Hyderabad: From detecting financial fraud to aiding hospitals in making data-backed decisions, Data Science is reshaping industries — and fast becoming one of the most sought-after careers for tech-savvy students. With Class 12 students making crucial choices about their future, many are setting their sights on this high-demand field that blends statistics, coding, and real-world problem-solving.
In Telangana alone, about 10,000 seats are available in Data Science courses offered by state universities, and almost all have been filled each year since the course’s introduction in 2020, reflecting the growing student interest.
So, what does it take to break into Data Science? What should students study, and how does this career evolve over time? TOI spoke to industry experts to map out a clear path for aspiring students.
Maths essential in class 11, 12
While the destination is promising, the journey to a successful career in Data Science is anything but accidental — it starts with informed decisions as early as Class 11, when students choose subjects that form the foundation of a data-driven future. Mathematics is a must-have to pursue Data Science at the undergraduate level.
“We encourage students to opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in higher secondary years, as Maths is essential and Physics comes in handy,” said Swetha Agarwal, a career counsellor with 15 years of experience.
She said students typically enter the field through a BTech in Computer Science with a Data Science specialisation or a BSc in Data Science, Data Analytics, IT, or Computer Science. Admissions are through exams such as JEE Mains, TS EAPCET, and Degree Online Services Telangana (DOST).
“Private universities often have their own admission tests. Each exam — whether national, state, or college — comes with its own complexity, and it is important for students to prepare well and understand the application and logic behind the concepts,” said Naveena Bhayani, a career counsellor with 12 years of experience.
Experts recommend a strong base in AI tools, statistics, and programming to excel in these exams and in the professional world. In Hyderabad, IIT-Hyderabad, IIIT-Hyderabad, Osmania University, and JNTU Hyderabad offer specialised Data Science programs or electives.
Opportunities after graduation
Graduates from these programs typically step into roles such as Data Analyst (requiring SQL, Excel), Data Scientist (Python/R, ML, cloud platforms), ML Engineer (Deep Learning, TensorFlow/PyTorch), Data Engineer (Big Data, ETL pipelines), or AI Research Scientist (advanced math, research papers), say data scientists from the city.
“The distinctions between these roles are subtle but important,” said Ayush Kumar, a data scientist with eight years of experience.
He said that while data analysts clean and visualise data using tools like Power BI, data engineers build the infrastructure to store and process data. Data scientists apply machine learning for predictions, and business analysts bridge the gap between technical teams and decision-makers, Kumar added.
Job growth by 2030
According to Indeed, data science job postings rose by 256% in one year, and by 2030, data science and mathematical science roles are expected to grow by 31.4%. Salaries reflect this demand, with entry-level analysts earning Rs 6-9 lakh annually, while mid-career professionals can earn Rs 12-20 lakh. Seasoned data scientists earn Rs 25-50 lakh, particularly if they lead teams or have dual expertise in AI frameworks.
Though many students from the twin states aim to study abroad, work opportunities in countries such as the US, UK, and Australia are dwindling.
“I had to return to India after working for about one and a half years after completing my master’s,” said Adnan Ahmed, who pursued a master’s in Data Science in the UK.
He, however, pointed out that after returning, he managed to secure a job with a competitive salary calculated based on purchasing power parity. “India has a huge demand for foreign degrees, and if you are in the STEM field, you will land a competitive salary too.”
Keep learning
Experts say that while the rewards are real, the challenges are equally significant as the field evolves rapidly, and what is cutting-edge today may become redundant in two years.
“We’re expected to keep learning — always,” said T Sathish Kumar, head of the Computer Science Department at an engineering college in Hyderabad. “Online courses, certifications, open-source contributions, networking, and reading research papers are essential.”
He said that attending conferences and workshops to network and learn about emerging trends is crucial for career growth and discovering new opportunities.
