In India, a new digital transformation brings forth a thriving job market, and at the heart of it is data science. But what exactly is data science, and why is it creating waves in the job landscape?
Join us as we unravel the journey of data science in India, exploring its opportunities, demands, and the skills needed to ride this wave into a promising career.
What is Data Science and What will you do as a Data Scientist?
Data science blends stats, maths, programming, and expertise to extract insights from loads of data. It helps uncover patterns, spot trends, and make predictions that shape the future. This guide is your entry into the world of data science after 12th, covering what you need to know, from prerequisites to popular courses, core subjects, career options, and tips for success.
Data science is a booming field with a 28% job growth expected by 2028, much faster than other jobs. This means lots of opportunities and competitive salaries. It’s versatile, fitting into various industries like healthcare, finance, and tech. As a data scientist, you will have to fill the following roles:
Data Collection: | Gather and process large datasets for analysis. |
Analysis: | Uncover trends and patterns in the data through thorough analysis. |
Machine Learning: | Develop and implement machine learning models for predictive analysis. |
Algorithm Optimization: | Work on optimising algorithms for improved efficiency. |
Model Deployment: | Deploy models for real-world applications. |
Performance Monitoring: | Continuously monitor and enhance the performance of deployed models. |
Collaboration: | Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements. |
Communication: | Effectively communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders. |
Continuous Learning: | Keep up with industry advancements and integrate new technologies. |
Insight Generation: | Leverage data to provide valuable insights for data-driven decision-making. |
Popular Data Science Courses after 12th:
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science: | A comprehensive 3 to 4-year program covering maths, stats, programming, and more. |
Diploma or Certification Courses in Data Science: | Short-term courses (a few months to a year) focusing on specific data science aspects. |
Integrated Programs: | Some institutes offer 4 to 5-year programs combining a bachelor’s degree with data science specialisation. |
Core Subjects in Data Science Courses after 12th:
Mathematics and Statistics: | Learn foundational concepts for data analysis and modelling. |
Programming and Software Development: | Develop skills in programming languages like Python and R. |
Data Manipulation and Wrangling: | Learn techniques to clean and prepare raw data for analysis. |
Data Visualization: | Acquire skills to create visual representations of data. |
Machine Learning: | Understand principles and algorithms for predictive modelling. |
Big Data and Data Engineering: | Gain knowledge of handling large datasets using technologies like Hadoop. |
Deep Learning and Neural Networks: | Explore advanced machine learning techniques using neural networks. |
Data Ethics and Privacy: | Understand ethical considerations in data science. |
Domain Knowledge: | Acquire industry-specific knowledge to apply data science techniques. |
Getting Started: Qualifications for admission
Embarking on a career in data science requires a foundation in relevant education. Most data scientists hold undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in data science or computer science from esteemed institutions.
Entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and GATE often serve as gateways to top data science colleges. Additionally, pursuing certification programs from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Google is recommended to gain hands-on skills.
Examination scores play a crucial role in admission to postgraduate engineering data science courses. Some management colleges also offer data science courses through exams like CAT.
Aspiring PhD candidates in data science can take common entrance exams like CSIR UGC NET, followed by a personal interview to present their thesis and research proposal. Prestigious institutes like IISC – Bangalore, ISER, Tata Institute Of Fundamental Science, and Harish Chand Institute – Allahabad are renowned for their research programs.
Data Science Courses and Colleges
A variety of courses cater to aspiring data scientists, ranging from undergraduate programs like BSc Data Science and BTech Data Science to postgraduate options like MSc Data Science and MTech Data Science.
