Learn data science
The best way to learn data science, ranked by what employers ask for
600 of 7,786 live roles ask for data science. 7 courses and certificates compared: paid, free with a certificate, free, and trusted videos. The best free start is Data Science 101 (IBM Cognitive Class).
Live roles ask
600
8% of the board
Options compared
7
courses & certificates
Four ways to learn it
Data science, from certified programme to free video
The best option of each kind, ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches this. The ringed one is where most people should start. Sponsorship plays no part.
Data science
600 live roles ask for it
Coursera
One of the strongest ways to learn data science
IBM Cognitive Class
One of the strongest ways to learn data science
Microsoft Learn
Useful, with trade-offs
edureka!
One of the strongest ways to learn data science
Who asks for it
Where data science is asked for
- Data173 roles
- Software engineering140 roles
- Product46 roles
- AI and machine learning27 roles
Roles
Jobs that list it
Everything else
More ways to learn data science
Best first, with the verdict and what each costs.
- StartTake itCertified programmeGoogle Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate - StartWorth consideringFree certificateData Science and Analytics
HP LIFE
Free · free certificateFree certificate - StartWorth consideringFree certificateData Science Foundations
Great Learning Academy
Free · free certificateFree certificate
Often asked for together
Skills that come with data science
Questions
Learning data science
Is data science worth learning?
600 of the 7,786 live roles on insiderOne ask for it (8%), most often in data roles (173).
Can I learn data science for free?
Yes. Data Science 101 from IBM Cognitive Class is free, and so is its certificate. Of the options compared here, it is the best one that costs nothing.
What is the best way to learn data science?
For most people, IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Coursera, free to audit). It is ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches data science. Sponsorship plays no part.
Then prove you can use it
A finished project, a placing, a certificate of participation: all of it is evidence a course alone is not. Open across India right now, with dates and fees from the organisers:
Your own plan
Data science is one skill. Which ones is your next role missing?
Tell insiderOne where you're headed and it reads the live board for the gaps between you and it, then ranks a way to learn each one for your budget. Free to start.
Counts from 7,786 live roles, updated 15 September 2026.