If you’re someone who’s pursued the conventional education path all your life – physical classrooms and face-to-face learning – it is natural to be skeptical about online courses. Even if a large chunk of the young population is tech-savvy, not many can readily get on board with the concept of online education.

The most common questions that arise in their minds while considering online courses are:

“Do they promise a similar learning experience as on-campus, classroom courses?”

“Are online certifications acknowledged by companies?”

“Will the course fit my present lifestyle and budget?”

Lucky for you, the answer to each of these questions is YES!

Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition.

If you ask yourself ‘why learn online courses’, with reputed colleges, universities, and learning institutes offering cutting-edge online programs, you can expect a wholesome learning experience from most online courses. While it’s true that online courses weren’t exactly the rage a decade ago, times have changed now – companies all across the globe acknowledge online certifications from reputed and established learning institutions.

You can also consider doing our Python Bootcamp course from upGrad to upskill your career.

As for the third question, the entire concept of online courses is to sync with your existing lifestyle and educational/professional choices. Since online courses are much cheaper than classroom programs, they are designed to fit well within your budget.

If you still want to learn more and wondering if you should learn online courses, we can safely concur that you are open to learning more about the perks of online programs. Stick with us till the end and you’ll even get to know about the best online courses that promise high annual packages!

Why Should You Learn Online Courses?

Top 4 reasons to learn online courses in India:

1. They Are Budget-Friendly

Since online courses are completely offered digitally, there’s no expenditure to maintain and run a physical educational institution. Students also do not have to incur any accommodation and travel expenses as they can continue their classes online from the comfort of their homes.

These reasons make it possible for institutions to offer online courses at a much affordable cost than on-campus courses.

Also, check Advanced Certification in Cyber Security from IIIT – B

2. They Promise Flexibility

One of the best aspects of online learning is that they are designed to fit right into your schedule. Whether it is family matters or professional commitments, online courses allow you to juggle your existing responsibilities and priorities while pursuing your education.

You can set classes and participate in peer-to-peer learning activities in batches/timings that suit your timetable.

3. They Offer a Wide Range Of Specializations

Although online learning wasn’t a very popular concept a few years back, people’s perspectives have changed with time. Today, online learning institutes throughout the country have accreditations from reputed universities/colleges. As a result, students have the liberty to choose from a diverse range of specializations, right from mainstream subjects (Languages, Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Economics, etc.) to trending subjects (Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, etc).

4. They Allow You To Learn And Re-learn

Typically, classroom courses are a one-time learning experience wherein you must brace yourself with the study flow of the entire batch of students. There’s hardly any scope to pause, review, or repeat any concept to suit your individual needs – everything has to be done within the time-bound limitations of the program curriculum. Unlike this, online learning offers you ample scope to learn and progress at your preferred pace.

You can schedule individual learning classes with instructors for resolving your doubts.

5. Improves resume:

The online certificate courses enhance your expertise that you can showcase in your resume. This helps potential employers to gauge your skills and increases your odds of obtaining a well-paid job. Improving your resume after completing a relevant online course explores various career options after 12th commerce. 

6. Networking opportunities:

Professionals with the online certification can seamlessly connect with their peer group and create a strong network. The broader network helps in problem-solving, engaging interactions, and improvement of technical expertise. Consequently, it boosts their career graph and helps them explore many relevant career options after 12th commerce.

Also visit upGrad’s Degree Counselling page for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Top Online Courses To Look Out for

Data Science And Machine Learning

Let’s check out the best online certificate courses in India in data science and machine learning.

1. Master Of Science In Machine Learning And AI

This 18-month course boasts of being India’s only online M.Sc in ML and AI for professionals. Recognized by the WES (World Education Services), the program includes over 30 case studies and 10 capstone projects. Learners are taught by seasoned and experienced mentors from Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

Important topics covered include Statistics and Exploratory Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, and Reinforcement Learning. Students also learn about various research methodologies and also submit a Master’s dissertation in the final week.

This online certification course intends to satisfy the professionals’ demand in the various areas of computer science. It does the same by providing in-depth training in cloud computing, data science, and Artificial Intelligence applications.

It offers relevant knowledge to develop and test software and information systems. Hence, you can design high-powered software applications, intelligent systems programs, and security methods.

The course’s modules help students to explore the applications and techniques of AI, deep learning, and machine learning. So, they can analyze high-level programming languages and contemporary software development.

