IIM Calcutta – Advanced Programme in Data Sciences
(APDS) - Batch 08
If there’s anything that’s NOT in short supply today, it’s DATA. To put things into perspective, more than 300 million terabytes of data are generated every day, as of 2023! And this figure will continue to rise exponentially in the future.
Programme Highlights
Programme Duration
12 Months
Commencement
August 2025
Mode of Delivery
Live lectures on video (attend from anywhere) + 10 days of on-campus learning
Live Sessions
Live online sessions Sundays (09.30 AM to 12.30 PM) & select Wednesdays (6:30 PM to 9:30 PM)
Campus Module
Campus module of 10 Days (2 visits of 5 days each)
Fees
Fee: INR 4,80,000 + GST payable in easy instalments with loan options available
Eligibility Criteria
Employed/self-employed professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) in any discipline with minimum 50% marks AND work experience of at
least 3 years
Accreditation
Programme Overview
IIM Calcutta’s Advanced Programme in Data Sciences (APDS) is a one-year live online course specially designed for working professionals who are either practising Data Scientists keen on broadening their horizons or executives/entrepreneurs who wish to get adept in the art of mining insights from data using the right tools and techniques.
The programme will introduce participants to the essential tools and techniques with which to handle, manage, analyze and interpret large data sets. The programme is also an opportunity to learn and work on business data in a hands-on fashion.
Course Curriculum
-
Understanding Data Science
-
Mathematics for Data Science
-
Statistics for Data Science
-
Data Management and Data warehousing
-
Machine Learning with Python
-
Data Interpretation, Visualization and Analysis: Use of R
-
Econometrics with R
-
Stochastic Process and Simulation
-
Categorical Data Analysis
-
Business Intelligence with Data Analytics
-
Big Data Storage and Analytics
-
Advanced Topics in Data Science
-
Project in Data Science
Why should you do this programme?
Tap into IIM Calcutta’s expertise
Benefit from IIM Calcutta’s renowned mastery in mathematics, statistical analysis and analytics, establishing it as a leading B-school in India.
Business-focused data science
Learn advanced data science with a business-oriented approach to align insights with strategic objectives and make effective data-driven decisions
Real-world learning
Acquire hands-on experience applying data science skills to address complex business challenges through business use cases and a capstone project.
Proven success
Leverage the 6-year legacy of this programme, which has elevated participants’ knowledge and skills for advanced data science roles
Learning Outcomes
Study how to transform data into actionable insights using Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Interpretation and Visualisation.
Acquire proficiency in software applications and tools such as Tableau, Python, R, SPSS Modeler, Oracle SQL, @Risk, Arena, Hadoop, among others.
Dive deep into quantitative subjects, including Econometrics, Stochastic Processes and Simulation.
Master all the techniques of Data Analysis, Database Warehousing, Big Data Storage & Analytics.
Explore advanced topics such as Text Mining, IoT, Deep Learning and Industry 4.0.
Expand your data handling/processing skills to non-commercial applications such as atmospheric science, government, utilities and agriculture.
Important Dates
Who Should Apply
Employed/self-employed professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) in any discipline with minimum 50% marks in their bachelor’s or master’s programme AND work experience of at least three years Knowledge of Programming is not essential, but applicants must have a basic understanding of Mathematics and Statistics.
Please note that application does not guarantee admission. IIM Calcutta reserves the right to select candidates. Importance will be accorded to the applicant’s professional background and motivation based on the application form submitted.
If you are seeking to make a notable influence through data-driven decisions in the business world, then APDS is the answer. With the appropriate skills and knowledge this course will impart, you can transform data into a potent resource for management acumen. This programme will allow you to analyse and interpret large sets of data and craft predictive models and algorithms to make informed business decisions. Thus, APDS is best suited for working professionals who must handle and interpret data or young managers who want to establish a rewarding data science career.
How to Apply
Step 1Register for the programme
Step 2Pay the Application Fees
Step 3Login with the Credentials shared
Step 4Upload verified documents
Step 5Accept the Offer Letter sent by the Institute
Step 6Complete the 1st Installment fee and commence the course
Applications to the programme are accepted only through the online route. Visit the following link to apply online: https://iimcalcutta.vcrvcnow.in/apds7/STUDENT-REG/Registration_lms.php
The application must be complete in all respects including remittance of application fees, uploading of
academic and experience related documents and submission of Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Profile.
Incomplete applications will not be considered for further processing.
