ISBF Graduate Diploma in Data Science Entrance Test (and more)

ISBF Graduate Diploma in Data Science Entrance Test, Placement, Eligibility and More

Introduction

Did you know that only 0.5% of the more than 2.5 quintillion bytes of data produced daily are analyzed and used?

The possibilities of data science analytics are endless and exciting! ISBF offers a tailor-made graduate diploma in data science to help you unlock the unlimited possibilities of the data world. This programme is ISO 9001 certified and recognized by UGC.

Course Objectives

This programme aims at offering an interdisciplinary and highly practical approach to data science. Students are equipped with skills in data analysis using tools such as R, Stata, and Tableau. Additionally, ISBF uses real-world and peer group learning approaches to teaching, thus ensuring that students get hands-on experience from expert data scientists.

Course Duration: 1 year

Type of Course/ Medium: Full time programme

Programme Curriculum and Specializations

This programme comprises four modules. Each module offers a specific skill set in data analysis. As such, students will be required to undertake all the courses offered (with no chance of specialization). The curriculum is designed to offer software training and the application of various tools to analyze and interpret data. The four modules include:

Module	Courses
Machine Learning	R software Bayesian Inference Linear regression and regularisation Resampling methods Gaussian Processes Tree-based Methods Clustering
Information System Management	Technical skills you’ll acquire: CRM, ERP, KMS and DSS Background and models of information systems management Managing information systems projects Information systems and benefit management
Business Analytics, Applied Modelling, and Prediction	Software used: Tableau Introduction to data analysis and decision-making Decision making under uncertainty Probability distributions Time series forecasting Outliers and missing values Time series data
Elements of Econometrics	Software used: STATA Simple regression analysis Random variables and sampling theory Multiple regression analysis Properties of the regression coefficients Dummy variables Transformation of variables

After completing each module, students are evaluated using real-world case studies, continuous assessment tests, and projects. Upon completion, graduates get a diploma from the University of London. The diploma awarded is accepted as the 16th year of study by a majority of Canadian and US universities.

Admission Process

Interested candidates are required to visit the ISBF website and access an application form upon payment of INR 2000 application fee. They should then fill in all the required details and upload attested copies of their academic certificates.

Alternatively, candidates can apply offline by collecting the application form from the ISBF campus or downloading it from the institution’s website. They will fill in all the details required. Duly completed forms (together with attested documents) must then be submitted to the ISBF campus either via courier or in-person

The admission panel at ISBF will review the applications and invite candidates for a graduate diploma entrance test. Candidates with above 650 in GMAT, above 90 Percentile in CAT, or above 300 in GRE are exempted from the entrance exam.

Based on academic credentials and entrance exams, candidates are invited for a personal interview at the ISBF campus or online through Skype. The admission will be based on the following factors:

• Entrance Score (40% weight)
• Performance in the PI (40% weight)
• Academic Credentials (20% weight)

Additionally, the admission follows a round-based rolling policy. Successful candidates are intimated using the email address or phone number provided during the application stage. They are required to pay the programme fee within the stipulated timelines to reserve their seat.

Pedagogy

Teaching at ISBF utilizes three pillars: Interactive Learning Policy, Learning to Learn Independently, and Open-Door Staffroom Policy.

Students will have access to online learning materials, a digital library, and recorded lectures. A senior expert official from LSE also visits ISBF for four days to interact with students and guide them on technical areas of the programme.

The institution invites guest speakers, offers audio-visual tutorials on critical areas, provides downloadable academic resources, and offers student access to over 97 million e-journal titles.

It has a student hub that allows students to engage in discussion forums with students from more than 100 countries.

Additionally, students will be placed in research cells where they are trained in problem identification, research skills, and problem resolution.

They will then be required to undertake a capstone project to apply the skills learnt in solving real-world problems. Other evaluation techniques include continuous assessment tests, assignments, and end-term examinations.

Eligibility

• All prospective candidates must have an undergraduate degree in a quantitative discipline, preferably Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or Statistics.
• They must also have had Mathematics as a primary subject in school up to class XII.
• Candidates with an interest in statistics, data analysis, and logical thinking will have an added advantage.

Fee Structure

1. Fee Payable to ISBF

Item	Fee Details (in INR)
Admission	30,000
Tuition	3,50,000
Activities Funs	2000
GST (18%)	66,960
Security Deposit (One-Time Refundable)	10,000
Total	4,48,960

2. Fee Payable to University of London

Item	Fee (In British Pounds)
Application Fee	101
Student Registration Fee	1070
Examination Fee	1292
Total	2,463

The fee is payable through Demand Draft, Credit Card, and Debit Card.

