BSc (Data Science and Applications)
It wasn’t the buzz or the brand of the IITM BS Degree Program that drew Soham Sachin Kulkarni, from Nashik, to enroll – it was Mathematics. While many students shy away from mathematical rigor, Soham embraced it wholeheartedly.
Soham always wanted to dive into programming, whether through Computer Science or Data Science. But the BS degree offered something richer: a blend of data analysis, programming, business insights, and a strong mathematical foundation.
He always wanted to understand the logic behind models and mechanisms, and as he progressed through the course, he realized it wasn’t just another subject; it was the missing piece of the puzzle.“There was programming, yes, but also a strong emphasis on formal mathematics and practical applications,” he recalls.
All the while, this virtual journey hasn’t just been about academics. Soham confesses that before enrolling in this degree, he was pretty introverted.
“My soft skills were not good. But the diploma level projects and vivas instilled not only better communication skills but much better presentation capabilities as well,” he admits.
Through group work, presentations, and online collaborations, he has built friendships across the country. Ironically, this “online-only” experience has boosted his real-life confidence. After all, while the course is online, the results are very much real. “I have made friends from so many states, the online meetings felt like real college hangouts,” he smiles.
Soham has also dipped his toes into co-curriculars. He founded ‘Jayatu Bharatam’ club under Gir House and participated in various other clubs’ activities as well. Although he’s currently on sabbatical from co-curricular activities, he’s grateful for the leadership experience they provided. He also had a fantastic experience at Paradox 2024, which he attended. “The workshops, conducted by IIT Professors, were amazing,” he says, eyes lighting up. So, what sets this degree apart, according to Soham?
“The foundation provides you with the mathematical depth, followed by the real-world relevance of further courses,” he says without hesitation.
He couldn’t praise the four diploma-level projects enough, as they provided him with the opportunity to build things from scratch. This helped him gain hands-on skills and the confidence to face industry-level challenges. “These courses are industry-relevant, and this education has truly boosted my confidence in my skills and capabilities.”
As far as the future plans are concerned, Soham is preparing to crack the GATE with a good score and wants to pursue MTech. He’s vocally grateful, believing that the BS degree is preparing him thoroughly for the exam. “This degree covers relevant topics with utmost dedication, and that’s going to be incredibly helpful for my preparation,” he says confidently.
And to those just starting out in the program or still considering it, Soham offers some important advice: “Take genuine interest in what you’re learning. This degree is rigorous, no doubt, but that is how its filtration process works for students. If you enjoy the process, the outcome will be worth it. Learn for the love of learning.”
With that mindset, it’s clear that Soham isn’t just crunching numbers – he is building a bright future.
– Written by Satyaki Goswami
