BS (Data Science and Applications)
Aarushi Singh Ahlawat is among the many students in the BS degree program who are also pursuing a traditional, in-person degree. So why would a B.Tech student in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Bengaluru enroll in the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications? “For me, it wasn’t just about blindly training models or doing AI because it’s
trending,” she explains. “I wanted to understand what goes on behind the scenes.”
She cites causal modeling as her favorite example, explaining, “There’s a theory that ice cream sales and summer deaths are correlated. But the real reason is that summer leads to more swimming, which consequently means a higher risk of drowning.” She elaborates that this kind of misinterpretation is what excites her about data science – digging deeper to find the true correlation(s).
While her B.Tech provides a solid foundation in core CS concepts, the BS degree enhanced her learning with the practical knowledge, tools, and mathematics needed to master AI and ML. She gained skills not explicitly taught in her traditional college, such as full-stack development and website hosting, through the BS degree’s hands-on approach.
“This degree has made a huge difference in my life,” she affirms. “I’ve been able to participate in the Microsoft AI Challenge, the AWS Machine Learning Scholarship, and even the Deep Racer League—all thanks to this program”.
But she didn’t just stop at academia; Aarushi stepped up as the leader for Bandipur House’s Group 334 for two years and now serves as the regional coordinator for Bengaluru. She was also a member of the ‘RaSoR’ content team, while actively participating in Discourse discussions. “It all depends on how much you engage yourself. The platform is virtual but the experience is very real,” she says with a grin.
Her passion for continuous learning is evident in the seven NPTEL courses she’s completed. She’s explored a range of topics, from Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems to Patent Laws for Engineers and Scientists, diving into both technical and non-technical areas. She particularly appreciates the BS Degree’s credit transfer policy, seeing it as a smart way to earn required credits more quickly.
According to Aarushi, what truly sets this degree apart is its constant refinement, keeping it relevant all the time. “I have seen the TDS syllabus evolve so quickly – new tools, fast APIs, LLMs. For the students, these are not just jargons anymore; they can now learn these without paying a single penny extra, through this degree itself,” she says.
Although she hasn’t attended Paradox yet, she hopes to make it for her convocation. Afterward, she aims to secure a PhD position at IISc or one of the IITs, with aspirations of entering the Industrial R&D sector.
When asked for some honest advice for the fellow learners and juniors, she said:
“If you’re a standalone student, don’t isolate yourself. Instead, be active by joining study groups, participating in hackathons, and getting involved in co-curricular activities. Simply watching lectures and submitting assignments isn’t enough. If you’re pursuing this as a dual degree, that’s a great choice – it will shape your skillset in ways you never could have imagined.”
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
