The Ultimate Learning Path to Becoming a Data Scientist in 2024

Kunal Jain 28 Feb, 2024 • 5 min read

Introduction

So you’ve taken the plunge. You want to become a data scientist. But where to begin? There are far too many resources out there. How do you decide the starting point? Did you miss out on topics you should have studied? Which are the best resources to learn?

Don’t worry, we have you covered!

Analytics Vidhya’s learning path for 2016 saw 250,000+ views. In 2017, we went even further and saw an incredible 500,000+ views! So this year, we have made the learning path more interactive than ever before and we can’t wait for you to experience it yourself.

 

What changes have we made in the learning path?

This year, the learning path has been designed on a completely new LMS portal. This portal allows you to track your progress as your data science journey continues. We have designed questions and exercises after each module to test your understanding. You will also be able to access the related hackathons / practice problems from the same place.

We even have a discussion portal within the learning path where you can share your doubts and queries and even post the awesome projects you’re working on!

Take a sneak peek below of how the progress tracking looks like:

Here it is then – the ultimate learning path to becoming a Data Scientist in 2018!

 

Just a few things to note before you experience our new LMS portal:

  1. We have published the resources for January and February to get you started on your path. We will publish the remaining links in the next couple of weeks.
  2. The majority of this learning path is based on learning through Python. Why is this so – because we are increasingly getting convinced that Python is the way to go for complete beginners (at least for 2018).

Below is a summary of the learning path – an overview what you should follow throughout the year. Let’s get cracking

 

January

Getting Started with Data Science and Python

By the end of January, you’ll know what role data science plays in the industry. You’ll also be able to answer the burning question – why use Python and how is it useful?

 

February

Statistics, Data Exploration and Basic Data Visualization

Before this month is over, you should have a firm grasp over the basics of statistics. You should also be proficient at exploring the dataset given to you and know the role data visualization plays in this. The budding data scientist is slowly coming out!

 

March

Probability and Machine Learning Basics (Part I)

Time to get into machine learning!

By the end of the month, you should have a firm command on the basic machine learning topics like linear and logistic regression, among others. To test what you’ve learnt so far, we will provide you with two projects to apply your newly acquired data science skills!

 

April

Machine Learning Basics (Part II) and Feature Engineering

Continue learning the ML basics and by the end of April, you should know enough to take part in hackathons are secure a decent rank. Also, go in depth into feature engineering – one of the MOST important things in data science.

 

May

Build Your Data Science Persona

Building models is not enough. The real test of a data scientist comes in explaining the power of the model you’ve created to non-technical people. By the end of May, you should have structured your thinking and personality as a data scientist to be able to do this.

This is a very critical month in your progress. Attempt to get a high ranking in hackathons and competitions all the while learning how to make an impactful presentation of your work. Also, start looking for an internship; you should have enough knowledge by now to secure one.

 

June

Advanced Machine Learning and Time Series Modeling

Deep dive into advanced machine learning. With half the year behind you, you should be ready to tackle advanced ML algorithms and time series models.

 

July

Dealing with Unstructured Data

Unfortunately, most real-world data comes in an unstructured format. This month you should get a deeper understanding of how to deal with unstructured data in business scenarios including learning the Natural Language Processing field. At the end of the month, you will be given a few projects to apply your newly learned skills.

 

August

Introduction to Deep Learning

Here comes one of the hottest data science subjects around – Deep Learning! By the end of August, you should be able to deal with basic neural network problems. As usual, we will provide you with a couple of projects to test your mettle.

 

September – October

PRACTICE!

Practice is the name of the data science game. Keep checking your progress by taking part in competitions.

By the end of October, you should also be familiar with topics like recommendation methods, and reinforced learning. This is also when you should start taking up a language like SQL to interact with databases (a truly important skill for a data scientist).

 

November – December

Apply for jobs and further enhance your portfolio

If you have seriously followed this plan, you should be able to deal with interview questions. Continue to acquire new skills, delve into Big Data and make sure you stick to your plan!

 

A few things to keep in mind:

A few pointers to make this learning path (and 2018) super successful for you:

  • Follow and experience it on our new LMS. It will need a one time sign up, but once you are done (or you sign in with your existing Analytics Vidhya id), you can track your progress and assignment at a single place. It sounds like I am selling you our new LMS – but it is free and makes life super easy.
  • Learn, Engage, Compete and Get Hired! That is exactly what you need to do. Make sure you follow the activities mentioned. Data Science is all about learning through practice and showing curiosity through data. Follow these and you will be hired before the year finishes.
  • Remember – depth matters more than the breadth – So, whatever you do, do it well. While we have laid out things on a time line – you should be doing this on your own pace and time. If you need more time to grasp statistics – you take that. You are not missing a bus by grasping the fundamentals

 

Let’s get started

2018 – here we come! I hope this year our path gets 1,000,000+ visits! We have made sure that we put all our wisdom and experience in creating it. Having said that – Is there anything you feel we should have included?