2. PG Diploma In Data Science

Built for working professionals, this 12-month course is perfect for aspirants who wish to master the fundamentals of Data Science. It covers more than 60 projects and 14 programming tools to help learners gain a hands-on learning experience.

What’s more, you can choose from five specialization tracks, namely, deep learning, natural language processing, business intelligence/data analytics, business analytics, and data engineering. On course completion, you will be ready for promising Data Science job profiles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, and Machine Learning Engineer.

The related specializations are Data visualization with R, Big Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Business Analytics, Machine Learning, Python programming, and Data warehousing.

You will have plenty of career options in commerce after completing this course. Some of the prominent job roles are Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Developer, Business Analyst, Enterprise Architect, Data Engineer, etc.

3. PG Diploma In Machine Learning And AI

This 12-month diploma course covers fundamental Data Science and ML topics into eight modules, including Data Science Tool Kit, Statistics and Exploratory Data Analytics, Machine Learning – I, Machine Learning – II, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Deployment & Capstone Projects.

Also, learners get to complete case studies, live projects, and various Data Science assignments using tools like Python, Keras, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, MySQL, NLTK, and AWS. The course promises 360-degree career support by offering dedicated mentorship from industry experts, peer-to-peer networking, hackathons, etc.

This course’s graduates can be employed in public as well as private organizations. So, it unlocks various career options in commerce. After completing this course, you can explore some prevalent job roles include: Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Business Analyst, AI Developer, etc.

This course imparts machine learning algorithms to help you develop a model depending on sample data. Hence, you can make relevant decisions or predictions.

Management

Let’s check out the best online certificate courses in India in management.

4. Post Graduate Diploma In Management (PGDM)

This 2-year management course is divided into four specialization tracks – Business Management, Retail Management, Banking Insurance & Finance Service, and Information Technology – divided into six trimesters.

Topics covered include Marketing Management, HR Management, Financial Management, Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Data Analytics, Statistics, Strategic Management, and Supply Chain Management. On course completion, students receive a PDGM certification from BIMTECH, one of the top private B-schools in India.

5. PG Program In Management (PGPM)

This 11-month program is ideal for sales/marketing professionals, managers, IT experts, and entrepreneurs looking for an in-depth understanding of management and leadership. The course teaches the fundamentals of management such as business growth strategies, marketing strategies, interpersonal and communication skills, strategic thinking and planning, leadership, structured thinking & problem-solving, time management, and project management.

Learners are encouraged to gain practical experience by working on case studies, live projects, and offline peer-to-peer networking events. The best part about this program is that apart from receiving a PGPM certification from IMT Ghaziabad, it opens up a plethora of employment opportunities on the global front.

PGPM entails topics like Marketing Management, Finance Accounting, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Communication skills, Corporate finance, Operations Management, and Business Laws. These fields can prove to be well-paying if you judiciously choose one of the best career options after 12th commerce. It is one of the best online courses in India.

6. Executive Program In Blockchain Technology Management

This 5-month program focuses on one of the most trending topics in the industry right now – Blockchain technology. The course takes an application-based learning approach by training students to think and act like a Blockchain consultant. If you are wondering which online course certificate is valuable in India, blockchain technology is one of the best ones.

It covers relevant matters like Blockchain Technology Management, Blockchain Network & Architecture, Blockchain Delivery & BRD creation, and Blockchain Testing. Additionally, learners work on case studies, assignments, and offline workshops to build their real-world Blockchain skills.

Obtaining this certification will make you eligible for promising profiles like Blockchain Consultant, Business and Integration Architect, Blockchain Consulting (Solution Design & Implementation), and Blockchain (Program Manager & Product Manager).

7. Product Management Certification Program

This 6-month course is divided into three specialization tracks – Growth Product Management, Data Science for Product Management, and Digital Transformation. It offers in-depth knowledge on core Product Management topics, including Product Analytics, Retention & Engagement Growth Strategies, Acquisition & Activation Strategies, Monetization Strategies, Introduction to Data Science PM Role, Fundamentals of Data, Analytics & Statistics, Data Visualization & Data Pipelines, Design Thinking for PMs, and Main Pillars of Digital Transformation, to name a few.

The course also includes more than 15 case studies, projects, and live Q&A sessions with top mentors and industry leaders.

The subject matter for this course is designed by experienced professionals and the course is delivered by knowledgeable mentors. Real-life case studies and live question-answer sessions are a part of the curriculum.

The key skills imparted are Introduction to Data Science PM, Monetization strategies, Market research, Product Development and planning, Data visualization and Pipelines, analytics, and user design.

