Data Science Course Fees in India 2026: Online, Offline & Degree Programs

Mastering data science in India in 2026 involves a wide spectrum of certification options, durations, and fee structures. Programs range from self-paced online certificates on Coursera costing around ₹3,200 per month to intensive post-graduate diplomas from upGrad and IIIT Bangalore priced up to ₹3,50,000. For hands-on learning, institutes like Codegnan offer 6-month offline training for ₹75,000, while specialized offerings like NISM’s Data Science Program cost ₹66,750 for financial analytics expertise. Additionally, financial aid and fee waivers make these industry-aligned programs increasingly accessible. This comprehensive guide compares top data science platforms, detailed cost breakups, course durations, and schedule flexibility across India. 

Selecting the right Data Science certification platform in India depends on budget, required learning format (self-paced vs. cohort-based), and career goals. Key options span self-paced global aggregators like Coursera, industry bootcamps like Simplilearn and upGrad, specialized classroom institutes like Codegnan, and specialized regulatory or university programs like NISM and IIT Madras.

Overview of Top Data Science Platforms in India (2026)

Platform Cost Breakups & Key Features

• Coursera Professional Certificates:
  • Cost Structure: ₹3,200/month individual subscription or ₹6,999 to ₹13,999/year for Coursera Plus.
  • Popular Specializations: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (3 to 6 months), Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (3 to 6 months), University of Michigan Applied Data Science with Python (3 to 6 months).
  • Best For: Flexible, self-paced foundational learning on a budget.
• Simplilearn (Post Graduate / Bootcamp Certificates):
  • Cost Structure: Base fee of ₹54,000 to ₹80,000 + 18% GST (Totaling approximately ₹63,720 to ₹94,400).
  • Duration: 6 to 11 months.
  • Best For: Working professionals who want structured co-certified bootcamps with IBM/Purdue University and job assist support.
• upGrad (PGP in Data Science & ML with IIIT-B):
  • Cost Structure: Base fee ranges between ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,50,000 (0% EMI options available).
  • Duration: 11 to 12 months.
  • Best For: Comprehensive career transitions requiring university affiliation, 1-on-1 mentorship, and placement assistance.
• Codegnan Data Science Classroom Training:
  • Cost Structure: Flat fee of ₹75,000.
  • Duration: 6 months.
  • Best For: Students and freshers seeking in-person, offline classroom training.

Specific Spotlight: NISM Certificate Program in Data Science (Basic) 2026-27

For financial market analytics and regulatory domain expertise, the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) offers a specialized basic certificate program for the 2026-27 academic session.

NISM Key Dates & Application Fees:

• Registration Opening: December 20, 2025 (17:30 Hrs)
• Registration Deadline: August 06, 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
• Application Registration Fee: ₹500
• Total Learning Commitment: 170+ Hours

NISM Complete Fee Breakup:

NISM Online Weekly Schedule:

Also Read: Top 10 Online Data Science Courses in India with Fee, Eligibility, Admission Process & More

Postgraduate and Executive PG programs in Data Science cater to working professionals and fresh graduates seeking structured academic rigor, university credentials, and career assistance. Top options range from full-time, on-campus degrees at premier institutes to flexible, hybrid or online executive diplomas co-certified by premier universities and edtech platforms.

Also Read: Online DCA Courses 2026: Comprehensive Guide to Programs and Certification

Detailed Program Breakdown & Eligibility Criteria

• IIM Calcutta, ISI Kolkata & IIT Kharagpur (PGDBA):
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least 60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10 with a strong mathematical background.
  • Highlights: Widely recognized as India’s most prestigious data analytics program, combining academic input from ISI (statistics), IIT Kharagpur (technology), and IIM Calcutta (business application).
• IIIT Bangalore Executive PGP in Data Science & AI (via upGrad):
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate marks; prior coding knowledge is not required.
  • Highlights: Offers specialized tracks in Business Analytics, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Data Engineering, and Data Science. Grants IIIT Bangalore alumni status and includes 1-on-1 industry mentorship.
• BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP):
  • Eligibility: Employed professionals holding a B.E., B.Tech., M.Sc., MCA, or equivalent degree with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
  • Highlights: Allows working professionals to earn a UGC-approved M.Tech. degree without taking a career break, with online lectures scheduled on weekends or post-work hours.
• IIM Calcutta Advanced Programme in Data Sciences (APDS):
  • Eligibility: Working professionals with a minimum of 2 years of work experience and a recognized Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% aggregate).
  • Highlights: Focuses heavily on managerial data analytics, predictive modeling, machine learning algorithms, and financial risk analytics, supported by campus immersion modules at the Joka campus.
• Praxis Business School (PGPDS):
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate in Class 10th, 12th, and Graduation.
  • Highlights: Intensive 9-month full-time program with a strong track record of campus placements and practical lab coursework.

Key Considerations When Choosing a PG Program

• Full-Time vs. Executive Mode: On-campus full-time programs (e.g., PGDBA or Praxis) suit freshers or professionals willing to take a career break for placement support. Executive PG programs (e.g., IIIT Bangalore or BITS WILP) are designed for working professionals seeking upskilling while retaining their full-time jobs.
• Alumni Status & Credentials: Programs backed by recognized universities (such as IIIT Bangalore, BITS Pilani, or IITs) grant official alumni credentials and UGC-recognized diplomas or degrees.
• Taxation & Financing: Always check whether published fees include 18% GST. Most online and executive platforms offer 0% interest EMI payment options spread across 12 to 24 months.

The overall cost of a Data Science degree at top government institutions depends on the degree level (B.Tech, M.Tech, or BS), campus residency, and family income-based tuition remissions.

