What Is a Data Scientist? Role, Skills and Entry Routes in India

Last updated: 21 September 2026 · By the Asuraa Team

What is a data scientist?

A data scientist is a professional who uses statistics, programming and business understanding to turn data into decisions. IBM describes data science as combining maths and statistics, specialised programming, advanced analytics, AI and machine learning with subject expertise to find useful insights in an organisation's data.

In plain words, a data scientist takes a messy business question, finds the data that could answer it, and builds a way to answer it reliably. The answer might be a forecast, a model, a dashboard or a recommendation.

What does a data scientist do day to day?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the main duties of the role. These are worth knowing because they show how much of the job is not modelling.

• Work out which data are available and useful for the project.
• Collect, categorise and analyse the data.
• Create, validate, test and update algorithms and models.
• Use data visualisation software to present findings.
• Make business recommendations to stakeholders.

IBM's description of the data science lifecycle follows a similar shape: collecting data, storing and processing it, analysing it, and communicating the results. Only one of those four stages is the modelling most people imagine.

Which skills and tools does a data scientist need?

Sources agree on a common core. Coursera's guide to what a data scientist does lists programming in Python, R and SQL, data visualisation tools such as Tableau and Power BI, machine learning, and clear communication. The BLS adds analytical, maths and problem-solving skills.

How is a data scientist different from a data analyst or ML engineer?

The roles overlap, and job titles differ from one company to another. Coursera describes data analysts as people who collect and visualise data to identify trends, while data scientists formulate their own research questions and develop more advanced models.

It describes machine learning engineers as people who design AI systems to process large datasets, while data scientists have broader responsibilities across the analytical pipeline. Our detailed guide to data analyst vs data scientist compares the two roles side by side.

How do people become data scientists in India?

There is no single route. The BLS says a bachelor's degree is typical in the US, in fields such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, business and engineering. Naukri Campus gives a similar list for India and says a master's degree can help, especially for people from a non-technical background.

Naukri Campus also recommends building a portfolio with personal projects on platforms like Kaggle, GitHub contributions, freelance work and internships. It notes that freshers can start in roles such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, data architect and business intelligence analyst.

Here is a sensible order to follow, based on those sources and on how the work is described:

1. Learn statistics and Python, then SQL.
2. Practise on real datasets and publish two or three projects.
3. Apply for internships and analyst roles to gain workplace experience.
4. Add machine learning depth as your projects demand it.

Our data scientist roadmap breaks this into stages, and the post on data science jobs for freshers covers where to look.

What do most guides on data scientists get wrong?

Many articles describe the role as pure machine learning. These are the common gaps.

• They skip the unglamorous work. BLS and IBM both put data collection, cleaning and communication alongside modelling.
• They treat titles as fixed. One company's data analyst may do what another calls a data scientist, so read the duties and not the title.
• They quote one country's pay and degree data as if it applied everywhere. BLS figures describe the US, so treat them as a guide to the role and not to the Indian market.
• They imply one course is enough. Sources point to a mix of education, projects and practical experience.

FAQ

What does a data scientist do?

A data scientist collects and analyses data, builds and tests models, presents findings, and recommends business actions. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists these as core duties. In practice, much of the time goes on preparing data and explaining results to non-technical colleagues.

Is data scientist a good career in India?

It can be, but the answer depends on your skills and the roles available to you. Many freshers begin as data analysts or business intelligence analysts and move toward data science later. Check current openings and required skills before committing to a long course.

Do you need a degree to become a data scientist?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says a bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement, and advanced roles may ask for more. Naukri Campus lists computer science, statistics, mathematics and data science degrees. Skills and projects still matter to employers, so build both.

Is a data scientist the same as a data analyst?

No, though the work overlaps. Coursera describes analysts as collecting and visualising data to spot trends, while data scientists frame their own questions and build more advanced models. Job titles vary between companies, so always read the job description itself.

Which programming language should a data scientist learn first?

Python is the usual starting point, and IBM and Coursera both list it among the common tools. SQL is just as important because most data sits in databases. R is also used, so pick one language, learn it well, then add the others.

Can a fresher become a data scientist directly?

Some do, but many freshers start in adjacent roles. Naukri Campus notes that freshers can pursue roles such as data analyst, machine learning engineer and business intelligence analyst. These jobs build the data, SQL and communication skills that data science work depends on.

Final thoughts

A data scientist is someone who can move from a vague business question to a defensible answer using data. The role rewards curiosity, statistics, coding and clear communication in roughly equal measure.

If you are deciding where to start, try the Career Path Planner on asuraa.in to map your current skills to a target role. If you want feedback from someone in the field, read how to find a data science mentor in India, and when you are ready to apply, see our guide to an ATS friendly resume for a data scientist.