Bhoj University Diploma Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Bhopal, Madhya PradeshOpen UniversityEstd 1991NAAC Grade A
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Diploma in Data Science (DDS) at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), Bhopal is a 1-year diploma programme offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The programme is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in data science, including data analysis, statistical tools, programming basics, and data visualisation. With an annual fee of just Rs. 8,000, it is one of the most affordable data science credentials available in India. The course is conducted in English medium and is open to any student who has passed 10+2 from a recognised board. Admission is offered twice a year in January and July sessions through the MPOnline portal, with no entrance exam required.

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). 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 Diploma in Data Science is offered in distance mode through the following key regional centres:

Regional Centres

Regional CentreLocation
Regional Centre 1Bhopal (Raja Bhoj Marg, Kolar Road, Bhopal - 462016)
Regional Centre 2Indore
Regional Centre 3Jabalpur
Regional Centre 4Gwalior
Regional Centre 5Rewa
Regional Centre 6Satna
Regional Centre 7Sagar
Regional Centre 8Ujjain
Regional Centre 9Chhindwara

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 Diploma in Data Science (DDS) is a short-duration, skill-oriented programme ideal for students and working professionals looking to enter the data science field quickly.
  • The programme is UGC-DEB approved, ensuring the diploma is recognised for employment and further academic pursuits.
  • Study material (SLM) is provided in English, covering topics such as data analysis, statistics, Python/R programming basics, machine learning fundamentals, and data visualisation.
  • The flexible duration allows students to complete the diploma in a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years.
  • MPBOU also offers a Diploma in AI and Data Science (DADS) as a related programme for students interested in a broader curriculum combining AI and data science.
  • Prisoners, defence personnel, and persons with disabilities are eligible for fee concessions as per university norms.

MPBOU DDS Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount
Tuition FeeRs. 8,000
Registration Fee (Diploma courses)Rs. 300 (one-time)
Total FeesRs. 8,300
  • The total fee of Rs. 8,000 is payable at the time of admission as the programme is 1 year in duration.
  • Registration fee of Rs. 300 is a one-time charge applicable at the time of first admission for Diploma/PG/Certificate 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; the full fee is paid at the time of admission.

MPBOU DDS Admission 2026

Important Dates

EventDate
Admission Start Date (Jan 2026 Session)31 December 2025
Last Date of Admission (Jan 2026 Session)31 December 2026 (as per official university notification)
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. There is no entrance exam for this programme.

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 in any stream.
  • There is no minimum percentage requirement specified for general category students.
  • Students from Science, Commerce, and Arts backgrounds are all eligible to apply.

Admission Process

  • Visit the MPOnline portal at mpbou.mponline.gov.in and select the Diploma in Data Science (DDS) 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. 300 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 DDS Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmountProvider
MP Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers 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 annumPartial fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceGovernment of Madhya Pradesh (MPTAAS Portal)
MP Gaon Ki Beti ScholarshipGirl students from rural areas who have passed 12th with 60% or moreRs. 500 per month for 10 months per yearMP Higher Education Department
MP Pratibha Kiran ScholarshipGirl students from urban areas (BPL families) who have passed 12th with 60% or moreRs. 500 per month for 10 months per yearMP Higher Education Department
MPBOU Fee ConcessionPrisoners, Indian armed forces personnel, persons with disabilitiesFull or partial fee waiver as per university normsMPBOU
  • 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.

Table of Contents

MPBOU DDS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the Diploma in Data Science (DDS) and the Diploma in AI and Data Science (DADS) at MPBOU?

Ans. Both programmes are 1-year diplomas offered in ODL mode at the same fee of Rs. 8,000. The Diploma in Data Science (DDS) focuses specifically on data science concepts such as statistics, data analysis, and data visualisation. The Diploma in AI and Data Science (DADS) has a broader curriculum that also covers Artificial Intelligence topics alongside data science. Students interested in AI as well as data science may prefer DADS, while those focused purely on data analytics and data science fundamentals may opt for DDS.

Ques. Is the Diploma in Data Science from MPBOU sufficient to get a job in the data science field?

Ans. The MPBOU Diploma in Data Science provides foundational knowledge and is a good starting point for students new to the field. However, for competitive job roles in data science, employers typically prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree or higher, along with practical project experience and proficiency in tools like Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks. The diploma can be a stepping stone - students can use it to build foundational skills and then pursue the B.Sc. (Data Science) or higher qualifications. It is also useful for professionals in other fields who want to add data literacy to their skill set.

Ques. Can I pursue the Diploma in Data Science from MPBOU after completing my graduation?

Ans. Yes, the eligibility for the Diploma in Data Science at MPBOU is 10+2 (Class 12) from any recognised board. Graduates are also eligible to apply. In fact, graduates from non-technical backgrounds such as commerce or arts who wish to upskill in data science often find this diploma a convenient and affordable option. There is no upper age limit for admission.

Ques. How are exams conducted for the Diploma in Data Science at MPBOU?

Ans. MPBOU conducts Term End Examinations (TEE) for all ODL programmes including the Diploma in Data Science. Exams are held at designated examination centres across Madhya Pradesh. Students need to fill the examination form (available on the MPOnline portal) before the deadline and pay the exam fee. The university announces the exam schedule on its official website (mpbou.edu.in). Students must appear physically at the exam centre; there are no online proctored exams for this programme.

Ques. What topics are covered in the Diploma in Data Science (DDS) curriculum at MPBOU?

Ans. The Diploma in Data Science curriculum at MPBOU covers foundational topics including introduction to data science, statistical methods for data analysis, data collection and preprocessing, data visualisation techniques, basics of programming (Python/R), database management, and an introduction to machine learning concepts. The Self-Learning Material (SLM) is provided in English and is designed for self-paced study. Students are advised to check the latest syllabus on the official MPBOU website as it may be updated periodically.

Ques. Can I upgrade from the Diploma in Data Science to the B.Sc. (Data Science) at MPBOU?

Ans. MPBOU does not have a formal lateral entry or credit transfer policy that allows direct upgrade from the Diploma in Data Science to the B.Sc. (Data Science) programme. Students who wish to pursue the B.Sc. (Data Science) after completing the diploma would need to apply fresh for the B.Sc. programme. However, the knowledge gained during the diploma will be beneficial for the degree programme. Students are advised to confirm the latest credit transfer policies with the university directly, as policies may be updated under the NEP 2020 framework.

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