upGrad Review 2025: Honest Opinions from Real Students!

“The training was delivered on my own schedule —it’s suitable, flexible, and portable,” says one upGrad learner. That’s the sentiment that shows up most in an upGrad Review—real professionals celebrating real flexibility and results. 

If you're tired of the usual cookie‑cutter programs and empty promises, this blog’s for you. We dive into honest stories, like balancing parenthood, career planning, shifts, and mental health, all while upskilling. 

Let’s cut through the noise and uncover how upGrad truly helps professionals overcome everyday hurdles and reach their goals!

 What Makes upGrad Different?

upGrad isn’t just another learning platform with online degrees; it’s a powerful blend of flexible learning, industry-aligned curriculum, live mentorship, and career-driven support.

Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Flexibility Built for Busy Lives

Learners praise the ability to "study in my free time" thanks to self-paced modules, recorded sessions, and live classes scheduled on weekends and evenings.

2. Credible, University-Caliber Programs

upGrad partners with top institutions like IIIT‑Bangalore, MICA, LPU, and global universities to co-create courses, providing degree-level rigor and academic credibility. 

Here are three popular courses to whether you’re looking to advance in tech, leadership, or marketing: 

• Data Science Master’s Degree (LJMU) – Unlock high-demand data skills for the modern job market.
• MBA from Liverpool Business School – Prepare for leadership roles in dynamic business environments.
• Digital Marketing & Communication (MICA) – Master the marketing strategies that are shaping the future of business.

Be sure to check out the section at the end of this blog for more courses that can help you level up your career! 

3. Live Mentorship & Expert-Led Sessions

Every learner gets one-on-one access to industry experts for mentorship, resume reviews, and career guidance—bridging theory and real-world practice.

4. Career-Focused Learning & Placement Support

upGrad goes beyond teaching: mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and tie-ups with hiring partners translate learning into actionable career outcomes. 

5. Engaging, Cohort-Based Peer Interaction

Peer forums, graded participation, virtual meetups, and local learning centres create a sense of community, driving higher engagement and learning outcomes. 

6. Blended Learning for Immersive Experience

With offline learning centres complementing online coursework, upGrad delivers hands-on projects, live sessions, and face-to-face mentorship across major Indian cities. 

Together, these elements form more than a course. They create an ecosystem designed to help students and working professionals build real-world skills, network meaningfully, and achieve tangible career progress.  

Also Read: Top 20 Effective Strategies in Communication in 2025

And while these features sound impressive on paper, nothing speaks louder than the voices of those who’ve lived the journey. Let’s hear it straight from our students! 

Real upGrad Reviews from Our Students

Let’s be honest! When you’re investing your time, energy, and money into an online program, you don’t want glossy brochures or vague promises. You want proof. You want to hear from real people who’ve actually taken the leap. That’s where an upGrad review becomes your best friend.

In this section, we’ve gathered powerful stories from students like you, working professionals, parents, career switchers, and dreamers. They used upGrad to rewrite their futures. These aren’t filtered testimonials; they’re raw, relatable, and full of insights that could help you decide if upGrad is the right step for your journey.

Let’s dive into what they had to say.

1. Pooja Bhalla – Digital Marketing & Communication (MICA): Career Comeback as a Working Mother

Who is Pooja Bhalla?

Pooja Bhalla is a seasoned marketing professional with 13 years of experience in the telecom sector. As a full-time employee and a mother, she was at a stage in her career where upskilling was essential, but traditional learning models just didn’t fit her life. She needed a solution that respected both her professional goals and her personal responsibilities.

What She Took and Why? 

Pooja chose upGrad’s PG Certification in Digital Marketing & Communication, offered in collaboration with MICA. What drew her in was the course’s flexible learning format, live sessions, career services, and the credibility that comes with MICA alumni status. She also valued the positive feedback from friends who had completed the program and found it transformational.

How It Helped Her? 

The course not only allowed Pooja to stay up-to-date with digital marketing trends but also sparked unexpected changes at home. One morning at 4 a.m., her daughter found her studying and was inspired. That moment shifted their dynamic. Her daughter began putting more effort into her own studies and even helped out at home, allowing her mother to focus on learning. The course became a source of personal growth and family pride, beyond just skill development. 

Notable Quote
“It was 4 o’clock in the morning; my daughter woke up and saw me studying… Inspired, she started putting more effort into her studies and proudly tells her friends that her mom is studying in college.”

