BS MS or Bachelor of Science – Master of Science Dual Degree is an integrated, specialised course. The duration of the course is 5 years, during which students are equipped with science education based on research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and earth sciences. BS MS is a blended program of undergraduate (BS) and postgraduate (MS) education that yields future researchers and scientists.
The eligibility for the BS-MS course mandates that the candidate should have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Admission to BS MS courses in IISER and other institutions is through entrance examinations such as IISER Aptitude Test, JEE Advanced, or INSPIRE/KVPY (as may be applicable).
The average fees for a BS MS degree vary based on the institute. Government institutes such as IISERs provide the course at highly subsidized rates, and some vary marginally. Some of the institutions providing the course in real time include IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Bhopal, IISER Tirupati, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and NISER Bhubaneswar. The average salary after the completion of the BS MS course ranges between INR 5,00,000 – 12,00,000 LPA.
From a job perspective, a BS MS dual degree provides different prospects in which students have the scope to work in research laboratories, academia, data science firms, pharma, science communication, and scientific policymaker jobs.
BS MS Course Highlights
Provided below are some of the basic highlights for the course BS MS:
What is a BS MS Degree?
The BS MS full form is Bachelor of Science - Master of Science. It is a dual degree program awarded upon completion of a 5-year course that integrates Bachelor's and Master's education in science disciplines.
BS MS focuses on both theoretical knowledge and laboratory research through internships, projects, and a thesis. BS MS Dual Degrees are offered in India mainly by IISERs and some select institutions, for which basic sciences are well-known for offering academic excellence.
Students can also pursue BTech Biotechnology if they prefer a more technical, Job oriented degree or more industry/corporate focused.
Why Pursue the BS MS Course?
Pursuing the BS MS degree is a highly rewarding option for students interested in research, scientific discovery, and innovation. Here’s why the BS MS dual degree stands out:
- The course offers both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in one go, saving time and ensuring academic continuity.
- BS-MS is offered by top research institutes designated as Institutes of National Importance.
- The course prepares students for Ph.D. programs and global research roles with strong lab work, thesis, and internships.
- Students from BS MS colleges in India, like IISERs and NISER, often go on to pursue MS/Ph.D. at top international universities.
- Graduates can expect attractive BS MS salary packages in research, analytics, education, and biotech.
BS MS Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the BS MS course is listed below:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/ Mathematics as core subjects.
- A minimum of 60% aggregate marks (General) or 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in board exams is mandatory.
- Students must qualify via one of the following:1. INSPIRE / KVPY Fellowship (subject to updates)2. IISER Aptitude Test (most popular route)3. JEE Advanced (Top 10,000 rankers)
BS MS Course Entrance Exams
Below is a list of some of the common entrance exams for the BS MS dual degree:
BS MS Colleges in India
Here is the list of some of the top BS MS colleges in India offering the BS MS course in real time:
BS MS Course Admission Process 2025
The admission is through centralised portals, especially for BS, MS, IISERs, and NISER. Here’s a general outline:
Step 1- Register online through the IISER admission portal or the NISER official website.
Step 2- Choose your admission channel – IISER Aptitude Test / JEE Advanced / INSPIRE.
Step 3- Submit Documents – 10+2 marksheet, ID, category certificate (if applicable).
Step 4- Appear for the Entrance Exam (if required).
Step 5- Merit List & Seat Allotment based on score or rank.
Step 6- Pay the Fee and confirm admission.
BS MS Course Syllabus
Provided below is the curriculum commonly followed by BS MS colleges in India, including IISERs:
BS MS Jobs in India
Provided below are some of the job profiles that candidates can pursue post completion of the BS-MS dual degree.
BS MS Salary Trends in India
The BS MS salary varies depending on specialisation, experience, and sector. Here's a general breakdown:
FAQs on BS MS Course
How is the BS MS degree different from a conventional BSc and then MSc?
The BS MS degree combines undergraduate and postgraduate education under one program, conserving time and providing academic continuity. In contrast to the conventionality of studying a BSc and thereafter applying separately for MSc, the BS MS course provides a condensed study with emphasis on research and inter-disciplinary learning.
In what way does IISER's BS MS course equip students to pursue international opportunities in research?
IISERs focus on practical research, internships, and thesis work that meet international standards. Students cooperate with foreign institutions, undertake exchange programs, and get exposure through conferences, making them possible candidates for PhD programs or research jobs abroad.
What type of support do Indian BS MS colleges offer for research projects?
IISERs and NISER provide world-class laboratories, subscription to scientific journals, research project funding, and guidance by top scientists. These facilities allow students to pursue innovative research in areas such as molecular biology, astrophysics, or data science.
What interdisciplinary opportunities are there within the BS MS double degree program?
The BS MS program enables students to pursue interdisciplinary fields of study like computational biology, environmental science, and biophysics. Minor specializations and elective courses help students synthesize information from multiple scientific disciplines for tackling intricate problems.
In what ways does the BS MS degree affect salary increases relative to individual degrees?
The BS MS dual degree graduates usually gain the advantage in terms of salary negotiations based on their higher qualification and research exposure. They can command better salaries in industries such as biotech, data analytics, or academia than those with separate BSc or MSc degrees.
