7 Best Data Science Colleges in India, Compared

Students looking to build a career in data science can choose from a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and specialized programs across India. These include BSc Data Science, BTech in Data Science, MSc Data Science, PG Diploma and other data-focused programs.

India has a growing number of colleges offering data science programs, with options across both government and private institutions. Many of these programs are offered by established universities and technical institutes, giving students different choices based on their preferred course, budget and career goals.

Some of the well-known institutions offering data science programs include IIT Madras, SRM Institute of Science & Technology along with several other universities and colleges across the country. This guide covers the leading options for 2026, including their courses, fees, admission requirements and career opportunities.

Top Data Science Colleges in India 2026

IIT Madras

• Rank: #1 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: BS in Data Science and Applications
• Eligibility: Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board, irrespective of age or academic background
• Fees: ₹3.86 lakh to ₹4.50 lakh for the complete BS degree
• Admission route: Qualify through the IIT Madras admission process, including the qualifier process for eligible applicants

IIT Madras offers a four-year BS in Data Science and Applications, with multiple exit options along the way. The program covers areas such as machine learning, deep learning, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

• Rank: #14 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)
• Eligibility: Class 12 with the required subjects and marks for B.Tech admission
• Fees: As per the applicable 2026-27 B.Tech fee structure
• Admission route: SRMJEEE

SRMIST offers B.Tech CSE (Data Science) as a dedicated undergraduate program. Its curriculum includes data science, machine learning, data analysis and related computer science subjects.

VIT Vellore

• Rank: #16 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)
• Eligibility: Minimum 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, with at least 50% in Mathematics in Class 12
• Fees: ₹3.65 lakh to ₹4.90 lakh per year, depending on the fee category
• Admission route: VITEEE 2026

VIT Vellore offers B.Tech CSE (Data Science) as an undergraduate program. For Indian applicants, VITEEE 2026 is mandatory for B.Tech admission, with program and campus allocation based on the candidate’s VITEEE rank and counselling.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

• Rank: #23 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Eligibility: Minimum 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12, with at least 50% individually in each subject
• Fees: ₹1.50 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year, depending on campus and fee slab
• Admission route: AEEE 2026 or JEE Main percentile

Amrita offers a dedicated B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. The 2026 admission cycle accepts candidates through either the Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering or JEE Main percentile scores.

Chandigarh University

• Rank: #31 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.E. (Hons.) Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), in association with IBM
• Eligibility: Class 12 with the required subjects and marks for B.E. admission
• Fees: ₹1.60 lakh per year
• Admission route: CUCET and other applicable admission routes

Chandigarh University offers a four-year undergraduate B.E. program in CSE (Data Science), with the Data Science specialisation offered in association with IBM.

UPES Dehradun

• Rank: #43 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science)
• Eligibility: Minimum 50% in Class 10 and Class 12, with at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12
• Fees: As per the applicable 2026-27 UPES fee structure
• Admission route: UPESEAT, JEE Main, Board Merit, SAT or CUET

UPES offers B.Tech CSE (Data Science) as an undergraduate specialisation. Students can apply through UPESEAT, JEE Main, Board Merit, SAT or CUET, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.

Also Read: Data Science Courses After 12th in India

Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal

• Rank: #59 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
• program: B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering with Data Science specialisation
• Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics and English as compulsory subjects, plus one prescribed optional subject; minimum 50% in Physics, Mathematics and the optional subject combined for MET-based admission
• Fees: ₹24.42 lakh for the complete four-year B.Tech CSE program
• Admission route: MET 2026 or JEE Main, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria

At MIT Manipal, Data Science is offered as a specialisation within the B.Tech CSE program. Students choose their specialisation at the beginning of the third year based on their academic performance.

Also Read: The Rise of Data Science and Data Analytics Careers

Placements and Career Outcomes at Top Data Science Colleges

A Data Science degree can open up career opportunities across technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce and consulting. Graduates can work in roles such as:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst

The colleges on this list also offer placement opportunities, internships and industry exposure. However, placement outcomes can vary by program, campus, student skills and hiring year.

Building skills in Python, SQL, statistics, machine learning and data visualisation, along with relevant projects and internships, can help students prepare for these roles.

How to Choose the Right Data Science College

Choosing a Data Science college depends on more than rankings. Consider these factors before applying:

• program: Check whether Data Science is offered as a degree, major or specialisation.
• Fees: Compare the total course cost with your budget.
• Admission: Check eligibility and entrance exam requirements.
• Curriculum: Look for subjects such as statistics, programming, machine learning and data analytics.
• Career opportunities: Compare internships, industry exposure and placement opportunities.
• Location and campus: Consider the campus, living costs and overall learning environment.

Also Read: Best AI Colleges in India

Related Articles

• Data Science Courses After 12th in India
• Data Science Eligibility in India
• Best AI Colleges in India
• The Rise of Data Science and Data Analytics Careers
• Best Career Options After 12th in India 2026: Complete Career Guide

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