Is Dual Degree in Science Better than BSc?
Dual degree in Science, or a BS-MS degree, or an integrated Science degree is a popular choice among students. But is dual degree programme in Science better than BSc? This article of Shiksha brings the detailed analysis of if a Dual Degree in Science is better than BSc.
Is Dual Degree in Science Better than BSc?
Dual degree in Science, or a BS-MS degree, or an integrated Science degree is a popular choice among students. The duration of a dual degree in Science ranges from four to five years. The first two to three years teaches the undergraduate curriculum, and the final two years are for the postgraduate curriculum.
A number of top institutes in India offer dual degree programmes. On the other hand, the top universities of India still offer three year or four year undergraduate degree programmes. It depends on the students’ aspirations and career plans. But is dual degree programme in Science better than BSc? This article of Shiksha brings a detailed analysis of if a Dual Degree in Science is better than BSc.
- Differences Between Dual Degree in Science and BSc?
- Top Colleges in India Offering Dual Degree in Science
- Admission Process for Dual Degree Programmes in Science
- Advantages of Studying Dual Degree in Science
Differences Between Dual Degree in Science and BSc?
To put it simply, a Dual Degree in Science refers to studying two degrees simultaneously, from the same institute or university. The total duration of the courses is generally five years. On the other hand, the BSc degree is an undergraduate degree of three or four years duration.
The table below brings the difference between various facets of the BS-MS degree and BSc degree.
| Particulars |
BSc Degree |
BS-MS Dual Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration |
3 - 4 years |
5 years |
| Structure |
Separate programmes |
Integrated programme |
| Coursework |
Broader foundation |
Focused on research |
| Master's Application |
Separate process |
Automatic transition |
| Time Commitment |
Less time |
More intensive |
| Fees |
Potentially lower |
May be higher |
| Specialization |
Limited until later |
Early focus |
| Job Prospects |
Entry-level jobs |
Advanced roles |
Top Colleges in India Offering Dual Degree in Science
There are several reputed institutes in India, including the institutes of national importance, offering a dual degree in Science. This list also includes the Indian Institutes of Technology. The table below brings the list of institutes offering BS-MS or dual degree programmes along with the duration.
| Institute |
Dual Degree Programme Offered |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (multiple campuses) |
BS-MS |
5 Years |
| National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar |
Integrated MSc |
5 Years |
| Integrated MSc |
5 Years |
|
| BS-MS |
5 Years |
|
| BS-MS |
5 Years |
|
| Indian Institute of Technology, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad |
BS-MS (Physical Science) |
5 Years |
| BS-MS (Chemistry) |
5 Years |
|
| BS-MS (Chemistry) |
5 Years |
Admission Process for Dual Degree Programmes in Science
The admission process for the Dual degree programme in Science takes place through entrance exams. The top entrance exams conducted for admission to Dual degree programmes in Science courses are provided in the table below.
| Exam |
Conducting Body |
Exam Date |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IISER Institutes |
Fourth week of May |
3 hours |
|
| NISER Bhubaneswar |
Fourth week of June |
3.5 hours |
|
| National Testing Agency |
May to June (multiple days and slots) |
3 hours |
|
| IITs |
Third week of May |
6 hours (3 hours for each paper) |
The above table carries a comprehensive list of the top dual degree Science course entrance exams. There may be more such entrance exams, but these are the most opted for.
Advantages of Studying Dual Degree in Science
Like every aspect of life, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of studying a Dual Degree in Science. Let us first assess the advantages of studying Dual degree in Science.
Goal-oriented study: Studying a dual degree in Science helps a student to have a focused approach. All those who are sure of pursuing a master’s degree in a Science specialisation, will have a conducive environment and infrastructure to study the curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Smooth transition from UG to PG level: Since five years of the dual degree programme in Science is spent in a particular institute or campus, students are relieved of the stress of taking admission to master’s degree programme.
Specialised pedagogy: The pedagogy of the dual degree science programmes is specially curated for students who wish to invest five years in pursuing Science courses. The pedagogy focuses on the right amount of theoretical and practical, or applied studies.
Read More:
Top Colleges Offering Integrated BS-MS Dual Degree
IISER Vs NEST Vs JEE Advanced: Which Exam is Best for Research Careers?
