Best Free Online Courses in India For Students & Working Professionals [2024]

Learning is a continuous process of expanding one’s knowledge base and skillset. There’s no end to upskilling. The more invested you are in acquiring new skills and knowledge, the higher is your chance at climbing up the professional ladder. In the cut-throat competitive market, it certainly pays off if you have niche skills and industry experience. 

And surprisingly, education and learning need not always come with a price tag – some of the best things in life are free!

This is why upGrad has designed a unique learning ecosystem, “upStart-Priceless Learning,” to help aspirants stay ahead of the competitive curve. You can choose courses from three trending domains – Data, Technology, and Management & Digital Marketing. The best part – all the programs under this initiative are free of cost! 

Now, without further ado, let’s check out the best free courses online offered by upGrad under the Priceless Learning initiative.

Also Read: Short Term Job Oriented Courses

Best Free Online Courses you Should Consider for Upskilling!

1. Business Analytics Starter Pack

As we continue to sit in a data goldmine, the importance of Business Analytics only increases manifold. Data in its raw form is of little use to companies. This is where Business Analytics enters the picture to give meaning to the hidden insights with large datasets. These insights then go on to shape and transform business ideas and strategies. 

upGrad’s Business Analytics course is a six-week-long program. It will introduce you to all the buzzwords and fundamental concepts of Data Science. You will learn how to identify business challenges and build hypotheses around them.

The course teaches you how to harness the potential of Business Analytics to promote data-driven business decisions. Plus, you will learn how to leverage Excel and Excel-based EDA techniques to highlight valuable data insights. Read more about career options in business analytics.

2. Python for Data Science

Python is undoubtedly one of the most lauded programming languages of developers and Data Science professionals. Its English-like syntax and easy learning curve make it an ideal language for beginners. Python’s applications have surpassed the world of software development and extended to the Data Science domain. Its vast assortment of libraries, modules, and frameworks further enhances its popularity and potential. 

The Python for Data Science course includes a step-by-step tutorial on Python, covering all of its fundamentals, including lists, strings, and data structures. You will learn trending Data Science jargon like EDA, Feature Engineering, Big Data Optimization, Deep Learning, Predictive Analytics, NLP, and Recommendation Engines.

You will also get to explore and work with three extensively used Python libraries – NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. The course duration is four weeks. Read more about career options in Python.

3. Introduction to Machine Learning Concepts

Machine Learning is an omnipresent force in the market right now. From powering essential tools and applications we use in our daily life to building complex ML applications for business, ML technology is here to stay. The market demand for skilled and qualified ML experts is soaring high, which is precisely why you should consider gaining ML skills!

As the name suggests, Introduction to Machine Learning course will introduce you to the basic concepts of ML, focusing on three core areas – Logistic Regression, Linear Regression, and Clustering.

In six weeks, you will learn to use Logistic Regression to perform binary classification of factors and Linear Regression to determine the potency of the relationship between a dependent variable and multiple independent variables. The course includes an exciting module on Recommender Systems, the driving force behind Recommendation Engines used by industry giants like Netflix and Amazon. Read more about machine learning career. 

4. Introduction to Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing

Deep Learning is a subset of Machine Learning. It is the technology that powers autonomous cars, smart personal assistants, facial recognition systems, and CRM systems. Today, Deep Learning has helped Data Scientists to unlock multiple levels of representation of natural human languages, thereby advancing Natural Language Processing (NLP) to the next level. Machine translation, sentiment analysis, text summarization, speech processing, and image recognition are some of NLP’s best applications.

This four-week-long course focuses mainly on teaching students how to use various Mathematical tools, methodologies, and techniques to understand Deep Learning and NLP concepts. Once you gain mastery over fundamental math concepts and techniques, you can understand how neural networks function and how to use feedforward and backpropagation algorithms.

Our learners also read: Learn excel online free!

The course also imparts detailed knowledge of NLP concepts and teaches students how to use regex to build real-world tools like spell correction, phonetic hashing, and spam detection.

5. Statistics for Data Science

Statistics has a vital position in Data Science. Data Scientists, Data Analysts, BI Analysts, and ML Engineers use different statistical tools and techniques to process and analyze data to find meaningful patterns. Both quantitative and qualitative statistical analyses are pivotal in solving real-world business problems. 

upGrad’s Statistics for Data Science course aims to teach students the nitty-gritty of inferential statistics and hypothesis testing in five weeks. In this course, you will understand the basics of Probability, different types of distribution, and sampling techniques.

