In a significant move to bridge the skill gap in a data-driven economy, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has unveiled a new Master of Science (MSc) programme in Data Science and Analytics. The course will be delivered through the university's renowned Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, making advanced education in this high-demand field accessible to learners across India.
Programme Overview and Objectives
The two-year degree programme is being offered by IGNOU's School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS). It is specifically designed to meet the rising industry demand for trained data science professionals across various sectors like business, healthcare, engineering, and social sciences. The curriculum aims to build strong computational and statistical competencies essential for data analysis and solving complex real-world problems.
The programme is open to graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, welcoming both career upgraders and those looking to make a complete shift into the data science domain. The medium of instruction for the entire course is English.
Eligibility, Fee Structure, and Unique Exit Option
To be eligible for admission, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree of minimum three years duration from any recognised university. There are no specific subject restrictions mentioned, highlighting the programme's inclusive approach.
As per the official website, the course fee is set at Rs 13,000 per semester. This cost is exclusive of any applicable registration and development fees. A key feature of this MSc programme is its flexible exit option. Students who complete the first year (comprising two semesters and earning 40 credits) can choose to exit and will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science and Analytics.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for MSc Data Science at IGNOU
Prospective students can follow these steps to submit their application online:
- Visit the official IGNOU website at ignou.ac.in.
- Register on the portal by providing a valid email address and contact number to create a user account.
- Log in and carefully fill the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and other required details.
- Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as the bachelor's degree certificate and photograph, as per the specified format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway and finally submit the form.
This initiative by IGNOU is expected to democratise access to quality education in data science, allowing working professionals and students from remote locations to build expertise and tap into the growing number of data-centric job opportunities in the Indian market.
