7 Best Data Science Courses Online in India

Most students, and even working professionals, already understand the benefits of gaining expertise in data science. Every year, a new statistic highlights the surge in job opportunities in this field, and why not?

Imagine having access to a vast pool of data that can help you create or improve a product desired by millions. Analyzing that very data would be your job. Sounds exciting, but working with data requires strong technical skills and constant learning.

For several years now, data science has consistently ranked among the most in-demand career paths. From tech giants to startups, companies across industries rely on data to make necessary decisions, enhance products, and drive growth. 

As a result, professionals skilled in data analysis, machine learning, and AI are not only in high demand but are also rewarded with attractive salaries and career opportunities.

The bigger question, however, is: “How do you build a path towards your dream career?” For most people, the first step starts with exploring courses, and rightly so. The right program can not only make your skills credible but also open up multiple career avenues. Whether you want to switch fields, upskill for a promotion, or break into a high-paying data-driven role, choosing the right course is the foundation.

To help you out a little, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best data science courses online in India. 

Here are the top programs we’ll be covering:

• Scaler Data Science & Machine Learning Program
• Simplilearn x Purdue Post Graduate Program
• AlmaBetter Full Stack Data Science Program
• UpGrad’s Executive PG Program in Data Science
• IIT Madras BSc Data Science (Online)
• Great Learning’s Data Science & Engineering Program
• ExcelR Data Science Certification Program

Let’s get into each!

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Top 7 Data Science Courses in India 2025

Here’s our curated list based on course depth, mode of delivery, and real student feedback.

1. Scaler Data Science & Machine Learning Program

The Scaler Data Science & Machine Learning Program is designed for both beginners and working professionals. Whether you are a fresher looking to break into the data industry or a mid-career professional aiming to upskill, this program is developed to give students a learning experience to help them become industry-ready. 

Students are assessed through an entrance test (NSET) and then placed into beginner, intermediate, or advanced tracks depending on their coding experience. This score is considered so that students get the right pace and depth of teaching, so they don’t have to worry about the program being too advanced or too basic.

The program is developed using industry-driven curriculum and mentorship models. The syllabus begins with essentials like Python, SQL, and statistics before progressing into advanced topics such as machine learning, deep learning, NLP, MLOps, and model deployment. 

Learners work on 50+ real-world projects and case studies inspired by companies like Uber and Facebook, so that they are able to build a strong portfolio along the way. In addition, Scaler provides live instruction from experienced data scientists, 1:1 mentorship, and a supportive peer community. 

The program also includes career services like resume reviews, mock interviews, and placement support through Scaler’s network of 600+ partner companies. Many alumni have reported significant career growth, with average salary hikes exceeding 100%.

Certification, Duration, Cost

• Duration: 15 months (can be shorter for advanced learners)
• Certification: Lifetime recognition certificate upon completion

Also Read: Scaler’s Fees: What You’re Really Paying For

Key Highlights

• Personalized tracks for different learner levels
• Strong industry-aligned curriculum with hands-on projects
• 1:1 mentorship and peer community backing
• Provides placement assistance after program completion

Ready to accelerate your career in data science? Explore the Scaler Data Science & Machine Learning Program and take your first step toward becoming industry-ready.

2. Simplilearn x Purdue Post Graduate Program

The Post Graduate Program in Data Science by Simplilearn is offered in collaboration with Purdue University and IBM. The program is designed for working professionals, and the course allows learners to upskill without taking a career break. 

The curriculum combines core concepts of data science with applied projects, so that participants get exposure to both theory and real-world use cases.

Learners wanting to build an academic foundation also benefit from dual recognition, joint certification from Purdue University and Simplilearn, along with additional industry-aligned inputs from IBM. 

The program duration is around 12 months, with fees typically ranging between.

Key Highlights:

• Joint certification from Purdue University and Simplilearn
• IBM collaboration for projects and case studies
• 12-month online program with live + self-paced learning
• Career support and Purdue alumni network access

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3. AlmaBetter Full Stack Data Science Program

AlmaBetter offers a full-stack data science program which is aimed at fresh graduates and early-career professionals. The program is structured to build a strong foundation in Python, machine learning, SQL, and deep learning, while also including training on data engineering concepts. The program duration is usually 6-8 months, conducted online through live classes and mentoring sessions. AlmaBetter also emphasizes career readiness by including mock interviews, soft skills training, and placement support. 

Key Highlights:

• 6-8 month online program with live sessions
• Covers data science, data engineering, and soft skills
• Provides placement assistance with partner companies

4. UpGrad’s Executive PG Program in Data Science

UpGrad offers an Executive PG Program in Data Science in collaboration with IIIT-Bangalore. The program is well-suited for professionals who want an academic credential along with industry exposure. 

The course follows a structured, academic-style curriculum while ensuring flexibility for working professionals through online delivery. However, since it’s a postgraduate program, the time commitment can feel demanding for full-time employees who are balancing work and study.

