How to become a Data Scientist

What does a Data Scientist do?

Data scientists collect and study large amounts of data to find patterns and help organisations make decisions. They use statistics, programming and machine learning.

A data scientist cleans raw data, explores it, builds models that predict or explain outcomes and explains the results in simple charts and reports. A lot of the day goes into writing code in Python or SQL and checking whether a model really works.

In India data scientists work in IT firms, e-commerce, banking, healthcare, telecom and research labs. Many start as data analysts and move into machine learning roles as they gain experience.

How to get there

1. Class 10Focus on Mathematics and basic computer skills
2. Class 11–12Take Mathematics (Science or Commerce with Mathematics)
3. UGStudy a B.Tech, BCA or B.Sc with statistics, programming and data science subjects
4. PGOptionally add an MCA, M.Tech or M.Sc for deeper machine learning skills
5. First roleStart as a data analyst or junior data scientist

Courses that lead here

Further study

• Master of Computer Applications
• Master of Technology
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Colleges for these courses

Skills you need

• Communication
• Data visualisation
• Machine learning
• Python)
• SQL
• Statistics

It suits people who are

• Analytical
• Curious
• Patient
• Clear communicator

Where you work and how you grow

Where people work

• IT and analytics firms
• E-commerce companies
• Banks and insurance companies
• Research labs

Growth path

1. Data analyst → Data scientist → Senior data scientist → Lead or principal data scientist → Head of analytics

Related careers

Frequently asked questions