Or if you had taken our learning path last year – what was your experience and how do you like the current changes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Kunal Jain 28 Feb 2024

Kunal is a post graduate from IIT Bombay in Aerospace Engineering. He has spent more than 10 years in field of Data Science. His work experience ranges from mature markets like UK to a developing market like India. During this period he has lead teams of various sizes and has worked on various tools like SAS, SPSS, Qlikview, R, Python and Matlab.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Responses From Readers

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Anil
Anil 25 Jan, 2018

Tried to enroll LMS. But didn't get any activation email(s). Tried with a couple of accounts. Still the same issue.

Eswar
Eswar 25 Jan, 2018

Thank you was waiting for this post from long time. Awesome, you guys rock !!

George
George 25 Jan, 2018

One month is not enough for the topics listed. Even one year wouldn't be enough to master the topics.

Anubhav
Anubhav 25 Jan, 2018

Its a great initiative. Could we have the course in R as well?

Vijayasankar K
Vijayasankar K 25 Jan, 2018

Thanks Kunal for this great initiative. I was looking exactly for some thing like this from AV team. I am sure lot of newbies like me will be beneficial from this new effort from your side.

udit
udit 25 Jan, 2018

Tried to enroll LMS. But didn’t get any activation email(s). Please look in the matter sir . Thank you.

stevenferrer
stevenferrer 25 Jan, 2018

This is my most awaited post from AV. Thank you very much!

Pardeep
Pardeep 25 Jan, 2018

Tried to enroll LMS. But didn’t get any activation email(s). Tried with a couple of accounts. Still the same issue.

Mathew
Mathew 25 Jan, 2018

Hi, not getting any activation mails to log into the LMS. Kindly look into this issue.

Arjit Kandpal
Arjit Kandpal 25 Jan, 2018

You guyz are awesome. Same question can we have a course in R?

Abhishek Garg
Abhishek Garg 25 Jan, 2018

Not able to enrol. Pls see

Abhishek Garg
Abhishek Garg 25 Jan, 2018

Unable to enrol and begin learning. Please suggest

Sorath Soomro
Sorath Soomro 25 Jan, 2018

I have logged into the LMS, where is the 2018 learning path? or do we use the same links as in the 2017 one?

Bala Vedam
Bala Vedam 25 Jan, 2018

Hi, I am getting an error when submitting answers to questions in the course. "We're sorry, there was an error with processing your request. Please try reloading your page and trying again."

Bhavya
Bhavya 25 Jan, 2018

(1)What is the difference in all kinds of analysts like investment,business,testing ,financial ,operation,quality ,data,etc and do they all come under the same roof!!?. (2)And can any of the analyst can become a data scientist. (3) Also if everyone tries to become a data scientiist there would be a sudden hype in this field.!Any views to stay motivated.Initially I liked this field coz I found it unique and gave satisfaction atleast in the crowd I am familiar with. Any opinion to keep me motivated. (4)Also machine learning can and AI some day seem to take over all the data science jobs with a better efficiency.Your views on this!

niks_6600
niks_6600 25 Jan, 2018

Hi Kunal. This is what i was looking for.But the above course on data science is in Python but is there any on r also? You wrote "Something on R is on the way – but it would take a few weeks" isn't the complete course like above on r?

Raghuram
Raghuram 25 Jan, 2018

Can you create a similar post for the roadmap for becoming machine learning engineer.

Vinod Kumar
Vinod Kumar 28 Jan, 2018

Amazingly structured program to learn data science. A boon for aspiring data scientist. Kudos to AV team particularly Kunal for this learning path.. Just one query how Anaconda Python is different from other typical python downloads.

David Ward
David Ward 28 Jan, 2018

Having the same issue as Anil - have tried to enroll LMS. But didn’t get any activation email(s). Tried with a couple of accounts. Still the same issue. Wanting to see if I really have the capacity to learn and the courses (from what I can see) give me hope I am capable and have the mind set to accomplish my learning. Thanks for your help

Parul Pandey
Parul Pandey 29 Jan, 2018

I have been an avid reader of AV's all blog posts which i feel are always very well written: Crisp & Precise. My tryst with AV began a couple of years back when i thought of diving into the world of Data Science and since then no day has passed when I don't refer to AV for any slightest doubt or syntax or query ...almost everything.I believe the resources available for Data science are immense which makes us drown in so much of data. AV on the other hand acts a guiding mentor in leading us towards the right material .The learning paths are one such 'Guru' which is a blessing for all the newbies and especially for the ones like me who believe in following a Schedule . But the Learning Path for 2018 has surpassed all my expectations . It now seems like a virtual tutor with ready made recipes. I am sure people are going to be benefitted greatly .Hope to continue the good work in the field of 'Free Education for All'. (sorry for the long post but was thinking of writing it since a long time)

Prateek
Prateek 31 Jan, 2018

Thanks Kunal. This was useful and informative. Will look forward to get enrolled in this learning path

Ankit choudhary
Ankit choudhary 01 Feb, 2018

Awesome initiative from Analytics vidhya. For a complete beginner like me, I was searching for something like this from along time and this is the best i have seen till now. I hope I will follow this path and make a career out of it. And Thanks analytics Vidhya for the brilliant work i.e. providing free and quality education.You are no less than a hero and a legend.Thanks a ton!!!

