Are you a student who just finished 12th grade and is wondering how to become a data scientist after 12th grade? If yes, you’re in the right place. In today’s digital world, data is everything, and data scientists are the people who make sense of all that data. They help companies make better decisions, predict trends, and solve real-world problems using numbers, facts, and technology. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to become a data scientist after 12th, step by step, in simple language.

What Does a Data Scientist Actually Do?

Before we talk about how to become a data scientist after 12th, let’s understand what a data scientist really does. A data scientist is someone who collects, analyses, and interprets large sets of data. Imagine you have a huge amount of information, like customer reviews, sales figures, or social media trends. A data scientist uses tools like programming, statistics, and machine learning to find useful insights from that data. In simple words, they help companies understand what’s happening and what’s likely to happen next. Example: Let’s say an online store wants to know which product will sell the most during the festive season. A data scientist studies past sales data, customer behaviour, and market trends to make accurate predictions. That’s the power of data science.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Data Scientist After 12th

Let’s now go step by step so you can clearly see how to become a data scientist after 12th .

Step 1: Choose the Right Stream After 10th

If you’re still deciding which stream to take after 10th, the best option for aspiring data scientists is Science, especially with Mathematics and Computer Science. Subjects like Math and Computer Science build the foundation for coding, logical thinking, and data analysis, all key skills in data science. However, don’t worry if you chose Commerce or Arts, you can still become a data scientist later through online courses or degrees that teach you the required skills.

Step 2: Choose the Right Course After 12th

After completing 12th, your next step is to select a graduate course that helps you enter the data science field. There are many options available, depending on your interests and background. Here are the most popular courses to how to become a data scientist after 12th :
  1. B.Sc. in Data Science This is a direct path. You’ll study data analysis, statistics, machine learning, and programming.
  2. B.Tech in Computer Science or IT (with Data Science specialisation) If you like technology and programming, this course is great. It gives you both technical and data science knowledge.
  3. B.Sc. in Statistics or Mathematics If you enjoy numbers and analysis, this is a solid base for data science.
  4. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) Another good option is where you learn computer programming, databases, and analytics.
  5. BBA in Business Analytics For commerce students, this blends business knowledge with data skills.

Step 3: Learn the Core Skills of Data Science

To truly become a data scientist, you must build certain core skills. These skills are the tools that will make you successful in this field. Here’s what you need to focus on: 1. Mathematics and Statistics These are the backbone of data science. You’ll need to understand topics like probability, algebra, and data visualisation to make sense of numbers. 2. Programming Languages Languages like Python and R are the most popular in data science. They help you write programs that can clean, analyse, and visualise data. 3. Data Analysis and Visualisation Tools Learn to use tools like Excel, Tableau, and Power BI to analyse and present data in a simple way. 4. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Machine learning teaches computers to learn from data. This is an advanced skill but very important for data scientists. 5. Databases and SQL Data is stored in databases. Knowing SQL helps you extract and manage that data effectively. 6. Communication and Problem-Solving A good data scientist not only analyses data but also explains insights in simple words. You should be able to tell a story using data. Step 4: Learn Through Online Courses and Certifications Even while doing your degree, it’s smart to take online courses to boost your learning. Here are some trusted platforms to learn data science online: You can start with beginner-friendly courses like:
  • Introduction to Data Science using Python
  • Data Analysis with Excel
  • Statistics for Data Science
  • Machine Learning Basics
These online certifications will make your resume stronger and help you practice real-world projects.

Step 5: Work on Real Projects

Theory alone isn’t enough. Data science is a practical field, so you must practice with real projects. Start small, analyse topics like:
  • Movie ratings
  • Weather patterns
  • Student performance
  • Social media engagement
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Real projects show employers that you can apply your knowledge effectively.

Step 6: Build a Strong Portfolio

When you’re learning how to become a data scientist after 12th, building a portfolio is super important. A portfolio is like a digital resume that shows your skills, projects, and achievements. You can showcase:
  • Jupyter notebooks (Python code)
  • Visualisation dashboards (Tableau, Power BI)
  • Mini projects or case studies
You can host your portfolio on GitHub or create your own website to make it professional.

Step 7: Do Internships

Internships give you real industry experience. You can apply for data-related internships even while studying. Internships teach you teamwork, problem-solving, and how companies actually use data. Plus, they make your resume more impressive. You can find internships on platforms like:
  • Internshala
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Naukri.com

Step 8: Go for Higher Studies (Optional but Useful)

After graduation, you can choose to take your career to the next level by pursuing a Master’s in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence. While a master’s degree isn’t compulsory to become a data scientist, it can deepen your knowledge and open doors to more advanced and higher-paying roles. These programs are designed to give you hands-on experience with real-world data, advanced algorithms, and the latest tools used by top companies. If you’re passionate about building a strong career in tech and analytics, joining a Data Science, ML, or AI course can be a game-changer. Such programs help you stay ahead in this fast-evolving field, strengthen your portfolio, and make you job-ready for roles in top organizations. So, whether you choose a university program or a well-structured online course, investing in your learning after graduation is one of the smartest steps you can take to grow as a professional data scientist.

Step 9: Apply for Jobs

Once you have the skills, projects, and maybe an internship or two, you can start applying for jobs such as:
  • Data Analyst
  • Junior Data Scientist
  • Business Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
With experience, you can grow into senior roles like:
  • Lead Data Scientist
  • AI Researcher
  • Data Science Manager
Top companies hiring data scientists include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, TCS, Infosys, Deloitte, and many startups.

Career Scope and Salary in Data Science

Data Science is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers today. In India, a beginner data scientist can earn anywhere between ₹5–10 lakhs per year, and with experience, this can rise to ₹20 lakhs or more annually. Globally, data scientists are in huge demand because every industry, from healthcare to finance to e-commerce, needs experts who can turn data into insights.

Key Tips for Students After 12th

  1. Be curious: always ask questions about how things work and why.
  2. Practice coding daily: even 1 hour a day makes a big difference.
  3. Follow data science blogs and YouTube channels to stay updated.
  4. Don’t fear math or statistics: start small and learn step by step.
  5. Network with other learners on LinkedIn or Kaggle communities.

Conclusion

So now you know how to become a data scientist after 12th , it’s not a one-day journey, but a step-by-step process. With the right education, skills, practice, and curiosity, anyone can enter this exciting field. Remember, data science isn’t just about numbers, it’s about solving real-world problems using logic, technology, and creativity. If you start today, by the time you graduate, you can already have the skills to land your first job as a data scientist. So take that first step after 12th, and begin your journey toward one of the most rewarding careers of the 21st century.