Data Scientist
Collects, analyses and interprets data to help an organisation make decisions.
Overview
Data Scientists primarily collect, analyze and interpret data to help an organisation make decisions. They use advanced analytics techniques, such as computer programming, mathematical modeling and so on in the process.
Where they work
- Tech startups
- Government agencies
- Large companies
- Research institutions
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this domain as well as work in a startup created by you.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good with computers.
- You like working with numbers.
- You like to analyse problems/situations.
- You are a practical person.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA/B.E.) in Computer Science/Information System
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA/M.E.) in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Mathematics/Statistics followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in the same field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Computer Science. This list of Institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, New Delhi
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, New Delhi
- College of Applied Science, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
- East Calcutta Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Vilathur, Tamil Nadu
- AD Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Nagar, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bangalore City College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
- Bonnie Foi College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Data Scientist
- 2Data Scientist
- 3Senior Data Scientist
Related careers to explore
Big Data Analyst
Collects and analyses large amounts of data to find market trends, insights and patterns.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Uses AI and machine learning techniques to build applications and systems for organisations.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths, Computer Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Amarjeet Kaur — A Research Scientist with more than eleven years of experience. She currently works as senior Data Science Manager at Reliance JIO. She has a PhD in Computer Science and Technology with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence. She wishes to push the boundaries of limiting factors so that more women are motivated to start their careers in the field of STEM.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 635 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Data_Scientist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The volume's contents page lists this career on printed page 636, an even-numbered page; the card is on 635. This category's contents entries are unreliable — most run one card ahead of the printed pages.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.