Important Dates

Event	Admissions Round
Application Deadline	12 July
iMET	14 and 15 July
Shortlist	16th July-18th July
Personal Interview	20 July
Admission Decision Notification	22 July
Scholarship Application Deadline	24 July

Scholarships

ISBF offers need-based and merit scholarships at the time of admission. The scholarship may consist of tuition fee waiver (up to 100% depending on merit) and is awarded based on performance in PI and iGDET. Interested students must apply for the scholarships by filling the form online, downloading it, and submitting it within the deadline.

Loans

Students can apply for education loans through ISBF partner Credence. The financial institutions that extend loan facilities to ISBF students include the Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and several non-banking financial companies. Additionally, the institution offers an alumni bursary of up to 20% off tuition fees.

Batch Profile

Approximately 60% of participants possess an undergraduate degree in Economics. Other backgrounds represented include BTech, Management, and BBA. More than half of the participants are male and possess at least 2 years of working experience. Additionally, approximately 60% of the participants come from New Delhi, with the rest coming from different parts of the world.

Job Prospects

Data Science graduates take up diverse roles, including Data Architects, Data Analysts, Statisticians, Database Managers, Business Analysts, and Analytics Managers. They can work in different sectors such as e-commerce, automotive, finance, human resource, marketing, healthcare, operations, travel, government, and policymaking.

A majority of the graduates get jobs during the institution’s placement drive. Some of the companies that participate in the placement exercise include Barclays, HSBC, Liquidnet, Citi Bank, UBS, American Express, Kantar IMRB, Ameriprise Financial, and Accenture. The average entry salary for the graduates is 6 Lakhs.

Accreditation and Ranking for ISBF

ISBF is recognized by UGC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Additionally, the institution is ISO 9001 certified and accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It ranks among the best business institutions in India and all its degrees are awarded by the London School of Business and Political Science, thus recognized globally.

Student Testimonials

“What sets the Data Science course at ISBF apart from others is that it is very up-to-date and focuses on the real-life application of the subject. Another thing that caught my eye was the LSE and UOL affiliation; after looking at the course I was sure I would get the same quality of education at ISBF.” Sreekar Challa

Credit: ISBF Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I become a data scientist in six months?

Ans: Yes, there are short certification programmes that offer basics in data science. However, Data Science is a highly practical course and its curriculum may require more than 6 months to cover comprehensively. If you are looking for detailed coverage, we recommend that you opt for a one-year full-time programme, such as ISBF Data Science.

Q2: Does a Data Science course at ISBF require coding knowledge?

Ans: No, coding/programming knowledge is not mandatory. However, participants with knowledge in coding languages such as C++ and Java will have an added advantage. Fortunately, the ISBF data science curriculum inculcates programming and the use of statistical tools such as Hadoop, Python, and R in data analysis.

Q3: Is Python enough to apply data science?

Ans: Yes, Python will help you to apply data science concepts. However, the demand in the job market requires that you understand the basics of at least two statistical tools. The ISBF programme offers in-depth skills in the use of Python, Hadoop, and R. With the three tools, graduates will be able to solve all business problems they encounter.

Q4: How do I apply for the data science programme in ISBF?

Ans: Application for data science programme is based on merit. Candidates will apply online and wait for interview invitations. However, the institution applies a rolling over admission policy. As such, candidates who meet the admission criteria will be allocated seats until the capacity is full.

If you have any questions, please ask us here – we answer every single query of students.

ISBF Graduate Diploma in Data Science Quora

The Data Science programme at ISBF is popular in India. As such, there are multiple inquiries about it in Quora. Prospective candidates ask about the accreditation statu, the value of the programme, the eligibility, and the fee structure. This article details everything you need to know about it – be it the admission criteria, fee structure, accreditation, or eligibility.

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.isbf.edu.in/
• State:  Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024, India
• Prospectus: Click here for the prospectus.

Other Courses Offered at ISBF

1. Graduate Diploma in Management

• Duration: One-year full time
• Curriculum: Four Modules – Principles of Marketing, Core Management Concepts, Business & Management in Global Context, and Human Resource Management

2. Graduate Diploma in Economics

• Duration: One-year full time
• Curriculum: Four modules – Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Elements of Econometrics, and Mathematical Econometrics

3. Graduate Diploma in Finance

• Duration: One-year full time
• Curriculum: Four Modules – Asset Pricing and Financial Markets, Principles of Corporate Finance, Financial Reporting, and Valuation and Security Analysis

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Image Credit: Austin Distel