In case you need any assistance during the application process or have a query about
the programme, please speak to our Senior Academic Advisors on +91 9219078715 /
+91 8929900383 (9 am to 9 pm).
Payment of Fees
Fees
| Application Fee: | INR 2,500 + GST |
| Programme Fee: | INR 4,80,000 + GST |
Programme Fee and Campus Module Charges
|
Installment 1
To be paid within 10 days of issuance of offer letter
INR 1,05,000 + GST
|
Installment 2
Payable by Oct 10, 2025
INR 1,35,000 + GST
|
Installment 3
Payable by Dec 10, 2025
INR 1,05,000 + GST
|
Installment 4
Payable by Feb 10, 2026
INR 1,35,000 + GST
|
Please note:
- GST is currently 18%. Any additional payment due to change in any of the applicable govt. taxes during the tenure of the programme will have to be borne by the participants.
- All fees (including application fee) are non-refundable.
- Payment of all fees should be made in favour of Unified Collaboration Services LLP. VCNow is a brand owned by Unified Collaboration Services LLP.
Loan Assistance
Loans from financial institutions are available for pursuing this programme. If you need assistance with availing a loan, connect with Programme Advisors on +91-9289488087 / +91-7835979772 (9 am to 9 pm).
Methodology, Evaluation and Certification
The sessions are designed to be highly interactive and participative even when they are virtual. The programme will combine theory with practical inputs, real-life case studies, assignments, project and campus visit. Participants will often be expected to engage in discussions to bring out the nuances of real-life practices and challenges. Participants will be required to create small teams and pursue business related specialised or comprehensive projects with IIMC faculty serving as guides to expand their knowledge base.
IIMC will periodically evaluate participants using examinations and other evaluation methods required
for certification. For candidates to successfully complete the programme, they must:
- have at least 75 % attendance overall, and
- attend the campus immersion modules, and
- receive no more than two ‘poor’ grades in the whole programme
On successful completion of the programme (as defined under EVALUATION), participants will receive their certificate of completion from IIM Calcutta. They will also be accorded the prestigious IIM Calcutta Executive Education Alumni status.
About Institute
The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) was established as the first national institute for Post-Graduate studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961 in collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, The Ford Foundation and Indian industry. Over the past four decades, IIM Calcutta has blossomed into one of Asia Pacific region’s premier business schools and amongst the top 3 business schools in India. IIM Calcutta is the first triple accredited management school from India and one amongst 86 such business schools globally to have accreditation from Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association of MBAs (AMBA). It has been playing a pioneering role in professionalizing Indian management through its Post Graduate and Doctoral level programme, Executive Training Programmes, Research and Consulting Activities. Today, IIM Calcutta attracts the best talent in India – a melting pot of academia, industry and research. The best and brightest young men and women pursue its academic programmes. The main thrust of training is to imbibe a sense of strategic outlook to management problems in the students. The emphasis, therefore, is on management as an integrated process and requires the students to develop a global view of economic, technological, cultural and political environment of the business. IIMC has a very strong alumni base, which makes it unique among the top management institutes of the world. IIMC alumni are occupying leadership positions as corporate managers, academicians and successful entrepreneurs, worldwide. The alumni maintain a close relation with the institute, helping each other in their growth.
Programme Director
Past Student Testimonials
FAQs
What is the relevance of data science in today’s business landscape?
As the data revolution continues, organisations increasingly rely on data scientists to analyse, interpret and drive effective decision-making. Data has become a valuable asset, demanding strategic thinkers who can harness its potential. In the highly competitive and ever-evolving field of data science, professionals adept at handling vast and varied data sets enjoy a promising future. Given the growing importance of data science across industries, gaining advanced knowledge in this dynamic field is essential for professionals seeking career advancement and young managers shaping the future of data science.
Why is combining management and business knowledge with data science skills essential in a data-driven economy?
Once a hot trend, data science is now an essential component of digital transformation. Extracting value from big data has become the cornerstone for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly data-driven economy. Technical skills or data science expertise alone are insufficient. Data scientists must be able to understand the business context of their work, know how to communicate their findings and bridge the gap between data and its rightful application. Combining management and business knowledge with data science skills will help you advance your career faster than focusing on just one or the other. Both disciplines can provide unique viewpoints in solving complex business problems.
How IIM Calcutta’s data science certification is helpful for my purpose?