Krishnaiah Kata
Krishnaiah Kata 01 Feb, 2018

HI Team, Can you please help with My Account activation Details

JosVil26
JosVil26 02 Feb, 2018

Thanks for this new learning path, I took the Coursera's Data Science Specialization but I don't feel enoughly prepared for looking for job, I think this material will be perfect.

Sriram RV
Sriram RV 02 Feb, 2018

Hi I want to enroll

Dipesh Parwani
Dipesh Parwani 02 Feb, 2018

How long would it take for the course in R to release? Please share the tentative date.

Anupam Kundu
Anupam Kundu 07 Feb, 2018

Hi AV team,Thanks for this! I have enrolled and really looking forward to this learning track. Can you please quickly put up all the material till June? From the syllabus it seems the first 6 months are dedicated to honing the basics. So it will be easier for intermediate level learners like me to quickly cover it and spend more time on the advanced topics.Looking forward to the projects to be given on advanced Machine Learning, NLP, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, etc.

saiprp
saiprp 11 Feb, 2018

This LMS Portal is really nice Kunal..Can your team update the complete plan for all months soon..? That would really help the people who want to spend more time and learn thing a bit soon..

Anand Kochar
Anand Kochar 12 Feb, 2018

Hi KunalI am working in the field of IT networks and security from last 12 years since now everything is moving to cloud and I have no more interest to upgrade my self in the same field I would like to ask you about the switching of my career from the Networks and security to Data Science Please advise me how to go ahead and also would it be good for me to switch my career at this position of life where I have spent 10+ years in this technology I hope you understand my query and help me to decide the sameThanks in advance

Mubarak Ali
Mubarak Ali 12 Feb, 2018

I have researched quite a bit on the learning paths to becoming a data scientist and I find there are quite a few others that are popular as well as well reviewed by participants, such as data quest which also provides a thorough follow through of the completion cycles. I started on dataquest for only about a week so I am open to switching to AV LMS if it is better or advantageous, Could you please help me to highlight which would be the better choice?Thanks!

Shivam
Shivam 13 Feb, 2018

I am little late but can I enroll into this. Please reply asap

Nagaratna
Nagaratna 14 Feb, 2018

Hi There, I' am an engineering biotechnology graduate having four years experience in the digital marketing field. Well I would like to know whether I' am eligible for data science course and what would be the future? Looking forward for a genuine reply.

Sorath
Sorath 20 Feb, 2018

Eagerly waiting for the one with R! How much longer do we need to wait?

karangadiya
karangadiya 25 Feb, 2018

Thank you so much for creating this path. I was wondering when would the next months (April, May, June, July) material will be available as I have skipped through a few parts as I already knew them. Are you uploading stuff on a monthly basis or will you upload stuff right till December in the next few weeks?

David Rodrigues
David Rodrigues 25 Feb, 2018

Hi Kunal, you mentioned that “you are increasingly convinced that Python is the way to go for complete beginners”. May you please explain why a complete beginner sihould start with Python and not R? Thank you in advance. David

Sandeep
Sandeep 26 Feb, 2018

Hi Kunal, i am unable to register but i can see course content. Can you please check.

ravi kant
ravi kant 27 Feb, 2018

Can you share the link for leanring? I am logged in but where is the link to start the tutorial for learning path??

Krishna
Krishna 28 Feb, 2018

Hi When I try to enroll to this course, it says the registrations are closed. May I know when the new registrations will be open and if there is possible, could you enroll me into Data Science program. Thank you

Leo Wang
Leo Wang 13 Mar, 2018

waiting for the R version

Deepak M
Deepak M 22 May, 2018

Is LMS a Paid service? How do I enroll for this?

Rohit Sinha
Rohit Sinha 22 May, 2018

I'm an engg. I don't know anything about programming languages. I want to start from Jan 2019 as this year is already half gone.If you can,then please lay out a plan for me specially as I'm a little low on confidence currently. I don't want to flunk miserably learning data science as it will be a blow to my confidence level. I'm giving my whatsapp no. if you'd like to ping me. 8296604684(Bangalore)

Tomi
Tomi 05 Jun, 2018

Hello, I just enrolled and I am starting from January will I be able to complete it say June 2019

SIVA PRASADU ADIRAJU
SIVA PRASADU ADIRAJU 14 Jun, 2018

Could you please suggest best training/tutorials/ videos to follow the above plan.ex - February Statistics, Data Exploration and Basic Data Visualization What is the best source to learn.This will really help me to stop reinventing wheel.Thanks, Siva

Nivedita Koneri
Nivedita Koneri 20 Jul, 2018

Hi I have enrolled for this course. I have installed Gitbash and Miniconda3 as per instructions given. But afterwards I am not able to follow the instructions. Can someone guide me step by step? Thanks in advance.

Shubham Gupta
Shubham Gupta 24 Jul, 2018

Hello Team,Thank you for sharing this article. Its already been July end and I will be starting with the First Course and hope to continue it within the year.

rabs
rabs 03 Sep, 2018

Can this be useful to a non science person ?

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