Data Scientist Salary in India 2026: Freshers to Experts Guide

A data scientist salary in India is among the highest in the tech industry. According to Ambition Box, a data scientist can earn around INR 15.1 LPA, with monthly salaries ranging from INR 78,000 to INR 80,000.

However, data science salary in India is not the same for everyone. It varies depending on several factors, including experience, skills, location, industry, and company. For freshers, the data scientist fresher salary in India may be lower but grows significantly with expertise and specialized skills.

So, stay with us till the end to know how a career as a data scientist can be the best choice for you! 

Boost your career with our top Online Data Science Courses and gain the skills needed to earn a high data scientist salary in India.

Average Data Scientist Salary in India 

A data scientist’s salary in India is among the highest in the tech industry. According to Ambition Box, the average annual salary for a data scientist is around INR 15.1 LPA, while the monthly salary typically ranges between INR 78,000 and INR 80,000.

However, the data science salary in India is not the same for everyone. It varies significantly based on multiple factors, making the earning potential different for freshers and experienced professionals. For example, the data scientist fresher salary in India is generally lower but increases as you gain expertise and advanced skills.

Here are the key factors that influence a data scientist salary in India:

• Experience level
• Location of the job
• Company type and size
• Industry sector
• Skills and educational background

If you want to increase your chances of getting a highest paying data science job in India, the right education can make a big difference. You can join our top data science courses like: 

• Masters in Data Science – LJMU 
• Executive Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Data Science & AI – IIIT Bangalore 
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Data Analysis 

Here is the salary of data scientist in India based on experience:  

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Related Article: Top Highest Paying Data Science Jobs in India  

Data Scientist Fresher Salary in India

For fresh graduates or early-career professionals, the average data scientist fresher salary in India typically ranges between ₹6–14 LPA (as per Glassdoor). The data scientist salary in India for freshers varies based on technical skills such as Python, SQL, Machine Learning, and data visualization tools. Leading employers like TCS, Infosys, Accenture, IBM, and high-growth startups also offer different packages depending on project complexity, tech stack, and hiring demand.

Entry-Level Data Science Roles and Salaries: 

Source By: Glassdoor 

Mid-Level Data Scientist Salary in India 

With 4-6 years of experience, the data scientist salary in India typically ranges from ₹10–22 LPA, depending on skills, project exposure, and company type. Professionals who advance to senior roles, especially those skilled in Big Data, Deep Learning, NLP, and Data Engineering, can earn ₹30-40 LPA or more.

Mid-Level Data Science Roles and Salaries: 

Sourced By: Glassdoor 

Senior and Experienced Data Scientist Salary in India 

The highest salary of a data scientist in India is among the most competitive in the technology sector. Senior professionals who take up leadership roles, manage complex projects, and drive AI adoption in large organizations can command packages that rival global standards.  

Companies such as FAANG firms (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), unicorn startups, and leading fintech companies are known to offer the highest data scientist salaries in India. 

Top-Paying Data Science Roles and Salaries in India: 

Sourced By: Glassdoor, Ambition box

Data Scientist Salary in India by Location 

The salary of a data scientist in India can vary across top cities in India. They can change on the basis of job opportunities, higher demand and cost of living. Cities like Gurugram, Bangalore, Noida, and Hyderabad are some of the locations offering highest salary for data scientist in India 

Here is a table showing the average data scientist salary in the top 10 cities of India: 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Data Scientist Salary in India by Companies 

When it comes to the data scientist salary in India, the company you work in makes a huge difference. Top MNCs, consulting firms, and analytics companies generally offer higher salary of data scientist as compared to service-based IT firms.  

Fact: As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on an average there are expected to be around 23,000 new job openings for data scientists every year 

Here is a table of the salary of data scientist in India at some of the top companies in India: 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Also read: Career in Data Science 

Data Scientist Salary in India by Industry 

The data scientist salary in India also depends on the industry you choose. Some industries like IT, software products, and finance generally offer higher salaries than others because of the demand for data-driven decisions.  

The average salary of data scientist in India can vary by several lakhs per year based on whether you work in IT services, consulting, or specialized analytics jobs. 

Here is a table showing how the salary of data scientist in India varies across top industries: 

Sourced By: Ambition Box 

Data Scientist Salary After Online Certification in India

Completing an online data science certification can significantly boost your career prospects and help you secure better-paying roles. Since data scientist salary in India depends on experience, skills, location, and the reputation of the hiring company, earning a recognized certification strengthens your profile and improves your chances of landing high-growth roles. Here’s an overview of how certification can impact your opportunities and salary expectations.

Entry-Level Data Scientist Salary in India(0–2 Years Experience)

• Average Salary of data scientist in India: ₹4–7 LPA
• Top Companies: TCS, Accenture, IBM
• Skills Impact: Proficiency in Python, SQL, and machine learning can boost salary potential.

Mid-Level Data Scientist Salary in India(2–5 Years Experience)

• Average Salary of data scientist in India: ₹9–15 LPA
• Skills Impact: Experience with advanced machine learning models and data engineering can lead to higher compensation.

Senior-Level Data Scientist Salary in India(5+ Years Experience)

• Average Salary of data scientist in India: ₹20–30 LPA
• Top Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Flipkart
• Skills Impact: Expertise in AI, deep learning, and leadership roles can command premium salaries.

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Value of Online Certifications

Online certifications from platforms like upGrad and edX can:

• Enhance your resume with recognized credentials.
• Provide hands-on experience through projects.
• Offer mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Increase job readiness and confidence.

