PGP in Data Science: Course Details, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus & Career Scope

The demand for data-driven decision-making makes a PGP in Data Science an increasingly attractive career path for Indian students, offering a blend of technical and analytical skills. A PGP in Data Science is typically a 2-year postgraduate program focusing on data analysis and interpretation, emphasizing statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization. The comprehensive, industry-oriented curriculum covers topics like Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Big Data technologies, providing students with a strong foundation in data science.

To be eligible for a PGP in Data Science, you’ll generally need a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline, with a minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA. Some colleges may also require entrance exams or work experience. Programs offer flexibility with full-time, part-time, and online options to suit different learning preferences and schedules. After completing the program, you can pursue diverse career opportunities, including roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Architect. A PGP in Data Science can help Indian students stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for Indian students interested in pursuing a PGP in Data Science, covering program overview, eligibility, curriculum, and career scope.

PGP in Data Science Course Highlights

Particulars	Details
Course Name	PGP in Data Science (Post Graduate Program in Data Science)
Course Level	Postgraduate
Course Duration	6 months to 24 months (depending on institute and mode)
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (preferably with Mathematics/Statistics/Engineering background)
Admission Process	Merit-based or Entrance Test/Interview (varies by institute)
Mode of Study	Online / Offline / Hybrid
Course Fees	₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 (approx., varies by institute)
Key Subjects	Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning, AI, Data Visualization, Big Data, Deep Learning
Practical Training	Live Projects, Case Studies, Capstone Projects, Internships
Top Recruiters	TCS, Infosys, Accenture, Deloitte, Amazon, Flipkart, IBM, Wipro
Average Starting Salary	₹6 LPA – ₹12 LPA (varies by skills and experience)
Career Options	Data Scientist, Data Analyst, ML Engineer, Data Engineer, Business Analyst
Placement Support	Resume Building, Mock Interviews, Career Mentorship, Job Assistance

Why Choose PGP in Data Science?

A PGP in Data Science equips learners with practical knowledge, technical expertise, and industry exposure required to succeed in this fast-evolving field. It is an ideal program for graduates and working professionals aiming to build or transition into a high-growth technology career.

• High Industry Demand – Data Science professionals are needed in IT, banking, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, and consulting sectors.

• Lucrative Salary Packages – Roles such as Data Scientist, ML Engineer, and Data Analyst offer competitive and rewarding pay scales.

• Industry-Focused Curriculum – Covers Python, SQL, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization, and Big Data tools.

• Hands-On Practical Training – Includes live projects, real-world case studies, internships, and capstone projects for practical exposure.

• Career Transition Opportunities – Suitable for professionals from engineering, IT, mathematics, statistics, or even non-technical backgrounds.

• Short-Term, High ROI Program – Compared to traditional postgraduate degrees, PGP programs are shorter and more skill-oriented.

• Placement Assistance – Many institutes provide career guidance, resume building, mock interviews, and job placement support.

• Global Career Scope – Data Science skills are globally recognized, offering opportunities in multinational companies.

• Future-Proof Career – With the rise of AI and automation, data-driven roles continue to remain highly relevant and in demand.

PGP in Data Science Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for PGP in Data Science programs in India vary by institution but generally require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, mathematics, statistics, or economics.  Refer to the table below for eligibility criteria:

Program	Educational Qualification	Minimum Percentage/CGPA	Work Experience
PGP in Data Science	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts)	50% or equivalent CGPA	Not always required, but preferred by some institutes
PGP in Data Science and Business Analytics	Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics/Mathematics/Economics	55% or equivalent CGPA	1-2 years of work experience in analytics or related field
PGP in Data Science and Machine Learning	Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related fields	60% or equivalent CGPA	2+ years of work experience in software development or data science
PGP in Data Engineering	Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related fields	55% or equivalent CGPA	1+ year of work experience in software development or data engineering
PGP in Big Data Analytics	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts)	50% or equivalent CGPA	Not always required, but experience in data analysis is preferred
PGP in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science	Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related fields	60% or equivalent CGPA	2+ years of work experience in AI, ML, or related fields
PGP in Data Science for Working Professionals	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts)	50% or equivalent CGPA	3+ years of work experience in any field, with preference for those in data-related roles
PGP in Business Analytics and Data Science	Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics/Mathematics/Economics or MBA	55% or equivalent CGPA	2+ years of work experience in business analytics or related field
PGP in Data Science and Analytics	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts)	50% or equivalent CGPA	Not always required, but experience in data analysis or related fields is preferred
Executive PGP in Data Science	Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts)	50% or equivalent CGPA	5+ years of work experience in any field, with preference for those in leadership or data-related roles

