Are you looking for a career after 12th that combines logic and problem-solving skills? Then, you can pursue a career in data analytics. It is a field that allows professionals to interpret past and present data to solve complex business problems.
As technologies evolve, organisations now use them to interpret data for making informed strategic decisions. For that, they require professionals known as data analysts.
The rise of data in businesses also propels the growth of data analyst professionals. Almost every sector, from finance and logistics to healthcare and retail, needs to analyse data to make business decisions.
Students with data analytics can work in all these sectors to transform how businesses operate. As they gain more skills, they can earn competitive salaries.
Moreover, data analytics enables students to utilise new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to address business complexities.
If you’re someone who wants to move to a trending career path that involves technology and problem-solving, then you’ve come to the right place.
This blog will explore the scope of data analytics and its career opportunities in different sectors. Furthermore, you will learn about the salary structure and future trends in data analytics.
Key takeaways
Becoming a data analyst is a dream for many. For that, you should understand data analytics and its key facts. These are as follows:
- Data analytics is a broad field that involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.
- There are 4 types of data analytics: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive.
- Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Reporting Analyst, and Data Visualisation Analyst are top career options in the field.
- Students passionate about data analytics can find endless opportunities in the healthcare, banking & finance, manufacturing, and education sectors.
- At an entry-level, you can earn around INR 4 LPA- INR 6 LPA.
- The top recruiters for data analysts are Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, and Capgemini.
What is Data Analytics?
Before we begin to find out the scope of data analytics, let’s first understand what it is.
Data analytics is a multidisciplinary field that involves examining raw data to uncover valuable insights and trends. Professionals in data analytics use cutting-edge tools and techniques to analyse large datasets.
These professionals are known as data analysts. With their knowledge of data interpretation, they support decision-making and solve complex problems.
For instance, a business is trying to improve sales. A data analyst will interpret past and present customer data for the organisation. It will thus help them develop clear business strategies to improve sales.
At the core, data analytics include:
- Collecting data: This part of the data analytics scope involves gathering information from multiple sources.
- Cleaning data: It eliminates errors and redundant information that may compromise data accuracy.
- Analysing data: Using ML and visualisation, professionals make sense of the clean data.
- Interpreting data: Translating the findings into actionable insights that companies use to solve real-world problems.
Different Types of Data Analytics
Once you understand what data analytics is, it is evident that the discipline plays a crucial role in extracting meaningful information from data. To use data effectively, there are four types of data analytics, each serving a different purpose.
These four types of data analytics are:
- Descriptive analytics examines past data to understand business operations.
- Diagnostic analytics: Looks deeper into data to uncover the causes of events or trends.
- Predictive analytics: Uses statistical algorithms and ML techniques to forecast future trends based on historical/current data.
- Prescriptive analytics: It predicts future events and recommends actions to optimise business outcomes.
What are the Roles and Responsibilities Of a Data Analyst?
Building a strong foundation in each type of data analytics will enable you to become a successful data analyst. While their core responsibility is to transform raw data into actionable insights, they do so with tools such as Structured Query Language (SQL), Google Sheets, and others.
To learn about these tools, you need to specialise in data analytics with a Bachelor’s in Computer Application (BCA). The promising BCA scope thus entails a wide range of roles and responsibilities of a data analyst.
These include:
- Gather data
- Clean data
- Design database structures
- Interpret data
- Communicate the results from the findings
Why Choose Data Analytics as a Career in 2026?
As we enter 2026, the scope of data analytics continues to broaden, with companies increasingly relying on data to make decisions. Data analysts can gather, clean, and analyse large datasets, helping tackle complex problems such as operational optimisation and customer behaviour analysis.
Solving such problems will give professionals a strong earning potential. Furthermore, there are other reasons to choose data analytics as a career in 2026. These are as follows:
- There is a high demand for data in every sector. To make sense of the data, companies require data analysts.
- Since data analytics is a complex discipline, even at an entry level, it offers lucrative salaries. With experience, your earning potential will also increase, particularly in the tech and finance sectors.
- The rise in data goes beyond India. Hence, students seeking career advancement can pursue data analytics in countries such as the USA, Australia, and Germany.
- Data analysts, with their roles in data interpretation, directly influence business strategies. With advanced skills, you can explore roles such as Data Scientist and Analytics Manager.