If the prospect of deriving business value from data, uncovering insights and solving complex business challenges excites you, then IIM Calcutta’s Advanced Programme in Data Sciences (APDS) is the ideal choice. This comprehensive data analysis course covers data interpretation, visualisation, analysis, database management, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data storage, econometrics and deep learning. You will also gain proficiency in various essential software and tools, including Tableau, Python, R, SPSS Modeler, Oracle SQL and more. The course will not focus on business domains such as finance, operations, marketing, etc.
Who should pursue IIM Calcutta’s data science online course?
If you are seeking to make a notable influence through data-driven decisions in the business world, then APDS is the answer. With the appropriate skills and knowledge this course will impart, you can transform data into a potent resource for management acumen. This programme will allow you to analyse and interpret large sets of data and craft predictive models and algorithms to make informed business decisions. Thus, APDS is best suited for working professionals who must handle and interpret data or young managers who want to establish a rewarding data science career.
What are the eligibility criteria for this programme?
Applicants should have at least 3 years of professional experience and a 50% or higher mark in their undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications. Selection is based on assessing the applicant’s background and motivation through the application form. While programming knowledge is not mandatory, a basic understanding of Mathematics and Statistics is required.
Why should I choose IIM Calcutta’s Advanced Programme in Data Sciences?
IIM Calcutta, a pioneer in management education with over 50 years of excellence, stands among Asia’s top B-Schools. In addition to offering top-ranked courses in management education, IIM Calcutta distinguishes itself as one of India’s premier data science institutes, renowned for its robust expertise in mathematics, statistics and analytics. IIM Calcutta was the first to launch a prestigious tri-institute PG Diploma in Business Analytics in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur and ISI Calcutta. Today, it leads the way in data science education, addressing the growing demand for industry-ready data scientists. With a unique blend of business acumen and technical expertise, IIM Calcutta prepares the next generation of data science leaders. In the past, numerous professionals have experienced transformative growth through the Advanced Programme in Data Sciences. APDS prepares participants to ascend to a new level of expertise and innovation in the data-driven world.
Is the data science curriculum covered in APDS relevant to industry needs?
In this career-empowering course, you’ll dive into a world of data mastery. You’ll expand your data science skills by learning the tools and techniques for handling and interpreting data. You’ll develop expertise in database management, data visualization, machine learning, big data training, and data analytics training. You’ll gain deeper insights into quantitative subjects like statistics for data science and econometrics. You’ll expand your skills in non-commercial data applications such as atmospheric science, government, utilities and agriculture. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience with essential software like Tableau, SPSS Modeler, Oracle SQL, Python, R, @Risk, Arena, Hadoop, and more.
Explain the pedagogy of this programme?
The pedagogical approach combines theory and practical insights powered by real-world case studies and assignments. The lectures will be enriched with corporate examples and general discussions. But that’s not all. To take your learning to the next level, you’ll collaborate with fellow participants in small teams. Together, you’ll embark on business-related projects guided by our IIM Calcutta expert faculty. These projects are designed to expand your knowledge base and put your newfound skills to the test.
Which data science tools are covered in this programme?
The Advanced Programme in Data Sciences elevates the data prowess of professionals by introducing them to a suite of vital tools and software such as Tableau, SPSS Modeler, Oracle SQL, Python, R, @Risk, Arena, Hadoop, and more.
How is the programme delivered?
Participants will attend live video sessions on the VCNow platform through direct-to-desktop (D2D) mode. Additionally, they will have the unique opportunity to visit the IIM Calcutta campus for an intensive 10-day on-campus immersion spread over two visits. The live online sessions will take place every Sunday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with some additional sessions on select Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Explain the fee structure and the payment plan.
Programme Fees
Application fee: INR 2,500 + GST (Non-refundable)
Total Programme fee: INR 4,80,000 + GST
| Instalment plan | Payable amount |
|---|---|
| Instalment – 1 | INR 1,05,000 + GST |
| Instalment – 2 | INR 1,35,000 + GST |
| Instalment – 3 | INR 1,05,000 + GST |
| Instalment – 4 | INR 1,35,000 + GST |
What are the important dates for the programme?
Last date to apply – April 30th, 2025
Programme inauguration – August, 2025
Note: All dates are subject to change as per sole discretion of the institute.
My question is not on the list.
Get the guidance you need to make sure that you are making the right decision here. Consult VCNow’s Senior Programme Advisors at (+91) 8929900383.