PGP in Data Science Admission Process

he admission process for PGP in Data Science programs in India involves checking eligibility criteria, preparing for entrance exams, submitting applications, and attending interviews.  Here is the detailed admission process for PGP in Data science:

• Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the minimum educational qualifications and any other specific requirements of the program, such as a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% or equivalent CGPA.
• Step 2: Entrance Exam (if applicable): Prepare for and appear in any required entrance exams, such as CUET PG, which may have a fee ranging from INR 800 to INR 1,000.
• Step 3: Application Submission: Fill out the online application form on the college/university website, ensuring all details are accurate and complete.
• Step 4: Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including mark sheets, certificates, ID proof, and work experience certificates (if applicable).
• Step 5: Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online, which can range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000, depending on the institution.
• Step 6: Shortlisting: Colleges shortlist candidates based on entrance exam scores, academic performance, and work experience (if any), with some institutions giving more weight to academic records.
• Step 7: Interview/Group Discussion: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or group discussion, which can be conducted online or offline, depending on the college’s policy.
• Step 8: Final Selection: Final selection is based on a combination of factors, including entrance exam scores, academic record, interview performance, and work experience, with the aim of selecting candidates who demonstrate a strong potential for success in the field of data science.
• Step 9: Admission Offer: Selected candidates receive an admission offer letter, which outlines the terms and conditions of admission, including the fee structure and payment deadlines.
• Step 10: Fee Payment and Enrollment: Accept the offer and pay the admission fee to secure your seat, with the annual fee for PGP in Data Science programs in India ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 5,00,000.

PGP in Data Science Syllabus

The Postgraduate Program in Data Science (PGP in Data Science) covers a wide range of subjects related to data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. The program is typically divided into four semesters, with each semester focusing on different aspects of data science.

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for a typical PGP in Data Science program in India, highlighting the core subjects, elective subjects, and specializations offered in each semester.

Semester	Core Subjects	Elective Subjects	Specialization
Semester 1	Statistical Methods for Data Science, Programming for Data Science (Python), Data Visualization, Introduction to Machine Learning	Database Management Systems, Business Communication, Data Mining	No Specialization
Semester 2	Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Big Data Analytics, Data Warehousing	Cloud Computing, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping	No Specialization
Semester 3	Advanced Machine Learning, Time Series Analysis, Data Mining, Recommender Systems	Social Media Analytics, Text Analytics, Business Intelligence	Machine Learning Specialization
Semester 4	Data Science Project, Business Intelligence, Data Ethics, Data Governance	No Electives	Business Analytics Specialization
Semester 1 (Alternative Path)	Foundations of Data Science, Programming in R, Data Visualization with Tableau	Introduction to SQL, Data Storytelling	No Specialization
Semester 2 (Alternative Path)	Machine Learning with Python, Deep Learning Fundamentals, Big Data Processing	Cloud Computing with AWS, Natural Language Processing with NLTK	No Specialization
Semester 3 (Alternative Path)	Advanced Deep Learning, Time Series Forecasting, Data Science with Spark	Recommender Systems, Social Network Analysis	Artificial Intelligence Specialization
Semester 4 (Alternative Path)	Capstone Project, Business Analytics with Excel, Data Science Communication	No Electives	Data Science Specialization
Summer Internship	Industry Project, Practical Training in Data Science Tools	No Electives	Practical Experience
Dissertation Semester	Research Methodology, Dissertation Writing	No Electives	Dissertation

Skills Required for PGP in Data Science Students

To succeed in a PGP in Data Science program, students need a combination of technical expertise, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills. Since data science is an interdisciplinary field, both programming knowledge and business understanding play a crucial role.

1. Programming Skills

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL is essential. Python is widely used for data analysis, machine learning, and automation, while SQL helps in managing and querying databases.

2. Statistical and Mathematical Knowledge

A strong foundation in statistics, probability, linear algebra, and calculus is important to understand machine learning algorithms and data modeling techniques.

3. Data Analysis and Visualization

Students must know how to interpret data using tools like Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Matplotlib, and Seaborn. Visualization skills help in presenting insights clearly to stakeholders.

