Last Updated on July 12, 2025
How to Become a Data Scientist After 12th: In today’s digital era, Data Science has emerged as one of the most sought-after career options across the globe. With machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) among the most talked-about skills and professions in recent times, data science and analytics have become more relevant and widespread than ever before. Without a data scientist, no AI model can be built, making this profession one of the most, if not the most, lucrative career choices today.
That’s why now is the right time to pursue a career in data science. And to help you get started, this article has been carefully curated for you. We’ve outlined a clear roadmap that will guide you through the steps to take at the beginning of your journey and beyond.
Continue reading to learn more and take your first step toward becoming a data scientist.
But before we delve into the technical know-how of data science and how to become a domain expert in the said field, you should know first what exactly is data science.Â
What is Data Science?
Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that encapsulates skills and knowledge of statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and programming skills. A professional data scientist is required to make use of such skills to extrapolate insights from the given data.
Therefore, in other words, for those who wish to pursue a career in data science and become a scientist in the said field will be required to arbitrate. A data scientist’s job is to analyze, interpret, and visualize data to help organizations make better decisions. Some of the key skills required for one to become a data scientist in India or anywhere for that matter are programming, adept in statistics and mathematics, data visualization, machine Learning, communication and critical thinking.
Complete Guide to Becoming a Data Scientist After 12th
Becoming a data scientist requires a solid educational foundation followed by specialized training. Here’s a roadmap for Indian students:
Choose the Right Undergraduate Program
It is imperative for individuals who aspire to become data scientists after Class 12 to choose an apt program that not only aligns with their preferences but also promises a decent ROI. One must look into every facet of it, as selecting the ideal course is extremely important; it can make or break one’s career path. To help you make a wiser decision, we have curated a list of some of the top undergraduate courses for aspiring data scientists in India.
| Name of Course | Target Audience | Focus Areas |
| BSc in Data Science/Maths | Individuals with science background | Math, Statistics, Programming |
| BTech in Computer Science/Data Science | Students who wish to pursue engineering as well as data science | Algorithms, ML, Big Data |
| BCA with Data Science Specialization | Students with a commerce background who wish to study data science | Software, Data Skills |
| BS in Data Science by IIT Madras | Flexible Online Learning | Math, Programming, AI |
One Must Master the Core Technical Skills
As a basic rule of thumb, those who wish to thrive as a data scientist or pursue a career in that path must hone their fundamentals in both the theoretical and practical aspects of data science. So, to help you out, we have listed some of the core technical skills that one must master in order to become a data scientist in India.
Technical Skills to Become a Data Scientist in India
| Programming & Tools | Data Handling | Machine Learning & AI | Math & Statistics | Data Visualisation | Soft Skills |
| Python: It is easy to master and broadly used in DS/ML | Excel: One must master this for basic data analysis | Supervised/Unsupervised Learning | Probability & Combinatorics | One must master tools such as Tableau and Power BI | Critical Thinking |
| R: This is powerful for statistical modeling | Hadoop, Spark: This must be mastered to process large scale data | Model Deployment & Evaluation | Linear Algebra & Matrix Operations | Students are required to learn python libraries such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly | Effective Communication |
| SQL: Core language for database queries | Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP): This is used in enterprise data pipelines | Libraries: scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras | Calculus (for optimization algorithms) | – | Ethical Understanding of AI |
| GitHub: It is used for project hosting | – | – | Regression, Hypothesis Testing | – | Business Context & Domain Knowledge |
Upskill Through Certifications & Online Courses
Even after a solid undergraduate degree, staying updated is crucial in the fast-evolving world of tech. That said, here are some of the best online certifications that one must definitely look into if their goal is to become a data scientist in India.
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- Great Learning Data Science Programs
- IIT Delhi / Mandi Online PG Programs
- Kaggle Micro-Courses (Free & Project-Based)
- UpGrad / Simplilearn AI & ML Tracks
Create a Powerful Portfolio
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in data science in India must have a decent portfolio, as it serves as proof or testament to their work. With times changing, recruiters today care more about what you can bring to the table rather than just your rote knowledge. This is why it is crucial for one to have a strong portfolio. Here’s how you should create yours if you wish to land a job in the domain of data science.
Network and Engage with the Community
It is crucial for students to network and connect with as many people from the same industry as possible. Networking can open doors to more opportunities and knowledge, especially when you engage with professionals who are more experienced and knowledgeable in the field.
