Reader’s Digest- Data science is everywhere, with companies globally leveraging it to address many problems. This trend has led to favourable employment and salary prospects for data scientists.

Data scientists are among the top jobs in India. To pursue a career in data science, you need a mix of technical skills, workplace skills, and education. Check out this guide to learn more about becoming a data scientist.

Table of Contents 

• Who are Data Scientists? 
• Which Data Science courses are best in India 
• Quick Facts: How to Become a Data Scientist 

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Who are Data Scientists? 

Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that utilises scientific techniques and methodologies, algorithms, and systems to extract insights from various forms of data, whether structured, unstructured, or semi-structured. 

Its primary aim is to derive valuable business insights by analysing large datasets and integrating concepts and methods from mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and computer science.

Data Scientists gather and examine vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. They process, model, and analyse this data, interpreting the results to devise actionable strategies for businesses and other organisations. 

Typically, Data Scientists identify meaningful patterns within messy, unstructured data from sources such as smart devices, social media streams, and emails that may not fit neatly into a database.

Which Data Science courses are best in India?

Here is a curated list of top data science courses in India that will provide you with the essential skills to succeed:

Scaler Data Science Course 

Perfect for both beginners and experienced professionals seeking to upskill.

Scaler Data Science is crafted to kick-start your career in data science. The curriculum, taught by experienced professionals, equips you to meet industry demands. With mentorship from experts who have successfully navigated the data science field, you'll acquire the skills and knowledge to impact your career significantly. 

The program offers hands-on experience through over 50 business case studies developed in partnership with leading companies such as PayPal and Mfine. Learners can engage in weekly live case study sessions with a data scientist, share insights with peers in a private discussion forum, and monitor their progress via a live dashboard. 

Clear deadlines, prompt assignment evaluations, and the option to pause the course allow learners to manage their learning journey. By merging your passion with Scaler's industry expertise and robust support system, you'll elevate your skills and become a highly sought-after data science professional.

Coursera 

Coursera, a leading online learning platform, provides a variety of data science courses suitable for all levels and interests. Here are three standout options that can quickly advance your data mastery:

• No Coding? No Problem: UC San Diego's Code Free Data Science course allows you to explore data analysis without any programming experience. It's an ideal starting point for complete beginners.

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• IBM's Data Science Powerhouse: For those ready to fully commit, the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate program offers a complete pathway to a data science career. You'll learn Python, master data analysis, and create your first machine-learning models.

• Google's Data Analytics Springboard: Whether you're a newcomer or refreshing your skills, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate will propel you into data analysis with real-world projects and actionable insights.

Udemy

Udemy's online platform is a rich source of data science courses led by industry experts. With countless options, it offers a personalised data science journey akin to a choose-your-own-adventure experience! 

A popular course on Udemy is Machine Learning & Data Science Bootcamp 2024. This boot camp is dedicated to transforming you into a proficient machine-learning expert. This course is your ultimate destination if you possess basic programming skills and aim to specialise in this thriving field. With an impressive rating of 4.6 from over 139,615 learners, it is a premier selection for aspiring data scientists.

YouTube: Your go-to Resource for Free Data Science Education 

Consider YouTube as your initial step into the dynamic realm of data science. It's a treasure that provides free educational content, ideal for beginners seeking to get started. You'll discover short, user-friendly tutorials alongside comprehensive examinations of various data science subjects. It's an excellent means to gauge your genuine interest in this field.

Suppose you become hooked on data science through your exploration on YouTube. In that case, consider investing in a structured, thorough, paid course, such as those mentioned earlier, to enhance your skills and understanding further.

Channels that could possibly help you dive into your data science careers: 

• Freecodecamp.org | 10-Hour Course: Complete Data Science Bootcamp 2024

• Krish Naik | Machine Learning using Python and R

Simplilearn 

Aiming to become a data science powerhouse? Simplilearn's Senior Data Scientist Masters Program is your fast track to success. This rigorous boot camp will elevate your skills, equipping you to handle the most intricate data challenges.

The curriculum encompasses everything you need to know, from number crunching to creating intelligent models predicting the future.

DataCamp: Your Fun & Friendly Intro to Data Science 

Interested in exploring data science? DataCamp offers an engaging, interactive experience instead of traditional lectures. With hands-on exercises and bite-sized lessons, learning feels more like playing a game than a tedious task.

Their "Understanding Data Science" course is ideal for beginners. No coding experience? No problem! The course guides you through the basics and essential tools and helps you discover which data career best matches you.

AnalytixLabs 

AnalytixLabs offers a unique learning experience focused on practical data work. Their flagship "Data Science Specialization Course" is crafted to quickly transform you into a problem-solving expert, prepared to face real-world challenges directly.

Forget dry lectures – this is all about hands-on projects inspired by real-world company practices.

UpGrad 

UpGrad's education platform offers various programs, including the Job-Linked Data Science Advanced Bootcamp. This rigorous program is tailored for those committed to transitioning into a data science career.

They cover everything from Python and SQL to advanced machine learning and cloud technology. They do more than just teach; they prepare you for interviews, assist with your resume, and connect you with hiring companies.

EDx 

edX, a premier online education platform, provides a wide array of data science courses from prestigious universities around the globe. Their collaboration with Harvard University delivers a top-tier curriculum directly to you. Let's explore a course tailored to launch your data science career

This Harvard introductory course is designed for beginners. It covers the fundamental concepts of data science and the practical skills needed to analyse data and derive meaningful insights.

Data is not just the future—it's the present. Data scientists are the architects, storytellers, and problem-solvers shaping that reality. Whether you're excited by the thrill of discovering hidden patterns, the challenge of creating predictive models, or the satisfaction of making data-driven decisions that impact the world, the opportunities are limitless.

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Quick Facts: How to Become a Data Scientist 

Eligibility	Applicants need to have completed their 10+2 education from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or higher, with Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics being one of the primary subjects.
Skills Required	Machine Learning, Data Wrangling, Deep Learning, Data Visualization, Programming
Job Prospects	Business Intelligence Manager, Data Analyst, Data Administrator, Data Architect
Entry-Level Salary	6 LPA
Mid-Level Salary	12-20 LPA
Senior-Level Salary	35+ LPA

Eligibility 

Candidates aspiring to become Data Scientists must meet specific eligibility criteria. Some of the essential criteria are outlined below for reference.

• To enrol in a data science course, you must have completed your 10+2 education from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate of 60% or higher.

• You should have pursued the science stream in class 12th, with Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

• To gain admission to top data science colleges in India, you must clear engineering entrance exams, such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and GATE.

• You should pursue undergraduate degrees in Data Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields.

• To acquire relevant skills, you should also complete certification programs offered by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Google.

• Furthermore, you should pursue post-graduate degrees such as M.Sc. Data Science and M.Tech Data Science.

Read more: List of Top Career in Data Science for Freshers: Job Profile, Roles & Responsibilities, Salary, Growth

Conclusion 

• Data science presents many opportunities, with companies worldwide leveraging it to tackle various challenges. This leads to favourable employment prospects and competitive salaries for data scientists.

• Data scientists are important in extracting insights from diverse data sources, contributing to valuable business decisions and strategies.

• Several reputable institutions and online platforms offer courses tailored to kickstart a career in data science, catering to beginners and experienced professionals.

• Popular platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, and UpGrad provide comprehensive courses covering essential programming, machine learning, and data visualisation skills.

• Candidates aspiring to become data scientists must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, technical skills, and relevant certifications.