Real Use Case for You

If you're a working parent, stretched thin between deadlines and dinnertime, this course proves that you don’t have to choose between your career and your family. With its built-in flexibility, practical content, and real community support, upGrad helps you grow without pressing pause on the rest of your life. 

Also Read: 11 Top Digital Marketing Trends You Can No Longer Ignore

2. Sridevi Neti – Product Management Program: From QA to Product Manager

Who is Sridevi Neti?

Sridevi Neti came with over 15 years of professional experience, primarily in Quality Assurance. Despite her strong background, she aspired to transition into Product Management, a space she felt more aligned with creatively and strategically. But making a mid-career switch, especially after a long time in one domain, felt daunting and nearly impossible without the right guidance and learning path.

What She Took and Why?

To bridge the skill gap and gain confidence for the career switch, Sridevi enrolled in upGrad’s Product Management Certification Program. She was looking for a program that could offer a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle, hands-on projects, and supportive career services, and upGrad checked every box. She also became the first from her batch to successfully transition into a PM role.

How It Helped Her?

The course gave her a holistic, end-to-end view of product management, supported by real-world case studies and mock interviews. But beyond the curriculum, it was the human support, particularly from her student mentor, Viraj, that helped her stay motivated. That extra push at the right time helped her complete the course and land a role as an Associate Product Manager at Univariety, fulfilling her long-time dream.

Notable Quote

“I always knew I wanted to work in Product Management… but moving into something new after over 15 years of experience wasn’t possible with a snap of the fingers. That’s where upGrad came to my rescue.”

Real Use Case for You

If you’ve been in one field for years but feel pulled toward something more creative, impactful, or strategic, these courses show it’s never too late to make the shift. With structured content, real-world exposure, and constant mentorship, upGrad helps experienced professionals pivot into entirely new roles with confidence. The program also covers essential skills like the project management process, ensuring you're well-equipped for leadership roles.

Also Read: Your Ultimate Product Manager Roadmap

3. Mohit Singh – Data Science Certification: Rising from Setbacks to Success

Who is Mohit Singh?

Mohit Singh had a dream to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Indian Air Force. But life had different plans. A severe knee injury during his time at NIT Surat not only shattered that dream but also led to a spiral of depression and declining academic performance. Despite the setbacks, Mohit kept pushing forward, determined to find a new path.

What He Took and Why?

After working in an underpaying job post-college, Mohit experienced a turning point. He chose to quit and invest in himself by enrolling in upGrad’s Data Science Certification Program. He was drawn to its comprehensive structure, real-world applications, and the career support promised; he saw it as a launchpad for a new future.

How It Helped Him?

Mohit immersed himself in the course, studying up to 15 hours a day while living a minimalist life. With help from upGrad’s career team and student mentors, he participated in mock interviews, received expert guidance, and honed his job-readiness skills. The payoff? A job at Tech Mahindra was his first big break. He used his first paycheck to buy a suit and a watch for his brother and started saving for a car for his parents. 

Notable Quote

“My journey has been full of highs and lows… but in the end, I had faith in the one person I needed to trust—me—and that’s why I’m here today.” 

Real Use Case for You

If you’ve ever faced a personal or professional setback that made you question your direction, Mohit’s story shows that resilience + the right support = real transformation. upGrad’s Data Science courses offer more than technical skills—they provide a structure, a support system, and a second chance to turn your life around. 

Also Read: Masters in Data Science - Your Guide to Data Science in 2025

4. Suchet Raghavan – Machine Learning & NLP Course: A Leap of Faith to Upskilling

Who is Suchet Raghavan?

Suchet Raghavan was working as a senior analyst at Capgemini when he felt the need to hit pause, reset, and start something fresh. Burnt out and seeking a new direction, he took a leap of faith and resigned from his job, without a backup plan. While scrolling through the Inshorts app, he came across upGrad’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) course, and it immediately caught his attention. The reputation of IIIT-B sealed the deal for him.

What He Took and Why?

Suchet enrolled in upGrad’s Data Science Certification Program, particularly focusing on Machine Learning and NLP. He was looking for something that would challenge him intellectually, provide structure during his break, and help him break into a new field. The course offered just that—with real deadlines, peer interaction, and strong academic backing.

How It Helped Him?

The program kept Suchet grounded and motivated during his career break. The regular deadlines gave him a routine, and the community of diverse, like-minded learners kept him intellectually engaged. 

One memorable moment for him was when his feedback on a case study was actually implemented by upGrad’s content team, a sign that the platform truly listens. The structured format gave him such a sense of rhythm that he genuinely missed the weekly challenges once the course ended.

