B.Sc. - Cognitive Science (Hons. / Hons. with Research)

3-Year/4-Year Undergraduate Programme

Undergraduate Major and Minor in Cognitive Science
A comprehensive introduction to the field, blending theory with hands-on research

Rationale

To introduce fundamental concepts of the mind (reasoning, learning, memory, perception), computational skills (Programming, Data Science and AI), Robotics, Behavioural Methodologies alongside Experimental Neuroscience and Molecular Biology skills.

Structure

A 3/4 year (6/8 semesters) curriculum that blends Foundational Sciences (AI, Linguistics, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience) with technical skill training (Python/R, Data Analytics, Molecular Biology, Computer Vision, etc.).

Field
Interdisciplinary
Duration
3 Years/4 Years
Specialisation Tracks
5
Eligibility
Minimum 60% in Class 10+2 from any recognised board; preferred background: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology/Psychology/Computer Science. English medium preferred.
Any stream: Science, Commerce, Arts & Humanities.
No prior background in Neuroscience, Al, Mathematics or Coding required

A 3/4 year (6/8 semesters) curriculum that blends foundational sciences (AI, Linguistics, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience) with technical skill training (Python/R, Data Analytics, Molecular Biology, Computer Vision, etc.). Students gain hands-on lab experience from Day 1, choose a specialisation track in Year 2, and complete a research or industry internship in Year 4.

Track 1 - Behavioural Science and Psychology

Experimental study of Human Behaviour, Perception, Decision-making, and Emotion. Training in Experimental Design, Psychometrics, and Behavioural Data Analysis.

Track 2 - Neuroscience

The biological brain and its relationship to cognition. EEG, Neuroimaging, Cellular Neuroscience, and Computational Neuroscience.

Track 3 - Language and Speech Sciences

Linguistic theory, Psycholinguistics, Speech Processing, and Computational Linguistics. Preparation for NLP, Speech Technology, and Language Research.

Track 4 - AI and Cognitive Modelling

Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Large Language Models, and Computational Models of Cognition.

Track 5 - Neural Engineering, Robotics and HCI

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Cognitive Robotics, Assistive Technology, and Human-Computer Interaction.

1st Year

Semester – 1

    Major – Requirement

  • Introduction to Cognitive Science
  • Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • Python Programming from Basics to Proficiency (with Lab)

    Common Curriculum Courses

  • Communication Skills - I
  • Introduction to Environmental Studies

Semester – 2

    Major – Requirement

  • Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus
  • Issues in Cognitive Science
  • Introduction to Neurosciences

    Common Curriculum Courses

  • Communication Skills - II
  • Foreign Business Language - I (Arabic / Chinese / French / German / Japanese / Russian / Sanskrit / Spanish)

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives - I

2nd Year

Semester – 3

    Major – Requirement

  • Matrices and Differential Equations & Geometry
  • Cognitive Processes & Technology (HCI)
  • Introduction to Research Methods for Cognitive Science

    Common Curriculum Courses

  • Individual Excellence & Social Dynamics
  • Foreign Business Language - II (Arabic / Chinese / French / German / Japanese / Russian / Sanskrit / Spanish)
  • Human Values and Community Outreach

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives - II

Semester – 4

    Major – Requirement

  • Statistical Methods in Cognitive Science Lab

    Common Curriculum Courses

  • Creativity for Team Excellence
  • Foreign Business Language - III (Arabic / Chinese / French / German / Japanese / Russian / Sanskrit / Spanish)
  • General Aptitude Reasoning Ability
  • Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives – III
  • Unrestricted Electives – IV

3rd Year

Semester – 5

    Major - Electives (Any One)

  • Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Mapping
  • Sensation, Action and Perception
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Brain Mapping Lab (EEG, MRI, Eye-tracking)
  • Machine Learning for Cognitive Science Lab
  • Learning, Memory and Attention
  • Architecture of Language
  • Introduction to Large Language Models

    Common Curriculum Courses

  • Basics of Artificial Intelligence / AI Tools and Applications
  • Foreign Business Language - IV (Arabic / Chinese / French / German / Japanese / Russian / Sanskrit / Spanish)

    Non-Teaching Credit Courses

  • Summer Internship

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives - V
  • Unrestricted Electives - VI

    Career Aspirations based Courses (Mandatory Courses)

  • Career Aspirations based Courses - I

Semester – 6

    Major - Electives (Any Four)

  • Fundamentals of Neuroanatomy
  • Clinical Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology
  • Research Methods and Methodologies
  • Intelligent Systems and Design Thinking
  • Data Structures using C
  • Minds, Brains and Machines
  • Bilingualism and Multilingualism
  • DBMS for Neuroinformatics
  • Basic Techniques in Neuroscience

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives - VII

    Career Aspirations based Courses (Mandatory Courses)

  • Career Aspirations based Courses - II

4th Year

Semester – 7

    Major - Electives (Any Three)

  • Speech Perception and Production
  • Cognitive Systems: Neuroscience
  • Motor Control and Action
  • Human-Centred Design Lab
  • Distributed Cognition
  • Neurophysiology and Behaviour
  • Electrophysiology
  • Language and AI
  • Language, Mind and Brain
  • Introduction to Pragmatics
  • Philosophical Issues in Cognitive Science
  • Neurointegrative Physiology

    Non-Teaching Credit Courses

  • Summer Project

    Unrestricted Electives

  • Unrestricted Electives - VIII
  • Unrestricted Electives - IX

    Career Aspirations based Courses (Mandatory Courses)

  • Career Aspirations based Courses – III

Semester – 8

    Major - Electives (Up to Three)

  • Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Computation
  • Deep Neural Networks
  • Cognitive Robotics
  • Social Cognition
  • Advanced Neural Engineering
  • Topics in Biophysics and Instrumentation
  • Advanced Techniques in Neuroscience
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Computational Modelling of Language

    Non-Teaching Credit Courses

  • Major Project / Dissertation

Prepare for roles in academia, industry, AI development, UX design, mental health, and more.

Market Context

The global AI and cognitive computing market is projected to exceed USD 70 billion by 2030.

Employers including Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, Meta AI, McKinsey, WHO and NASSCOM actively recruit professionals who understand both human and artificial intelligence.

India's AI market is among the fastest growing globally.

AI and Technology

Build intelligent systems informed by human cognition.
Roles: AI Researcher | NLP Engineer | ML Engineer | Cognitive Systems Architect
Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, Infosys, TCS

Neuroscience and Health

Translate brain research into digital health solutions and clinical tools.
Roles: Clinical Researcher | Neuroimaging Analyst | Digital Health Scientist
Employers: AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis, Siemens Healthineers, NIMHANS

Research and Academia

Pursue doctoral research at IIT, TIFR, IIIT, MIT, Oxford, Stanford, UCL
Roles: PhD Researcher | Postdoctoral Fellow | University Faculty

Language Technology

Speech Tech, NLP, and Computational Linguistics.
Roles: Computational Linguist | Speech Technologist | NLP Scientist
Employers: Sarvam AI, Krutrim, Amazon Alexa, Google

Psychology, UX and Behavioural Design

Behavioural science in product design, UX, and education.
Roles: UX Researcher | Behavioural Scientist | Product Researcher
Employers: McKinsey, BCG, Unilever

Policy, Ethics and Governance

Govern AI and Neurotechnology in Governments and international bodies.
Roles: AI Policy Analyst | Neuroethicist | Technology Policy Consultant
Employers: NASSCOM, WHO, UNESCO, Niti Aayog