Introduction
In the age of AI, where innovation has become the core of efficient functioning, data has become the number one priority. Data-driven decision-making is currently a top-of-the-mind subject in boardrooms, with leadership striving to have clean, organised data at the tip of their fingers every single hour. How do you think that is being made possible? It’s data science in action. Likewise, if you’ve ever wondered how Netflix recommends exactly what you want to watch, or how Swingy predicts restaurant delivery times, its again data science doing the magic.
No wonder the demand for data scientists in India has grown at an almost exponential rate. In 2025, the field is not only in the buzz but exploding with opportunities. As such, a key question that pops up time and again is “How much do data scientists actually earn?”
At the Indian School of Business & Finance (ISBF), where we offer the B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science & Business Analytics program, regarded as the best data science course in Delhi, in collaboration with the University of London, this is a question we hear all the time. So, today, in this blog post, we decided to break it down for you and see what data scientists in India are really earning and what’s driving those numbers.
The Role of Data Scientists
Before we move into the salary part, let us first understand what exactly do a data scientist’s role entails. So, for those unversed, the job of a data scientist primarily revolves around collecting, analysing, and interpreting a large volume of structured and unstructured data, and refining the same to help with organisational decision-making.
In this role, a data scientist needs to collect and clean data, carry out exploratory data analysis, model building, data interpretation, communication, and collaboration. For carrying out these responsibilities, a fair remuneration becomes vital.
What Does the Compensation for Data Scientists in India Look Like?
For someone fresh out of college or individuals entering this field with 0 to 2 years of experience, the starting salary in data science in India typically ranges from around INR 6 to 10 Lakh per annum. However, graduates who enter the field with a strong academic foundation, practical exposure, and sharp skills like those built through ISBF’s LSE‑designed B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science & Business Analytics course curriculum are likely to be on the upper side.
As one climbs up the ladder to enter the experience slab of 3 to 5 years, they can expect their salary packages in the range of INR 10 to 20 Lakhs per annum. Senior professionals with around 5 to 10 years of experience, particularly those involved in tackling AL/ML initiatives or handling team management, often earn in the range of INR 20 Lakh to 36 Lakh per annum. Top performers working with multinational firms can even draw up to INR 1 Crore per year.
Factors That Impact a Data Scientist’s Salary in India:
As a part of delivering our B.Sc. Data Science & Business Analytics program and preparing students to grab roles like that of a data scientist in India and abroad, we have derived the key parameters that influence a professional’s salary.
Some of the key factors include total years of experience, location, industry, employer, and skillset. For instance, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune have been the leading cities in India in offering he best salaries to data scientists. That’s because these locations have become a hub for new-age, upcoming, and growing organisations having a solid demand for these professionals.
Likewise, the industry also makes a difference. Tech and IT firms generally lead the pack, while finance, business consulting, e-commerce, and healthcare follow.
ISBF – The Ticket to Reaching Your Dream Position and Salary
No doubt, there is an ever-growing demand for data scientists across India. The salary prospects are also bright, with packages reaching up to 1 crore per annum. If you have the skills, data science is a career that’s future-proof, versatile, and full of opportunities to grow. The only catch is that the candidates must have a strong academic foundation backed by practical capabilities.
Wondering where to begin? We at ISBF can help you achieve your career goals with our B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science & Business Analytics program, which is considered the best data science course in Delhi. With a global curriculum, hands-on projects, and strong industry connections, we can help you build a strong academic foundation you need to thrive in the profession of data science. The benchmark education offered at our institute has drawn some of the world’s top companies like Google, IBM, EY, and Infosys to pick data science talent from our campus. Do you wish to join the league? Join us today.