Here are some top colleges, along with their fees:
Bachelor’s in data science:
ISB, Hyderabad – | Fees- INR 7,50,000 |
SPJIMR, Mumbai – | Fees- INR 5,00,000 |
NISM, Maharashtra – | Fees- INR 2,02,000 |
Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida – | Fees- INR 3,62,000 |
IIIT, Bangalore – | Fees- INR 2,85,000 |
IIM, Calcutta – | Fees- INR 48,00,000 |
DIT, Dehradun – | Fees- INR 8,00,000 |
SCIT, Pune – | Fees- INR 12,50,000 |
International options:
Modul University Vienna, Austria- | Fees- INR 13,73,062 |
IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany- | Fees- INR 2,23,328 |
International School of Management (ISM), Germany- | Fees- INR 10,36,611 |
RMIT University, Australia- | Fees- INR 21,00,066 |
University of Central Florida, USA- | Fees- INR 18,72,986 |
Master’s in data science:
Manipal University, Manipal- | Fees- INR 3,00,000 |
GITAM University, Visakhapatnam- | Fees- INR 2,00,000 |
Amity University, Gurgaon- | Fees- INR 2,09,000 |
VIT Vellore- | Fees- INR 82,00,000 |
Christ University Bangalore- | Fees- INR 90,00,000 |
International options:
Teesside University, UK- | Fees- INR 15,67,046 |
University of Canterbury, New Zealand- | Fees- INR 19,93,945 |
University of Victoria, Canada- | Fees- INR 24,37,850 |
Keele University, UK- | Fees- INR 19,64,018 |
Arizona State University, USA- | Fees- INR 24,60,858 |
Degree Certification and Diploma courses:
IIM SKILLS – Data Analytics Course | Duration- 6 months (+ 2 months optional unpaid internship) Fees- INR 49,990 + 18% taxes |
Jigsaw Academy -Full-stack Data Science Program | Duration- 4 months Fees- INR 48,000 |
AnalytixLabs – Business Analytics 360 | Duration- 99 hours (+66 hours of learning) Fees- INR 32,000 onwards |
Simplilearn – Data Analyst Master Program (with IBM) | Duration- 120+ hours Fees- INR 44,999 |
Udacity – Data Analysis with Python and SQL | Duration- 4 months Fees- INR 77,676 |
IMS Proschool – Business Analyst | Duration- 15 weeks Fees- INR 50,000 (Classroom) & INR 32,000 (Live virtual classroom) |
LSBF Singapore- Diploma in Data Analytics | Duration-12 months Fees-INR 4,98,317 |
Toronto School of Management- Diploma in Data Analytics Co-op | Duration- 1 year Fees-INR 9,08,039 |
Open University- Diploma of Higher Education in Data Analysis | Duration- 2 year Fees-INR 7,29,165/per year |
LSBF Singapore- Higher Diploma in Data Science and Analytics | Duration-16 – 24 months Fees-INR 9,46,877 |
Key Skills Required for Data Science Courses
While no specific background is a must, having some knowledge of maths, statistics, computer science, or engineering is helpful. Essential skills include strong Maths, programming (Python, R, or SQL), understanding stats, data manipulation techniques, critical thinking, and good communication.
Build a Strong Foundation: | Understand maths, stats, and programming basics. |
Practice Hands-On: | Work on real-world projects to apply your knowledge. |
Embrace a Growth Mindset: | Be open to continuous learning and improvement. |
Stay Curious: | Ask questions and explore new techniques. |
Master Data Visualization: | Learn to create compelling visualisations. |
Collaborate and Network: | Engage with the data science community. |
Build a Portfolio: | Showcase your data science skills with projects. |
Stay Updated: | Follow industry trends, tools, and techniques. |
Develop Communication Skills: | Effectively communicate your findings. |
Practice Problem-Solving: | Hone your skills by tackling challenging problems. |
Beyond formal education, a data scientist must possess a set of skills to excel in the field. Proficiency in mathematics and statistics and knowledge of artificial intelligence models are fundamental. Data visualisation, machine learning, and familiarity with databases and big data tools such as Hadoop and Spark are additional skills that enhance a data scientist’s capabilities.
Job Opportunities and Scope
Back in 2017, the Economist boldly proclaimed that “The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data.” Initially, this comparison might seem unusual, but when delving deeper, the analogy becomes clear – just as oil was once the lifeblood of organisations, data has now taken its place. In our era of increasing digitalisation, data has become a critical asset for businesses.
With data hailed as the “future oil,” analytics acts as the engine driving organisations to extract meaningful insights. Globally, organisations are devising innovative methods to leverage data, creating a robust job market for data science. Data science has ushered in a spectrum of roles, particularly in a developing country like India.
The data science market is evolving rapidly, and job opportunities are expanding, particularly in major IT hubs. Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai are the primary locations for data science jobs in India. The salary of data scientists in India varies across cities. Here are the typical base pay figures from some top Indian companies:
TCS: | INR 6,52,075/yr |
Mahindra: | INR 8,73,057/yr |
IBM: | INR 10,67,758/yr |
Infosys: | INR 8,37,251/yr |
Capgemini India Pvt Ltd: | INR 9,50,000/yr |
The average salary for data scientists ranges from INR 7 to 11 lakhs per annum, varying based on factors like experience, skills, and job location. Top International recruiters in this field:
IBM: | INR 16,06,000/yr |
Deloitte: | INR 26,00,000/yr |
Google: | INR 29,00,000/yr |
Microsoft: | INR 31,00,000/yr |
Amazon: | INR 27,00,000/yr |
Exploring Specializations and Roles
A diploma in data science provides direct entry into the field, allowing individuals to kickstart their careers without committing to full-time degree courses. Additionally, a Data Science certificate course can be pursued to enhance existing skills or acquire new ones, leading to improved job prospects. As the data science market evolves, job opportunities are expected to increase, especially with the potential rollout of 5G and the interconnected cyberspace.
