IIT Madras exit policy: BTech pass-out students can be awarded B.Sc. after 3 years; eligible after completion of 250 of total 400 credits, aligns with National Education Policy

Students who are finding it hard to pursue a BTech degree at IIT Madras will have a new route to exit with a BSc degree after three years. They must acquire 250 credits out of a 400-credit curriculum if they want to get a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Students from the 2024 batch can opt for this facility as from 2027.

The institute has also planned to use the scheme to benefit senior students from the next academic year.

These students, however, should have attempted the degree at least once before pursuing the degree of BSc.

"We also plan to introduce a BSc degree with specialization. The number of core credits, as specified by the departments, will determine the specialization," professor Prathap Haridoss, dean (academic courses) of IIT Madras, told TOI.

"This BSc degree will enable the students to pursue higher education, such as MBA, or sit for the civil service. People who exit the program also join us later online in BS programs," he further added.

Those who enrolled in an institution without any interest in the field also find it hard to finish their degree. Others also quit their course to pursue their careers as entrepreneurs.

“This will enable these students to get a degree,” he added.

Multiple entry and exit into the degree programs is one of the most important elements brought by the National Education Policy (NEP). IIT Madras has brought some changes into the educational system by reducing the minimum credit needs per semester by 10%.

“A student can readily accumulate 66 credits in a semester. However, we have subsequently reduced the minimum credit requirements for a semester to 50 credits.”

"Students with higher CGPA are allowed to take more credits per semester," Haridoss stated. Additionally, IIT Madras constituted up to 40% of the courses offered in the BTech degree as electives, which allows the students to choose the subjects of their preference. The institution also introduced a dual degree and a minor degree to give the students a wide selection of choices.