Data Scientist Salary After Data Science PG Programs in India

Pursuing a Postgraduate (PG) program in Data Science can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential. While salaries vary based on factors like experience, location, and company.

 Here's an overview of data scientist salary in India after data science PG programs:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Value of PG Programs

PG programs in Data Science play a crucial role in boosting your career growth and enhancing your earning potential—especially considering the rising data scientist salary in India across experience levels. These programs help fresh graduates and early professionals strengthen the skills needed to compete for high-paying roles, which directly impacts the data scientist fresher salary in India as well.

PG programs in Data Science provide:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics like Machine Learning, AI, statistics, data visualization, and advanced analytics, skills highly valued in companies offering competitive data scientist salary in India.
• Hands-on Projects: Real-world applications help you build job-ready capabilities that can significantly improve the data scientist fresher salary in India by showcasing practical expertise.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities for internships, masterclasses, and collaborations with industry leaders make you more employable and help you qualify for better-paying roles.
• Networking Opportunities: A strong network of mentors, professionals, and alumni opens doors to top companies, impacting long-term salary growth in the data science field.

While PG programs and certifications don’t guarantee a fixed salary, they greatly improve your chances of landing higher-paying opportunities and accelerating your career in India’s fast-growing data science job market.

Essential Skills and Qualifications for Data Scientist Jobs in India 

The data science salary in India is strongly influenced by the skills and qualifications a professional brings to the table. Companies prefer hiring candidates who have a solid command of technical and analytical tools, and they frequently offer higher packages to those who can drive business value through data.

For beginners, building the right skill set is especially important because it directly impacts the data science fresher salary and determines the kind of roles they can secure early in their career.

Learning the right tools and technologies not only increases your earning potential but also helps you grow faster in the competitive data science job market.

Technical Skills 

• Python & R Programming  
• SQL & Databases  
• Machine Learning & Deep Learning  
• Big Data Tools like Hadoop, Spark and Hive  
• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)  
• Data Visualization  
• Statistics & Mathematics  
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)  

Soft Skills 

• Communication & Storytelling with Data 
•  Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking 
•  Collaboration & Teamwork 
•  Business Acumen & Domain Knowledge 
•  Adaptability in Fast-Changing Tech Environments 
•  Leadership & Decision-Making (for senior roles) 

Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.Tech, B.E., B.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics 
•  Master’s Degree: M.Tech, M.Sc., or MCA in relevant fields 
•  Ph.D. (for research-heavy data science or AI roles) 
•  Professional Certifications like  

1. IABAC: Certified Data Scientist (CDS™)  
2. Google Professional Data Engineer  
3. Executive Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Data Science & AI 
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate  
5. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate 

Career Progression and Growth in Data Scientist Salary in India 

The career path of a data scientist in India usually begins as a fresher and advances through multiple levels, and at each stage, the salary of a data scientist in India increases based on skills, experience, and industry demand.

Fresher → Junior Data Scientist → Data Scientist → Senior Data Scientist → Lead/Manager → Principal/Head of Data Science. 

For a detailed guide read How to Become a Data Scientist – Answer in 9 Easy Steps 

How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in India 

If you’re aiming for the highest salary of a data scientist in India, you need to focus on a mix of technical upskilling and strategic career choices: 

• Master trending technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data 
• Target high-paying industries such as tech, finance, and consulting 
• Work in top-paying metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Delhi NCR 
• Build domain expertise in fields like fintech, e-commerce, or healthcare 
• Gain leadership and project management experience to qualify for senior roles 

Data Science Scope in India

The scope for data science in India is expanding rapidly, driven by the growing demand for data-driven decision-making across industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and retail. Technological advancements, increased online activity, and rising investments in the field are creating lucrative career opportunities and competitive data scientist salary in India, making it one of the most promising career paths.

Key Aspects of the Data Science Scope in India

• High Demand Across Industries: Companies in sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and IT are leveraging data science to enhance operations, optimize decision-making, and gain a competitive edge.
• Significant Market Growth: The Indian data science market is projected to grow substantially, reaching billions of dollars in the coming years, increasing the need for skilled professionals.
• Attractive Career Opportunities: With a strong skill set, professionals can secure high-paying roles, including competitive data science fresher salary packages and rapid salary growth for mid-level and senior positions.
• Diverse Career Paths: The field offers roles such as data analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and AI specialist, providing multiple avenues for career growth.
• Global Exposure Through Outsourcing: India’s status as a tech hub has led many international companies to outsource data science and AI projects, allowing professionals to gain global experience.
• Driving Factors: Rapid digitization, increasing online transactions, and the rise of e-commerce platforms have accelerated the demand for data analysis and skilled data scientists, directly impacting the salary of data scientist in India for freshers and experienced professionals alike.

Overall, the data science scope and salary in India indicate a high-growth, future-ready career path for both freshers and experienced professionals.

How upGrad helps you 

 Whether you're a complete beginner or a professional looking to upskill, we offer a range of flexible and industry-relevant courses that fit into your schedule. 

One of the most exciting parts?  

We have free data science courses which cover essentials like statistics, data visualization, and machine learning, helping you build a strong foundation for high-growth roles and competitive data scientist salary in India packages.

Here’s how upGrad can make your learning journey easier and more impactful: 

• Learn at Your Own Pace 
• Hands-on Learning with Real-World Projects 
• Job-Ready Skills 
• Career Support 
• Easy EMI Options 

Confused about your Data Science career? Get free expert guidance to choose the best path for you.

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