 2 years
2 Years
Self-paced
Starts at
₹4 Lakhs + GST
SAARC: $6000
Int'l: $12000
80 Credits
16 courses

Program Outcomes

  • Master both theoretical foundations and practical applications in Data Science
  • Acquire proficiency in Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis and AI techniques
  • Experience with industry-standard tools: Python, Jupyter, GitHub and cloud platforms
  • Work with real-world datasets and case studies and build practical solutions
  • Prepare yourself for in-demand roles like Data Scientist, ML Engineer, AI Specialist, and Data Analyst
No Application Fee!

Why This Program?

Degree from one of India's Leading Universities

Receive a degree certificate from one of India's leading research universities.

Skills recognized by Industry

Gain skills that are in high demand across various tech industries and startups.

Flexible completion schedule

Plan your own pace to finish your degree in upto 4 years.

Rigorous theory and application

Master both theoretical computer science concepts and practical AI applications.

Live online tutorial sessions

Engage in direct Q&A sessions with IIITH Faculty, Instructors or Industry Experts.

Online forum and TA office hours for peer learning

Engage in collaborative learning with fellow students through online forum and TA office hours.

Remote, Self-Paced and Flexible

Normal Pace

2 Courses per Term

You may complete the program in 2 years following the standard term-wise mapping with 4 terms annually...

Self-Paced Learning

Flexible Timeline

.. or study at your own pace while ensuring all 16 courses are completed within the 4-year maximum duration.

Proctored Online Exams

Secure & Convenient

All exams are proctored and conducted online, offered multiple times per year to accommodate different schedules.

Multiple Exam Attempts

Improve Your Grades

Retake final exams till you clear courses or improve grades with additional fees.

Homework Requirements

  • Complete all assigned homework with minimum 60% total score before taking final exam
  • No deadline for homework submission - work at your own pace
  • Resubmit assignments anytime to improve scores

Course Completion

  • Average 60% in course assignments
  • Minimum 40% score in final exam
  • Complete all prerequisite courses before taking a course

Program Curriculum

Note: Actual topics and activities might differ slightly based on instructor preferences and pedagogical requirements.

Term 1
Year 1, Term 1
10 Credits

Foundation Courses

Math for Data Science I: Basics
5 Credits • Core
Python Core and Applied Concepts for Reliable Data Science Workflows
5 Credits • Core
Term 2
Year 1, Term 2
10 Credits

Data Structures & Systems

Data Structures and Algorithms
5 Credits • Core
Computer Systems
5 Credits • Core
Term 3
Year 1, Term 3
10 Credits

Database & Software Systems

Database Management Systems
5 Credits • Core
Software Systems
5 Credits • Core
Term 4
Year 1, Term 4
10 Credits

Advanced Algorithms & AI

Algorithm Analysis and Design
5 Credits • Core
Statistical Methods in AI
5 Credits • Core
Term 5
Year 2, Term 1
10 Credits

Data Analytics & Advanced Math

Data Analytics
5 Credits • Core
Maths of Data Science II: Advanced Topics
5 Credits • Core
Term 6
Year 2, Term 2
10 Credits

Optimization & First Elective

Optimization Methods
5 Credits • Core
Data Science Elective 1
5 Credits • Elective
Term 7
Year 2, Term 3
10 Credits

Specialization Electives

Data Science Elective 2
5 Credits • Elective
Data Science Elective 3
5 Credits • Elective
Term 8
Year 2, Term 4
10 Credits

Final Specializations

Data Science Elective 4
5 Credits • Elective
Data Science Elective 5
5 Credits • Elective

Electives

You may choose 5 electives from the following elective courses to customize your learning path based on your career goals and interests.

Computer Vision
Reinforcement Learning
Generative Models
Spatial Informatics
Introduction to NLP
Algorithms for Data Science
Speech Signal Processing
Data Visualization
Human-Computer Interaction for Data Science

Note: Additional elective courses may be added as and when available.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

Anyone with a Bachelor's degree in Basic Science, Technology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Commerce or Business.

Prerequisites

Completed basic course in programming and mathematics (calculus, linear algebra and probability theory).

