Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking into the MTech (CDS) or MTech(AI) at IISc, since I’m interested in moving towards computational biology / AI/ML in healthcare and medicine.

I’m trying to understand how to meet the “strong math and programming background” expectation mentioned on the program page of both these programs, coming from a bio background.

Questions:

1. How is this background actually evaluated? how would i demonstrate it both formally and practically?
   • Do I need formal credentials (like a minor/online degree from IIT/BITS or distance education like IGNOU), or
   • can NPTEL courses + solid projects be enough to demonstrate it both formally and practically?
2. What level of math and programming should one realistically reach by the end of undergrad to be competitive?

GATE: Now, From what I’ve explored so far, CDS seems like a better fit for my interests, but I’ll understand this more clearly as I progress through my undergrad. MTech AI could also turn out to be a better fit.

• MTech(CDS): accepts GATE BT since it will be a major subject, GATE BT seems manageable.
• MTech(AI): GATE DA/CS, Currently, I can code basic ML models like KNN and GUI (PyQT) apps using Python, So i beleive those parts of the syllabus ill manage, biggest hurdle for these subject would be math and rest of the theory, i wil have to chose DA or CS and prep form 1st yr itself to even be competitive.
• What is the most standard / popular way aspirants study for GATE DA/CS?

Context:

I’m about to start my undergrad and will likely be in a biology/biotech-related program (still deciding between a few options, and the recent RE-NEET situation has also influenced things). If I need to take additional courses, I’d want to start early so I can complete them in time for admissions at the end of 4th yr, also dont want to end up choosing subjects / courses that will simply make me ineligible, add to the difficulty for the prep.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking into the MTech (CDS) or MTech(AI) at IISc, since I’m interested in moving towards computational biology / AI/ML in healthcare and medicine.

I’m trying to understand how to meet the “strong math and programming background” expectation mentioned on the program page of both these programs, coming from a bio background.

Questions:

1. How is this background actually evaluated? how would i demonstrate it both formally and practically?
   • Do I need formal credentials (like a minor/online degree from IIT/BITS or distance education like IGNOU), or
   • can NPTEL courses + solid projects be enough to demonstrate it both formally and practically?
2. What level of math and programming should one realistically reach by the end of undergrad to be competitive?

GATE: Now, From what I’ve explored so far, CDS seems like a better fit for my interests, but I’ll understand this more clearly as I progress through my undergrad. MTech AI could also turn out to be a better fit.

• MTech(CDS): accepts GATE BT since it will be a major subject, GATE BT seems manageable.
• MTech(AI): GATE DA/CS, Currently, I can code basic ML models like KNN and GUI (PyQT) apps using Python, So i beleive those parts of the syllabus ill manage, biggest hurdle for these subject would be math and rest of the theory, i wil have to chose DA or CS and prep form 1st yr itself to even be competitive.
• What is the most standard / popular way aspirants study for GATE DA/CS?

Context:

I’m about to start my undergrad and will likely be in a biology/biotech-related program (still deciding between a few options, and the recent RE-NEET situation has also influenced things). If I need to take additional courses, I’d want to start early so I can complete them in time for admissions at the end of 4th yr, also dont want to end up choosing subjects / courses that will simply make me ineligible, add to the difficulty for the prep.

Hey everyone, I’m considering Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham: Amritapuri campus and wanted some honest insights from current students or alumni.

How’s the overall student life there? Like:

• Campus vibe (is it too strict/restrictive or manageable?)
• Academic pressure and schedule
• Hostel life and facilities
• Social life (clubs, outings, interaction, etc.)
• Any inconveniences or downsides you wish you knew before joining?

I’m trying to understand the actully day-to-day experience beyond the brochure stuff. Would really appreciate genuine opinions 🙏

Hey everyone,

I’m considering enrolling in the IIT Madras BS in Data Science (online), and I wanted some honest insights from people who are currently doing it or have completed parts of it.

Reason behind it is to go on the filed of computational biology and my offline Bachelors wont make the cut everywhere, this should hopefully provide a more structured part to learning the computational part of this field and meet the eligibility criteria for masters everywhere that i am aiming for.