On-Campus M.Tech in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (2-Year Program)

• IIT M.Tech Programs: Tuition ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per semester. Total course expense (including food and hostel) averages ₹2.0 – ₹3.5 Lakhs. GATE-qualified regular candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,400 under MoE assistantship.
• NIT M.Tech Programs: Tuition is capped at ₹35,000 – ₹62,500 per semester, making total 2-year program costs roughly ₹2.5 – ₹3.8 Lakhs.

Degree programs such as B.Sc (Bachelor of Science) and M.Sc (Master of Science) in Data Science offer a strong foundation in statistics, linear algebra, computer science, and machine learning algorithms. These multi-year academic degrees suit fresh school graduates and university alumni looking for accredited, full-time campus education or recognized online degree formats.

Top Universities for B.Sc Data Science in India (2026)

Top Universities for M.Sc Data Science in India (2026)

Admission and Selection Mechanisms

• Undergraduate (B.Sc): Admission to government and centrally funded institutions generally relies on entrance exams like CUET-UG or institute-specific qualifier exams (such as the IIT Madras Qualifier Test). Private universities offer seats based on 10+2 merit scores in Mathematics and Science.
• Postgraduate (M.Sc): Admission to Tier-1 institutes (IITs, IISc, CMI) requires a valid score in GATE (specifically the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper, GATE DA) followed by an interview. Deemed and private universities utilize university-level entrance tests (e.g., MET, NMIMS CET) or direct graduation merit.

Acquiring data science skills does not require spending lakhs on expensive bootcamps. India offers several high-value, low-cost learning pathways—ranging from free government-backed initiatives like NPTEL to affordable open-university degrees from IGNOU and scalable pay-as-you-go certifications like the IIT Madras Online BS Degree.

For mid-range bootcamps and executive programs, top platforms provide No-Cost EMI plans spread over 6 to 12 months, making upskilling financially manageable.

Top Low-Cost Options Breakdown

1. SWAYAM & NPTEL (Government of India)

• Cost: Course auditing is completely Free. If you want an official IIT-stamped certificate, you pay an examination fee of ₹1,000 per subject.
• Key Courses: Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms using Python (IIT Madras), Introduction to Machine Learning (IIT Kanpur), Data Analytics with Python (IIT Roorkee).
• Best For: College students and working professionals seeking verifiable academic credentials from IITs at virtually no cost.

2. IGNOU M.Sc. in Data Science & Analytics (PGDDS/M.Sc)

• Cost: ₹13,000 per semester (Total ~₹52,000 for a 2-year Master’s degree).
• Key Highlights: UGC and DEB-approved degree providing flexibility for working professionals.
• Best For: Graduates seeking an affordable, formally recognized Master’s degree without taking a career break.

3. IIT Madras BS Degree (Pay-Per-Credit Model)

• Cost Structure: You do not need to pay the entire ₹3.86 Lakh fee upfront.
  • Foundation Level: ₹48,000 (payable across 8-12 months).
  • Diploma Level: Additional ₹1,29,000.
• Financial Aid: Offers up to 75% fee concession for applicants from families with an annual income below ₹5 LPA, reducing effective costs significantly.

Understanding No-Cost EMI & Financing Options

For programs priced between ₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000 (such as live bootcamps and university-partnered certificates), paying upfront can be challenging. Most edtech platforms partner with NBFCs (like LiquiLoans, ZestMoney, and Eduvanz) to offer structured financial assistance:

• 0% Interest EMI: The total program fee is divided into 6, 9, or 12 equal monthly installments without added interest charges.
• Pay-After-Placement / Income Share Agreements (ISA): Select specialized bootcamps offer ISAs where you pay an initial registration deposit (₹5,000 to ₹10,000) and clear the remaining course fee in installments only after securing a job paying above a minimum threshold (typically ₹4.5–5.0 LPA).
• Scholarships & Category Discounts: Government-recognized platforms and universities provide fee reductions for female applicants, defense personnel, and economically weaker section (EWS) candidates.

Strategy for Budget-Conscious Learners

1. Phase 1 (Zero Cost): Build foundational Python, SQL, and math skills using NPTEL, YouTube, or free Coursera audit modes.
2. Phase 2 (Under ₹5,000): Earn 1–2 practical, hands-on certificates on Coursera or complete NPTEL proctored exams to add proof-of-work to your resume.
3. Phase 3 (Under ₹60,000): Enrol in IGNOU’s Master’s or apply to IIT Madras’s Online Degree using income-based fee waivers if you require a formal degree or diploma credential.

Are There Any Hidden Costs Beyond the Advertised Data Science Course Fees?

No, our advertised data science course fees are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs for materials or certification.

How Do Data Science Course Fees Compare Between Online and In-Person Programs?

Online data science programs generally have lower fees than in-person courses, often due to reduced overhead costs. In-person programs may range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.

What Payment Plans or Emi Options Are Available for Data Science Course Fees?

Many data science courses offer installment plans or EMI options through partnerships with financial institutions. Typically, these plans allow you to pay fees over 3, 6, or 12 months.

Do Data Science Course Fees Include Certification or Placement Assistance?

Data science course fees often include certification and placement support, with some offering a fee refund if not placed. Programs like the Certificate in Data Science & AI provide 6 months of placement assistance.

Can I Get a Scholarship or Financial Aid to Cover Data Science Course Fees?

Yes, scholarships and financial assistance are available, potentially covering up to $38,000. Students should review the full tuition fee requirements for their program.

What Is the Refund Policy If I Withdraw from a Data Science Course?

Refunds are not issued if you withdraw after 75% completion. Within 30 days of your last payment, you may be eligible for a refund, subject to deductions.