Completing this course makes the candidates eligible for job roles like Associate Product Manager, Product analyst, and Product Marketing Manager. These are the best career options after 12th commerce after completing the Product Management Certification Program.

8. Global Master Certificate In Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM)

This 6-month course aims to teach students about crucial components of the supply chain, including how to integrate the ley wings of the supply chain (procurement, operations, and logistics management), implement the best-suited supply chain design for a business/company, streamline logistical processes by redesigning the market distribution strategy development, execution, and management, and boost a company’s competitive advantage by integrating IT with logistics.

On course completion, learners receive a Global Master’s Certificate in ISCM from Michigan State University that ranks #1 for Supply Chain/Logistics programs.

It helps you to participate in industry-oriented projects and live online sessions on logistics management, operations management, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing for an organization. It is one of the best online courses in India if you want to embark on a career in supply chain management.

9. Global Professional Certificate In Effective Leadership & Management

This 3-month program takes the application-based learning approach to help candidates become competent leaders/managers. It covers all the fundamentals of leadership management, analytical problem-solving, and teaches learners how to apply different management and leadership theories for specific business challenges.

Students get plenty of opportunities to engage in live discussion boards, quizzes, and interactive sessions with the faculty. The course is taught by top-ranking instructors and mentors of Michigan State University.

This program covers the MindLeap problem-solving technique and imparts an understanding of the problem-solving process. This is one of the recommended online courses in India if you want to be an expert in leadership and management.

It trains candidates on how to manage various teams, take decisions, assign tasks to team members, supervise results, and more. Moreover, it teaches conflict management how to eliminate obstacles the team members may face.

Software Engineering

Let’s check out the best online certificate courses in India in software engineering.

10. Master Of Science In Computer Science

This 18-month master’s course focuses on helping aspirants gain in-depth knowledge of Computer Science, particularly Software Development. Students learn about the essentials of programming, including OOP, Data Structures, Full-Stack Development, Big Data, etc. The course offers six specializations – Big Data, Cloud Computing, Blockchain Development, DevOps, Full-Stack Development, and Cybersecurity.

By the end of the course, students are well-versed with the nitty-gritty of computing systems, advanced programming, and research methodologies in Computer Science and Software Development.

11. PG Certification In Front-End Development 

This is a 7-month course that covers Requirements Identification, Design and Prototyping, Integration and Testing, Module-level Implementation & Unit Testing, Data Structures, User Interfaces, User Experience, etc. Students work on collaborative projects, case studies, and assignments using a host of tools like Java, Git, IntelliJ IDEA, JUnit, HTML, and CSS to sharpen their real-world skills.

12. PG Certification In Big Data 

Another 7-month certification program, this course teaches students the basics of Big Data with a special focus on Python. Students are introduced to the vast range of Python libraries and trending Big Data tools like Hadoop, Hive, HBase, Spark, and Kafka.

Additionally, they learn about distributed systems, programming models, distributed algorithms, distributed programming patterns, Big Data processing, batch processing vs. stream processing, in-memory processing, data warehousing, NoSQL and object databases, etc.

13. PG Diploma In Full Stack Development

This 12-month course teaches students everything they need to know about Full Stack Development. They learn how to build scalable websites, backend APIs, and Interactive Web UIs through courses of live lectures and interactive online learning sessions with faculty members and industry leaders.

The curriculum includes several case studies and assignments and a complete suite of tools required to work on Full-Stack projects. This diploma certification will make you eligible for promising profiles such as Frontend Developer, Full-Stack Developer, UI Developer, and Backend Developer.

It lays the foundation for developing full-stack web apps through the Java programming language. It begins with the fundamentals of JavaScript. The later sections discuss advanced topics like Spring Boot, Angular, Hibernate, MVC, and JSPs. It is one of the perfect online diploma courses in India to kick-start your career as a full-stack web developer.

Some of the important topics students learn include application frameworks, object-oriented programming, UI/UX & Data structures, and Version Control Systems (VCS). It imparts various technologies that can help you at each stage of software development.

14. PG Diploma In Cloud Computing.

This 12-month diploma program aims to teach students how to excel in Cloud Computing. They learn the basics of developing Cloud infrastructure, Data Structures, and Algorithms, building/deploying native Cloud applications, using Virtual Machines (VMs), etc. Since Cloud Computing is an in-demand skill in the present job market, this certification will enable candidates to build their career as Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Software Developer, and Cloud Administrator.