Now, Suchet is pursuing his Master’s in Canada at Ontario University, fulfilling a childhood dream. He plans to enter the ML/AI job market while completing his education.

Notable Quote

“The program kept me on my toes! The deadlines kept me sane, and I got to network with like-minded people of all age groups.”

Real Use Case for You

If you’ve been in the industry for a while and are considering a career pivot, this course offers knowledge, structure, and mentorship. Planning for higher studies, a career switch, or reigniting your passion, upGrad provides the tools to succeed. With courses on NLP, CNN, and RNN, upGrad helps you master the latest technologies transforming industries.

Also Read: Natural Language Processing Projects Ideas Topics for Beginners

5. Shruti Nair – Digital Marketing (MICA): Baking Dreams with Digital Skills

Who is Shruti Nair?

Shruti Nair is an aspiring entrepreneur with a deep passion for baking. She had already launched her own baking business but quickly realized that having great products wasn’t enough—she lacked the digital marketing skills to truly grow her brand and reach more customers. She tried several online courses, but none held her attention long enough to create real impact.

What She Took and Why?

That changed when she found upGrad’s Digital Marketing and Communication Program, offered in collaboration with MICA. The credibility of MICA, the industry-relevant curriculum, and the real-time applicability of the lessons convinced her it was time to stop experimenting and start learning seriously.

How It Helped Her?

Just a few months into the course, Shruti was already applying her learnings in client meetings—confidently discussing topics like landing pages and pay-per-clicks. She also found immense value in the peer community, forming a close-knit network through a student-led WhatsApp group they named “The Backbenchers.” 

Her enthusiasm even led her to bake a cake for her peers and mentors at upGrad’s first basecamp meetup—earning her the nickname “the DM cake lady.”

Notable Quote
 “Only a few months into the course and I am already able to go into meetings and speak confidently about subjects taught such as ‘landing pages’ and ‘pay per clicks’.”

Real Use Case for You

If you're a small business owner or creative entrepreneur struggling to market your brand effectively, Shruti’s journey proves that upGrad’s Digital Marketing course can turn passion into profit. With real-time applications, predictive analysis, peer support, and expert guidance, this program equips you with tools to enhance decision-making and promote your business confidently and strategically.

Also Read: Digital Marketing Types: Top 12 Digital Marketing Types You Should Know

6. Shiksha Niti – Data Science (PGDGS): Redefining Career after Motherhood

Who is Shiksha Niti?

Shiksha Niti is a determined, independent woman who has worked with major companies like TCS and Capgemini. After reaching a pivotal moment in her life when she became a mother, she made the bold decision to step back from her flourishing career and refocus on enhancing her skills. Growing up with strong encouragement from her father to value education, Shiksha has always been passionate about learning and self-improvement.

What She Took and Why?

Shiksha enrolled in upGrad’s PG Diploma in Data Science (PGDGS), driven by her desire to stay ahead in her career and continue growing professionally. She was looking for a program that would not only offer solid technical knowledge but also provide a structured, disciplined approach to learning. The deadlines and well-organized format of the course aligned perfectly with her personality and work ethic.

How It Helped Her?

The structured nature of the program, coupled with the challenges of meeting deadlines, perfectly matched Shiksha’s disciplined approach to learning. She thrived on the pressure, often finishing assignments ahead of schedule. Despite personal and health challenges, Shiksha remained focused on her goals. 

She now feels confident in her abilities and is on track to complete the program with excellent results. In addition, she has already set her sights on pursuing a Master’s program at LJMU. 

Notable Quote
 “Preparation and planning are the key to any interview. Confidence in what you do and continuous skill-building is imperative in today’s professional world.”

Real Use Case for You

If you're balancing responsibilities like parenthood or health struggles, Shiksha’s story proves that pursuing your career goals is always possible. With the right structure and mentorship, upskilling remains accessible, no matter the challenges. upGrad’s programs in machine learning and AI provide the skills you need to advance and stay competitive in today’s tech-driven world.

Also Read: Future of Data Science in India: Trends,Tech & Career Insights

7. Kumar Avishek – Data Science: Breaking Bias with Mentorship and Grit

Who is Kumar Avishek?

Kumar Avishek had completed the upGrad Data Science Course, equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. However, despite his expertise, he initially faced frustration when he didn’t even qualify for interviews due to the preference for candidates from Tier 1 colleges. This setback discouraged him during his job search.

