Which upGrad and Scaler programs are we comparing?
Neither company sells one single “data analytics course”, so a fair comparison needs to name the exact programs.
- Scaler: Modern Data Science and ML with Specialisation in AI. Its early modules cover analyst skills (SQL, Excel, Tableau, Python, product analytics), and later modules move into machine learning and AI. We found no separate analytics-only program on Scaler's site.
- upGrad (online): Certificate Program in Data Science & Analytics, aimed at college students and people with 0–2 years of experience.
- upGrad (classroom): Gen AI-Powered Data Analytics, an Advanced Certificate run at upGrad's offline learning centres.
upGrad also sells longer university-linked data science programs, such as executive diplomas with IIIT Bangalore. We left those out because they target a different buyer; check upGrad's site if you want a university credential.
upGrad vs Scaler vs ISS: side-by-side
All figures are from each provider's official page, checked in September 2026. Fees change often, so confirm before you pay.
| Field | Scaler: Modern Data Science and ML | upGrad: Certificate in Data Science & Analytics (online) | upGrad: Gen AI-Powered Data Analytics (classroom) | ISS: Data & Business Intelligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listed fee | ₹3,99,000 total; EMI from ₹9,791/month | ₹47,000 total (no additional taxes); EMI from ₹4,778/month | Varies by centre, “typically in the range of ₹99,000”; scholarships up to 50% | ₹69,999; ₹66,499 if paid upfront |
| Duration | 12 months | 9 months | 4 months | 16 weeks |
| Format | Live online classes three times a week | Mostly recorded (200+ hours) plus 100+ live session hours | In-person classroom, 150+ hours plus 80+ hours of placement prep | Live online cohort: weekend sessions plus mid-week doubt clearing |
| Weekly time | Not stated on the page | 12–15 hours of recorded content plus weekend live and doubt sessions | Check with your centre | About 12–14 hours |
| Core analyst tools | SQL, Excel, Tableau, Python | Python, SQL, Excel, Tableau | Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python | Excel/Sheets, SQL (PostgreSQL), Python, BI dashboards (Looker in capstone) |
| Beyond analytics | Machine learning, deep learning, generative AI | Machine learning essentials | Generative AI tools for analysis | AI-assisted analysis; ML models mentioned in the 16-week roadmap |
| Projects | Page cites 50+ projects and case studies | 6+ projects and case studies plus a capstone | 15+ live projects | Weekly outputs plus a portfolio capstone |
| Eligibility | Beginner, no prior coding | In college or 0–2 years of work experience | Graduates in any stream, or currently studying | No coding background needed |
| Career support | Placement support; page states it does not provide job guarantees | Placement Plus with 3 assured interview opportunities (read the terms) | Career support, 3-year career portal access | Resume, LinkedIn and portfolio review, mock interviews; no placement guarantee |
Compare these options with the ISS curriculum
The ISS program page shows Weeks 1–6 in detail, with case studies and outputs. Put it next to the upGrad and Scaler pages and compare depth, format and fee on your own terms.
View Data & Business Intelligence curriculum →What are Scaler's strengths for data learners?
- Depth and length. Twelve months allows a path from SQL and Excel through to machine learning and AI, which suits people aiming at data science roles, not only analyst roles.
- Live teaching. Classes are live three times a week, and the page describes 1:1 mentor support from working industry professionals.
- Strong SQL block. The Advanced SQL & AI module runs two months over 25 sessions, covering joins, window functions and CTEs.
- Honest framing. The page says plainly that Scaler does not provide job guarantees.
Trade-offs: it is the most expensive option here, and a year-long commitment is heavy if you only want an analyst role. If you mainly need SQL, Excel and dashboards, much of the later content may go beyond what you need.
What are upGrad's strengths for data learners?
- Choice of format. Online, classroom and university-linked programs mean you can pick by budget and learning style.
- Low entry price online. At ₹47,000 listed, the online certificate is the cheapest paid option in this comparison.
