Query on 4 year BS in biological science

Academics IDDD
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Hi, I have many queries about this program , appr ciate if someone can help answer them

  1. Is a 4 years BS program in general and this program in particular acceptable and compatible for doing further masters from US universities? Are they as much acceptable as B.Tech ? The acceptability will varry depending on the MS major I choose , but wanted to know about degree compatibility. Also, have you seen students doing masters in computer science related field at doing a BS in biological science ?
  2. How difficult it is for a student to get good grades and maintain 8.5 cgpa if he has not studied biology in 11-12th and does not have much interest in it. I am considering this course because I want to join IIITM . My real interest is in Computer science . So I am worried how difficult it would be to maintain 8.5 cgpa till 4th to take up IDDD courses. What if I am not able to get a IDDD courses ? What would be my prospects of completing only BS biological science ?
  3. I think , taking biological science means I have no options but to take some IDDD or other masters program at IDDD program at IITM because I feel unlike other mainstream B.tech program, job prospects aren’t that great for this BS program , correct me if I am wrong
  4. How many BS biological science students get placed ? From placement data, I see only 14-15 students sit for campus and most of them gets placed in some or the other companies. But this number is small compared to the intake into this program . What happens to the rest ?
  5. I am worried, if I take this subject, I will have to slog first two years to get good grade to get into IDDD in 5th sem and then slog further to complete those courses, do extra courses to be eligible for Software or Consulting job placements and would not have time only to participate in other campus activities and clubs which is the whole reason I want to join IITM. So, I am thinking if it is even practical to do all that given that I am not a super genius guy ! How has been the experiences with other students ? Because I could simply assume, I will do extra courses , join clubs do IDDD etc to compensate my core degree , but how practical and feasible it is ?
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The 4-year BS program in Biological Sciences at IIT Madras is well-recognized and generally accepted for further master’s studies abroad, including in the US. The exact acceptability depends on the chosen MS specialization, but many graduates successfully pursue advanced degrees, often in interdisciplinary areas such as computer science, computational biology, or data science. The flexibility of IIT Madras’ curriculum, with options for dual degree (IDDD) and interdisciplinary electives, adds to these opportunities.

Academics & CGPA

Maintaining a high CGPA (around 8.5 or above) can be challenging, particularly for students without a prior biology background. However, the curriculum is designed to accommodate students from diverse academic tracks, combining core biology with computational skills. Students who are disciplined with time management often find it possible to meet academic expectations while exploring additional opportunities like the IDDD program.

Career Prospects & Placements

  • Core biology placements are relatively limited compared to engineering streams.

  • Many students branch into non-core roles such as software, consulting, or analytics, leveraging their computational training.

  • Reported placement rates exceed 80%, though the average packages are somewhat lower than those in core engineering.

  • Around 14–15 students from this program typically sit for campus placements each year, with most securing offers. However, many students opt for higher studies, off-campus jobs, or research instead of placements.

  • Pursuing the IDDD in Data Science, Computing, or related areas is a popular choice to improve employability.

Student Experience

  • The first two years demand sustained academic effort, especially for those targeting IDDD eligibility (which requires maintaining a minimum CGPA).

  • This workload can make it harder to balance academics with extracurriculars unless students are exceptionally disciplined.

  • Those who manage well often highlight the unique interdisciplinary exposure and the ability to chart flexible career paths as key advantages.

Key Takeaways

  • The program is accepted for MS abroad, including in interdisciplinary CS-linked fields.

  • High CGPA is achievable but requires effort; prior biology knowledge is not mandatory.

  • 80%+ placement rate, though jobs lean toward software/consulting rather than core biology.

  • Dual degree (IDDD) options significantly enhance career prospects.

  • Success in the program depends heavily on academic discipline and time management.

In short, the BS in Biological Sciences at IIT Madras is a strong option for students interested in interdisciplinary opportunities. While placements in traditional biology are limited, the program’s flexibility allows graduates to explore computing, consulting, or research careers, or to pursue graduate studies abroad with a competitive profile.