The UGC application window for institutions seeking approval to offer online and distance-learning programmes for January–February 2027 closed on September 15.
IIT BSc and BS Options Have Different Entry Rules
IIT Guwahati offers a four-year online BSc (Hons.) programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with at least 60% overall or aggregate marks from an education board in their country or province, or a recognised university. The programme accepts applicants from science and non-science backgrounds, with no subject or stream restriction. Its stated threshold combines a marks minimum with broad stream eligibility.¹²
IIT Jodhpur’s undergraduate programme in Applied AI and Data Science is delivered online, with campus immersion opportunities. Students can pursue a three-year BSc or a four-year BS, subject to the applicable programme structure and requirements. Applicants must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board with at least 60% aggregate marks, and Mathematics must have been studied at the 10+2 level. The listed choices differ in qualification length, while the Mathematics condition applies to this programme.¹
Students can pursue a three-year BSc or a four-year BS, subject to the applicable programme structure and requirements.
IIT Patna offers a BS in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity through a hybrid learning format. Its eligibility criteria require applicants to have passed 12th with 60% marks in the 10+2 Board Examination, and the Science stream is required. The stated condition combines a marks threshold with a stream requirement. The qualification is a BS, and the listed delivery format is hybrid.¹²
Engineering and Diploma Routes Sit Outside Those Degrees
IIT Hyderabad offers a BTech programme in Artificial Intelligence covering machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and robotics. IIT Jodhpur also offers an undergraduate engineering programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Admission to regular engineering programmes at IITs generally requires candidates to qualify through JEE Advanced, followed by the JoSAA counselling process. This is the stated admission route for the regular engineering programmes, separate from the online or hybrid formats described above.¹²
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Read More →Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for Distance and Online Education added eleven certificate and diploma courses for the 2026-27 academic year, bringing its total programme count to sixty. The additions include a Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media and an Advanced Diploma in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building. The AI and Digital Media course is a diploma option within the centre’s wider certificate and diploma offerings, rather than an IIT undergraduate degree.¹²
The Application Windows Have Closed
The UGC institutional application period began on September 1. Submissions had to be made online through the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal, and supporting documents had to reach the Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, at 35 Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi, by September 25. The UGC said submitting an application did not automatically secure approval. Sudeep Singh Jain, Secretary, UGC, signed the notice on August 31.¹²
Jamia extended the admission application deadline for all programmes to September 8; the earlier deadline was August 10. CDOE Director Aslam Khan recommended the extension. This was a student admissions deadline for Jamia programmes, distinct from the UGC process for institutions seeking approval to offer online and distance-learning programmes.¹²
With the institutional and Jamia application windows closed, readers can use the IIT programmes’ stated eligibility rules and degree formats to compare the available options. The UGC and Jamia dates describe separate administrative processes; they do not provide an open application date for the IIT courses. The listed details distinguish course requirements from approval and admissions deadlines.²
This was a student admissions deadline for Jamia programmes, distinct from the UGC process for institutions seeking approval to offer online and distance-learning programmes.¹²
Match your stream to AI entry rules
Check your Class 12 subjects before choosing an AI programme. IIT Guwahati's online BSc accepts science and non-science backgrounds with 60% marks, so a commerce or arts student can apply. IIT Jodhpur's Applied AI and Data Science route requires Mathematics at the 10+2 level, and IIT Patna's AI and Cybersecurity BS demands the Science stream. Your stream decides which doors open, not just your marks.¹²
Separate online degrees from engineering routes when planning preparation. IIT Hyderabad's BTech in AI and IIT Jodhpur's engineering programme require JEE Advanced and JoSAA counselling, while the BSc and BS options do not. If you lack JEE Advanced preparation, target the online BSc or BS routes. If you want an engineering degree, budget time for JEE Advanced instead of relying on the 60% Class 12 threshold.¹
Sources
- news18.com — https://www.news18.com/education-career/planning-to-study-ai-after-class-12-check-bsc-and-bs-courses-offered-by-iits-ws-e-10400921.html
- livemint.com — https://www.livemint.com/education/ugc-opens-applications-for-open-and-distance-learning-online-courses-for-2026-27-check-timeline-key-details-11788445855630.html
Education & University InsightsUGC opened ODL and online approval window for 2027 session
The UGC opened applications for institutions seeking ODL and online approval for the January–February 2027 session,
Read More →Written by Career Ahead AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify key facts. Report errors to support@careeraheadonline.com
