A Complete Beginner’s Guide for Students: How to Start a Career in Data Analytics (With Courses, Skills, Roadmap & Fees)Data Analytics Certification: The Complete Beginner-Friendly Career Guide for Students

Students today are exploring career options that offer stability, growth, and flexibility across different industries. In this changing digital world, many beginners consider Data Analytics Certification a practical and future-ready option. But the real confusion remainsWhere should a student begin? What skills are needed? How long does it take? Which courses are suitable? What is the realistic fee structure?

This detailed guide explains everything in a clean, simple structure so that Class 12 students, JEE aspirants, CUET students, diploma holders, and college beginners can confidently understand the field without feeling overwhelmed.

What Is Data Analytics? (Simple Explanation for Students)

Data analytics means studying raw data to find patterns, make reports, solve business problems, and help companies make decisions. It is used almost everywhere:

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Banking & finance
• E-commerce
• Government departments
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Logistics

Today, even small businesses depend on data. This makes analytics one of the most reliable and future-proof careers.

Why Students Should Consider a Career in Data Analytics

1. High Demand Across India & Outside

Almost every industry needs analysts to make data-based decisions.

2. Beginner-Friendly — No Coding Needed at Start

Most students assume analytics requires heavy coding. Not true.
Beginners start with:

• Excel
• Google Sheets
• Power BI

Coding comes later and only if needed.

3. Multiple Career Growth Options

You can start small and grow big:

• Junior Data Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Data Engineer (optional path)

4. Open for Students of All Streams

Whether you are in:

• Science
• Commerce
• Arts
• Diploma

You can still enter this field.

Who Can Learn Data Analytics?

Students After Class 12

Perfect for students who are exploring parallel career options besides entrance exams.

JEE / CUET / Competitive Exam Aspirants

A strong backup career if students want to build skills alongside exam prep.

College Students

Best for:

• B.Tech (any branch)
• B.Sc (Maths/Stats/IT)
• BCA
• B.Com
• BA students (with analytical interest)

Working Professionals

Anyone wanting to shift from non-tech to a stable, high-demand job.

Essential Skills Students Need Before Starting

Basic Skills (No Tech Required)

• Logical thinking
• Basic mathematics
• Curiosity
• Communication skills
• Basic computer knowledge

Technical Skills (You Learn These Gradually)

• Excel / Sheets
• SQL
• Power BI or Tableau
• Python basics (optional)
• Statistics basics

These skills can be learned step-by-step at your own pace.

A Beginner-Friendly Roadmap to Learn Data Analytics

To avoid confusion, follow this roadmap:

Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals

Understand:

• What is data?
• Types of data
• Data cleaning
• Data visualization basics

This builds your foundation.

Step 2: Learn Excel in Depth

Excel is the backbone of analytics.

Important Excel topics:

• Pivot tables
• VLOOKUP / XLOOKUP
• Conditional formatting
• Data filtering
• Dashboards

Step 3: Learn SQL

SQL helps analysts fetch data from databases.

Focus on these commands:

• SELECT
• WHERE
• JOIN
• GROUP BY
• ORDER BY

SQL is one of the most demanded skills in the job market.

Step 4: Learn Power BI or Tableau

These tools convert raw data into visual dashboards.

You will learn:

• Data modeling
• Dashboards
• Reports
• Visual charts

Step 5: Learn Python (Optional But Powerful)

If students want to grow into Data Science or Machine Learning later, Python is helpful.

Learn:

• Pandas
• NumPy
• Matplotlib

Step 6: Practice Real Projects

Learning is incomplete without practice.

Good beginner project ideas:

• Sales data analysis
• Student performance analysis
• E-commerce order dashboard
• Banking fraud detection (simple dataset)
• Stock market trend visualization

Projects make your portfolio strong.

Types of Data Analytics Courses Students Can Join

1. Free Courses (Best for Exploring Basics)

These include:

• Excel basics
• SQL intro
• Power BI fundamentals

Fees: ₹0
Best for: School & college beginners

2. Certificate Courses (3–6 Months)

These are structured and include tasks & projects.

Common topics include:

• Excel
• SQL
• Power BI
• Data cleaning
• Case studies
• Capstone project

Fees: ₹8,000 – ₹30,000
Best for: Students with career goals

3. Advanced PG Programs (6–12 Months)

These include deeper topics:

• Python
• Statistics
• Machine learning basics
• Real industry projects
• Job assistance

Fees: ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000
Best for: Graduates & serious learners

Fees Structure Breakdown (Simple Table for Students)

Level	What You Learn	Expected Fees
Beginner	Basics + Excel	₹0 – ₹5,000
Intermediate	Excel + SQL + BI	₹8,000 – ₹30,000
Advanced	Python + Projects	₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000
Specialization	ML + Data Science	₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000

This helps students choose according to their budget.

Career Opportunities After Learning Data Analytics

Popular Job Roles

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Reporting Analyst
• MIS Executive
• Marketing Analyst
• Junior Data Scientist
• Operations Analyst

Industries Hiring Analysts

• IT companies
• Banks
• Government projects
• Healthcare
• Retail
• E-commerce
• Manufacturing
• EdTech

Analytics is used everywhere, so job scope is huge.

How Data Analytics Helps JEE, CUET & Competitive Students

1. Boosts Logical and Analytical Thinking

Useful in engineering and science entrance exams.

2. Supports Engineering Projects

B.Tech students use data analysis in labs & research papers.

3. A Reliable Backup Career

Even if exam results don’t go as planned, analytics provides stability.

4. Works Side-by-Side With Engineering Fields

CS/IT students get huge advantage, but all branches benefit.

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Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Learning Python before Excel
• Not practicing real projects
• Only watching videos without applying
• Avoiding SQL (big mistake)
• Expecting jobs in 1–2 months
• Using outdated resources

Avoiding these will make your learning much smoother.

How Students Can Build a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio matters more than a certificate.

Must-Have Portfolio Items

• 3 Excel projects
• 1 SQL analysis task
• 2 dashboards in Power BI/Tableau
• 1 capstone project
• GitHub account
• Simple, clean resume

This shows companies you have real skills.

Conclusion

For students of any background Class 12, JEE aspirants, diploma students, or college beginners—data analytics is one of the safest and fastest-growing career options. With the right roadmap, strong fundamentals, and consistent project practice, students can build a stable career in just a few months. A Data Analytics Certification can help you validate your learning, but the real power comes from understanding concepts, practicing datasets, and building a portfolio that reflects your skills.

FAQs

1. Is Data Analytics Certification worth it for beginners?

Yes. A Data Analytics Certification helps beginners build strong fundamentals in statistics, Excel, SQL, and Python. It also increases job opportunities in IT, finance, marketing, and operations—even if you come from a non-technical background.

2. What is the minimum qualification required for a Data Analytics course?

Most institutes require 10+2 (any stream), but some advanced certifications may require graduation. Beginners from Arts/Commerce can also apply easily.

3. How long does it take to complete a Data Analytics Certification?

The duration varies, but typically:

• Short-term courses: 3–6 months
• Advanced professional certification: 6–12 months
• Self-paced programs: Flexible timeline

4. What is the fee structure for Data Analytics courses in India?Fees depend on institute and course level:

• Beginner courses: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000
• Professional certification: ₹30,000 – ₹75,000
• Premium/job-guarantee programs: ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000

5. What kind of jobs can I get after completing a Data Analytics Certification?

You can apply for roles such as:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Data Visualization Specialist
• Marketing Analyst
• Reporting Analyst
• Junior Data Scientist

These roles exist across every industry—IT, fintech, government, education, healthcare, and e-commerce.