by The Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras journey began from an unexpected starting point. When she joined the BS Degree in Data Science and Applications programme in 2023, she had never written a line of code.
Within the following years, Taniya progressed from learning basic Python to completing a machine-learning research internship at DRDO and securing an international research opportunity at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Her story is relevant for students who believe that a lack of early coding experience permanently closes the door to technology and data-science careers.
Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras Journey: Quick Overview
|
Stage |
Details |
|
Starting point |
Joined without previous coding experience |
|
IIT programme |
BS in Data Science and Applications |
|
Joining year |
2023 |
|
Skills learned |
Python, Java, JavaScript, machine learning and deep learning |
|
Research experience |
Machine-learning internship at DRDO |
|
Professional experience |
Part-time business analyst with a US-based automation company |
|
International opportunity |
NTU Global Connect Fellowship |
|
Research destination |
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore |
How the Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras Journey Began
Taniya’s preparation for conventional engineering entrance examinations was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited coaching options and an interrupted study routine made the standard route more difficult.
After taking a drop year and preparing independently, she discovered the IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications. The programme offered another route into technology, but joining it did not remove the academic challenge.
Taniya entered the programme without a programming background. Instead of treating this as a permanent disadvantage, she began learning from the foundational level.
No Coding Experience Is Not the Same as a No-Code Course
The phrase “no coding” can be misleading in this story. Taniya did not complete her journey using only no-code tools. She started without coding experience and then learned programming as part of her academic development.
The IIT Madras data-science curriculum includes subjects such as computational thinking, Python, databases, application development, statistics and machine learning. Progressing through the programme therefore requires regular technical study.
Her experience shows that previous coding knowledge can be helpful, but beginners can develop it gradually when they follow a structured learning path.
Building Programming and Data Skills
Python became Taniya’s starting point. It is widely used in data analysis and machine learning because its syntax is comparatively accessible and it supports several data-science libraries.
After building an initial foundation, she expanded her learning to Java, JavaScript, machine learning and deep learning. Learning different technologies gave her experience in both data-focused work and software applications.
This progression did not happen through certificates alone. Coursework, independent practice, projects and applications for real opportunities all contributed to her profile.
Students exploring this field can also compare our guide to AI courses for different learning levels.
Taniya Chouhan’s DRDO Research Internship
One of Taniya’s first significant research experiences came through a machine-learning internship at the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
She applied for the opportunity, completed the selection process and spent approximately two months working onsite in Hyderabad. The internship allowed her to apply concepts from the IIT Madras programme in a professional research environment.
It is important to describe this correctly: Taniya completed an internship at DRDO; she was not appointed as a permanent DRDO scientist or employee.
The experience demonstrated that students do not always need to wait until graduation before pursuing practical exposure. A relevant academic foundation and carefully prepared application can help students compete for internships while continuing their degree.
Working With a US-Based Automation Company
Taniya later worked part-time as a business analyst with Scale Through Automation, a US-based automation company.
This role gave her exposure to business processes, analytics, automation and remote collaboration. It also required her to manage academic assignments alongside professional responsibilities.
The flexible format of the IIT Madras programme helped her continue studying while gaining work experience. However, this flexibility still required time management and consistent participation.
From IIT Madras to NTU Singapore
The next major stage of the Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras journey was an international research opportunity at Nanyang Technological University.
Rather than sending a generic application, Taniya first studied the published work of a professor whose research matched her interests. She then approached the opportunity with a clearer understanding of the project, completed the interview process and was selected for the NTU Global Connect Fellowship.
The fellowship gave her experience in an international research environment and allowed her to explore the connection between artificial intelligence, business and academic research.
Her selection should not be presented as an automatic benefit of joining IIT Madras. The NTU fellowship had its own competitive application and selection process.
What Students Can Learn From Her Experience
Taniya’s journey offers several practical lessons for beginners.
Start With Foundations
Students do not need to begin with advanced machine learning. Basic programming, mathematics, statistics and computational thinking provide a stronger starting point.
Apply Before Graduation
Relevant internships, research projects and part-time roles can help students understand how academic concepts are used in professional environments.
Research Before Contacting People
A personalised application based on an organisation’s work is generally stronger than sending the same message to several professors or companies.
Expect Rejections
Not every application will succeed. Taniya has openly highlighted that rejection remained part of the process and that students may need several attempts before securing one useful opportunity.
Do Not Depend Only on an IIT Tag
An institutional name can create visibility, but it cannot replace practical skills, projects, research preparation or communication ability.
About the IIT Madras BS Data Science Programme
The official IIT Madras BS Data Science programme combines online learning with in-person assessments.
According to the official admission information:
- Candidates who have passed Class 12 or an accepted equivalent can apply.
- Applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics and English in Class 10.
- Regular-entry candidates must complete the qualifier process.
- The qualifier covers English, mathematics, statistics and computational thinking.
- Students can progress through foundation, diploma, BSc and BS levels.
- Completing the programme requires assessments, credits and sustained academic work.
It is an IIT Madras degree programme, but it should not be confused with a residential B.Tech obtained through the standard JEE Advanced admission route.
FAQs About Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras Journey
Who is Taniya Chouhan?
Taniya Chouhan is a student of the IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications programme who gained research and professional experience through DRDO, a US-based automation company and NTU Singapore.
Did Taniya Chouhan know coding before joining IIT Madras?
According to her published account, she had not written code before joining the programme in 2023.
What did Taniya Chouhan do at DRDO?
She completed an approximately two-month machine-learning research internship at DRDO in Hyderabad.
What opportunity did she receive at NTU Singapore?
She was selected for the NTU Global Connect Fellowship, which provides students with international research experience under university faculty.
Did IIT Madras automatically send her to NTU?
No. She independently researched the opportunity, contacted the relevant professor and completed the selection process.
Can students without coding experience apply for the IIT Madras programme?
Eligible beginners can apply, but they must complete the required qualifier process and learn programming to progress through the data-science curriculum.
Conclusion
The Taniya Chouhan IIT Madras journey is not a story about succeeding without learning technical skills. It is a story about starting without those skills and developing them through structured study, projects, internships and repeated applications.
Her move from basic Python learning to DRDO research and the NTU Global Connect Fellowship shows what consistent skill development can make possible. It does not promise identical results for every student, but it provides a realistic example of how beginners can gradually build a competitive technology profile.