What He Took and Why?

Kumar enrolled in upGrad’s Data Science Certification Program to build strong technical expertise and transition into a data science role. However, as his course was nearing completion, he was feeling disappointed, as his efforts weren’t translating into immediate job opportunities, despite applying to multiple roles.

How It Helped Him? 

This is where upGrad’s mentorship system made all the difference. His student mentor, Pranav, connected with him to understand his concerns and worked with him on optimizing his LinkedIn profile and resume. They also focused on job search strategies, including Just-in-Time (JIT) interviews. 

Although Kumar applied to 25 jobs without success, his persistence paid off during the Accelerate 3.0 job drive, where he was shortlisted for multiple interviews with leading companies like Kantar Analytics and Quantzig.

With his mentor’s continued support—mock interviews, preparation for technical and cultural rounds, and salary negotiation—Kumar landed a job as a Data Analyst at Quantzig, with a 40% salary hike. He is now pursuing a Master’s Program with upGrad, having already settled into his new role.

Notable Quote
 “My proudest moment came when I received the much-awaited offer letter and joined Quantzig as a Data Analyst with a 40% hike.”

Real Use Case for You

If you’re discouraged by rejections or lack a "top-tier" background, Kumar’s story shows that resilience and effort lead to success. upGrad’s mentorship, job support, and network keep you on track during uncertain times. Additionally, learning tools like Tableau, Excel, and Power BI with upGrad boosts your data skills and makes you more competitive.

Also Read: How to Become a Data Analyst with No Experience in 2025?: A Complete Roadmap

8. Apurva Parasar – Full Stack Development (LPU): From Learning to Landing a Role

Who is Apurva Parasar?

Apurva Parasar is a determined individual who decided to pursue a Full Stack Development course through upGrad and LPU. With a keen interest in Data Science as well, he set out to improve his technical skills to take his career to the next level.

What He Took and Why?

Apurva enrolled in the Full Stack Development program, seeking a comprehensive education that would not only enhance his technical expertise but also equip him with soft skills, aptitude training, and employability tests to stand out in a competitive job market. His goal was to break into a new role in tech and land a position where he could apply his newfound skills.

How It Helped Him?

Thanks to the rigorous practical training, employability tests, and career-focused support from upGrad and LPU, Apurva successfully cracked the interview for the Analyst – Data Operations role at Wunderman/MSC. 

He attributes much of his success to his mentor, Mukesh, who provided continuous guidance throughout the process, ensuring Apurva stayed on track and prepared for interviews. Apurva knows that his achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the right support.

Notable Quote
 “I want to thank my mentor Mukesh as well, who always guided me. I know I could not have achieved this without his help.”

Real Use Case for You

If you're looking to switch to a career in tech or upskill yourself to land a job in a competitive market, Apurva’s journey proves that with the right mentorship and training, you can break into your desired field. upGrad’s holistic approach, combining technical knowledge with soft skills and career support, makes it the ideal platform to help you achieve your professional goals.

Are you a full-stack developer wanting to integrate AI into your workflow? upGrad’s AI-Driven Full-Stack Development bootcamp can help you. You’ll learn how to build AI-powered software using OpenAI, GitHub Copilot, Bolt AI & more.

Also Read: Top Full Stack Developer Skills To Stay Ahead in 2025

Next, let’s look at some of the exceptional upGrad programs that can help boost your career.

Standout upGrad Programs

Choosing the right course can be overwhelming. You need a program that aligns with current job trends and equips you with the skills companies are looking for today. 

These top 10 upGrad programs will provide you with the expertise needed to advance your career and stay relevant in 2025. 

Also Read: 24 Trending Courses Online in 2025: Top Benefits and How To Pick One!

Wrapping Up 

In this upGrad review article, we’ve explored the platform’s most popular programs, from data science to digital marketing, all tailored to today’s fast-paced job market. The most common feedback from students? The flexibility, expert mentorship, and practical skills that help them advance their careers! 

If you’re still unsure about which course is the right fit for you, don’t worry. For personalized counseling and tailored advice, reach out to us directly or visit one of our offline centers to get started on the right path today.

Enhance your expertise with our Popular MBA Courses. Explore the programs below to find your ideal fit.

Explore our Popular MBA Courses

Expand your knowledge with our Popular Articles Related to MBA. Browse the programs below to discover your ideal match.

Read Our Popular Articles Related to MBA

Reference: 
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/less-than-1-in-4-employers-sponsor-upskilling-report/articleshow/121774378.cms