Top 10 Best Data Science Courses in India (2026) That Get You Hired

Why Data Science Is Still India’s Most Rewarding Career in 2026

Now that there’s hardly any time left for 2026, and moving into a relevant field is important than ever, it makes sense to look through the best data science course options in 2025 and also how this field would work for you in 2026. From AI-driven businesses to generative analytics platforms, every organization now runs on data.

And companies increasingly demand skilled professionals. Let’s look into some quick facts revolving around the field:

1M+ Data Science Roles Opening in India

According to NASSCOM, India is set to create over one million data science roles in the next two years. With businesses across fintech, healthcare, retail, and SaaS adopting AI-first models, the need for professionals who can interpret, model, and deploy data-driven systems has skyrocketed.

Salary Trends for Data Science Roles

As per Glassdoor, a Data Scientist in India earns between ₹8-20 LPA, while those in product-based firms or specialized ML roles can go beyond ₹35 LPA. The career ROI is massive, with top-tier professionals witnessing up to a 65% salary hike after upskilling in data science.

Career Scope Beyond 2026

Data Science has only been expanding throughout technological advancement by merging with Generative AI, MLOps, and Business Intelligence. From GenAI engineers to data product managers, the range of roles keeps widening, which is

How We Picked the Best Courses

Choosing the right Data Science course can be confusing, and we truly believe that learners should always invest their time in resources that help build an efficient skillset as well as a good profile; hence, we have picked the top 10 best data science courses in India for you. Every program here was evaluated for curriculum depth, project relevance, placement outcomes, and mentorship quality to ensure you invest your time where it truly counts.

Now that you have gone through an overview of data science as a field, let’s move on to some of the courses you should definitely check out.

Top 10 Data Science Courses in India (2026 Edition)

Before getting into the detailed program structure for each course, here is a summary table for you so you can get an idea about which data science courses we’ll be covering ahead:

Data Science Course-by-Course Breakdown

1. Scaler Academy - Data Science & Machine Learning Program (IIT Roorkee)

• Institute: Scaler Academy
• Duration: 12 months
• Format: Live online with 1:1 mentorship Program Overview

Scaler’s Data Science & Machine Learning Program is designed for learners who want to build end-to-end expertise across Python, SQL, Machine Learning, and Generative AI. The curriculum includes data engineering and MLOps fundamentals for the learners to understand both model-building and deployment. With more than 10 industry-level projects and capstones, learners gain practical exposure to real datasets used in analytics and AI systems.

Why You Should Consider It

This program is an excellent choice for those who would like step-by-step support and guidance, 1:1 mentorship from industry experts, curriculum adjusted with the latest tools and technologies, and career support.

2. Jigsaw Academy - Postgraduate Program in Data Science & AI (in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education)

• Institute: Jigsaw Academy × MAHE
• Duration: 9-12 months
• Format: Online with live faculty sessions

Program Overview

This postgraduate program includes data science, AI, and cloud analytics, designed with Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The curriculum covers Python, ML, deep learning, SQL, cloud analytics, and data engineering foundations. Learners complete multiple case studies, cloud-based projects, and applied AI assignments using industry datasets.

Why You Should Consider It

MAHE’s academic foundation & Jigsaw’s industry-driven projects make this ideal for working professionals who want well-rounded learning with strong conceptual clarity. The program also includes portfolio development and placement support.

3. Imarticus Learning - Postgraduate Program in Data Science & Analytics

• Institute: Imarticus Learning
• Duration: 6-10 months
• Format: Online with weekend live sessions

Program Overview

The course focuses heavily on industry-relevant tools like Python, Power BI, SQL, ML frameworks, and domain analytics (finance, retail, marketing). Learners also build multiple capstone projects based on real business datasets.

Why You Should Consider It

Well-suited for students, beginners, and early professionals, this program emphasizes job readiness through mentorship, mock interviews, and project-based assessments.

4. IIT Madras - BS in Data Science & Applications

• Institute: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
• Duration: 12+ months
• Format: Hybrid (online lectures + in-person assessments)

Program Overview

The curriculum of the program includes mathematics, statistics, Python, and machine learning, which gradually advance to specialized areas such as AI, business analytics, and data engineering. The program structure is quite flexible for learners, especially if you are a beginner.

Why You Should Consider It

The course is ideal for college students or early learners looking for a credible certification while learning industry-relevant data science tools.

