Top 10 Short-term Job Oriented Courses in 2025 Which are In-Demand
By Kamal Jacob
Updated on Apr 09, 2025 | 21 min read | 874.9k views
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For working professionals
For fresh graduates
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By Kamal Jacob
Updated on Apr 09, 2025 | 21 min read | 874.9k views
Share:
Table of Contents
Did You Know? According to Great Learning's newly released 'Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25,' 85 per cent of professionals in India plan to invest in upskilling initiatives in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25).
Want to land a high-paying job without committing to a long degree? Courses like Data Science, Full-Stack Development, and Cloud Computing are helping professionals switch roles or get promoted, some reporting salary hikes of up to 50%!
This list covers 10 such job-ready programs that are in demand right now! You’ll also learn about how these programs can help you switch careers quickly to save time and money while gaining the skills you need to advance your career!
Did you know that specialized roles like blockchain developers can earn up to INR 15.5 L with just four years of experience in India? In the US, this figure can rise to as much as INR 86 L.
This alone shows how picking the right short term courses after graduation can present you with well-paying opportunities in no time. If you’re aiming for strong, hands-on skills without juggling a multi-year academic schedule, these programs might be your ideal match.
Here’s a quick look at ten popular short-term courses you can pursue in 2025.
Short-Term Career-Oriented Courses | Duration |
Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication | 4 Months |
Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science | 8 Months |
Full Stack Development Bootcamp | 110+ Live Hours (Study at Your Pace) |
AI-Powered Full-Stack Development Course | 9 Month |
Post Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & NLP | 8 Months |
Core Java Basics (Free Course by upGrad) | 23 Hours of Learning |
Professional Certificate in Cloud Computing & DevOps | 8 Months |
Business Analytics Certification Program | 3 Months |
Generative AI for Business Leaders | 4 Months |
Python Programming | 8 Weeks |
Offered by MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad), in association with upGrad, this 4-month program has trained 3,500+ professionals in the advertising and branding space, so you can count on a high-quality curriculum.
The course is built to give you practical skills in SEO, social media, branding, and more. You’ll be learning through upGrad, which provides live lessons, industry mentorship, and a professional certificate after course completion.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
The minimum eligibility to apply for this course is a bachelor’s degree (in any field). If you are one of the following, this course is perfect for you.
What Will You Learn?
Also Read: SEO Optimization Tips: Tips, Tactics & Tricks
Offered by IIIT Bangalore in association with upGrad, this 8-month program helps you build a solid foundation in data analysis, predictive modeling, and real-life project work. IIIT Bangalore is known for combining theory with industry practices, so you can expect to hone both conceptual and hands-on skills.
By the end of the course, you’ll earn a professional certificate that can give your profile a serious boost.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
You can pursue this course if you hold a Bachelor's or Master’s Degree (or its equivalent in any discipline) with a minimum 50% aggregate mark or equivalent CGPA.
This course is perfect for you if you are any one of the following:
What Will You Learn?
Many learners report that this course helped them get an average salary hike of 50%. If you’ve been curious about exploring the world of data, this program packs the know-how you need — minus the long wait for a full degree. Apply today!
Offered by upGrad in association with the European School of Data Science & Technology, this full-stack short-term boot camp is designed to make you a job-ready full-stack developer.
Whether you want to specialize in Java or MERN, this bootcamp covers all core technologies. You'll work on real projects that reflect workplace scenarios, gaining experience in coding for actual products.
Whether you want to specialize in Java or become a master of MERN, this bootcamp covers all the core technologies you need. You’ll also work on real projects that mirror actual workplace scenarios — so you're not just picking up theory but learning how to code for real products.
With 110+ live hours of classes (at your own pace) and 300+ assessments, the course focuses on building a well-rounded skill set.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
This course is open to all graduates and final-year students. It’s perfect for you if you are any one of the following:
What Will You Learn?
You can also expect structured placement support, including resume reviews and mock interviews. If you’re ready to break into tech or level up your coding game, this bootcamp has everything you need.
Also Read: Skills to Become a Full-Stack Developer in 2025
Offered by IIIT Bangalore in partnership with upGrad, this 9-month program comes with an Executive Post Graduate Certificate (EPGC) in Software Development. It weaves in GenAI–focused sessions, helping you become a “10x developer” who can tackle end-to-end projects and harness the power of AI in your solutions.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
What Will You Learn?
You will also get dedicated support for mock interviews, resume reviews, and job listings. So, you can step confidently into in-demand developer roles.
Offered by IIIT Bangalore in collaboration with upGrad, this 8-month online program is built to sharpen your skills in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. It’s designed for working professionals who want to add AI expertise to their profiles.
Over 2,000 students have already graduated from this course, and many have seen an average salary hike of 52%. You’ll complete real industry projects, get 1:1 career coaching, and receive a prestigious certificate from IIIT Bangalore once you finish.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
What Will You Learn?
You’ll get direct insights from faculty at IIIT Bangalore, along with mentorship from industry experts. Learners have reported 5/6 “positive growth” outcomes, reflecting the strong return on investment. If you’ve been thinking of a career that blends data analysis with AI, this short-term program can help you stand out with in-demand ML and NLP skills.
This free course is your stepping stone to coding in Java. In about 23 hours of learning, you’ll get comfortable with important topics like variables, data types, conditionals, loops, and functions — all while working in popular tools such as IntelliJ. If you’ve been wanting to pick up Java without paying tuition fees, this is a great place to start.
On top of that, you’ll earn a verified e-certificate from upGrad once you finish all modules. Feel free to highlight it on your resume or LinkedIn — recruiters always appreciate a solid foundation in a language as widely used as Java.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
What Will You Learn?
