Software Developer Course Fees in India

Since you’re reading this article, we believe you have some budding interest in software development! And believe us when we say that this is one of those fields that has always been in demand even today. Now the role is quite interesting, but surely the path towards it is not so linear, and this is why many learners choose to enroll in a program that can help them hone industry-ready skills.

But before enrolling, it’s important to understand course fees and return on investment (ROI). Course costs in India can vary widely, from affordable online certifications to premium mentorship-led bootcamps or full university degrees. For learners, comparing these options is crucial. A higher fee doesn’t always guarantee better results; what matters is how well a course aligns with your budget, learning style, and long-term career goals.

Broadly, software development courses in India fall into three categories:

• Undergraduate (UG) Degrees: Structured, long-term programs offering academic credibility.
• Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas: Shorter, career-focused courses with industry relevance.
• Online Certifications (Paid & Free): Flexible, skill-specific programs ranging from beginner to advanced.

In this blog, we will cover software developer course fees in India, helping you compare options, plan your investment, and choose the right path for your career.

Types of Software Development Courses in India with Fees

So, can you only become a software developer after securing a degree?

A Degree surely helps, but not having one shouldn’t hold you back! Here are several ways, including degree programs, that can help you become a software developer

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Choosing software development courses after 12th is a great option if you have made up your mind to move ahead with a tech degree. For you, we have mentioned below the major UG options, their durations, fees, and what kinds of roles they typically enable you to pursue.

1. B.Tech in Computer Science (CSE)

Duration & Focus: A 4-year engineering degree usually covers programming, systems, networks, algorithms, and computer architecture.

Fees ( ₹4-12 Lakhs, approx.): In India, software developer course fees in India for B.Tech CSE varies widely based on college type (government, NIT, private). According to Shiksha, the average B.Tech CSE fees in India range from ₹2 lakh to ₹15 lakh, depending on the institute.

For example, SRM University CSE total fees range from ₹16 lakhs for four years. In some cases, tuition for first-year CSE can cost around ₹1,00,000+ per year in certain engineering colleges. It all depends on which college you prefer and, most importantly, which course syllabus gives the highest value.

Career Outcomes: Graduates typically land roles as Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Backend Developer, etc. The B.Tech gives the advantage of strong fundamentals and is well-accepted by top-tier firms.

2. B.Tech in Software Engineering

Duration & Focus: Also a 4-year program, but more specialized toward software design, development lifecycles, testing, and modern engineering practices.

Fees ( ₹5-20 Lakhs approx.): Since software engineering is a more specialized course, colleges often price it at a premium. Many private or specialized institutes charge toward the higher end of engineering fees. Here, government colleges might settle for ₹65,000 per sem, but private institutes like IITs demand higher fees for their course quality and credibility.

Career Outcomes: After graduation, you may become a Software Developer, SDE, DevOps Engineer, or even work in full-stack teams. Because the curriculum is tighter around software development, your transition into coding roles tends to be smoother.

3. B.Sc. in Computer Science

Duration & Entry Requirements: Yes, B.Tech and B.Sc in Computer Science are fairly different; it is a 3-year program. Entry requires 10+2 with a science stream (often with mathematics).

Fees (₹90k-₹6 Lakhs approx.): software developer course fees in india vary from institute to institute. Many government-college B.Sc CS programs are quite affordable with ₹30k to 1 lakh per year; whereas private colleges may charge higher, starting from ₹1 Lakh to even ₹2 Lakh per year.

Career Outcomes: With a B.Sc CS, you can start roles as a Junior Developer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, or further pursue an MSc or MCA to further specialize in the field.

4. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)

Duration: 3 years, focused more on application development, programming, database, and web technologies.

Fees (₹ 2-5 Lakhs approx.): The average BCA fee in India ranges widely. According to CollegeVidya, BCA course fees typically range from ₹40,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year in regular mode.

In premium private colleges, total course costs can go higher, lik, for top colleges like Christ University or Symbiosis, totals reach ₹6-8 lakhs.

Career Scope: After BCA, you can become a Web Developer, Application Developer, Database Administrator, or move into areas like analytics. Many also go for MCA or postgraduate diplomas in software to boost opportunities.

Diploma Programs

When you’re simply torn between getting a full-fledged degree or a self-paced course, going for a diploma becomes a suitable option. They offer rough practical exposure to software and IT basics without the long commitment of a degree.

