The Bachelor of Science in Data Science (B.Sc. Data Science) at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), Bhopal is a 3-year undergraduate programme offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, designed for students who wish to build expertise in data analytics, machine learning, statistical modelling, and artificial intelligence. The annual fee is Rs. 8,000, making the total programme cost Rs. 24,000 over three years - one of the most affordable data science degrees in India. The course is open to students who have passed 10+2 with Mathematics and is available in both Hindi and English medium. Admission is merit-based (no entrance exam required) and is offered twice a year - in January and July sessions.
Admissions for the January 2026 session are currently ongoing. The last date for admission as per the official university notification is 31 December 2026 (for the Jan 2026 cycle). New students can apply directly through the MPOnline portal at mpbou.mponline.gov.in.
Distance Mode Study Centres:
MPBOU operates through a network of over 600 study centres and 11 regional centres spread across Madhya Pradesh. The key regional centres where B.Sc. (Data Science) is offered in distance mode include:
Regional Centres
| Regional Centre | Location |
|---|
| Regional Centre 1 | Bhopal (Raja Bhoj Marg, Kolar Road, Bhopal - 462016) |
| Regional Centre 2 | Indore |
| Regional Centre 3 | Jabalpur |
| Regional Centre 4 | Gwalior |
| Regional Centre 5 | Rewa |
| Regional Centre 6 | Satna |
| Regional Centre 7 | Sagar |
| Regional Centre 8 | Ujjain |
| Regional Centre 9 | Chhindwara |
Students can also apply through nearby authorised study centres (kiosks) across Madhya Pradesh. The complete list of study centres is available on the MPOnline portal.
Key Points
- The programme is fully aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implemented from the 2022-23 session onwards.
- Study material (SLM - Self Learning Material) is provided in both Hindi and English, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
- The course is UGC-DEB approved, ensuring the degree is recognised for employment and higher education purposes.
- Students can complete the degree in a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, offering flexibility for working professionals and those with other commitments.
- The university also offers a B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science (4-year programme) for students who wish to pursue an honours degree in the same field.
- Prisoners, defence personnel, and persons with disabilities are eligible for fee concessions as per university norms.
MPBOU B.Sc Data Science Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (Per Year) | Total (3 Years) |
|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 8,000 | Rs. 24,000 |
| Registration Fee (BA/BSc/BCom) | Rs. 150 (one-time) | Rs. 150 |
| Total Fees | Rs. 8,150 (Year 1) | Rs. 24,150 |
- The annual fee of Rs. 8,000 is payable each year at the time of re-registration/exam form submission.
- Registration fee of Rs. 150 is a one-time charge applicable at the time of first admission for BA/BSc/BCom programmes.
- Fees are paid online through the MPOnline portal.
- No hostel facility is provided by MPBOU as it is an open university operating in ODL mode.
- Fee concessions are available for prisoners, Indian armed forces personnel, and persons with disabilities as per university notification.
- There is no EMI facility; fees are paid annually at the time of admission/re-registration.
MPBOU B.Sc Data Science Admission 2026
Admissions
MPBOU B.Sc. (Data Science) Admission Dates (Jan 2026 Session)
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Admission Start Date (Jan 2026 Session) | 31 December 2025 |
| Last Date of Admission (Jan 2026 Session) | 31 December 2026 (as per official university notification) |
| Old Student Re-registration (2nd/3rd Year) | 22 August 2025 to 30 April 2026 |
| Gap/Dropout Student Application | 24 December 2024 to 30 April 2026 |
| Batch Start (Jan Session) | January 2026 |
Note: MPBOU offers admissions in two sessions - January (Jan-Dec) and July (Jul-Jun). New students can apply at any time during the open admission window through the MPOnline portal.
Entrance Exam Dates (CUET-UG 2026 - if applicable)
| Event | Date |
|---|
| CUET-UG Registration Start | 3 January 2026 |
| CUET-UG Registration End | 26 February 2026 |
| CUET-UG Admit Card | 5 May 2026 (Tentative) |
| CUET-UG Exam | 11 May 2026 to 31 May 2026 |
| CUET-UG Answer Key | 17 June 2026 (Tentative) |
| CUET-UG Result | 4 July 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: MPBOU B.Sc. (Data Science) admission is merit-based and does not mandatorily require CUET-UG. Admission is direct based on 10+2 marks. CUET-UG scores may be considered if the university opts for it in a particular session, but historically MPBOU has followed direct merit-based admission for ODL programmes.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or equivalent examination from a recognised board with Mathematics as a subject.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement specified for general category students.
- Students from any stream who have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level are eligible to apply.
Admission Process:
- Visit the MPOnline portal at mpbou.mponline.gov.in and select the B.Sc. (Data Science) course.
- Register and fill in the online application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents (10+2 marksheet, identity proof, passport-size photograph, caste certificate if applicable).
- Pay the admission fee of Rs. 8,000 plus registration fee of Rs. 150 online through the portal.
- Select the nearest study centre/regional centre for academic support.
- Receive confirmation of admission and enrolment number via the portal/email.
- Self-Learning Material (SLM) is dispatched to the registered address or made available digitally.
MPBOU B.Sc Data Science Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Provider |
|---|
| MP Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum | Covers tuition fee + maintenance allowance (varies by course level) | Government of Madhya Pradesh (MPTAAS Portal) |
| MP Post-Matric Scholarship (OBC) | OBC students with family income below Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum | Partial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance | Government of Madhya Pradesh (MPTAAS Portal) |
| MP Gaon Ki Beti Scholarship | Girl students from rural areas who have passed 12th with 60% or more | Rs. 500 per month for 10 months per year | MP Higher Education Department |
| MP Pratibha Kiran Scholarship | Girl students from urban areas (BPL families) who have passed 12th with 60% or more | Rs. 500 per month for 10 months per year | MP Higher Education Department |
| MPBOU Fee Concession | Prisoners, Indian armed forces personnel, persons with disabilities | Full or partial fee waiver as per university norms | MPBOU |
- SC/ST/OBC students must apply through the MPTAAS portal (mptaas.mp.gov.in) for post-matric scholarships. Applications are typically open from August to January each year.
- Gaon Ki Beti and Pratibha Kiran scholarships are applied through the MP Higher Education Department portal (highereducation.mp.gov.in).
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit renewal applications each year to continue receiving scholarships.
- Fee concessions for prisoners, defence personnel, and persons with disabilities are applied at the time of admission through the MPOnline portal with supporting documents.
- National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) also lists central government scholarships applicable to ODL students.
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