The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati has opened admissions for its one-year professional master's programmes for the 2026-2027 academic year. The programmes are offered under two specialized tracks: Biological Data Science (BioDS) and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS-AI). These programmes were launched in 2024 and are delivered entirely online, catering to working professionals and graduates from science, technology, and allied disciplines.
Programme Structure and Objectives
The master's programmes are designed to provide industry-relevant skill development through an integrated coursework approach. Students receive both theoretical and applied training, with hands-on learning using real-world datasets. The curriculum is tailored for candidates seeking career progression into data-driven domains. As an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, IISER Tirupati offers access to advanced computational facilities, seminars, workshops, and collaborations with research organizations and industry partners to ensure practical exposure.
Specializations Offered
Biological Data Science (BioDS): This track focuses on applications in genomics, sequencing companies, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and AI-driven life sciences. Students work on projects involving real biological datasets.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS-AI): This track covers machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and computational problem-solving across various industries. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary learning and hands-on projects to prepare participants for immediate industry readiness.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process
Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in science, technology, computer applications, architecture, or an equivalent qualification. Postgraduate degree holders in science or technology fields are also eligible. The minimum academic requirement is 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 6.0 out of 10 in undergraduate programmes, or 55% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 5.5 for postgraduate degrees. Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, and candidates from both industry and academia are encouraged to apply through the official admissions portal with the required supporting documents.
Career Outcomes and Industry Opportunities
Graduates of the BioDS programme can pursue roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, genomics, and AI-enabled life sciences sectors as researchers and scientists. DS-AI graduates are well-prepared for positions such as data analysts, machine learning engineers, NLP specialists, and other technical roles. The institute organizes seminars, workshops, and research interactions with national and international organizations to enhance industry exposure and applied learning. Faculty coordinators for the programmes include Dr. Sreenivas Chavali, Dr. Rajeswari Appadurai, Dr. Raghunath O. R., and Dr. R. Lakshmi Lavanya. Queries can be directed to pmasters-bds@labs.iisertirupati.ac.in for BioDS and pmasters-dsai@labs.iisertirupati.ac.in for DS-AI.
This initiative by IISER Tirupati aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills in data science and artificial intelligence. The online delivery mode ensures flexibility for working individuals seeking to upskill or transition into high-growth sectors.