A bit about my background:

• Comfortable with class 12th Maths JEE maths is a very challenging
• I do have some programming experience:
  • Comfortable with Python
  • Can build basic ML models using TensorFlow and scikit-learn
  • Have built simple PyQt applications
  • I usually rely on documentation/notes rather than AI tools

My plan:

• This will NOT be my standalone degree (I’ll be doing it alongside BS in Biology and Life sciences related field)
• I’m aiming to complete the full BS level in ~4 years
• Total courses: ~36 + 3 NPTEL courses
• I plan to use the max allowed transfer credits (8 credits)

What I want to understand:

1. How difficult is the math in the program really? (especially for someone not from a strong math background)
2. What is the actual weekly workload like per course?
3. Roughly how many hours per day would someone need to put in if they’re taking ~3 courses in a term?
4. How much self-study is realistically required to keep up?
5. Is it manageable alongside another full-time degree?
6. How stressfull are the exams/assignments compared to something like boards vs JEE level?
7. Any common mistakes people make when starting this program?

How does the similar Applied Data sci degree by IIT JODHPUR compare in terms of credibility, workload, difficulty etc

I’m not afraid of hard work, just trying to understand what I’m realistically signing up for.

Would really appreciate honest answers—both positive and negative.

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m considering enrolling in the IIT Madras BS in Data Science (online), and I wanted some honest insights from people who are currently doing it or have completed parts of it.

Reason behind it is to go on the filed of computational biology and my offline Bachelors wont make the cut everywhere, this should hopefully provide a more structured part to learning the computational part of this field and meet the eligibility criteria for masters everywhere that i am aiming for.

A bit about my background:

• Comfortable with class 12th Maths JEE maths is a very challenging
• I do have some programming experience:
  • Comfortable with Python
  • Can build basic ML models using TensorFlow and scikit-learn
  • Have built simple PyQt applications
  • I usually rely on documentation/notes rather than AI tools

My plan:

• This will NOT be my standalone degree (I’ll be doing it alongside BS a Biology and Life sciences related field)
• I’m aiming to complete the full BS level in ~4 years
• Total courses: ~36 + 3 NPTEL courses
• I plan to use the max allowed transfer credits (8 credits)

What I want to understand:

1. How difficult is the math in the program really? (especially for someone not from a strong math background)
2. What is the actual weekly workload like per course?
3. Roughly how many hours per day would someone need to put in if they’re taking ~3 courses in a term?
4. How much self-study is realistically required to keep up?
5. Is it manageable alongside another full-time degree?
6. How stressfull are the exams/assignments compared to something like boards vs JEE level?
7. Any common mistakes people make when starting this program?

How does the similar Applied Data sci degree by IIT JODHPUR compare in terms of credibility, workload, difficulty etc

I’m not afraid of hard work, just trying to understand what I’m realistically signing up for.

Would really appreciate honest answers—both positive and negative.

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m considering enrolling in the IIT Madras BS in Data Science (online), and I wanted some honest insights from people who are currently doing it or have completed parts of it.

Reason behind it is to go on the filed of computational biology and my offline Bachelors wont make the cut everywhere, this should hopefully provide a more structured part to learning the computational part of this field and meet the eligibility criteria for masters everywhere that i am aiming for.

A bit about my background:

• Comfortable with class 12th Maths JEE maths is a very challenging
• I do have some programming experience:
  • Comfortable with Python
  • Can build basic ML models using TensorFlow and scikit-learn
  • Have built simple PyQt applications
  • I usually rely on documentation/notes rather than AI tools

My plan:

• This will NOT be my standalone degree (I’ll be doing it alongside BS in Biology and Life sciences related field)
• I’m aiming to complete the full BS level in ~4 years
• Total courses: ~36 + 3 NPTEL courses
• I plan to use the max allowed transfer credits (8 credits)

What I want to understand:

1. How difficult is the math in the program really? (especially for someone not from a strong math background)
2. What is the actual weekly workload like per course?
3. Roughly how many hours per day would someone need to put in if they’re taking ~3 courses in a term?
4. How much self-study is realistically required to keep up?
5. Is it manageable alongside another full-time degree?
6. How stressfull are the exams/assignments compared to something like boards vs JEE level?
7. Any common mistakes people make when starting this program?

How does the similar Applied Data sci degree by IIT JODHPUR compare in terms of credibility, workload, difficulty etc

I’m not afraid of hard work, just trying to understand what I’m realistically signing up for.

Would really appreciate honest answers—both positive and negative.

Thanks!