Bhoj University PG Diploma Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Bhopal, Madhya PradeshOpen UniversityEstd 1991NAAC Grade A
Collegedunia Team's profile photo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (PGDAIDS) at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), Bhopal is a 2-year distance/ODL programme designed for graduates seeking to build expertise in AI, machine learning, data science, R programming, Python, and soft computing. The course is structured across 4 semesters and covers both theoretical foundations and practical lab work, making it highly relevant in today's data-driven economy. The annual fee is Rs. 8,500 per year (total Rs. 17,000 for 2 years), and the programme is offered entirely through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, making it accessible to working professionals and students across Madhya Pradesh and beyond. It is popular among IT professionals, science graduates, and commerce graduates looking to upskill in the rapidly growing AI and data science domain.

Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for admission is December 31, 2026. Students can apply online through the MPOnline portal at mpbou.mponline.gov.in. The July 2026 session is expected to open for admissions from June 15, 2026, with a last date of September 15, 2026 (tentative, based on previous year pattern).

Distance Mode Study Centres:

MPBOU operates through 11 regional centres and over 600 study centres spread across Madhya Pradesh. The regional centres are located in:

  • Bhopal (Headquarters)
  • Indore
  • Gwalior
  • Jabalpur
  • Rewa
  • Sagar
  • Ujjain
  • Satna
  • Chhindwara
  • Khandwa
  • Ratlam

Students can access study materials, attend contact sessions, and submit assignments at their nearest authorised study centre. The complete list of study centres is available on the official MPBOU website at mpbou.edu.in.

Key Points

  • The programme is UGC-DEB approved and offered under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, making it ideal for working professionals and graduates from any discipline.
  • The curriculum covers cutting-edge topics including Fundamentals of AI, RDBMS, R Programming, Machine Learning, Soft Computing, Python Programming, and hands-on lab work using tools like Weka, TensorFlow, Keras, and Matlab.
  • The programme follows a Credit Based Curriculum and Evaluation System (CBCS) with 4 semesters over 2 years, requiring students to earn 16 credits for completion.
  • Each semester includes both theory courses and a practical lab component, ensuring students gain hands-on programming and data analysis skills.
  • Study materials (SLM) are provided in printed form, supplemented by e-books, video lectures, MOOC courses, and virtual labs.
  • MPBOU is NAAC accredited with an 'A' grade, lending credibility to the qualification.

MPBOU PGDAIDS Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Per Year)Total (2 Years)
Tuition FeeRs. 8,500Rs. 17,000
Registration/Application FeeRs. 300 (one-time)Rs. 300
Total FeesRs. 8,800 (Year 1)Rs. 17,300
  • The tuition fee of Rs. 8,500 per year is as per the official MPBOU Jan 2026 session fee structure.
  • Registration fee of Rs. 300 is a one-time charge applicable for PG-level courses.
  • Hostel facility is not applicable for this ODL programme as it is a distance education course.
  • Fee payment is done online through the MPOnline portal using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
  • Fee can be paid on a yearly basis, reducing the financial burden on students.
  • If an application is rejected, the tuition fee is refunded with only Rs. 50 deducted as administrative charges.
  • For fees paid online, refund requests must be submitted within 3 months from the date of payment.

MPBOU PGDAIDS Admission 2026

Important Dates

EventDate
Jan 2026 Session - Admission OpensJanuary 2026
Jan 2026 Session - Last Date for AdmissionDecember 31, 2026
July 2026 Session - Admission OpensJune 15, 2026
July 2026 Session - Last Date for AdmissionSeptember 15, 2026
Batch Commencement (Jan Session)January 2026
Batch Commencement (July Session)July 2026

There is no mandatory entrance exam for admission to the PG Diploma in AI and Data Science at MPBOU. Admission is merit-based (based on graduation marks). No external competitive exam is required for this course.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (Graduation) from a recognised university in any discipline.
  • Preferred backgrounds include B.Sc. (Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science/IT/Electronics), BCA, B.Com, BBA, or B.E./B.Tech graduates.
  • Working professionals from IT, software, analytics, and data-related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Admission Process

  • Visit the official MPOnline portal at mpbou.mponline.gov.in and register as a new student.
  • Select the course "POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE) - PGDAIDS" from the course list.
  • Fill in personal, educational, and study centre details in the online application form.
  • Upload required documents (graduation certificate, identity proof, category certificate if applicable).
  • Pay the registration fee of Rs. 300 and the first-year tuition fee of Rs. 8,500 online.
  • Submit the application and save the payment receipt and application summary.
  • The university will verify documents and send admission confirmation via SMS/email.

