Data Science

Yes, pursuing a data science online course from upGrad in 2025 is highly valuable because of its:

• Explosive Industry Growth: The global data science and analytics market is expected to reach $658.64 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 29.4%.
• Data is the new currency: As per a Harvard Business Review report, it states that AI and data are among the top three strategic priorities for 90.5% of organizations. This demonstrates the extent to which companies are investing in data-driven decision-making.
• High Demand for Talent: India alone is projected to have over 11.5 million data-related job openings by 2026 across industries like BFSI, healthcare, retail, and tech.
• Lucrative Salaries: In India, Data Scientists at the entry level can earn ₹5-14 LPA while candidates with 4-5 years of experience earn ₹15-24 LPA or more, depending on their skill set and the industry.
• Online = Flexible + Career-Aligned: Best data science courses online provide industry-certified skills, project-based education, and mentorship, all without having to quit work.

In short, investing in a data science course in 2025 isn't only about being smart, but it's necessary to succeed in a data-driven world.

What are the Benefits of Online Data Science Programs Offered by upGrad?

upGrad’s data science online courses are super flexible, affordable, and help you build real skills that companies are hiring for.

Below are the benefits of online upGrad data science courses

• Learn at your own pace - Even though the data science course duration ranges from 3 to 17 months, it offers flexible learning, allowing you to complete the course at your own pace and convenience.
• Access leading programs anywhere - Enroll in a world-class data science and analytics course from the comfort of your home.
• Affordable learning - Most online courses are affordable, and additionally, you'll also frequently get EMI options or scholarships.

• Up-to-date content - Get ahead with courses that cover the new concepts in AI, ML, Python, SQL, and more.
• Not just theory, hands-on - Build practical projects and implement what you learn on real datasets.
• Use industry tools - Familiarize yourself with tools such as Python, Power BI, Tableau, and more, skills businesses need.
• Gain respected certificates - The majority of courses include approved certifications that you can post it to your resume or LinkedIn.

What Should a Learner Look for in an Online Data Science Course?

Below are the pointers one must keep in mind while choosing an online data science course.

• Select a data science online program that includes projects and case studies of actual applications so that you can acquire practical skills.
• Choose a data science certification or a data analyst certification from a reputable university or an industry-recognized program.
• Make sure that a data science online course covers the most important data science subjects, such as Python, SQL, Data Visualization, and Machine Learning.

• Make sure that the data science course you are looking for is within your budget and can be learned within the duration you want.
• Choose the course based on your aspiration - be it a data analyst course, an AI data science course, or a course providing data engineer skills.
• Find courses that provide placement assistance or at least some career services, such as help with a resume and mock interviews.

upGrad data science courses fulfill all such things, equipping you with the right skills, tools, and guidance to become proficient in data science and excel in today’s data-driven world

Now let's give some light on the point of who all can opt for these online data science courses.

• Beginners curious about data and tech with no prior experience
• Working professionals looking to upskill or move into tech roles can opt for a data science and artificial intelligence course
• Students pursuing degrees who want an edge in the job market
• Career switchers from fields like marketing, finance, HR, or teaching
• Entrepreneurs wanting to make data-driven business decisions
• Analysts or engineers wanting to specialize in AI, ML, or data analytics
• Anyone interested in Python, machine learning, or data visualization

Is an Online Data Science Program Good for Beginners?

Absolutely! Most data science online courses start with the basics from understanding data to learning tools like Python and Excel. So, even if you're starting from scratch, you're in good hands.

For example, Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Data Analysis (2 Months) via upGrad

In this beginner-friendly course, you'll learn to use tools like ChatGPT and Power BI, perfect for someone who has just starting out and wants to understand how real-world data analysis works.

Can You Pursue Data Science Online with No coding Background?

Yes, you can. You don’t need to be a coder to start. upGrad data analytics courses online are built for non-tech folks too. You’ll learn coding slowly, from Python to SQL, right from the basics. And, you’ll be surprised by how easily you can write code, even if you’ve never written a line of code before

Which are the Best Data Science Courses for Working Professionals?

upGrad offers seven data science programs in collaboration with top universities and companies like IIIT Bangalore, Microsoft, and LJMU which are suited for working professionals.

• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science - O.P. Jindal Global University
• MS in Data Science - Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
• Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI - IIIT Bangalore
• Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI - IIIT Bangalore
• Professional Certificate Program in AI and Data Science - upGrad
• Business Analytics & Consulting with PwC India - upGrad
• Generative AI Mastery Certificate for Data Analysis - Microsoft

Can You Switch Careers Through an Online Data Science Course?

Yes, offcourse and why not infact at upGrad, many learners come from non-tech backgrounds like MBA, finance, or marketing and have successfully made the switch. upGrad data science courses start from the basics and teach in-demand tools like Python, SQL, and ML. 79% of learners report career growth after completing a data science course with upGrad.

Today, Data science is the need of the hour, and if you're still unsure, you can head over to our testimonials section; you'll find real stories of people who used online data science courses from upGrad to completely transform their careers.

