“Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine." — Peter Sondergaard, Founder & Executive Advisor and Board Leader in Technology and AI-focused Organizations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science are deeply interconnected. Data science employs scientific methods and computational logic to extract information, knowledge, and insights from massive, complex datasets to understand patterns, build predictive models, and support decision-making. Artificial intelligence uses this processed data to develop intelligent systems that learn, predict, and create mechanisms where machines replicate human thinking.

The two streams can be studied as separate tracks or as a combined program for in-depth knowledge and versatile skills.

The courses offered separately for the two streams include –

1.     BSc in Data Science or Data Analytics – This is a 3-year undergraduate course with core subjects such as data science, machine learning, database management, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, predictive analytics, etc.

Students after the completion of grade 12 (with mathematics as a compulsory subject) and a minimum aggregate of 40-60% can apply. The complete course fee is within Rs. 6 lakhs.

Graduates can work in various sectors, including IT, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and market research.

1 (a). BSc in Artificial Intelligence - 3-year undergraduate course with core subjects including machine learning, NLP, programming, and data science.

Students after 10+2 or equivalent with PCM background and an aggregate of 40-60% can apply.

Fees: Government/affiliated colleges – Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakhs per year

Private or deemed universities – Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakhs per year

High-end universities – Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 7 lakhs per year

Graduates can primarily work in sectors like healthcare, IT, finance, and e-commerce.

2.     B.Tech in Computer Science with Data Science Specialisation – This is a 4-year undergraduate program with a focus on advanced data skills, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics, data visualisation, data modelling, and programming.

Students, after 10+2, with a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) combination and a minimum aggregate of 45% are eligible to apply.

Fees: Government colleges - Between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000 per year

Private colleges - Between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 10 lakhs per year or more in reputed colleges/universities.  

Graduates after B.Tech are in high demand in a wide range of industries including IT, healthcare, finance, banking, e-commerce, sports, manufacturing, and many more. 

2 (a). B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence - A 4-year undergraduate course that focuses on intelligent systems and machines, system development, data analytics, robotics, programming, automation, ways to develop AI tools, smart apps, deep learning, neural networks, data mining, etc.

Students after 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised board with PCM and a minimum aggregate of 50-60% can apply. Admissions happen through entrance exams such as JEE Main and other state-level exams.

Fees: Government colleges including IITs/NITs, between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 1.5 lakhs

Private colleges – Between Rs. 1.5 lakhs and Rs. 4 lakhs

Graduates can work in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, transportation, IT, retail, finance, education, etc.

3.     BCA in Data Science/Data Analytics – The Bachelor of Computer Applications in Data Science is a 3-year undergraduate course with a focus on core computer applications, data analysis, statistics, machine learning, and big data. Students, after 12^th grade, generally with mathematics as a core subject, are eligible to apply.

 Fees: The range varies between colleges; while some offer it between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs (complete course fees), a few other colleges offer the first year between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 1,80,000.

 Graduates can work as data analysts, data scientists, business intelligence analysts, data engineers, machine learning engineers, AI specialists etc., in IT, healthcare, finance marketing, e-commerce, and several other industries.

3 (a). BCA in Artificial Intelligence – A 3-year undergraduate program that blends the core IT subjects with data structures, programming, AI/ML/Deep learning, and NLP.

Students after 10+2 (or equivalent) with a 40-50% aggregate are eligible to apply.

Fees: Can vary depending on the institution. Average Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs per year to Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 4.5 lakhs per year.

Graduates can work as AI developer, data engineer, AI consultant, data scientist, NLP consultant, etc.

4.     Certificate course in Data Science - This is generally a 6-12-month job-oriented program that is suitable for career transition or specialisation. Students learn programming languages, AI, visualisation, and modelling to land sought-after roles in healthcare, finance, and IT sectors. The courses are available on Coursera, Udemy, Simplilearn, Intellipaat, etc.

4 (a). Certificate course in Artificial Intelligence/ - These programs can span between 3      months to 1 year, and the topics focus on real-world applications. Concepts include machine learning, NLP, programming languages, generative AI, and computer vision. Platforms such as Udemy, edX, and Coursera offer this program. Institutions like IIMB and IITs also offer the certificate course along with specialised post-graduation certificates.

Integrated AI and Data Science courses

1. BSc in AI & Data Science – This is a 3-4 year undergraduate program that combines core computer science with advanced AI/ML applications that can help graduates interpret complex data and develop intelligent systems. Students learn the core programming languages, including Python, Java, C, R, etc., big data, data analytics, predictive modelling, machine learning, and data visualisation.

Fees: Generally, between Rs. 1,40,000 and Rs. 4 lakhs (complete course fees).

For programs offered in partnership with IITs, the cost can range between Rs. 3.15 lakhs to

Rs. 3.5 lakhs for 4 years.

Certain institutions offer the course at Rs. 30,000 on merit and Rs. 1 lakh for management seats per year.

Students from the science stream with a PCM combination with a minimum aggregate of 40-60% can apply to this course.

Graduates from this interdisciplinary field are in high demand across industries, with top roles including data scientist, data architect, data analyst, BI manager, AI/ML solution leader, etc.

2.B.Tech in AI & Data Science – A 4-year undergraduate program with an eligibility of 10 + 2 or an equivalent from a recognised institution along with PCM as the core subjects, and with a minimum aggregate of 45-50%. The admission is primarily through national entrance exams such as JEE Main & Advanced, and state-level exams such as KCET, MHT-CET, etc.

The course fees may vary between Rs. 1.5 lakhs and Rs. 3.5 lakhs per year, depending on the institution and the type of seat. The course largely focuses on cloud computing, big data, Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning, big data, and data mining.

AI and Data Science engineers are in high demand. Top firms and industries recruit them as data scientists, AI/ML engineers, big data architects, machine learning engineers, business intelligence developers, etc.

3.B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) with specialisation in AI/ML & Data Science – This is a 4-year undergraduate program with core subjects including fundamental computer science concepts together with specialised subjects such as data science, AI/ML, ML algorithms, NLP, data structures, programming, big data analytics, robotics, and computer vision.

Fees range significantly depending on the college’s reputation, like the IITs, NITs, and private institutions, infrastructure, facilities, and location. Fees can roughly be between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 3.5 lakhs per year or more.

Students after 12^th standard with a PCM combination and with a minimum aggregate of 45-50% are eligible to apply, and admissions depend on the results in the entrance exams like JEE Main and other state-level exams.

Graduates can work in top corporates with key roles including AI/ML engineer, data scientist/analyst, NLP engineer, data engineer, robotics engineer, etc.

Conclusion

According to NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), based on the AI talent demand, India will need to create up to 2 million AI jobs by 2026!

As is evident, there is ample scope for AI and data science courses in India. With the rapidly developing digital economy and an abundant pool of young talent, the future is rich with opportunities for AI and data science professionals.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.