The Scope of Data Analytics in India
| Metric | Details (2026 Projections) | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size | USD 4.5-118B growth trajectory | AI/ML, digitization, data centers |
| Job Openings | 11M+ total; 1.5M new by year-end | Internet users, govt initiatives |
| CAGR | ~27% | Sector expansion |
The vast data analytics market marks a promising scope of data analytics in India. The massive growth in data and digitisation drives the need for data analytics across sectors such as e-commerce, IT, and healthcare.
Working in these sectors will provide professionals with robust career opportunities and high salaries across areas such as AI, predictive modelling, and business intelligence.
In India, students passionate about numbers and data can work in these roles as Quantitative Analysts, Data Analysts, and more.
Best Career Options in Data Analytics in 2026
Learning about the scope of data analytics will make you wonder about its career paths. The multidisciplinary field is essential to transform raw data into actionable insights. To exercise such a role, companies need employees in different roles.
Here are the best career options in data analytics, along with the job description, required skills, and average salary:
| Career Option | Job Description | Required Skills | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analyst | Collects, cleans, analyses, and interprets complex datasets. | Critical thinking, data cleaning, and proficiency in Python/R. | INR 4 LPA-9 LPA |
| Business Analyst | Evaluates business processes to develop structures and tools. | Business acumen, problem-solving ability, and stakeholder management. | INR 3 LPA-6 LPA |
| Reporting Analyst | Gathers, analyses, and interprets data to create reports, visualisations, and dashboards. | Database management, data analysis, and attention to detail. | INR 5 LPA-13 LPA |
| Machine Learning (ML) Analyst | Examines complex data, develops and optimises ML models, and provides data-driven insights. | Knowledge in ML algorithms, Python or R proficiency, and model development. | INR 6 LPA- INR 11 LPA |
| Data Visualisation Analyst | Transforms complex data into clear visual formats (e.g., charts, dashboards). | Data querying, programming, and dashboard design. | INR 10 LPA- INR 12 LPA |
Data Analytics Career Options in the Government Sector
Many students opt for data analytics as one of the best career options after 12th commerce. With a basic understanding of business knowledge, students gain more expertise in gathering, analysing, and interpreting data.
Using these data, professionals can impact policymaking in public health, urban planning, and finance. All these are core areas in the government sector.
If you’re looking for stable income and higher opportunities in the government sector, you can consider the following job roles in data analytics:
| Job Roles | Responsibilities | Eligibility | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | Collects, cleans, analyses, and models large datasets. | Having a BCA in Data Analytics. | INR 12 LPA- IN 15 LPA |
| Data Engineer | Designs, builds, and maintains systems for large data volumes. | A relevant undergraduate degree with a Data Analytics specialisation. | INR 4 LPA- INR 7 LPA |
| Policy Data Specialist | Manages, analyses, and interprets data to inform policy. | To have a Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics. | INR 12 LPA- INR 22 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | Monitors suspicious activities to protect an organisation’s computer systems and networks. | Having a BCA in Data Analytics. | INR 4 LPA- INR 10 LPA |
| Business Intelligence (BI) Developer | Designs, develops, and maintains systems that turn complex data into clear visual formats. | Having an undergraduate degree with a specialisation in Data Analytics. | INR 6 LPA- INR 19 LPA |
What is the Scope of Data Analytics Abroad?
The demand for data-driven decision-making crosses borders. With technological advancements in other countries, professionals will have more opportunities to apply their knowledge in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
To understand the future scope of data analytics abroad, you can take a look at the following countries:
- Australia: Huge demand for data analytics professionals across finance, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors.
- Germany: Known for its engineering and technology industries, the country offers immense opportunities to professionals, particularly in the research & development area.
- Ireland: The growing tech hub in Ireland provides students with data analyst positions in major companies like Google and LinkedIn.
- Qatar: Investments in technology accelerate the growth of the data analytics career in Qatar. Their roles serve industries such as finance and logistics.
- USA: The country is the global leader in data analytics. As a result, it offers a wide range of career options in the field, including Data Scientist, Data Engineer, and Business Analyst.
- Canada: The country is strong in academic programs. Hence, if you want to pursue high-paying short-term courses after 12th, Canada offers data analytics courses that unlock job prospects with competitive salaries.
Application of Data Analytics in Different Industries
By now, you know how rewarding the scope of data analysis is. As businesses are making data-driven decisions, there is a constant need for data analytics professionals across industries.
