Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] + Master of Science [M.Sc.] (Data Science)
About Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] + Master of Science [M.Sc.] (Data Science)
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] + Master of Science [M.Sc.] (Data Science) at Sacred Heart College - [SHC], Kochi is a 5-year Integrated Programme offered under the Department of Computer Science, affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. The programme is offered under the Aided category at the Main Campus with 15 seats, and the total fee per year is approximately Rs. 13,709 (aided rates). Admission is merit-based through the college's online registration process, with no mandatory national entrance exam. The integrated programme combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies in data science, covering programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and statistical computing, making graduates highly competitive in the data-driven technology industry.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open tentatively in May 2026, based on the 2025-26 schedule. The 2025-26 admission cycle commenced on 21st May 2025 with online registration, and the first allotment was completed by June 2025. Students are advised to monitor the official website (shcollege.ac.in) for the 2026-27 schedule.
Key Points
- Offered at the Main Campus (Aided) of Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi - one of the very few aided integrated data science programmes in Kerala
- 5-year integrated programme combining B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Computer Science (Data Science) under a single admission
- Curriculum covers Python, R, machine learning, deep learning, big data, cloud computing, and data visualisation
- Students can exit after 3 years with a B.Sc. degree or after 4 years with a B.Sc. Honours degree, or complete 5 years for the M.Sc. degree
- Approved by AICTE and affiliated to MG University; very limited seats (15) making it highly competitive
SHC B.Sc. + M.Sc. (Data Science) Fees
The Integrated M.Sc. Computer Science (Data Science) programme at Sacred Heart College is an aided course with significantly lower fees compared to self-financing programmes. The total annual fee is approximately Rs. 13,709 (aided rates for 2025-26). Fees are payable semester-wise.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Per Year (Aided) | Total (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| College Fee | Rs. 8,779 | Rs. 43,895 |
| Govt & University Fees | Rs. 4,930 | Rs. 24,650 |
| Total Fees | Rs. 13,709 | Rs. 68,545 |
- Fees are subject to revision as per MG University and Government of Kerala norms.
- SC/ST students are eligible for full fee reimbursement through state e-grants.
- Application/registration fee: Rs. 200 for general candidates; Rs. 50 for SC/ST candidates.
- Hostel facility is available (not mandatory); contact college hostels directly for current hostel fee details.
SHC B.Sc. + M.Sc. (Data Science) Admission 2026-27
Admissions to the Integrated M.Sc. (Data Science) programme at Sacred Heart College are conducted directly by the college (not through MG University CAP process). Selection is merit-based on index marks calculated from Plus Two marks. With only 15 seats, competition is very high. The 2025-26 admissions have been completed; the 2026-27 cycle is expected to follow a similar schedule starting May 2026.
College Admission Dates
| Event | Tentative Date (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online Registration | May 2026 (3rd week) |
| Closing of Registration for First Allotment | June 2026 (1st week) |
| Publication of Provisional Rank List | June 2026 (1st week) |
| Publication of Final Rank List | June 2026 (1st week) |
| Admission of Candidates (First Allotment) | June 2026 (2nd week) |
| Special Allotment for SC/ST Candidates | June 2026 (3rd week) |
| Commencement of Classes | 1st July 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| No entrance exam required | Admission based on Plus Two index marks |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination with Mathematics as one of the optional subjects, recognized by MG University
- Index marks calculated based on Part II marks at Plus Two, less handicap marks, plus marks obtained for Mathematics, plus bonus marks if any
- No minimum percentage specified, but with only 15 seats, high Plus Two scores are essential
Admission Process:
- Register online at shcollege.ac.in/admissions before the closing date
- Pay registration fee of Rs. 200 (Rs. 50 for SC/ST)
- Rank list is prepared based on index marks from Plus Two examination
- Selected candidates report with original documents on the allotment date at Main Campus
- Aided programme: seats distributed as per mandatory reservation norms (50% open quota, 15% SC, 5% ST, 10% community quota, 20% management quota)
SHC B.Sc. + M.Sc. (Data Science) Scholarships 2026-27
Students enrolled in the Integrated M.Sc. (Data Science) programme at Sacred Heart College can avail various government and institutional scholarships. Being an aided programme, SC/ST students benefit from full fee reimbursement through state e-grants.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala State Higher Education Council Scholarship | 1st year students with merit | As per government norms |
| SC/ST E-Grants (State Government) | SC/ST students | Full fee reimbursement |
| CM Prathibhapuraskaram | Merit-based (degree passout) | Cash award |
| Jilla Merit Award | Merit-based | Cash award |
| NSS/NCC/Student Police Cadet Bonus Marks | NSS/NCC/SPC certificate holders at Plus Two level | 15 bonus marks in admission index |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (OBC) | OBC students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakhs | As per government norms |
- SC/ST students must apply for e-grants through the official portal before the last date.
- Scholarship applications are typically invited at the beginning of the academic year.
- Students should check the college notice board and website for updated scholarship notifications.
SHC B.Sc. + M.Sc. (Data Science) FAQs
Ques. What is the advantage of the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. Data Science over a regular B.Sc. + M.Sc. combination?
Ans. The integrated programme allows students to complete both B.Sc. and M.Sc. in 5 years instead of the usual 6 years (3+2). It provides a seamless curriculum, saves one year, and is offered under the aided category at Sacred Heart College, making it extremely cost-effective compared to self-financing options.
Ques. Can students exit the Integrated M.Sc. Data Science programme early?
Ans. Yes. Under the FYUGP framework, students can exit after 3 years with a B.Sc. degree, or after 4 years with a B.Sc. Honours degree. Completing all 5 years earns the M.Sc. degree in Computer Science (Data Science).
Ques. What programming languages and tools are covered in the Integrated M.Sc. Data Science programme?
Ans. The curriculum covers Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, Scikit-learn), big data tools (Hadoop, Spark), cloud platforms, and data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI). The programme is designed to make graduates industry-ready for data science roles.
Ques. Is the Integrated M.Sc. Data Science at Sacred Heart College approved by AICTE?
Ans. Yes, the Integrated M.Sc. Computer Science (Data Science) programme at Sacred Heart College is approved by AICTE and affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
Ques. What are the career prospects after the Integrated M.Sc. Data Science from Sacred Heart College?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as data scientists, machine learning engineers, data analysts, AI researchers, business intelligence analysts, and cloud computing specialists. The M.Sc. degree also qualifies graduates for PhD programmes and research positions.
Ques. How competitive is admission to the Integrated M.Sc. Data Science at Sacred Heart College?
Ans. With only 15 seats and being an aided programme, admission is highly competitive. Students with high Plus Two scores in Mathematics and Science subjects have the best chances. The programme is one of the few aided integrated data science programmes in Kerala.