MPBOU PGDAIDS Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityBenefitApplication
MP State SC/ST Scholarship (MPTAAS)SC/ST students enrolled in recognised courses at MPBOUFull or partial fee waiver; maintenance allowance as per state normsApply through the MP Scholarship Portal (scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in)
OBC Post-Matric ScholarshipOBC students with family income below prescribed limitTuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowanceApply through the MP Scholarship Portal
Central Sector Scholarship (NSP)Students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh per annum; merit-basedRs. 10,000 per year for PG studentsApply through National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Physically Handicapped (PH) ScholarshipStudents with disability certificate enrolled at MPBOUFee concession and financial assistance as per university/state normsApply through MPBOU regional centre or MP Scholarship Portal
  • SC/ST students must submit a valid caste certificate at the time of admission to avail fee concessions.
  • OBC students must provide income and caste certificates for scholarship eligibility.
  • Scholarship applications are typically accepted at the beginning of each academic session; students should apply promptly after admission confirmation.
  • The university does not offer scholarships to general category students; however, general category students may apply for central government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal.
  • For the latest scholarship amounts and deadlines, students should check the MP Scholarship Portal and the National Scholarship Portal.
56 Views Last Year
47 Studentsshown interest in the last 30 days

Table of Contents

MPBOU PGDAIDS FAQs

Ques. Is the PG Diploma in AI and Data Science from MPBOU valid for IT jobs and higher studies?

Ans. Yes, the PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from MPBOU is a UGC-DEB approved programme offered under the ODL mode. MPBOU is a state university recognised by the UGC, and the qualification is valid for employment in IT and data science roles. However, for roles that specifically require a full-time degree or a master's degree, candidates should verify the job description requirements. For higher studies, this diploma can serve as a stepping stone, though admission to M.Tech or M.Sc programmes may require a full-time PG degree depending on the institution.

Ques. What programming languages and tools are taught in this course?

Ans. The programme provides hands-on training in R Programming (Semester I) and Python Programming (Semester II), both of which are industry-standard languages for data science and AI. The curriculum also covers RDBMS and SQL for database management, and introduces students to popular AI/ML tools and frameworks including Weka, Matlab, RapidMiner, TensorFlow, and Keras. The lab components in each semester ensure students get practical coding experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

Ques. I am a commerce or arts graduate. Can I apply for this course?

Ans. Yes, the minimum eligibility for the PG Diploma in AI and Data Science at MPBOU is a graduation degree from any recognised university in any discipline. Commerce, arts, and science graduates are all eligible to apply. However, students without a prior background in mathematics or programming may find the initial semesters challenging. MPBOU provides Self Learning Materials (SLMs) and contact sessions at study centres to help students bridge any knowledge gaps. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with basic mathematics and computer fundamentals before starting the programme.

Ques. How are practical lab sessions conducted in this distance learning programme?

Ans. The programme includes a practical lab component in each semester - R Programming Lab in Semester I and Machine Learning using Python Lab in Semester II. These lab sessions are conducted as face-to-face contact sessions at designated study centres or at the MPBOU campus in Bhopal. Each practical course requires 60 hours of lab work per semester. Students are required to maintain a lab record book and submit it during the end-semester practical examination. The university also provides virtual lab resources and e-tutorials to support self-study between contact sessions.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing this PG Diploma in AI and Data Science?

Ans. Graduates of this programme can pursue careers as Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Developers, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Big Data Analysts. Key hiring sectors include IT and software companies, e-commerce firms, banking and financial services, healthcare analytics, and government data initiatives. The growing demand for AI and data science professionals in India means that even a PG Diploma from a recognised university can open doors to entry-level and mid-level roles, especially when combined with a strong portfolio of projects and certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, or Google.

Ques. What is the examination pattern and how are results declared at MPBOU for this course?

Ans. Each course in the programme is evaluated through two components: Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) carrying 25 marks and End Semester Examination (ESE) carrying 75 marks, totalling 100 marks per course. The internal assessment includes class tests, assignments, workbooks, case studies, and MCQs. The end-semester theory examination is 3 hours long and is divided into Part A (10 MCQs x 2 marks), Part B (5 descriptive questions x 5 marks), and Part C (3 application-based questions x 10 marks). For practical courses, the ESE includes algorithm/flowchart, source code, debugging, execution, results, viva-voce, and record evaluation. Students must score a minimum of 40% in both the ESE and the aggregate to pass each course. Results are declared by the Controller of Examinations, MPBOU, after each semester.

Course Finder

Search from 20K+ Courses and 35+ Streams

Clear

Comments


No Comments To Show