Below are two common diploma routes in software/IT, their costs, duration, and admission norms.

1. Diploma in Software Engineering

Duration & Focus: These diplomas usually run for 1 to 2 years, covering software development life cycles, programming, debugging, and software maintenance. Some institutes also offer fast-track formats (6-9 months) for working learners. For example, ISTM offers a 9-month regular version and a 6-month fast track for its software engineering diploma.

Fees (₹50,000 - ₹1,50,000 approx.): The fees could be anything depending on the institution, mode (online vs on-campus), and support services. As per some sources, diploma engineering courses in software are quoted between ₹30,000 and ₹1,00,000 per year in many private institutes.

For example, ISOEH lists an 11-month diploma in software development at ₹72,000 (single installment) or ₹80,000 via multiple payments.

Career & ROI: After completion, diploma holders can take roles like Junior Developer, Software Tester, Maintenance Engineer, Application Support, or upgrade with further certifications. The average salary after a software engineering diploma is often cited as around ₹5 LPA in many regions.

2. Diploma in Information Technology (IT)

Admission & Eligibility: Many IT diplomas accept students after 10th or 12th standard, sometimes requiring basic mathematics. Duration may vary based on the institute and state board rules.

Fees & Duration: A standard duration is 6 to 12 months, though 2-3 year diplomas are also common in polytechnic setups.

software developer course fees in india for diploma range widely: basic diplomas may cost ₹8,000 to ₹90,000, depending on the institute and specialization. For example, a government polytechnic in Aurai, Uttar Pradesh, offers a 3-year Diploma in IT with total tuition fees around ₹35,610.

Career Scope: Graduates can take roles such as IT Technician, Network Administrator, Web Developer, Support Engineer, or use it as a stepping stone into degree or certification programs. Salaries typically begin in the ₹2.5-6 LPA range.

Online Professional Certification Courses

So you’re planning to explore options in Tech but are in a dilemma whether online courses can really do justice. We understand your problem. Many learners indeed lose motivation due to the mere fact that their career paths are too different to try something so complex, but worry not. As with educational advancement, online certification programs do provide the right amount of practice and credibility, even though many learners join online programs after having a degree, which explains the usefulness of these programs.

Here are some options you can choose from:

1. Scaler Academy: Full Stack Developer Program

Scaler offers a structured, mentorship-driven program designed for learners who want to become job-ready software engineers. The program is built for learners to understand theoretical concepts and learn to apply them by practicing on practical projects and assignments.

• Duration: 9-12 months (live sessions + mentorship)
• Coverage: Frontend (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React), Backend (Node.js, Express, Databases), Cloud basics, System Design
• Career Support: Placement assistance, mock interviews, referrals, and 1:1 career coaching

2. IBM Full Stack Software Developer Certificate (Coursera)

IBM’s professional certificate is ideal for learners looking for an industry-recognized credential at an affordable price. It is project-driven and covers both core and advanced concepts.

• Duration: 4-6 months (self-paced)
• Coverage: MERN stack, Git/GitHub, cloud deployment, microservices
• Career Support: Coursera career portal, shareable certificate

3. Udemy Bootcamps

Udemy’s bootcamps are affordable and flexible, making them perfect for self-learners. While they don’t provide mentorship or placement support, they offer a strong foundation through projects.

• Duration: Flexible (40-60 hours of content, learn at your own pace)
• Coverage: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, real-world projects
• Career Support: None officially; learners build portfolios independently

4. Coursera Specializations

University-backed programs on Coursera provide both credibility and practical training. They are longer than typical bootcamps and include graded projects.

• Duration: 6-9 months (self-paced, project-based)
• Coverage: Frontend + Backend, databases, APIs, version control, capstone projects
• Career Support: University-recognized certificate, Coursera career tools

Looking through these courses, you must have surely thought of all being evenly good, but then again. Which one would fit you best? And can the courses be a little affordable to start? So, yes!

We’ll now look into some affordable course options for you.

Free & Low-Cost Software Development Courses

Free & Low-Cost Software Development Courses

We totally understand if you are someone who just wishes to check out a program and see if the path is really for you. And yes, even YouTube videos can have their limitations. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and low-cost courses that provide quality learning and help you build a foundation before you commit to advanced programs. These are usually offered by universities, MOOCs, or open platforms.

