BSc (Data Science and Applications)
Sometimes, life gently nudges you toward an unexpected path, and you choose to stay and grow in that space. Parnikaa’s BS journey began with just such a nudge.
Having completed her schooling with PCM and Computer Science, she planned to take the JEE and other entrance exams in India. However, unforeseen visa issues prevented her from traveling, and a disheartened Parnikaa decided to take a drop year. What was meant to be a temporary gap year became the start of a new venture. She discovered the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications and enrolled, initially planning to pursue it alongside another college course. But somewhere along the way, something clicked. She stayed.
“It was a mix of circumstances bringing me to it and my own choice to move forward with it exclusively,” she says.
What began as a backup slowly turned into her main academic pursuit. She started liking the domain of data science and appreciated how well-structured and flexible the program was – especially during times when she was dealing with health issues. The virtual mode of delivery turned from a feature to a lifeline.
Parnikaa admits that, like many, she wasn’t too open to the idea of an online learning environment initially. But the IITM BS Degree changed that. Through the course, however, she began to see the value of a broader learning experience; the kind that comes from discussion forums, peer learning, and collaborative problem solving. “The support I witnessed on platforms like Discourse and Google Space helped me grow beyond just academic boundaries,” she says.
Her active involvement didn’t stop at academics. In 2024, she was one of the coordinators in the cultural domain at Paradox. It was her first real taste of campus life. “I love the IITM campus! The lush greenery, the monkeys, the deers – it was a refreshing experience,” she smiles.
When asked what she believes makes this degree stand out, she says: “The educational resources – they are top-notch.” Despite having experienced coursework at other elite institutions for some duration, she felt that the BS Degree was far more student-friendly.
“Whenever I’m stuck, the community and the platform offer a variety of resources – live sessions, transcripts, TA support, Discourse threads,”
she elaborates. In her view, the program upholds the grandeur of IIT Madras without compromising on the quality or accessibility of education.
Her intellectual drive also led her to dive deep into the NPTEL ecosystem. She took a full term to explore topics ranging from “Modern Algebra” and “Computer Graphics” to “Cognitive Psychology” and “Soft Skills Development” – covering both technical and humanities-oriented subjects. “The structure and format of NPTEL felt very similar to the BS portal, which made the transition smooth,” she reflects.
As for what comes next, Parnikaa has her priorities sorted. Primarily, she is aiming for a Master’s degree in Malaysia, while actively applying for internships. “I’m not too picky,” she says candidly. “I’ll happily start with the first good opportunity that comes my way.”
And what does she want the readers to take away?
“Data Science is truly multidisciplinary. It has applications across every field. This is a trending domain, and this degree gives you enough support and exposure to step into whichever direction you want. Good luck to everyone reading this!!”
Parnikaa’s story reminds us to recognize opportunities, even when they appear in unexpected ways. It shows that community-driven growth and a willingness to embrace change can help you achieve your goals.
– written by Satyaki Goswami
