<span style="color: #222222;">Human Resources and Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank today virtually launched World's first ever online B.Sc. degree in Programming and Data Science.<br />''<br />''The programme has been prepared and offered by the Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Madras.<br />''<br />''Data Science is one of the fastest growing sectors that is predicted to create 11.5 million jobs by 2026.<br />''<br />''Online education is a trend being rapidly embraced for high quality education on a large scale.<br />''<br />''This programme is open to anyone who has passed Class 12th, with English and Maths at the Class 10th level, and enrolled in any on-campus UG course.<br />''<br />''Addressing the participants, Mr Pokhriyal informed that the current batch of students who are completing their Class 12th in 2020 are eligible to apply.<br />''<br />''He said, Graduates and working professionals can also take up this programme.<br />''<br />''Mr Pokhriyal added that this unique offering removes all barriers of age, discipline or geographic location and provides access to a world-class curriculum in data science which is in huge demand for skilled professionals.<br />''<br />''The Minister said, the students who are currently enrolled in a different on-campus program anywhere in the country can pursue this degree program without needing to switch careers or courses.</span><br />