In a joint press conference held today, the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani in collaboration with Coursera has launched a Bachelor’s in Computer Science course in online mode. 

The course is open to anyone who is interested, with students who have cleared class 12 from any stream. Interested candidates can be working professionals as well as students who have already enrolled in colleges. 

This programme would be offered twice a year in November and July, with applications that are open for the November cohort. The duration of the course would be of three years, with students given an option to complete it at their own pace. The maximum time allocated to complete the course is six years.

Prof. G Sundar, Director, Off Campus Programmes and Industry Engagement, BITS Pilani said, “We are happy that we are entering this collaborative initiative with Coursera. We will benefit immensely with the wealth of technology and knowledge that rests in the delivery of online education. This will also enable us to propagate some of the objectives articulated in the NEP, such as internationalisation of education.”

The course is offered at INR 3.1 lakh or USD 4,000 for Indian and USD 6,000 for international students. The institute currently does not offer any scholarships. 

Betty Vandenbosch, Chief Content Officer, Coursera said that the course is the first Bachelor’s degree from an Indian University on Coursera. 

“The collaboration will make education more equitable and affordable. Institutions are innovating and embracing new models, including online learning, making it inclusive and impactful for learners. Because of the NEP, institutes are being given a clear direction along with the government’s support to solve pressing challenges. I am really proud of how our partnership with BITS Pilani and the new degree embodies the spirit of NEP. ” 

Officials claim that the course aims to strengthen students in a range of subjects under computer science. Once enrolled, students will develop technical skills such as machine learning, algorithms, and data structures, along with workplace skills. 

As suggested by NEP, the course also has exit options, with students who drop out after two years to be eligible for a diploma.