You will also learn how to apply hypothesis testing concepts to test whether your assumptions about the population data are valid using a sample dataset. The course includes an assignment wherein you test your theoretical knowledge by applying these concepts for QA testing of painkiller drugs manufactured by a pharma company.

6. Data Science in eCommerce

The eCommerce industry presents one of the strongest use cases for Data Science technologies and applications. Data Science tools allow eCommerce companies to boost productivity, increase sales, enhance personalization, and improve overall customer experience. 

This Data Science in eCommerce course covers five modules in five weeks. The introductory module teaches you all about the algorithms that fuel Recommendation Engines. You will learn about price optimization, market mix modeling, and A/B testing. The assignment in this course is building a Recommendation Engine based on user preferences of beer.

7. Getting Started with Excel (Basics & Advanced)

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used tools for data manipulation and analysis and is now the gold-standard. Its data analysis functions range from fundamental mathematical functions to complex statistical analyses. Proficiency in Excel can increase your employability factor, making you a valuable asset for a company. 

In this four-week-long upGrad course, you will learn how to use Excel for performing routine data analysis operations, analyze patterns within data, and present your findings clearly and concisely. This course will teach you how to perform EDA (exploratory data analysis) using Excel.

8. Getting Started with SQL Programming

SQL is an excellent choice for data mining and manipulation. It allows developers to combine data from disparate sources seamlessly and also view the extracted data in real-time. Furthermore, SQL programming language is ideal for managing databases and servers. As the industry use cases for SQL continue to rise, SQL developers’ demand is also skyrocketing. 

This SQL course is a four-week-long program that teaches students about SQL and MySQL and database design basics. Once you master the fundamentals, you can learn advanced SQL concepts like window functions, case statements, stored functions, and query optimization. The final module includes an assignment wherein you will apply your SQL knowledge to determine when to buy and sell stocks. 

9. Getting started with Java Programming

Java is a favorite of coders and Data Science enthusiasts worldwide, and rightly so. This platform-independent language is dynamically-typed with multi-threading support. Java is capable of handling complex functions like memory management smoothly. It is backed by active community support. Companies like LinkedIn, Google, Android, Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, Apple, Slack, and Intel use Java in their tech stack.

The six week Java programming course covers all the right bases of Java. You learn about variables, data types, conditionals, loops, and functions. It also expands upon object-oriented analysis and design while focusing on four core principles of OOP – Abstraction, Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism. Learn more about full stack. 

10. Introduction to Blockchain 

Blockchain technology is a hot trending topic in the industry that’s gaining rapid popularity alongside AI and ML. After transforming the BFSI sector with its disruptive approach, Blockchain is now penetrating other sectors, including healthcare, education, real estate, logistics, manufacturing, etc. As Blockchain tech’s industry adoption continues to increase, new positions requiring Blockchain skills and expertise are cropping up. 

upGrad’s introductory course on Blockchain is a two-week program that teaches students the basics of Blockchain technology and cryptography such as Smart Contracts, Digital Signatures, and PKI. You will gain in-depth knowledge of Smart Contracts, its features, and the industrial applications of Blockchain.

11. Blockchain Development with Ethereum

Ethereum is an open-source, decentralized Blockchain platform primarily used for developing and running Smart Contracts and Distributed Applications (DApps). It is the technology that powers the cryptocurrency ether (ETH). Ethereum is a peer-to-peer network that isn’t controlled or governed by any single company or government. 

In this four-week Blockchain program, Ethereum is the focus area. While you will learn about Blockchain’s basics, the course also teaches about the global use cases of Blockchain. As a practical experience, you will learn how to design and build Smart Contracts and deploy them on the Ethereum network.

12. Node.js for Beginners

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript runtime environment built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. It can execute JavaScript code outside a web browser and allows developers to use JavaScript to write command-line tools and server-side scripting. 

In this short-term course, you will learn the basics of Node.js and how to build network applications using Node.js. You will also learn how to write applications using Javascript and run them within the Node.js runtime on different operating systems (OS X, Windows, and Linux), all in two weeks!