4. Machine Learning and AI Concepts

Understanding supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, clustering, and deep learning models is crucial for advanced roles.

5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Data scientists must analyze complex datasets and extract meaningful insights that solve real-world business problems.

6. Communication Skills

The ability to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders is vital. Strong presentation and storytelling skills enhance career growth.

7. Business Acumen

Understanding industry requirements, KPIs, and business strategy helps in applying data science solutions effectively.

Career Scope After PGP in Data Science

A PGP in Data Science opens doors to diverse and high-growth career opportunities across multiple industries. With organizations increasingly depending on data for strategic decision-making, the demand for skilled data professionals continues to rise in India and globally.

Graduates can work in sectors such as IT and Software, Banking and Finance, Healthcare, E-commerce, Consulting, Manufacturing, EdTech, Telecommunications, and Government organizations. The versatility of data science allows professionals to switch industries without changing their core skill set.

• Data Scientist – Builds predictive models, analyzes complex datasets, and develops data-driven solutions.

• Data Analyst – Interprets data, prepares reports, and supports business decision-making.

• Machine Learning Engineer – Designs and deploys machine learning models into production systems.

• Data Engineer – Develops and manages data pipelines and large-scale data infrastructure.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst – Creates dashboards and visual reports using tools like Power BI and Tableau.

• AI Engineer – Works on artificial intelligence applications such as NLP, automation, and computer vision.

• Big Data Engineer – Handles large datasets using Hadoop, Spark, and cloud technologies.

With experience and skill enhancement, professionals can move into senior positions such as Lead Data Scientist, Analytics Manager, Chief Data Officer, or AI Consultant.

Salary After PGP in Data Science

The salary after completing a PGP in Data Science depends on factors such as institute reputation, prior experience, technical expertise, and job role. Data science is considered one of the highest-paying career paths in the technology domain.

Freshers can secure attractive starting packages, while experienced professionals can earn significantly higher salaries with advanced skills in AI, deep learning, and cloud computing.

Note: Salaries may vary depending on company, location (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurgaon offer higher packages), and candidate expertise.

Higher Studies After PGP in Data Science

After completing a PGP in Data Science, students and working professionals can pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications to enhance their expertise, enter research fields, or move into leadership roles. Below are the popular higher study options available:

Course / Program	Duration	Eligibility	Focus Area	Career Outcome
M.Tech in Data Science / AI	2 Years	Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Science + Entrance Exam (GATE or equivalent)	Advanced Machine Learning, AI, Research	Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Research Associate
M.Sc in Data Science / Analytics	2 Years	Bachelor’s degree in relevant field	Statistical Modeling, Data Analytics, Research	Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Analytics Specialist
MBA in Business Analytics	1–2 Years	Bachelor’s degree + CAT/GMAT/NMAT (varies by institute)	Business Strategy + Data Analytics	Analytics Manager, Business Consultant, Strategy Analyst
PhD in Data Science / AI	3–5 Years	Master’s degree in relevant field + Entrance/Interview	Research, Advanced AI, Innovation	Research Scientist, Professor, R&D Specialist
MS in Data Science (Abroad)	1–2 Years	Bachelor’s degree + IELTS/TOEFL + GRE (if required)	Advanced Analytics, Global Exposure	International Data Scientist, ML Engineer
Executive Program in AI / Data Strategy	6–12 Months	Graduate + Work Experience (preferred)	Leadership, AI Implementation, Digital Transformation	Analytics Lead, Chief Data Officer, AI Consultant
Advanced Certification (ML/Cloud/Big Data)	3–12 Months	Basic knowledge of Data Science	Specialized Technical Skills	ML Engineer, Cloud Data Engineer, Big Data Specialist

Top Government Colleges for PGP in Data Science in India

The following table provides an overview of top government colleges in India that offer Post Graduate Programs (PGP) in Data Science or related fields. These programs equip students with advanced skills in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling.