Data scientists can specialise in various roles, each with its unique responsibilities. Some key designations include:
Data Architect: | Manages an enterprise’s data infrastructure, analysing and implementing strategies for data management. |
Data Administrator: | Organises and stores data in specialised software, handling tasks like capacity planning, security, and troubleshooting. |
Business Intelligence Manager: | Plans, coordinates, and supervises the design and development of organisational and analytical reports. |
Data Analyst: | Collects and analyses data to derive insights into consumer behaviour, market research, and sales. |
Data Scientist: | Analysing large datasets and implementing machine learning algorithms. |
Machine Learning Engineer: | Designing and deploying machine learning models. |
Data Engineer: | Building and maintaining data infrastructure. |
Data Science Consultant: | Providing strategic guidance on using data science for business growth. |
Benefits and Challenges of a Data Science Career
A career in data science offers numerous advantages, including a lucrative salary, high demand, multiple job opportunities, a reputable career, and the freedom to work across different industries. However, challenges such as the evolving nature of the profession, the cost of tools and software, data privacy concerns, and the potential for unexpected results should also be considered.
Opportunities in Data Science:
- High Demand: Data science is in high demand across various industries, offering a multitude of job opportunities. The job market for data scientists is expected to grow significantly, providing a favourable scenario for those entering the field.
- Diverse Applications: Data science finds applications in diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and technology. This versatility allows individuals to choose a specialisation that aligns with their interests and passions.
- Lucrative Salaries: As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights, professionals with data science expertise are rewarded for their valuable contributions.
- Innovation Hub: India is evolving into a global hub for innovation and technology. With a flourishing startup ecosystem and established tech companies, the country provides an exciting landscape for data scientists to contribute to groundbreaking projects.
Challenges in Data Science:
- Educational Rigour: Building a career in data science requires a solid educational foundation. Individuals need to tackle demanding coursework, including subjects like mathematics, statistics, and programming, which can be tough.
- Continuous Learning: The field of data science is always changing, with new technologies and methods emerging. Professionals need to keep learning to stay updated and relevant in the industry.
- Competition: Data science’s popularity means more people are competing for positions. Getting sought-after jobs requires not just good grades but also practical skills and an impressive portfolio.
- Resource Accessibility: Getting access to quality resources, like advanced technology, datasets, and mentorship, can be challenging. Overcoming these challenges might require being resourceful and determined.
Conclusion
Data science courses after 12th open exciting doors. Choosing data science lets you blend technology, analytical skills, and problem-solving. Whether working with big data or developing machine learning models, data scientists drive innovation.
A career in data science offers a promising future for individuals with a technical background. From choosing the right course and college to exploring job opportunities, EKAL can provide a comprehensive guide to help you embark on your journey in the dynamic field of data science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: How much time is required to become a data scientist?
A: Entry-level data science skills can be gained with diligent study in one to two years, even without prior coding or maths knowledge.
Q: Does data science require Python?
A: Yes, Python study and mastery are prerequisites if you want to work as a data scientist.
Q: Which bachelor’s degree is best for a data analyst?
A: Economics and other social science degrees are best for a career as a data analyst, providing analytic and communication skills.
Q: Which is the best institute for data science in India?
A: Institutes like IIT, ISI, and IIIT are highly regarded. Additionally, online platforms like Great Learning and UpGrad offer reputable data science programs in India.
Q: Which coaching is best for data science?
A: The best coaching varies based on personal preferences, but reputable platforms include EKAL, edX, and institutions like General Assembly or Springboard for data science training.
Reference links:
- https://www.coursera.org/in/articles/how-to-become-a-data-scientist
- https://365datascience.com/career-advice/career-guides/best-degrees-data-scientist/
- https://www.mindler.com/blog/data-science-programs/
- https://www.simplilearn.com/how-to-become-a-data-scientist-in-india-article
- https://www.avanse.com/blog/masters-in-data-science-universities-eligibility-syllabus-and-faqs
- https://www.umeacademy.com/latest-articles/top-10-msc-colleges-in-data-science-and-data-analytics-in-india/
- https://www.collegedekho.com/msc-data_science-colleges-in-india/
- https://studee.com/subjects/data-science/