MOOCs (Scaler, Coursera, edX, NPTEL)

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide beginner-friendly access to structured learning. For instance, Harvard’s CS50 (on edX) is free to audit and is often considered the best starting point in computer science. Similarly, NPTEL courses from IITs are free with optional certification fees around ₹1,000 per course, but only if you want to give the exam.

You can also check out Free Scaler Certification online courses to get a gist of what comes ahead in the software development field.

Delft University: Global Software Development (edX)

Delft University of Technology offers a course on Global Software Development via edX, which teaches how to collaborate in distributed teams, a valuable skill in today’s remote-first environment. It’s free to audit, with certificates available for a small fee.

IBM: Software Engineering Fundamentals

IBM provides several beginner-friendly courses on Coursera, including Software Engineering Fundamentals. The course is free to audit, with a certificate available under Coursera’s monthly subscription (approx. ₹2000/month). For learners who complete it quickly, the total cost can be under ₹10,000.

We’ve created a comparison table for software development course types, showing their duration, average fees, learning mode, and who they’re best suited for. You can use the table below to get a summary of the mentioned courses.

Seems like a difficult choice to make, right? Don’t worry, learners often face the same doubts time and again. But all you need to do is first clarify what YOU want and then look into which program satisfies those needs.

Factors Affecting Software Developer Course Fees

Course fees for software development programs in India vary widely, and understanding why can help you plan better. Here are the key factors:

Type of Institution

Yes, it’s true! A credible institute makes your resume stand out in a different light. IITs, NITs, and leading private universities often charge higher tuition, which is usually because of their infrastructure, faculty, and placement records. On the other hand, edtech platforms like Scaler, Coursera, or Udemy focus on affordability and industry-relevant skills, with flexible pricing models.

Course Duration

Longer courses naturally cost more. Undergraduate programs that last for 3-4 years demand lakhs in tuition, while short-term bootcamps of 3-12 months are priced in thousands to a few lakhs, depending on intensity and career support offered.

Mode of Learning

Offline, on-campus courses typically involve higher fees due to facilities and administration. Online programs are more cost-effective, with some offering free access or affordable subscriptions. Hybrid models, combining online flexibility with offline mentorship, often fall in between.

Certification Authority

Who issues the certificate also affects fees. Programs certified by IITs, NITs, or global universities tend to cost more, thanks to their brand value. Foreign university-backed online degrees often reach ₹3-5 lakhs, while private edtech certifications range from ₹20,000 to ₹3.5 lakhs. Free or low-cost options from MOOCs are ideal for skill exploration but carry less weight in hiring.

These factors affect pricing for rightful reasons; you should always look into the course curriculum, the amount of mentorship offered, and the kind of projects available before signing up for a program.

Eligibility & Admission

Software developer course eligibility in India has simple criteria, but it depends on the type of program:

• Undergraduate Degrees (B.Tech, B.Sc, BCA): Require 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Admission to top engineering programs usually goes through entrance exams like JEE Main/Advanced, BITSAT, or state-level tests. Private universities may conduct their own entrance exams or offer merit-based admission.
• Diplomas: Generally open after 10th or 12th standard, with mathematics as a preferred subject.
• Online Certifications & Bootcamps: Platforms like Scaler, Coursera, and Udemy are open to anyone, with no strict entry criteria. Some advanced programs may expect basic coding knowledge, but also provide foundation modules.

Career Opportunities & Salary After Software Developer Courses

Completing a software development course opens up diverse career options across industries:

• Software Engineer / Developer: Building applications, systems, or platforms.
• Full Stack Developer: Skilled in both frontend and backend development.
• Mobile App Developer: Designing apps for Android and iOS using Kotlin, Swift, or Flutter.
• Web Developer: Creating and managing websites with modern frameworks.

Salary Outlook:

• Freshers: Most entry-level roles start around ₹4-6 LPA, depending on skills and company.
• Mid-Level Professionals: With 3-5 years’ experience, salaries often climb to ₹10-15 LPA.
• Experienced Specialists: Roles in AI, cloud, or full-stack leadership can cross ₹20 LPA in India. Globally, experienced developers often earn $100K+ annually.