Aditya Kapadia and his mother, Jigisha Tailor, recently graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.
CHENNAI, India — On July 19, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, celebrated the graduation of 1,460 candidates, including a notable mother-son duo, Aditya Kapadia, 23, and his mother, Jigisha Tailor, 49. Their achievements highlight the expansive reach of IIT-Madras’s innovative non-campus degree programmes, designed to increase accessibility to higher education for a broader demographic.
Aditya Kapadia completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Data Science and Applications, while his mother earned a Diploma in Data Science. Their joint graduation is a unique instance, underscoring the evolving educational landscape where families can share academic milestones, enriching their personal and professional lives.
Background of the Graduates
Before embarking on her academic journey at IIT-Madras, Jigisha Tailor taught electronics for 16 years at a college in Gujarat. In 2019, she decided to take a break from her teaching career to focus on her children’s education, particularly as they prepared for higher studies. During this period, she recognized a need to enhance her skills for future employment opportunities that would allow her to work from home. It was this desire for personal growth that inspired her to enroll in the diploma programme after her elder son, Aditya, began his studies at IIT-Madras in 2021.
“I used to advise students about this upcoming field (Data Science). Only after I joined the course did I realize how many applications it could have in different fields,” Ms. Tailor remarked. She emphasized the potential of data science in business data management, illustrating how the right skills could help analyze and leverage data to improve even small businesses. Her son, Aditya, highlighted his mother’s dedication to learning, stating, “Above all other factors was her passion for learning new things.” This mutual encouragement not only fostered a supportive environment but also reflected a collaborative approach to education.
IIT-Madras’s Innovative Approach to Education
The B.S. degree programmes at IIT-Madras were introduced in 2020, aimed at reaching individuals who lack access to traditional campus-based education. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Coordinator of the B.S. Degree programme, explained that the first batch was enrolled in 2021. The curriculum is structured to deliver online content complemented by weekly assignments, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Examinations are conducted in-person at various centers across India, enabling students from diverse geographical backgrounds to participate.
The initial year of the programme focuses on foundational courses in mathematics, statistics, and programming. As students progress, the curriculum becomes increasingly technical and complex, preparing graduates for the demands of the data science field. This innovative educational model reflects IIT-Madras’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Financial Support and Inclusivity
To further promote inclusivity among its student body, IIT-Madras has implemented a fee waiver system aimed at students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students with an annual family income between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakh receive a 50% fee waiver, while those with incomes below ₹1 lakh benefit from a 75% waiver. This initiative not only fosters educational opportunities for all but also illustrates the institution’s commitment to social responsibility.
Future Aspirations of the Graduates
Following his graduation, Aditya has secured a position with an agritech multinational company, where he is eager to apply his skills in a sector that is becoming increasingly data-driven. He remarked, “There’s a large volume of data that’s been generated in this sector but it is still difficult to analyze and present it. It is challenging,” highlighting the complexities of data management in agriculture and the opportunities that lie therein.
Ms. Tailor, on the other hand, is contemplating a return to teaching. However, she indicated that any full-time engagement would need to be postponed until her younger son completes his higher secondary examinations next year. Her journey reflects the balancing act many parents face in pursuing education while simultaneously supporting their children’s academic endeavors.
Impact on the Educational Landscape
The graduation of Aditya and Jigisha Tailor stands as a testament to the evolving educational landscape in India, where institutions like IIT-Madras continue to innovate to meet the diverse needs of learners. Their story serves as an inspiration for others, demonstrating that with determination and mutual support, academic goals can be achieved at any stage of life. As India seeks to enhance its human capital through education, the example set by the Tailors may encourage more families to pursue lifelong learning and professional development.
In conclusion, the shared academic journey of Aditya and Jigisha Tailor not only reflects their individual achievements but also highlights the transformative power of education and the vital role that institutions like IIT-Madras play in shaping the future of aspiring learners across India. Their accomplishments echo the broader commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that enables individuals from various backgrounds to thrive.