13. Crack Interviews with Data Structures & Algorithms

Data structures and algorithms are the two crucial pillars of programming. While data structures hold (contain) the data, algorithms help solve business challenges using data. Data structures and algorithms allow developers to write scalable code. 

upGrad’s program introduces learners to the world of data structures and teaches them about the basic concepts of arrays and linked lists. You learn about algorithm analysis and how to determine the efficiency of different algorithms. T

he course will train you on the many ways of using searching and sorting algorithms and stacks and queues. You will work on two assignments – one focuses on applying the search algorithm when the array size isn’t known, and the other project focuses on using stacks and queues to develop new features in a browser.

14. Mastering React.js with Phone Directory Application

React is a JavaScript library used for developing interactive UIs and UI components. With React, you can design views for each state in your application. By using declarative views, your code becomes more predictable and easy to debug. It allows you to build complex UIs from isolated chunks of code called “components.” 

In this three-week-long upGrad course, you will learn the core concepts of React.js while developing the UI for a Phone Directory application. This project will help you understand how to handle the view layer for web/mobile apps and how to use React to create reusable UI components.

Learn more about upGrad free courses

15. Getting Started with Frontend Development

At present, there’s a massive demand for Frontend Developers. Since more and more companies are creating their presence in the digital domain, web development has become a promising career option for aspiring developers. Frontend Developers primarily focus on designing and implementing the user interface of websites (with which end users interact). They can work either independently as freelance developers or for organizations. 

This is a four-week course on Frontend Development in JavaSript. The program has two modules. In the first module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts of Frontend Development like variables, data types, conditionals, loops, arrays, objects, and functions. The second module teaches about intermediate and advanced concepts like scope, closures, hoisting, prototype, asynchronous nature, callbacks, and promises.

16. Getting Started with Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing has completely transformed the way brands interact with their customers and promote brand awareness. Living in the digital age, if brands do not create an online presence, they’re losing out on an ocean of opportunities to market their products to the right audience and expand their market reach.

Digital marketing combines various techniques like SEO, SEM, PPC ads, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, etc., to help companies create a comprehensive marketing strategy.

upGrad’s Digital Marketing program spans for five weeks. It has five modules covering the essentials of Digital Marketing – Fundamentals of Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Email Marketing, and Web Analytics. The course aims to help students understand how Digital Marketing works and how to leverage its various tools.

17. Management Essentials

Management skills hold immense value in the present market. Companies are always on the lookout for candidates who possess niche skills and domain knowledge coupled with business management expertise. By acquiring management skills, you imbibe leadership and team spirit along with a problem-solving mindset. Since these skills apply to almost every industry, you can find job opportunities across multiple sectors. 

This is a three-week introductory course on business management that teaches essential skills like the art of presentation, negotiation, and persuasion. While you learn critical marketing concepts, you also learn how to create a successful brand strategy, pricing strategy, and targeting the right audience.

18. All About Social Media Marketing

Social media is no longer a tool for connecting with people across the globe. Today, social media channels are helping connect businesses with their potential customers and buyers with sellers globally. It is a marketing tool that companies cannot ignore. 

In this social media marketing course, you learn about the evolution of marketing and marketing communication. You will also understand how to design actionable marketing strategies by using the right digital channels. The course also teaches learners how to build social media strategies by gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the Social Media Landscape.

You have to endorse your brand in the international market if you want to boost brand awareness.  This is where the role of Social Media Marketing comes into play. It is one of the greatest aspects of digital marketing. Moreover, a huge portion of the Indian population is accustomed to using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

People globally follow renowned businesses and brands on social media platforms. So, every business depends on its social media presence. It is essential to keep your brand in the attention of the public to increase your business sales. This can be effectively accomplished using social media marketing.

Note that social media marketing is a lucrative career, although you don’t own a business. You can pursue one of the best online courses in India to become a proficient social media marketer and enhance your resume.

19. Learn Top Digital Marketing Skills of 2020

As we mentioned earlier, Digital Marketing skills are highly valued by companies across all parallels of the industry. Digital Marketing experts usually command high annual packages for roles like Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist, SEO/SEM Specialist, UX Designer, and Social Media Marketer. 

upGrad offers this six-week-long Digital Marketing course to help aspirants gain mastery over domains like social media marketing, search engine marketing, and content marketing. Besides learning theoretical knowledge, you will learn how to create effective marketing campaigns, run ads on different marketing platforms, and monitor key metrics to track campaign performance.

