BS (Data Science)
Gaurav Ginodia’s association with the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications began while he was pursuing his undergraduate studies in Computer Science at the University of Calcutta. As Data Science and AI continued to redefine the future of technology, he focused on strengthening his core understanding of these cutting-edge disciplines. Drawn by the academic depth of the program and the opportunity to learn directly from IIT faculty, he enrolled in the BS degree during his second year of offline college, an early decision that would go on to play a pivotal role in shaping his academic and professional journey.
Balancing both the degrees was challenging at first. With assignments from both programs, the early months were hectic. To manage this, Gaurav created a clear routine – dedicating weekends entirely to BS Degree coursework, while splitting weekdays between the BS degree and his on-campus studies. Over time, this structure eased the workload and made the learning experience more sustainable and rewarding.
As Gaurav moved ahead in the program, subjects that once seemed daunting, like Machine Learning and Deep Learning – gradually became clearer and more manageable. The structured teaching style, along with regular assignments and evaluations, kept him consistently engaged and helped him build strong discipline instead of depending on last-minute preparation. Over time, his confidence and understanding deepened.
He particularly appreciated how Software Engineering was taught from an industry perspective, which helped him connect theory to real-world practice. With this steady growth, he completed his BS degree in just three years, carrying forward a completely transformed approach to learning.
In-person examinations also played an important role in shaping his experience. While they required giving up Sundays, they offered something valuable in return – interaction. Meeting learners from different backgrounds and age groups helped him exchange ideas, gain guidance on course choices, and understand how others were applying what they learned. These interactions added a strong sense of community.
Alongside academics, Gaurav participated in several hackathons and competitions with peers from the BS program. These collaborative experiences helped him strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills. Though he couldn’t attend Paradox earlier due to overlapping offline college exams, he looks forward to participating in future editions.
Professionally, the BS degree opened meaningful doors. He secured a full-time role as a Software Engineer at TCS. His current work focuses on Generative AI, allowing him to directly apply concepts learned during the program. He believes the BS program played a key role in helping him smoothly step into the industry.
Looking ahead, Gaurav plans to continue working for the next few years, with the goal of moving into more AI-focused roles. He is also open to exploring entrepreneurship and higher education.
For students considering the program, his advice is simple: Don’t approach the BS degree with a checklist mindset. See it as a learning journey.
Invest time in building strong fundamentals, especially in Mathematics and Statistics, stay actively engaged with the student community, and make the most of the support systems available. For Gaurav, the BS degree was not just about learning concepts, but about building an industry-ready mindset that continues to shape his professional journey.
– written by Pushpanjali
