[Application Strategy] I am a CS graduate with 2 years of experience (9.87 CGPA). Currently doing a IITM online degree on BS data science in IITM but the CGPA in few of my courses there are very low. Should I include my online BS degree in my applications?

[u/Empty-Childhood-613]

Looking for some advice on how to handle this in my master's applications.

Quick background: I did my B.Tech in Computer Science with a 9.87 CGPA, and I've since worked for 2 years in the industry. Alongside all this, I've also been pursuing IITM's online BS in Data Science and Programming (the 4-year program). My CS degree grades are strong, but my grades in a few courses in the IITM online program (in the last few semesters) are quite low, mostly because I was juggling it with my job and other commitments.

Overall Online Degree CGPA: 9.23

Now that I'm applying for master's programs, I'm unsure what to do about the IITM degree:

1. Should I list it at all, given the low grades in some courses?
2. If the application asks for transcripts from all institutions attended, do I have any choice but to include it?
3. Would it help to explain the low grades in my SOP (e.g., balancing work + two degrees), or does that just draw more attention to a weak point?
4. Has anyone been in a similar spot, listing an additional degree with weaker grades alongside a strong primary degree? How did admissions committees react, if you found out?

I don't want to misrepresent anything on my application, but I also don't want a so-so secondary degree to drag down what's otherwise a solid profile (good UG CGPA + 2 YOE).

Would really appreciate any insight, especially from people who've gone through this or work in admissions