BSc (Data Science and Applications)
Remarkable journeys often begin with uncertainty, sparked by curiosity or the courage to break away from the norm. For Satyam Shukla, this meant taking a bold step: he left his traditional engineering college to fully commit to the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications.
Satyam was on a straightforward path, joining VIT’s Engineering department right after high school, having studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. However, just a year into his program, he discovered the online BS degree in Data Science and Applications offered by IIT Madras. Recognising the surging demand in the data science field, he quickly saw this as a significant opportunity. “It was clearly a booming field,” he says, “and the fact that IIT Madras was offering the degree – I didn’t need to think twice.”
But life as a dual-degree student wasn’t smooth sailing. “Managing both the degrees became hectic and tedious,” he admits. By his third semester, Satyam faced a difficult decision: he left his traditional college to fully commit to the online BS Degree.“I’ve never been a fan of mundane protocols,” he chuckles, “At my previous college, I was often forced to attend lectures that weren’t well-taught, simply to meet attendance requirements”.
With the flexible, student-centric model of the BS Degree, Satyam found what he was looking for. “Here, I get to invest my time where it truly matters.”
This shift came with real challenges. For instance, he was struggling with the ‘Systems Command’ course, especially with the online proctored exam (OPPE). Unlike typical exams, OPPEs present a unique challenge because they demand on-the-spot thinking. You need more than just subject knowledge; you also have to be creative in applying it. After failing twice, he remembers doubling down on his efforts. “It hit me – I needed to step up,” he recalls. After rewatching the lectures and reading the textbook meticulously, he finally cracked the subject with a glorious ‘S’ grade! “It gave me the kind of confidence I didn’t know I had,” he smiles.
He also mentions how the diploma-level projects pushed him to think like a professional, simulating real-world problems and culminating in vivas with industry experts. “Those moments provided me with a lot of exposure; I started treating the exams like opportunities.”
He also explored courses beyond the BS curriculum – taking NPTEL courses such as “Computer Networks and Internet Protocols”, as well as “Introduction to Basic Spoken Sanskrit and Intermediate Level of Spoken Sanskrit”. The latter was especially fascinating to him and the assignments, he says, made him engage deeper. Alongside his academic pursuits, Satyam also ran a YouTube channel where he taught English grammar – a passion project stemming from his love for the subject.
The future looks promising for Satyam; he recently cleared the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), adding another feather to his cap. While he awaits his interview round, he remains focused on completing his BS Degree with flying colors.
His message to fellow students? “Obstacles are real – but so are solutions,” he says. “I definitely hit some roadblocks, especially with ‘System Commands,’ but I pushed through. If you believe in yourself and in the power of this program, you’ll emerge stronger than ever”.
Satyam Shukla’s story reminds us that you can build a life that bravely combines discipline, curiosity, and the courage to start anew.
