Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched a BTech in AI and Data Analytics and will admit students from the upcoming Academic Year of 2024-25.

This undergraduate degree offered by the NIRF #1-ranked Institute in the country has been carefully crafted to equip students with key skills and knowledge.

Admission to this program is through the JEE (Advanced) exam. The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JOSAA) counselling for the 2024 batch is currently ongoing.

The Program aims to cultivate expertise in diverse aspects of AI and data analytics, offering a panoramic view of its applications across industries. It will have a student strength of 50 admitted through JEE. There will be a strong emphasis on Math Fundamentals, Data Science /AI/ML Foundations, Application Development and Responsible Design besides a distinct interdisciplinary flavor.

The course is being offered through the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, established with an endowment of Rs. 110 Crore by Mr. Sunil Wadhwani, a distinguished alumnus of IIT Madras and the Co-founder of IGATE and Mastech Digital.

The vision is to be among the top AI-focused schools worldwide and also advise the Government and policymakers on Data Science and AI-related policy areas.

This B.Tech. Program will offer a lot of academic flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning journey through a wide range of electives from within the department and outside. From delving into the intricacies of Speech and Language Technology and Computer Vision to exploring Applications in Control and Detection and Time-Series Analysis, students can delve deeper into areas of personal passion and interest.

Key areas of this B.Tech. program includes focusing on application to real-world problems and Fair and Responsible AI. This includes how to apply data analytics and AI techniques to tackle real-world challenges across diverse domains, fostering innovation and impact besides embracing the principles of fairness and responsibility in AI development, and ensuring ethical and equitable deployment of technology.

The core curriculum has been designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in AI and data analytics, covering a diverse array of subjects essential for success in this field. From foundational courses in linear algebra and calculus to specialized modules in machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, students are equipped with a robust toolkit to tackle the varied challenges in this discipline.

Furthermore, practical experience is ingrained in the curriculum through laboratory sessions, workshops, and real-world projects, ensuring students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with hands-on expertise ready for immediate application in the industry.