If you want to test the waters of programming or just refresh your skills in Java, this course is a great start. Enroll today and start learning at zero cost!
Cloud Computing is projected to create 46 million jobs by 2030, and this 8-month job-oriented course sets you up to ride that wave. With 100+ live hours and coverage of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, you get a well-rounded path into the next big revolution in tech.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
The minimum requirement to apply for this course is a bachelor’s degree in any field with 50%. This course is meant for you if you are any one of the following.
What Will You Learn?
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to design and deploy secure cloud infrastructures. You’ll also learn how to streamline operations using DevOps practices.
Also Read: Career in Cloud Computing: Guide to Kickstart & Become an Expert
Seize the opportunity to thrive as a Business Analyst through this online Business Analytics certification. This 3-month program offers 8+ live sessions, 3+ industry projects, and a 57% average salary hike reported by past learners.
It’s created by upGrad to give you the practical edge in data-driven decision-making — perfect if you’re aiming for a role that blends analytical skills with real-world business insights.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
The minimum requirement to apply for this course is a bachelor’s degree in any field. You can also apply if you are a final-year student.
This course is meant for you if you are any one of the following:
What Will You Learn?
By the end of this course, you’ll be prepared to design, deploy, and manage secure cloud infrastructures while streamlining operations with DevOps practices.
Offered by IIIT Bangalore in partnership with upGrad, this 5-month online Executive Program is designed to help leaders and managers add GenAI to their strategic toolkit — without requiring coding skills.
You’ll get a triple certification from IIIT-B, Microsoft, and eCornell, plus two in-person immersion days: one at Microsoft’s Development Center and another at the IIIT-B campus.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
A bachelor's or Master's Degree (or equivalent in any discipline) with a minimum 50% aggregate mark or equivalent CGPA is a must for this course.
You are encouraged to apply if you are anyone of the following people:
What Will You Learn?
If you’re aiming to steer your organization into an AI-forward era, this short-term program balances a broad GenAI overview with hands-on problem-solving—helping you become a key player in tomorrow’s tech-driven business world.
This 8-week program is built for beginners who want to explore coding through Python and SQL, especially if you’re thinking about a future in Data Science.
You’ll learn from industry experts at Walmart and Myntra, and by the end, you’ll have tackled a robust curriculum packed with coding practice. The course is entirely online, with live interactive classes, hands-on sessions, and detailed doubt-clearing segments.
Key Course Details:
Who Can Apply?
What Will You Learn?
You’ll finish with a completion certificate from upGrad. According to course stats, 5 out of 6 learners see positive career growth, and Deloitte has reviewed these results. If you want to jumpstart your Data Science journey, this short bootcamp offers a convenient way to sharpen your Python and SQL skills under expert guidance.
You can also sharpen your Python programming skills with upGrad’s free Learn Basic Python Programming Course. Get better with just 12 hours of learning.
You’ve just seen ten short-term courses that promise faster growth and practical skills. Still, you might wonder: “Why bother with these programs in the first place?” Here are a few reasons.
Also Read: 5 Must-Have Job Skills You Need to Land on Your First Job
Picking a short course can be confusing when you see so many options. But worry not! We have made this cheat sheet to help you through.
Here’s how you can zero in on the one that makes the most sense for you:
1. Be Clear About Your Goals: Think about what you really want from your next job — higher pay, a new field, or specialized expertise. Knowing this helps you focus on courses that fill your exact skill gaps, so you don’t end up wasting time or money.
2. Check the Course Relevance: Spend a little time browsing job listings or reading industry reports. If there’s a high demand for data analysts or cloud specialists, for example, a course in those areas might pay off quickly. Also, make sure the curriculum fits the skills employers are looking for.
3. Look at the Institution’s Track Record: Any course can claim big results, but you should peek at alumni feedback, faculty backgrounds, and student success stories. Colleges or online platforms known for strong industry ties and experienced teachers usually deliver better outcomes.
4. Review the Curriculum Carefully: Go through the syllabus in detail. A good course goes beyond just theory and includes case studies, group projects, or hands-on labs. If you see a bunch of assignments focused on actual tasks, that’s a green flag — it means you’ll learn by doing, not just reading.
5. Check for Industry Recognition: Does the program offer a certificate from a known brand or get a stamp of approval from recognized associations? That can boost your resume since many recruiters value courses that come with a proven name behind them.
6. Evaluate the Faculty: Instructors who’ve spent time working in the field often teach you what really matters at the office, not just what’s in the textbook. Look up their LinkedIn profiles or bios. If they have real industry experience, you’re more likely to learn stuff you can use on the job.
7. Make Sure There’s Enough Practical Training: Real projects and hands-on practice help you learn faster. Check if the course includes assignments where you code, solve problems, design prototypes, or analyze data to build confidence in your skills.
Keeping these pointers in mind will help you pick a short-term program that truly boosts your career. After all, the right course can set you apart in a competitive job market — without taking years off your life or draining your savings
With a clearer idea of how to pick the right course, it’s time to wrap things up with some final thoughts on using short-term courses for career success.
The top 10 in-demand short-term job-oriented courses in 2025, like data science, digital marketing, and AI, can significantly boost your career. Choose a course that aligns with your goals, whether it's upskilling in tech or switching fields.
With credible faculty and hands-on learning, upGrad’s excellent programs can help you gain the expertise needed to secure better jobs and higher pay. Pick a course, commit to learning, and take the next step in advancing your career!
Confused with so many options for short-term job-oriented courses? Can’t decide which one is best for you? Book a free career counseling demo call with upGrad experts and get your queries resolved through expert advice. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.
Reference links:
https://hrforecast.com/a-skills-based-approach-to-pay-training-and-development-and-recruitment/
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/blockchain-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/us-blockchain-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,23.htm
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