Overview
- IIT Madras confirmed on Thursday that 17-year-old J Santhosh has won a place in its four-year BS in Data Science and Applications after clearing the programme qualifier on his second attempt.
- Santhosh has 90% spinal muscular disability and cerebral palsy and missed a 2025 school trip to the campus, a moment that first sparked his desire to study at IIT Madras.
- Tamil Nadu Volunteers and Hari Krishnan, head of IIT-M outreach, helped fix application problems, provided training and guidance, and will offer in-person support and first-year tuition under the IIT‑M for All initiative.
- The BS Data Science programme is structured for flexibility so students can do much coursework remotely and attend campus mainly for exams and practicals, which makes it compatible with Santhosh’s mobility needs.
- Santhosh, the son of an auto driver and his school’s Class 12 topper, said he aims for an IT career with work-from-home options and further study, and his case highlights how awareness, local NGOs and tailored programmes can broaden access for students with disabilities.