Is 3 months Enough to Learn Data Science Online?

Yes, 3 months is enough to build a strong foundation in data science, if you choose the right course. At this time, you can:

• Learn tools like Excel, SQL, and Power BI
• Understand data analysis basics and business problem-solving
• Get hands-on with real business datasets
• Build your resume with a certification from top institutions.

For example, upGrad’s Business Analytics & Consulting with PwC India is a 3-month course designed for quick upskilling with data science course with placement support.

An online data science degree can open the door to some of the most in-demand and well-paying roles in today’s job market both in India and abroad.

What is the Average Salary after Completing an Online Data Science Course?

• If you’ve completed a good data science online course, the average starting salary in India ranges from ₹5 - 15 LPA, depending on your background and skill level.
• Mid-level professionals or those with a data analytics course or data science degree can earn ₹14 - 26 LPA or more.
• Globally, data scientists often earn $156,790+ annually, especially in tech hubs like the US, Canada, and Europe

What Jobs Can You Get After a Data Science Course?

After completing one of the best data science courses, you can apply for roles like:

• Data Scientist: INR 8 - INR 20 LPA
• Data Architect: INR 17 - INR 30 LPA
• Data Analyst: INR 4 - INR 9 LPA
• Business Intelligence Analyst: INR 5 - INR 11 LPA
• Big Data Analyst: INR 2.7 - 18 LPA

Source: Glassdoor, Payscale

Are Data Scientists in Demand in India and Abroad?

100% yes, and the below numbers are a proof!

• India alone will need over 11.5 million data science professionals by 2026. That’s almost the population of Sweden!
• As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science jobs projects a 36% growth from 2023 to 2033, that’s nearly 7x faster than the average for all occupations.
• And as per an Economic Times article at the beginning of the year, claimed that 2025 expected to see a big hiring comeback, with AI and data science roles leading the way in India.

Which Companies Hire Data Scientists in India?

Some top recruiters for data science professionals in India include:

• Amazon
• Flipkart
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• Accenture
• Wipro
• PwC, Deloitte, EY
• Startups like Razorpay, Swiggy, and CRED

Completing a recognized data science program puts you on the radar of these companies, especially if you’ve done hands-on projects and have a strong portfolio.

upGrad’s data science online courses cover everything you will need, from concepts you need as a foundation to tools you require in the industry. If you are going for a PG in Data Science, Certificate in data science or Full- fledged data science degree, you will get an applied knowledge to ready yourself for a data-driven world.

What Topics are Covered in an Online Data Science Course?

Here’s what most online data science courses teach, whether you're pursuing a data analytics course, a data engineer course, or an advanced data science program:

• Statistics & Probability
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Big Data & Data Engineering 
• Business Analytics & Problem Solving 
• Data Visualization 
• Generative AI & Deep Learning 
• Domain-Specific Case Studies 
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
• Capstone Projects

Which Tools and Programming Languages are taught (Python, SQL, etc.)?

Tools and programming languages taught in data science certification courses and data science training programs include 

• Python - The core programming  language for the majority of data science training and machine learning activities.
• R - Used extensively in data analysis certification programs for statistical computing and data visualization.
• SQL & NoSQL - Used to manage structured and unstructured data efficiently.
• Excel & Power BI - Necessary for data exploration, dashboarding, and business reporting.
• Tableau - Popular data visualization tool covered in most data analytics certification courses with placement.
• Scikit-Learn - A trusted library to train and build machine learning models in Python.
• TensorFlow -  Used in nearly all AI data science instruction for deep learning and neural networks.
• Keras - High-level API for constructing deep learning models quickly, typically used with TensorFlow.
• PyTorch - Deep learning framework flexible and used extensively for research and production.
• NLTK - Essential toolkit for text pre-processing and language comprehension in NLP projects.
• SpaCy - Industrial-strength NLP library for parsing, tokenization, and named entity recognition.
• Hugging Face - Pre-trained transformer model open-source hub for BERT and GPT.
• Hadoop - Distributed storage and processing framework for big data sets.
• Apache Spark - Utilized for big data analytics and real-time data processing at a large scale.
• Apache Kafka -  A real-time data processing and big data analytics used messaging system.
• Hive - Data warehouse software that allows querying and big data analysis

Do Online Data Science Courses Include Hands-On Projects and Capstones?

Yes, most online data science courses include hands-on projects to build real-world skills. Common project examples include:

• Retail Analytics
• Fraud Detection
• Customer Segmentation
• Movie & IPL Visualization
• ETL Pipeline (with AWS)
• Recommendation Systems
• Sentiment Analysis
• Dashboarding Projects
• NLP Projects
• Business Intelligence Reports

These are part of both certificate programs and data analytics master’s programs to help learners build job-ready portfolios.

If you're thinking about signing up for a data science course online in 2025, it’s natural to wonder about the fees, course duration, and if the certification is worth it. 