The final decision for admission rests with the IIIT Hyderabad admissions committee.

Program Faculty

Prof. Suryajith Chillara portrait

Prof. Suryajith Chillara

Assistant Professor, Ph.D (Chennai Mathematical Institute)

Research: Computational Complexity Theory, and Algorithmic Coding Theory.

Prof. Girish Varma portrait

Prof. Girish Varma

Assistant Professor, Ph.D (TIFR Mumbai)

Research: Complexity Theory, Combinatorics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning

Prof. Abhishek Kr Singh portrait

Prof. Abhishek Kr Singh

Assistant Professor Ph.D (TIFR, Mumbai)

Research: Formal methods, Programming languages, Software engineering, and Trustworthy AI.

Prof. Kishore Kothapalli portrait

Prof. Kishore Kothapalli

Professor, Dean Academics, Ph.D (John Hopkins University)

Research: Multicore and many core algorithms, distributed algorithms

Prof. Vikram Pudi portrait

Prof. Vikram Pudi

Professor, Ph.D (IISc Bangalore)

Research: Data mining, artificial intelligence, database systems

Prof. Ankit Gangwal portrait

Prof. Ankit Gangwal

Assistant Professor, Ph.D (University of Padua)

Research: Blockchain, Cryptography, Privacy, and Security

Prof. Karthik Vaidhyanathan portrait

Prof. Karthik Vaidhyanathan

Assistant Professor, Ph.D (Gran Sasso Science Institute, Italy)

Research: Software Architecture, Self-adaptive systems, SE4AI, AI4SE

Prof. Tejas Bodas portrait

Prof. Tejas Bodas

Assistant Professor, Ph.D (IIT Bombay)

Research: Operations research, Machine learning, Optimization

Prof. Kshitij Gajjar portrait

Prof. Kshitij Gajjar

Assistant Professor Ph.D (TIFR, Mumbai)

Research: Algorithms, graph theory, complexity, combinatorics

Fee Structure

Admission Fee

Deductible from total tuition

Indian (including 18% GST) ₹29,500
SAARC $375
International $750

Course Fees

CoursesIndian NationalSAARC NationalInternational
2 (10 credits)
₹60,000 + GST$900$1,800
4 (20 credits)
₹1,15,000 + GST$1,724$3,448
8 (40 credits)
₹2,20,000 + GST$3,304$6,608
16 (80 credits)
Complete Degree
₹4,00,000 + GST$6,000$12,000

International prices in USD. GST is charged at 18% for Indian nationals.

Term fee of ₹2,000 + GST for Indian students, $30 for SAARC students and $60 for International students per term (3 months) applicable from 9th term (3rd year) onwards

Additional Fees

Re-Exam

Indian (including 18% GST) ₹2,950
SAARC $38
International $75

Assignment Re-submission

Indian (including 18% GST) ₹1,180
SAARC $15
International $30

Refund Policy

On or before 30th Jan 2026 100%
31st Jan - 13th Feb 2026 90%
14th Feb - 1st Mar 2026 80%
2nd Mar - 16th Mar 2026 50%
From 17th Mar 2026 No refund

Processing fee: ₹1,000 for Indian students, $25 for SAARC students and $50 for International students

SAARC: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Important Dates

EventDate
Program AnnouncementJan 14th (Wed)
Applications OpenJan 14th (Wed)
Applications CloseMar 26th (Thu)
Fee Payment Deadline/Last Date of AdmissionMar 26th (Thu)
Orientation SessionApr 4th (Sat)
1st Term StartsApr 6th (Mon)

How to Apply

Step 1

Sign Up

Visit sign up page and create your account.

Step 2

Submit Application

Visit application site, complete form and submit.

Step 3

Pay Admission Fee

After your application is approved, visit payment website and pay fees.

Accreditations & Rankings

IIIT Hyderabad and its programs are recognized and accredited by top national and international bodies, ensuring the highest standards of quality and credibility.

NAAC A++ logo NAAC A++
UGC Entitled logo UGC Entitled
AICTE logo AICTE
NIRF logo NIRF
IIIT Hyderabad logo IIIT Hyderabad

Frequently Asked Questions