5. IIM Kozhikode - Professional Certificate in Data Science for Business

• Institute: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode (in collaboration with Emeritus)
• Duration: 10-11 months
• Format: Online with live faculty-led sessions

Program Overview

This program from IIM Kozhikode focuses on teaching data science for business strategy. The program provides core data concepts like Python programming, data visualization, predictive analytics, and statistical modeling while also teaching how data influences can be used for business analytics and decision-making. The learning experience includes interactive lectures, business case studies, and applied projects for a complete analytical foundation.

Why You Should Consider It

This course is developed for mid-level professionals and managers who wish to upskill in the tech area, whilst keeping business strategy in mind. With a credible certification, learners can even apply for higher-paying roles based on their experience and performance.

6. Learnbay – Data Science & AI Program (with IBM)

• Institute: Learnbay (in collaboration with IBM)
• Duration: 10 months
• Format: Online with live classes and domain-specific projects

Program Overview

The course covers Python, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Generative AI, along with domain specialization tracks in areas like finance, healthcare, and marketing. Learners work on live industry projects and a capstone supervised by experts from IBM and top tech firms.

Why You Should Consider It

This program, interestingly, provides a customized learning path where you can choose your domain and build that structure in a way that the course matches your professional background. It’s ideal for professionals who want practical, project-heavy training that aligns directly with industry roles.

7. PW Skills - Data Science Mastery Course

• Institute: PW Skills
• Duration: 6 months -Format: Online, project-based learning

Program Overview

The program takes you through Python programming, statistics, exploratory data analysis, and machine learning, with multiple guided projects that mimic actual datasets. The curriculum focuses on practical understanding along with theory-based lectures.

Why You Should Consider It

This course is built for students and early professionals who want to build strong fundamentals in data science without a long-term commitment.

8. Coursera - IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

• Institute: IBM (Coursera)
• Duration: 8 months
• Format: Self-paced online learning

Program Overview

The program introduces learners to Python, SQL, data visualization, and machine learning, along with guided projects that use real IBM datasets and tools like JupyterLab and Watson Studio. Each module builds toward a professional portfolio that showcases your applied skills.

Why You Should Consider It

This course is ideal for self-learners and working professionals looking for flexibility without compromising quality.

9. Intellipaat - Data Science Master's Course

• Institute: Intellipaat
• Duration: 8-10 months
• Format: Online with live instructor-led classes

Program Overview

The program covers everything from Python and SQL to Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Data Visualization. The curriculum includes 20+ industry-relevant projects and multiple case studies, which is beneficial for learners as they get a chance to apply concepts using actual business datasets.

Why You Should Consider It

This program is built for early to mid-level professionals who want guidance and career support. The program is ideal for those who prefer live sessions over self-paced formats.

10. edX - MicroMasters in Data Science (UC San Diego)

• Institute: University of California, San Diego (via edX)
• Duration: 10-12 months
• Format: Self-paced online program

Program Overview

The MicroMasters in Data Science by UC San Diego is a globally recognized academic program designed for learners who want to build advanced expertise in statistics, probability, and machine learning. The modules cover computational data analysis, predictive modeling, and data visualization. The course also provides an option to earn graduate-level credit for interested learners.

Why You Should Consider It

This program is ideal for experienced professionals or academic learners aiming to deepen their analytical foundation, as their main focus is on conceptual depth.

Skills You’ll Learn Across These Data Science Courses

Here are the major skills and concepts that your course MUST have to cover Data Science in its entirety, and also to be industry-ready.

After going through such extensive learning and practice, it is only natural to expect rewarding career opportunities, so let’s move on to salary trends after data science course completion.

Career Roles & Salaries After Data Science Courses and Future Outlook in 2026

Source: [Glassdoor Reports]

So, will learning data science pay off in 2026?

Let’s look at the future outlook!

Multiple industry surveys suggest a steady uptick in compensation and demand for data science professionals. According to Aon’s Annual Salary Increase & Turnover Survey, overall salaries across India are projected to rise by about 9% in 2026, with tech and data-adjacent roles slated for stronger growth.

For you as a data science learner, this means: acquiring GenAI, MLOps, cloud-native analytics, and advanced ML skills could lead to compensation growth above the average, and a stronger bargaining position in 2026 and beyond.

Who Should Take These Data Science Courses

For Students & Beginners

Look for foundational programs that teach Python, statistics, and visualization. Focus on hands-on practice to build a strong portfolio early.

For Working Professionals

It is best to choose structured, mentor-led courses that integrate industry-relevant projects and placement support; these help you transition faster into data-centric roles.

For Career Switchers

Opt for programs that allow domain specialization, like marketing or finance analytics, and offer practical industry case studies.

For Advanced Tech Professionals

Pick globally recognized certifications or IIT-backed degrees that go deep into AI, GenAI, and MLOps, which can prepare you for leadership or R&D roles.