Below are the top industries that highlight the applications of data analytics:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Professionals use predictive analytics and patient data analysis to improve patient outcomes and manage healthcare costs. |
| Business | Using marketing personalisation and risk assessment, data analysts help businesses to make better decisions. |
| Finance & Banking | Data analytics professionals use predictive analytics to enhance customer service and navigate issues that may cause major problems. |
| Retail & E-Commerce | You can utilise massive data to make predictions that assist in retail and e-commerce personnel. |
| Manufacturing | Data offers insights into future income and outputs, enabling plant managers to scale up operations. |
| Transportation & Logistics | Data analytics ensures routine optimisation and traffic management to enhance travel experiences and transport systems. |
| Energy & Utilities | Professionals use data analytics for energy consumption forecasting and grid management. |
| Education | Data analytics track student performance, optimise administrative operations, and personalise learning experience. |
| Media, Entertainment & Communications | Professionals use data analytics to optimise content and personalise user experience. |
| Agriculture | Professionals gather data from sensors, drones, or satellites for early disease detection and resource optimisation. |
What are the Top Recruiters for Data Analysts in India?
The growing demand for data analytics across industries creates job opportunities for students. To secure roles as a data analyst or business analyst, you would want top recruiters to hire you.
Working for good companies can advance your data analytics career and increase your earning potential. In India, the top recruiters for data analysts are:
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Randstad India
- Capgemini
- Tech Mahindra
- Infosys
- HCL Technologies
- Accenture
| Company | Industry / Sector | Typical Data Analyst / Related Roles (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | IT Services & Consulting | Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Analytics Consultant (client analytics, dashboard/reporting roles) |
| Randstad India | Recruitment / HR Consulting (Analytics Hiring Partner) | Recruitment agency connecting candidates to Data Analyst jobs across sectors — Junior Data Analyst, Data Reporting Analyst, Business Intelligence Consultant (placements with hiring firms) |
| Capgemini | IT Services & Technology Consulting | Data Analyst, Business Analyst (Analytics), Data Analytics Engineer, BI Specialist (active jobs in India) |
| Tech Mahindra | IT Services & Digital Solutions | Data Analyst, Analytics Specialist, Customer Insights Analyst, Telecom Data Analyst (roles supporting tech + telecom), hybrid analytics + BI positions |
| Infosys | IT Services & Consulting | Data Analyst, Business Analyst (with analytics focus), Dashboard/BI Analyst, Analytics Consultant (across industries) |
| HCL Technologies | IT Services, Software & Outsourcing | Data Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Analytics Support Roles (within digital transformation teams) |
| Accenture | IT/Consulting / Digital & Strategy | Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Risk Data Analyst, Data Reporting Specialist, Analytics Consultant (global & India jobs) |
Data Analyst Salary: What to Expect?
After learning about the top recruiters for data analysts, you may wish to work for any of these companies. Not only will the company allow you to seek higher opportunities, but it will also provide competitive salaries.
With experience, a data analyst’s salary also varies. For instance, at a fresher-level position, you can expect INR 4 LPA- INR 6 LPA. However, when you gain experience for 2-4 years as a data analyst, the salary would be around INR 8 LPA- INR 12 LPA.
As you move to senior levels, you become an experienced analyst. With 5+ years of experience, you can gain in-depth knowledge and skills in data analytics. It will increase your earning potential to approximately INR 25 LPA.
Educational Pathways/Programs to Become a Data Analyst
Before seeking job opportunities in data analytics, you need a solid foundation in the discipline. There are various undergraduate programs and bootcamps/certifications that you can pursue to become a data analyst. These are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree: A 3-year program that offers extensive quantitative and analytical skills.
- Master’s degree: An advanced 2-year program that will provide deeper knowledge in data analytics and a competitive edge.
- Bootcamps/short-term courses: Students who want to start a career in data analytics quickly can enrol in short-term courses that provide practical skills for real-world experience.
Tools and Technologies Used by Data Analysts
Pursuing educational pathways in data analytics will provide you with a solid foundation in the discipline. Moreover, you can gain a range of skills to collect, analyse, and interpret data, which is the core of every business.
The different tools and technologies for making data-driven decisions include:
- Jupyter Notebooks
- Google Sheets
- Microsoft Excel
- Tableau
- R or Python
- Hadoop
- Apache Spark
- TensorFlow
Where to Learn Data Analytics in India?
As you know, data analysts heavily rely on tools to collect, analyse, and interpret vast datasets. Learning to use these tools is essential for professionals. Enrolling in a reputable institution will provide you with undergraduate and post-graduate programs that will enhance your knowledge and analytical skills.