What is the Fee for an Online Data Science Course in India?

The data science course fees in India can vary depending on the university and program duration. upGrad data science course fees range between ₹75,000 to ₹3,50,000, depending on the level (certification, diploma, or Master’s). 

How Long Does it Take to Complete an Online Data Science Course?

The data science course duration can be anywhere from 3 months to 18 months.Short courses like upGrad’s Business Analytics & Consulting Program take 3 months, while a Master’s in Data Science with Liverpool John Moores University lasts up to 17 months. So whether you're looking for a crash course or a full data science degree, upGrad has something to match your timeline.

Are EMI or Scholarships Available for Online Data Science Courses?

Yes, definitely! Most upGrad courses offer EMI plans starting from ₹3,000/month, along with scholarship options based on your profile and eligibility. For more details you can talk to upGrad counsellors. This makes upGrad data science course fees more manageable, especially for working professionals or students.

Is the Certificate from an Online Data Science Course Recognized by Employers?

upGrad offers certifications in collaboration with top institutions like IIIT-Bangalore, Liverpool John Moores University, Deakin University, and more. These data science certification courses are industry-aligned and widely recognized by recruiters in tech, finance, consulting, and analytics sectors.

Can I Use this Certificate to Apply for International Jobs?

Yes! Many upGrad learners have used their data science certification course to land remote jobs, freelance gigs, and full-time roles globally. With international universities backing your certificate and real-world projects in your portfolio, your profile becomes job-ready for both India and abroad.

If you're ready to start your journey into data science, applying online is simple, quick, and fully digital. If you are exploring the upGrad Data Science Course, Data Analytics Course, or an MSc in Data Science online, here’s how it works:

Data Science Qualification Needed for Certification

To enroll in a data science certification course (like those on upGrad), you generally need:

• A bachelor’s degree (in any stream tech, commerce, or even arts)
• Basic understanding of maths or statistics is a plus
• No coding background required for beginner-friendly data science courses for working professionals
  

What Documents Are Needed for Admission to a Data Science Course?

You’ll typically need to upload the following during the application for any data science online course:

• Graduation mark sheet or degree certificate
• Government ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
• Updated CV/Resume
• Passport-size photo
• For some data science course with placement, SOPs or LinkedIn profile links may also be requested

Once uploaded, the upGrad team will verify your documents and confirm your seat. Some programs even offer scholarship tests, like the upGrad Data Science Scholarship Test.

If you're comparing data science courses online, you're probably wondering - why upGrad? Well, upGrad’s programs aren’t just about watching videos and taking tests. upGrad programs built with real career outcomes in mind. From industry-ready tools to globally recognized certifications, personalized mentorship, and hands-on projects, every part of the journey is designed to get you job-ready.

What makes upGrad’s Data Science Program different from others?

Here is what makes upGrad unique from  others, 

The scope of data science in India is growing rapidly. According to a recent LinkedIn study, there has been a 400% surge in demand for data science professionals over the past two years. Companies are actively hiring data scientists, data analysts, business intelligence analysts, and data engineers to drive data-backed decisions.

Pursuing a data science course online like the upGrad Data Science Course can help you tap into this high-growth field. These data science certification courses are designed to make you job-ready with real-world projects and expert mentorship.

Will Data Science Still Be in Demand in the Next 5 – 10 Years?

Yes, data science is growing fast and will stay in high demand for many years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs for data scientists will grow by 36% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than most other careers.

Here’s why data science is the future:

• More data every day: The world is creating huge amounts of data, and we need experts to make sense of it.
• Smart decisions with data: Companies use data to make better business choices, improve services, and save money.
• Rise of AI and automation: These new technologies need skilled data scientists to build and manage them.
• New industries hiring fast: Fields like fintech, healthcare, and tech are hiring more data experts these days.

How will AI and Automation Impact the Future of Data Science Jobs?

AI and automation are reshaping the future of data science not by replacing jobs, but by making them smarter daily. Below are some key points that show how AI is helping shape the future of data science jobs.

• Less manual work: AI tools now do tasks like cleaning data and choosing models, so data scientists can focus on solving real business problems.
• Smart tools like AutoML: Tools like AutoML help build models faster. Learning them through a data science course online keeps you ahead.
• New skills are needed: Along with technical knowledge, data scientists now need to understand business, explain results clearly, and know about AI ethics.
• Work closely with business teams: As data tools become easier to use, data scientists will work more with non-tech teams to apply insights.
• New career roles are coming: Jobs like AI engineer, AI product manager, and AI ethics expert are growing. A strong data scientist course online can prepare you for these roles.
• Keep learning new things: AI is changing fast. Courses like the upGrad Data Science Course help you stay updated with the latest tools and skills.
• More demand, not fewer jobs: AI is not taking away jobs, it’s creating more. Companies need trained experts to work with smart systems.
• Great time to start: A data science certification course with placement support, like the one from upGrad, can help you start a strong career in this growing field.