Key Highlights:

• Joint certification from IIIT-Bangalore and UpGrad
• Access to networking opportunities and career support
• Duration: 12 months (online, part-time)

5. IIT Madras – BSc in Data Science

IIT Madras offers an online course, BSc in Programming and Data Science, which is designed for learners who want a strong academic foundation with the credibility of an IIT degree. The program includes three levels: Foundation, Diploma, and lastly Degree. This system is formed for learners to exit with a certification at each stage if they choose to. This makes it flexible for students from different backgrounds.

Being a degree program, it emphasizes fundamentals and theory alongside practical applications. However, the longer duration compared to bootcamps or PG diplomas might be difficult for working professionals.

Key Highlights:

• The modular format is Foundation, Diploma, and then a BSc degree
• Duration: 3-6 years 

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6. Great Learning’s Data Science & Engineering Program

The Data Science & Engineering Program by Great Learning is a classroom & online hybrid course for fresh graduates and early-career professionals who want to start a career in Data Science. The program covers Python, machine learning, SQL, Tableau, and big data tools with a strong focus on hands-on projects.

This program is ideal for those who are not already in full-time jobs. Its intensive format, however, may not be suitable for job seekers who want to study part-time alongside their current role.

Key Highlights:

• Designed for freshers and early-career graduates
• Covers Python, ML, SQL, Tableau, and big data tools
• Duration: 5-6 months 

7. ExcelR Data Science Certification Program

The Data Science Certification Program by ExcelR offers flexible learning options, both classroom and online. It is designed for graduates, working professionals, and career switchers, covering essential tools such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and machine learning algorithms.

The course is less academic and more training-focused, making it accessible to learners who want guidance without the rigor of a university program. While it does not carry the same brand recognition as IITs or ISB, ExcelR provides strong practical training, live projects, and post-training support.

Key Highlights:

• Covers Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, ML, and AI fundamentals
• Duration: 6-12 months 
• Includes access to lifetime learning material and placement support

Course Comparison Table

So many programs to look into, now which one could be the right fit? 

When choosing the right data science program, it helps to compare factors such as duration, fee range, learning mode, and career support. The table below brings together the key details of popular programs so learners can make an informed decision.

Course Name	Duration	Mode	Ideal For	Placement Support
Scaler Data Science & ML Program	11-15 months	Online, Live Classes	Professionals & career switchers	Yes
Simplilearn x Purdue Post Graduate Program	12 months	Online	Working professionals	Yes
AlmaBetter Full Stack Data Science Program	8-10 months	Online	Beginners & freshers	Limited
UpGrad Executive PG Program in Data Science	18 months	Online	Mid-senior professionals	Yes
IIT Madras BSc Data Science (Online)	3-6 years	Online, self-paced	Students & early learners	No direct placement
Great Learning Data Science & Engineering	12 months	Hybrid (Online + Campus Immersion)	Graduates & early-career	Yes
ExcelR Data Science Certification Program	6-9 months	Online/Offline	Beginners & upskilling	Limited

How to Choose the Right Data Science Course for You?

It becomes truly difficult sometimes to understand which program to enroll in and whether it would be beneficial. So, here are some factors that you can consider while choosing the program that fits you best. 

Beginner / Experienced Learner

If you’re just starting, look for a course with structured learning, mentorship, and basics like Python, statistics, and machine learning. Scaler and AlmaBetter are great for beginners since they build foundations step by step. For professionals with prior exposure, advanced programs like those from IIT Madras or Simplilearn help deepen domain expertise.

Online / Offline Learning

Working professionals often prefer online programs due to flexibility, while offline or hybrid options demand more fixed schedules. Online courses also allow access to global mentors and peer networks, making them convenient for upskilling alongside a job.

Budget and Time Commitment

Data science courses range widely in fees from ₹1.5 lakhs for extensive PG programs to more affordable certification tracks. Similarly, time commitment varies from short 6-month courses to 12-15 month immersive ones. It’s important to balance your budget and availability with the depth of learning you seek.

Placement Support / Self-Paced Learning

If career transition is your goal, programs with placement support like Scaler, UpGrad, or Great Learning provide added security. On the other hand, if you’re already in a tech role and just want to enhance skills, a self-paced course may be more cost-effective and flexible.

Career Scope after Completing a Data Science Course

A career in data science has grown rapidly in India over the last few years, with companies across industries relying on data-driven decision-making. One of the main attractions of this field is the salary potential. 

On average, a fresher in data science can expect salaries starting from ₹5-7 LPA, while professionals with a few years of experience often earn between ₹12-18 LPA. At senior levels, such as data scientists or machine learning engineers with specialized skills, salaries can even cross ₹25 LPA.

Some of the most common job roles after completing a data science course include:

• Data Analyst: handling large datasets and generating insights
• Data Scientist: building predictive models and solving business problems
• Machine Learning Engineer: working on algorithms and AI systems
• Business Intelligence Analyst: converting raw data into business strategies

The demand for these roles spans multiple industries. Finance companies rely on data science for fraud detection and risk modeling, while HealthTech firms use it for patient data management and AI-driven diagnostics. E-commerce and retail giants like Flipkart and Amazon utilize data science for recommendation engines and customer behavior analysis. Apart from these, telecom, manufacturing, and even government sectors are adopting data science at a fast pace.

If you’re looking for a career in data science, then do not worry. There might be competition, but so is the demand!

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