These institutions are as follows:
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta
- Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Pune
| Institution | Popular Courses | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Christ University | • M.Sc. in Data Analytics / Data Science & Analytics – postgraduate programme covering statistics, data mining, machine learning, Python, big data tools, etc. | • Bachelor’s degree with minimum ~50% aggregate and relevant background in Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Science or related fields (e.g., BSc, BCA, BE/BTech etc.) • Final-year undergrad students with 50% up to last semester may also apply. |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | • e-PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science – 18-month online postgraduate diploma covering AI, machine learning, data science, and analytics. | • Recognised undergraduate degree (4-year) or 3-year degree with at least 1 year work experience. • Understanding of undergraduate mathematics/statistics expected in eligibility. |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta (as part of PGDBA) | • Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) – 2-year analytics + business programme (jointly by IIM Calcutta, ISI Kolkata, IIT Kharagpur). | • Graduate or postgraduate degree with minimum ~60% marks (CGPA 6.5/10; SC/ST/PwD benefit: ~55% / CGPA 6.0). • PGDBA Admission Test + interview / selection process required for final admission. |
| Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Pune | • MBA in Data Science & Data Analytics (DSDA) – a 2-year full-time MBA with data analytics emphasis. | • Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with minimum 50% marks (45% for eligible reserved categories). • Valid SNAP Test score followed by shortlisting (Group Exercise/Personal Interview/Writing Ability as per Symbiosis admission process). |
Future Trends in Data Analytics (2026 & Beyond)
The continuous growth in data-driven decision-making marks a promising future for data analytics. As the years progress, more industries will use advanced data tools and analytics to make decisions.
The use of AI to predict customer behaviour will transform the retail sector’s operations. Other than that, data analytics will have various other trends like:
- The use of ML algorithms to automate insights.
- Professionals will utilise IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors to track real-time performance across sectors such as education, agriculture, and sales.
- Data analytics will integrate blockchain technology to ensure data transparency and secure transactions.
- The use of real-time analytics will enable immediate action, enhancing how the business operates.
Dive into the World of Data Analytics with Career Planner
With the growing scope of data analytics in various sectors, students can consider opportunities as data analysts. Your skills from data collection to interpretation will influence how industries operate, including healthcare, retail, banking, and manufacturing.
Moreover, the use of AI and ML algorithms will also accelerate the career prospects of aspiring data analytics professionals. Using these trends, you can quickly extract raw data from large datasets. That way, you can earn lucrative salaries in the domain.
If you’re passionate about numbers and have analytical skills, you should consider a career in data analytics. To know where to start your journey, you may require guidance.
At Career Planner, we help students make career choices after Class 12. Our most prominent educational fair invites experts from various industries to share firsthand knowledge.
The guidance students receive from the fair will help them better understand their interests. That way, they can decide suitable programs and career paths in data analytics or any traditional course.
Join our educational fair and unlock the possibilities of data analytics!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is data analytics a good career?
Yes, with businesses heavily relying on data for decision-making, data analytics is a promising career. It offers freshers seamless opportunities to work across a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, and education.
2. Is data analytics in high demand?
Yes, data analytics is in high demand across industries. It includes everything from healthcare to retail as businesses rely on data-driven decisions. As a result, there is a constant need for data analysts who can build a prosperous career in the field.
3. Will AI replace data analysts?
No, AI will not replace data analysts. It will instead help data analysts automate repetitive tasks like data cleaning and basic reporting. Such tasks will allow data analysts to focus on high-value activities like storytelling, strategic thinking, and contextual representation.
4. Which is better, AI or data analytics?
Data analytics and AI are interconnected. While data analytics interprets past and present data to generate business insights, AI creates systems that learn, predict, and operate independently. Depending on your interests, you can choose between data analytics and AI.
5. What is the scope of an MBA in data analytics?
The scope of the MBA in data analytics is quite rewarding, combining business strategy with technical skills. Blending the two approaches transforms data into actionable insights that lead to high-demand roles like business analyst, data scientist, and data analyst.
6. What is the scope of data analytics using Python?
The scope of data analytics with Python is vast. It covers data cleaning, visualisation, and statistical analysis, allowing professionals to interpret data. As a result, it ensures businesses make data-driven decisions across industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare.
7. What are the challenges in a data analytics career?
Data quality and integration issues are the biggest challenges in a data analytics career. Furthermore, it becomes difficult to adopt new skills to keep up with evolving technologies such as Machine Learning (ML).