20. Graphic Designing:

There are various courses available if you have a creative flair for graphic design. Whether you are a beginner or an expert at graphics design, you can pursue one of the best online courses in India. These courses teach you the fundamental principles of Photoshop, Professional Logo Design, Creating Brand Systems, Visual Design, Building Creative Websites, Typography, and several other fundamental facets of graphic designing. The experts in the related field teach all aspects in detail.

21. Creative Writing

Creative writing is a recommended career if you can write inspiring articles, essays, stories, poems, etc. The related best free online courses shape your thought process by imparting you the fundamental aspects of writing. They provide you with an edge over competitors if you aspire to become a prolific writer. You can also work as a freelance writer for different websites or get a job in an esteemed creative writing firm.

Why are free online courses becoming popular in India?

• You can learn at your convenience and from anywhere.
• You can review lectures to understand and revise their content thoroughly.
• They save time and money.
• There is the availability of talented and the best instructors from all over the world.
• They provide a great opportunity to interact with students from different countries and backgrounds.
• They let you share ideas on a wide platform.
• The best free online courses provide certification to justify your talents and enhance your resume.

Benefits of free online courses

1. Imparts cutting-edge skills:

These courses impart the latest skills in your chosen area of interest. They prove to be helpful if you know the fundamentals of some topics and are interested in upgrading your knowledge without any expense. No need to enroll in any school because you can pursue these courses at your convenience. You only need to make sure you find a suitable online course. Moreover, most of these courses are comprehensive and cover all essential aspects of the topic.

2. Wide range of courses:

You can find a free online course on content creation, social media marketing, graphics designing, programming, or any other topics you wish. The availability of a broad range of the best free courses has simplified the selection for students. All you need to do is choose the most suitable free online course and make sure to complete it thoroughly.

3. Provides certificate:

Many online free courses provide a certificate to students after the course completion. You can show this certificate during a job interview or job promotion. It works as evidence that demonstrates your skills. Some of the best free courses provide certificates that are recognized worldwide. They enhance the resume, which ultimately helps you advance in your career. The more online certificate courses you complete in your area of interest, the more skills you will learn.

4. No time restraints:

You need to attend classes when pursuing an offline course physically. You need to pay attention, although you may be sick. On the other hand, online courses help you to learn the lessons whenever you want. There is no time restraint on how long you can continue learning a particular topic.

These courses are beneficial for those people who have busy lifestyles. Generally, these courses’ lengths vary from an hour to 20+ hours. You can decide when you wish to listen and how much time you want to dedicate per day. For example, you can learn multiple easy chapters in a day, whereas you can complete a difficult chapter in a few days. The free courses with certificates let you continue learning from where you left off the next day.

5. Prepares you before college:

These courses are useful if you want to prepare before enrolling in a college. They can upgrade your knowledge before your exams. Many students pursue free online courses to get acquainted with the type of lessons they need to study in their offline courses in college.

Many experts suggest that students pursue a relevant free online course before joining college. It helps them to learn the fundamentals and check if that subject domain interests them or not. Many students choose a professional degree course for college without knowing its course curriculum and the job scenario. The online courses acquaint them with both these aspects so they get an exact overview of what they would study and how their career would be.

 6. Tests and quizzes:

Many free courses with certificate and also some free courses without certificate support options to test your knowledge. Quizzes and tests are arranged at each chapter’s end or the entire course’s end. These tests and quizzes help you check if you remember what you learned during the course. You can go back to a particular chapter if you have missed something. Another benefit is that it’s not compulsory to share your results. The results of tests and quizzes are for personal evaluation only.

Conclusion

Each of these upGrad courses promises dedicated and one-on-one student-mentor interaction, top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost!

These courses span anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, which is not a very demanding time commitment for students and working professionals. By committing 30-45 minutes every day, you can gain trending market skills and knowledge. 

All the free upGrad courses under the Lifelong Learning initiative have been crafted in collaboration with leading industry experts. As always, like all upGrad offerings, these courses will be taught by best-in-class instructors.

You can also check our IIT Delhi Programs. IIT Delhi is one the most prestigious institutions in India. With more the 500+ In-house faculty members which are the best in the subject matters. upGrad has now partnered with top institutes in India like IIT Delhi and IIM K to provide industry-relevant courses

So, how about upskilling with upGrad’s Lifelong Learning initiative?

Say YES and register now!