College Name	City	NIRF Ranking	Program Name	Annual Fees	Admission Mode
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi	Delhi	2	PG Diploma in Data Science and Machine Learning	Rs 5,00,000	Entrance Exam + Interview (Institute Test / GATE / Sponsored Category)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay	Mumbai	3	PG Diploma in Data Science and AI	Rs 4,50,000	Entrance-based (GATE / Institute Selection Process)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur	Kharagpur	5	PG Diploma in Data Analytics	Rs 4,00,000	Written Test + Interview / GATE
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur	Kanpur	4	PG Diploma in Data Science	Rs 4,20,000	Entrance Test / GATE / Interview
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras	Chennai	1	PG Diploma in Data Science and Engineering	Rs 5,20,000	Qualifier Exam + Interview / Direct Online Selection Process
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli	Tiruchirappalli	24	PG Diploma in Data Science and Analytics	Rs 1,50,000	Merit-based + Written Test / GATE
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Kolkata	Kolkata	–	PG Diploma in Data Science	Rs 2,00,000	ISI Admission Test + Interview
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore	Bangalore	–	PG Diploma in Data Science	Rs 3,00,000	Entrance Exam (GATE / Institute Test) + Interview
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)	Delhi	–	PG Diploma in Data Science and Analytics	Rs 1,20,000	CUET-PG / University Entrance + Merit
University of Hyderabad	Hyderabad	–	PG Diploma in Data Science	Rs 1,00,000	Entrance Test (University Level) + Merit

Top Private Colleges for PGP in Data Science in India

Here is the completed table for top private colleges for PGP in data science with relevant details. The fees and admission criteria may vary slightly depending on the batch and specialization offered by the institute.

College Name	City	Program Name	Annual Fees (INR)	Admission Mode	Entrance Exams Accepted
Great Learning	Gurgaon	PGP in Data Science & Business Analytics	5,00,000	Merit-based + Interview	Internal Assessment / Aptitude Test
Praxis Business School	Kolkata	Post Graduate Program in Data Science	6,00,000	Entrance Test + Interview	CAT / XAT / GMAT / Praxis Admission Test
Aegis School of Data Science	Mumbai	PGP in Data Science	6,50,000	Merit-based + Interview	CAT / GMAT / GRE (optional)
International School of Business (ISB)	Hyderabad	Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA)	8,00,000	Entrance + Interview	GMAT / GRE
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	Mumbai	MBA (Business Analytics) / PGP in Data Science	5,50,000	Entrance-based	NMAT / CAT
Great Lakes Institute of Management	Chennai	PGP in Data Science & Engineering	6,50,000	Entrance + Interview	CAT / GMAT / GRE / GLIM Test
Jindal Global Business School	Sonepat	MBA in Business Analytics / PGP in Data Science	5,00,000	Entrance + Interview	CAT / XAT / GMAT / JSAT

PGP in Data Science Fee Structure: Comparison of Programs in India

The fee structure for PGP in Data Science programs in India varies significantly between government and private colleges.

The following table provides a detailed comparison of the fee structure of different PGP in Data Science programs in India, including tuition fees, accommodation fees, and other associated costs.

College Name	Program Name	Tuition Fees (INR)	Accommodation Fees (INR)	Other Costs (INR)	Total Fees (INR)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi	PG Diploma in Data Science and Machine Learning	5,00,000	1,20,000	30,000	6,50,000
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay	PG Diploma in Data Science and AI	4,50,000	1,00,000	25,000	5,75,000
Great Lakes Institute of Management	PGP in Data Science	6,50,000	1,50,000	35,000	8,35,000
International School of Business (ISB)	Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA)	8,00,000	2,00,000	40,000	10,40,000
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	PG Diploma in Data Science	5,50,000	1,20,000	30,000	7,00,000
Great Learning	PGP Data Science	4,00,000	0	20,000	4,20,000
Simplilearn	PGP Data Science	3,50,000	0	15,000	3,65,000
Praxis	PGP in Data Science	4,50,000	0	25,000	4,75,000
INSOFE	PGP Data Science	5,00,000	0	30,000	5,30,000

Advantages of Studying PGP in Data Science

A PGP in Data Science is designed to equip students with in-demand technical and analytical skills that are highly valued across industries. Below are the key advantages:

• High Career Demand – Data Science professionals are required in IT, finance, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, and consulting sectors.

• Attractive Salary Packages – Offers competitive starting salaries with strong growth potential.

• Industry-Oriented Curriculum – Covers Python, SQL, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, AI, and Big Data tools.

• Hands-On Learning – Includes real-world projects, case studies, internships, and capstone projects.

• Versatile Career Opportunities – Opens doors to roles like Data Scientist, Data Analyst, ML Engineer, and BI Analyst.

• Shorter Duration Compared to Traditional Degrees – Faster career transition with practical exposure.