It provides candidates with data required for configuring and administering Cloud Deployment, OS Server, and Cloud Security. It also imparts skills required to defend and recover computer networks and systems from different security threats in Cloud or dedicated environments.

In addition to basics, it also covers the associate level, like Architect Solutions. It offers an in-depth overview of Microsoft Azure core services, cloud concepts, architecture, security, and pricing. Moreover, it includes the fundamentals of developing IT infrastructure on Microsoft Azure. With this course, solution architects can learn how to optimize their usage of the Microsoft Azure Cloud and how to fit into the Cloud-based solutions. You can pursue this online course if you are interested in Cloud computing but are confused about what should I do after 12th commerce.

15. PG Diploma In DevOps

This 12-month program specializes in DevOps, covering industry-specific matters like best DevOps practices, creating software lifecycles, SDLC processes, and developing and maintaining CICD pipelines. Students gain in-depth knowledge of agile methodology for integration & deployment while working on real-world projects. After course completion, candidates can bag job roles like DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer, Backend Developer, Software Developer, Security Engineer, and Automation Architect.

This DevOps certification training hones your data science related skills. It teaches how to formalize and document the development processes and prepare a self-documenting system. It also covers the use of advanced tools like SaltStack, Puppet, and Ansible that help automated management and self-governance at a scale.

It helps develop a powerful network of opportunities that helps to connect experienced fellow learners and DevOps industry experts. It offers theoretical and practical understanding through its cutting-edge curriculum. You can pursue this course if you are interested in accelerating your career in the DevOps industry but are confused about .what should I do after 12th commerce.

Not just these programs but upGrad have also partnered with the top Institutes in India Like IIT Delhi to bring the best programs online. IIT Delhi Programs are:

• Executive Management Programme in Strategic Innovation, Digital Marketing and Business Analytics

• Advanced Certificate Programme in Machine Learning

16. Data Analytics

Data Analytics is highly in demand and when you have done the courses in the field of data analytics, it increases your chances of getting good job opportunities. It is one of the advanced online courses with certificates in India.

The top skills required in the field of data analytics are SQL, Programming, Statistical analysis, Data visualisation, and Econometrics. It is one of the best online courses with certificates which increases the chances of getting good salaries 4.2 lakhs per annum.

17. Penetration Testing

The penetration hackers help in preventing hackers and cyberattacks. The best online courses with certificates require penetration testers to help protect their organisation.

The top skills required for Penetration Tester are Network and Application Security, Threat Modelling, Programming Languages, and Security Asset Tools. It is one of the high-paying online certificate courses in India. The average salary of a Penetration Tester is 5.0 lakhs per annum.

18. Computer Network

It is one of the best online courses with certificates in India which helps in increasing career opportunities. The top skills required for Computer Network professionals are Scripting, Network Security, Web development, Data Management, etc.

19. Agile and Scrum

A skilled Agile and Scrum professional helps in leading an agile team quite successfully. It is one of the high-paying online certification courses in India. Agile and scrum professionals help in having an edge over their counterparts.

To skills required for agile and scrum professionals are facilitation skills, conflict resolution, problem-solving, time management and organisational skills. It is one of the best online certification courses which yields high salaries. The average salary for the Agile Project Manager is 20.4 lakhs per annum.

How Certification Courses Will Help to Get a High Salary?

In my experience, certification courses hold a key to unlocking a high salary in today’s fiercely competitive job market. These courses equip you with specialized skills and knowledge, transforming you into an asset for potential employers. By pursuing certifications, you demonstrate a dedicated commitment to continuous learning and industry relevance, a trait highly valued by employers. It’s worth noting that certified candidates often enjoy enhanced job prospects and the potential for higher earnings. 

Our carefully curated list of the top online courses with high salary potential in India for 2024 covers a wide range of fields. It underscores the pivotal role that certifications play in securing well-paying positions and opening doors to lucrative career opportunities. Invest in your education, and you’ll witness your earning potential skyrocket with these sought-after certifications. 

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of our discussion – the best online courses you should consider pursuing! Online certificate courses in India provides a flexible schedule, updated course material, lesser cost, learning at your own pace, and providing the opportunity to upskill yourself without leaving your job.

If you plan to learn online courses, there are so many factors to consider. Each of these online courses assures 360-degree career support, including dedicated mentor feedback, timely resolution of doubts, personalized feedback, mock interviews, P2P interactive sessions, and other constructive activities to enrich the online learning experience.