BS (Data Science and Applications)
With industries shaken worldwide and uncertainties looming, mechanical engineering graduate Sarfaraz, from Mumbai, found himself at a crossroads when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020. He joined Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) as a system engineer – a move that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and he didn’t stop there.
During this transitional period, he stumbled upon YouTube videos discussing a then-emerging program: IIT Madras’s BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. It was flexible, affordable, and, crucially, promised skills relevant to the post-pandemic tech world. “Around the same time, two of my friends had already joined the first batch,” Sarfaraz recalls. This confluence of factors led him to enroll in the BS degree, a decision that would uniquely shape his career.
Back at the office, Sarfaraz had to deal with Linux systems, Shell commands, Databases – things which seemed like whirlwinds coming from a non-CS domain. “I had no background in these,” he admits. But thanks to subjects like ‘Database Management Systems’ and ‘System Commands’, from the diploma level, he gradually solidified the theoretical understanding of these systems. On the other hand, beyond work and academics, he began to explore his newfound love for Machine Learning. Over the last year, he has taken part in several Kaggle competitions and has been actively participating in TCS-organised hackathons.
And this year, he finally attended Paradox – his first-ever. “Being in my final year, I did not want to miss the fest. It was amazing meeting people who shared the same passion for learning and upskilling,” he reminisced, fresh from Paradox’25. His very first experience, encompassing everything from tech to cultural events, immediately gave him a sense of belonging in this vibrant and evolving community.
According to Sarfaraz, what makes this degree truly unique and approachable, even for non-CS students, is its layered course structure.
“You start with basics like Computational Thinking, then move on to more rigorous courses at the diploma level. And in the degree level, the electives let you explore multiple domains, giving you a chance to figure out what excites you,” he elaborates.
According to him, it is not simply a linear path, but a roadmap for growth. Down the line, Sarfaraz is eyeing a master’s degree, hopefully from a top Indian university. But having travelled to Europe on job-related assignments, he is also open to exploring opportunities overseas. But for now, he is focusing on landing a role where he can dive deep into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – domains he has grown to love. To the ones who are starting out in the BS journey, he has a simple yet important advice:
“Learn what is being taught. Explore every corner of the curriculum. If you are switching domains, this degree can be your best bet – just make the most of it.”
From mechanical machines to intelligent algorithms, Sarfaraz’s decision and its consequences tell us that it is never too late to reboot or relearn.