Prepare For Your First Job in Data Science
It is imperative for one to prepare for their first job in data science once they’ve acquired the requisite skill set and knowledge. Here are some tips to ace your interview and land your first job as a data scientist. Â
Resume & Interview Preparation Guide
| Section | Details |
| Resume Tips | Use action verbs such as ‘Developed, Predicted, Optimized’ Students must highlight their learnt tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau One must include links to GitHub, LinkedIn, and Kaggle |
| Interview Preparation | Students must hone their Python, ML, Stat skills for the technical rounds One must prepare their case studies/business use cases Students must prepare for their coding tests Students must prepare for their project rounds. |
What are the Top Colleges for Data Science in India?
Indian students who wish to pursue a career in data science are in for a ride, as there are numerous colleges that offer designated courses in the said subject.
These colleges hold a distinguished reputation in India, consistently recognized as some of the leading institutions. Acclaimed for their academic prowess and acumen, these colleges easily rank among India’s top institutions for data science.
Offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in diverse fields like engineering and data science, these colleges boast a faculty of experienced professors dedicated to student success. Fostering a supportive and welcoming environment, the following list of colleges aims to deliver tailored learning experiences that empower individuals and guide them on their journey to academic achievement in the field of data science.
Have a look at the top colleges for data science in India.
| Name of Institute | Program | Duration of Program | Total Fees (Approx) |
| IIT Madras (Chennai) | BS in Data Science & Applications (online hybrid) | 4 Years | INR 3.15- 3.51 Lakh |
| IIT Delhi | Certificate in Data Science & ML (online) | Varies | – |
| IIT Mandi | Online AI & Data Science Program | 9 Months | – |
| NMIMS (Mumbai/Bangalore) | B.Sc. in Data Science | 3 Years | INR 3.60-4.56 Lakh |
| IIIT Hyderabad | B.Tech with AI / DS electives | 4 Years | INR 8-12 Lakh |
| ISB Hyderabad | PG Program in Business Analytics | 1 Year | INR 10-15 Lakh |
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Become a Data Scientist after 12th?Â
Students who wish to become data scientists in India and decode data like a pro must keep in mind that there are certain checkboxes that need to be ticked in order to truly pursue a career in this field. A strong background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Statistics is essential to build the right foundation for data science.
The minimum aggregate score required to pursue a degree in data science in India is 50% in Class 12. However, this requirement is higher for top-tier institutes like IIT Madras, which typically expects a minimum of 60% marks.
That said, take a look at the following table to understand the eligibility criteria for becoming a data scientist after 12th in India.
| Name of the Course | Eligibility Criteria |
| Data Science Certifications | Students must have completed their 12th from a recognised school. Individuals must have a minimum score of 50-60% in science stream. One must have a strong understanding of math, computer science, and statistics. |
| Diploma in Data Science | Students must have done their graduation in BE/BTech/MCA/MSc with a minimum aggregate of 50%. |
| BSc/BTech/BCA in Data Science | Students must have completed their class 12 in PCM with a minimum score of 50%. |
| MSc/MTech/MCA in Data Science | Students must have done their graduation in BCA/BSc with a minimum aggregate of 50-55%. |
So that was all about how one should become a data scientist after class 12. We hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. That said, data science is not a career you fall into; it’s one you build strategically. If you start right after 12th and maintain steady progress through the years, you’ll set yourself up for a high-impact, high-paying job in a future-facing industry.Â
FAQs
Q1. Is it mandatory for one to be from a computer science background to become a data scientist in India?Â
Not necessarily. One can come from a math, commerce, or even arts background as long as they have a basic understanding of statistics, computer science and are ready to learn the required tools and logic.
Q2. Can you become a data scientist without a master’s?
Yes. A strong undergraduate degree, solid portfolio, and certifications can land one a job without a postgrad.
Q3. How long does it take to become job-ready in the field of data science?
It takes about three to four years, including undergraduate and 6 to 12 months of intense projects and certifications.
Shubham Das is a content writer with two years of experience and a background in filmmaking and teleplay writing. He holds a degree in Mass Communication from Apeejay School of Management and an Executive Programme in Digital Marketing from IIM Indore. At Leverage Edu, he boosted web traffic through SEO-driven content and led the Student Accommodation project. Previously, at the Asian Academy of Film and Television, he developed academic course content. His strengths lie in digital marketing, copywriting, and keyword research. Passionate about cinema, literature, and human psychology, Shubham brings creativity and strategy together to deliver impactful digital content.
