BS (Data Science and Applications)
Life often closes doors, but Dheeraj decided to open a few more of his own. Today, he’s a software developer at a Bengaluru startup; yet just a few years ago, his path into tech was far from traditional. Hailing from Coimbatore, Dheeraj’s academic journey took a significant detour. “I had to drop out of school in the 9th standard due to health issues,” he shares, “That changed the course of my career.”
Homeschooled throughout high school, he chose Commerce for his 11th and 12th grades, a path quite different from his aspiration to study Computer Science/Engineering. After graduating, while preparing to pursue a degree in Commerce or Finance, he stumbled upon the IITM BS Degree in Data Science and Applications.
“It felt like a godsend,” Dheeraj says. At the time, students needed to be enrolled in a traditional offline college to qualify for the BS program. Dheeraj made a surprising, yet fitting, choice: a BA in English Literature. What started as a workaround soon became a valuable side quest.
However, it wasn’t just literature that transformed him; the IITM BS Degree provided the structure, challenge, and direction he longed for. “More than anything,” he reflects, “the program made me sharper as a person. Socially, professionally, and even in how I manage time and responsibilities – it taught me to multitask, take initiative, and push through, when things are hard.” He values his current ability to juggle multiple assignments and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
Beyond the academic transformation, Dheeraj experienced a significant moral uplift, reinforced by a fee waiver.
As a student from the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, the 50% reduction in his total fees made pursuing dual degrees comfortably affordable.
This support, among other factors, was a major driver in his decision to advance from the BSc to the BS level. “It uplifted my spirit and gave me a strong sense of purpose,” he recalls gratefully. “Knowing I
was supported made me more resilient and determined to push through challenges.”
Outside of his studies, Dheeraj actively engaged with the co-curricular ecosystem, notably leading Group 92 under Sundarbans House. He also participated in ‘Paradox in Saavan’. However, attending the main Paradox event remains an unticked box for him. “Every time I plan to attend Paradox, something unforeseen comes up,” he shares, “But next year, I’ll make sure I’m there!”
Dheeraj is also grateful for his NPTEL experience, where he completed courses such as ‘Theory of Computation’ and ‘Film Theory’ – the latter providing a refreshing and much-needed break after years of focusing on ML and programming. He even continued his literary journey, earning a Master’s Degree in English Literature!
According to Dheeraj, the young Software Developer, the IITM BS Degree truly shines due to its industry relevance.
He highlights that the program’s projects and the tools used directly mirror those found in professional settings, offering a “simulation of what working life looks like.” Dheeraj emphasizes that this provides students with hands-on experience even before they step into an internship or a job.
So what’s next?
“Currently, I’m focused on my job,” he shares, “but I definitely plan to pursue an MTech or MS once I gain more experience.” He admits the BS Degree was intense, especially after the BSc level, but he chose to continue for an extra year to unlock more future opportunities.
For anyone considering or currently pursuing the degree, he offers this advice: “It’s a demanding program, and you’ll need to adapt. Every course has its unique challenges and rules just stick with it. Push through, and you’ll emerge not just smarter, but stronger. Remember, you’re not alone. It’s truly one of the best opportunities available in Data Science and Programming, taught by some of the country’s top minds.”
From English literature to Machine Learning, and from homeschooling to a startup environment, Dheeraj has proven that no path is too unconventional as long as you’re willing to commit and put in the extra effort.
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