- Classroom option. The Gen AI-Powered Data Analytics course suits people who learn better in person, and it covers both Power BI and Tableau.
- Structured career services. Both programs describe career training, resume reviews and mock interviews.
Trade-offs: the online certificate is mostly recorded, so it needs self-discipline. Eligibility for it is limited to students and early-career learners. The classroom course depends on having a centre near you, and the fee varies by centre.
Where does ISS fit?
ISS sits between the two on price and length. The Data & Business Intelligence program is 16 weeks, live online, with weekend sessions and a mid-week doubt-clearing session. It starts with business metrics, then Excel, two weeks of SQL, Python and data cleaning, before dashboards and a capstone.
Trade-offs: it is shorter than Scaler's program, so it covers less machine learning. The public page does not list Power BI, and it only details Weeks 1–6, so ask for the brochure. ISS is a newer school, so you will find fewer independent reviews than for upGrad or Scaler.
Which one should you choose?
| If you are… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Aiming at data science or ML roles, with a year and budget to commit | Scaler |
| A student or early-career learner on a tight budget who can self-study recorded content | upGrad online certificate |
| Someone who learns best in a classroom and has a centre nearby | upGrad classroom course |
| A beginner or career switcher who wants a live, shorter path focused on analyst skills | ISS |
| Not yet sure you like data work | Start with free data analytics courses first |
Before paying any of them, ask for the full syllabus and score it against our data analyst course syllabus checklist. Also read the refund policy in writing, and ask exactly what “placement support” or “assured interviews” means in practice. Our guide to choosing a data analyst course in India has more questions to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for data analytics, upGrad or Scaler?
Neither is better for everyone. Scaler offers a 12-month live program that goes deep into machine learning and AI. upGrad offers cheaper and more varied formats, including a 9-month online certificate and a 4-month classroom course. Choose by your goal, budget and learning style.
What is the Scaler data science course fee?
Scaler's Modern Data Science and ML with Specialisation in AI program was listed at 3,99,000 rupees in total when we checked in September 2026, with EMI options. Check Scaler's page for the current fee.
What is the upGrad data analytics course fee?
When we checked in September 2026, upGrad's online Certificate Program in Data Science and Analytics was listed at 47,000 rupees, and its classroom Gen AI-Powered Data Analytics course was described as typically around 99,000 rupees, varying by centre.
Do upGrad or Scaler guarantee a job?
Scaler's page states it does not provide job guarantees. upGrad's online program describes three assured interview opportunities through Placement Plus, which is not the same as a job. Read each provider's terms carefully.
How does ISS compare with upGrad and Scaler?
The ISS Data and Business Intelligence program is a 16-week live online cohort costing 69,999 rupees, focused on business metrics, Excel, SQL, Python and dashboards with a portfolio capstone. It is shorter than Scaler and more live than the upGrad online certificate. ISS does not guarantee placement.
Sources and methodology
All competitor facts come from the providers' official pages, checked in September 2026. Fees and features change; confirm on each page before paying.
- Scaler: Modern Data Science and ML with Specialisation in AI: 12 months, live classes three times a week, modules, 1:1 mentors, ₹3,99,000 total and EMI, no job guarantee statement. Checked September 2026.
- upGrad: Certificate Program in Data Science & Analytics: 9 months, recorded and live hours, tools, eligibility, ₹47,000 total, Placement Plus. Checked September 2026.
- upGrad: Gen AI-Powered Data Analytics (classroom): 4 months, modules, eligibility, fee range, scholarships. Checked September 2026.
- upGrad data science programs listing: other university-linked programs. Checked September 2026.
- ISS facts come from the Data & Business Intelligence program page and the fees page.
“Who each suits” and the strengths and trade-offs are ISS editorial judgement. ISS is one of the options compared; we have tried to describe every program, including our own, on the same fields.
Next steps
Open each program page side by side and request the full syllabus from each. To see ISS in detail, visit the Data & Business Intelligence program page.
Applying to ISS is free, and you pay only after accepting an offer. Start your application if it fits.