• Strong Placement Support – Many institutes provide career mentoring, resume building, and interview preparation.

• Global Career Scope – Data science skills are globally recognized and transferable.

• Future-Proof Profession – Data-driven decision-making ensures long-term relevance.

• Opportunities for Career Switching – Suitable for professionals from engineering, commerce, mathematics, and other backgrounds.

Challenges in PGP in Data Science

While the program offers excellent career prospects, students may face certain challenges:

• Strong Mathematical Foundation Required – Concepts like statistics, probability, and linear algebra can be challenging for non-technical students.

• Intensive Learning Curve – The program is fast-paced and requires consistent practice.

• High Competition in the Job Market – Growing popularity means increased competition.

• Continuous Skill Upgradation Needed – Technologies evolve rapidly, requiring lifelong learning.

• Project Complexity – Real-world datasets can be large and unstructured, making analysis difficult.

• Time Management Issues – Working professionals may struggle to balance studies and job responsibilities.

• High Program Fees – Some reputed institutes charge premium fees.

• Technical Tool Mastery – Learning multiple tools (Python, SQL, ML libraries, BI tools) can be overwhelming initially.

PGP in Data Science vs PGP in Artificial Intelligence

Both PGP in Data Science and PGP in Artificial Intelligence are high-demand programs, but they differ in scope, depth, and career orientation. Data Science focuses on extracting insights from data, while Artificial Intelligence emphasizes building intelligent systems and automation technologies.

Basis of Comparison	PGP in Data Science	PGP in Artificial Intelligence
Primary Focus	Data analysis, interpretation, and predictive modeling	Building intelligent systems and AI-driven applications
Core Subjects	Statistics, Python, SQL, Machine Learning, Data Visualization	Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Computer Vision, Robotics
Scope of Study	Broader field covering data handling and business analytics	More specialized and technology-focused
Career Roles	Data Scientist, Data Analyst, BI Analyst, Data Engineer	AI Engineer, Deep Learning Engineer, NLP Specialist
Industry Application	Banking, Healthcare, Retail, Consulting, IT	Robotics, Automation, Autonomous Systems, Advanced Tech
Programming Requirement	Python, R, SQL	Strong Python + Deep Learning Frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
Mathematical Depth	Moderate to Advanced	Highly Advanced (Linear Algebra, Neural Networks)
Career Versatility	Wider across multiple industries	More specialized in AI-driven sectors
Salary Potential	High	Very High (especially in advanced AI roles)
Ideal For	Students interested in analytics and business insights	Students interested in intelligent systems and advanced AI research

FAQs

1. What is a PGP in Data Science?

A PGP in Data Science is a postgraduate program that teaches data analysis, machine learning, statistics, and programming skills to prepare students for high-demand roles in analytics and artificial intelligence industries.

2. What is the eligibility for PGP in Data Science?

Candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, or programming is preferred. Some institutes may conduct entrance tests or interviews for admission.

3. What is the duration of a PGP in Data Science?

The duration usually ranges from 6 months to 24 months, depending on the institute, program format, and whether the course is full-time, part-time, online, or hybrid mode.

4. What are the career options after PGP in Data Science?

Graduates can work as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, Data Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, or AI Specialists across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

5. What is the average salary after PGP in Data Science?

Freshers can earn around ₹4–10 LPA, while experienced professionals may earn ₹15 LPA or more, depending on technical skills, job role, location, and company reputation.

6. Is PGP in Data Science worth it?

Yes, a PGP in Data Science is worth it due to high industry demand, strong salary potential, diverse job roles, and long-term career growth in data-driven and technology-focused sectors.

7. Which programming languages are required for Data Science?

Python, R, and SQL are commonly required programming languages. Knowledge of machine learning libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and data visualization tools enhances career prospects significantly.

8. Can non-technical students pursue PGP in Data Science?

Yes, non-technical students can enroll, but they must develop foundational knowledge in mathematics, statistics, and programming to succeed in the program and competitive job market.

9. What is the difference between PGP in Data Science and AI?

PGP in Data Science focuses on data analysis and business insights, while PGP in Artificial Intelligence emphasizes building intelligent systems, deep learning models, and automation technologies.

10. Are there placement opportunities after PGP in Data Science?

Many reputed institutes provide placement assistance, including resume building, mock interviews, career mentorship, and job referrals to leading companies in analytics and technology sectors.