Question 1

What is the Advanced Certificate Programme in Data Science?

Accepted Answer

The programme is an engaging, yet rigorous,8-8.5 months online programme designed specifically for working professionals to develop practical knowledge and skills, and accelerate entry into a Data Science careers. The certification is awarded by IIIT Bangalore.

Question 2

How difficult is the Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI?

Accepted Answer

The course is designed to accommodate professionals from various backgrounds, including those without a technical foundation. While the subject matter can be complex, upGrad’s structured approach and hands-on learning make it manageable.

You’ll start with the basics and progress to more advanced topics, making it a great choice for anyone committed to learning.

Question 3

What type of learning experience can I expect from Advanced Certification in Data Science and AI program?

Accepted Answer

The program offers a mix of recorded lessons, live sessions, and hands-on projects. You’ll benefit from interactive learning, live Q&A with industry experts, and practical applications of the concepts taught. With real-world projects and mentoring, the learning experience is both engaging and practical.

Question 4

What will I learn in a Data Science Advanced Course?

Accepted Answer

In a Data Science Advanced Course, you will deepen your understanding of advanced topics such as neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), advanced machine learning algorithms, and AI techniques.

You'll work on complex datasets and gain hands-on experience using tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and advanced Python programming. The course will prepare you for high-level roles by focusing on practical applications and industry-specific challenges.

Question 5

Will the specializations require different time commitments?

Accepted Answer

The course follows a consistent 8-month structure with an average time commitment of 12-15 hours per week. While some weeks may be more focused on specific topics, the overall commitment remains manageable, allowing you to balance work and study effectively.

Question 6

Will the Data Science Advanced Course include hands-on projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the course includes multiple hands-on projects, which are critical for reinforcing the skills learned throughout the program. These real-world projects give you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, ensuring you gain the experience needed to succeed in the field.

By completing this course, you will not only learn advanced techniques but also gain a portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to solve complex problems using Data Science and AI.

Question 7

What is the time commitment expected for the programme?

Accepted Answer

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to graduate from the programme.

Question 8

Is there any certification granted at the end of the programme?

Accepted Answer

Post completion of the programme, an Advanced Certificate Programme in Data Science would be granted from IIIT Bangalore.

Question 9

What is the programme fee?

Accepted Answer

The programme is priced at INR 1,80,000/- (No Taxes Applicable)

Question 10

Is there any deferral or refund policy for this Programme?

Accepted Answer

Refund Policy: (Programmes with prep-session component)

Student must pay an applicable caution money for the enrolment to the Programme. This caution amount will be adjustable against the total Programme fee payable by the student.
You can claim a refund for the amount paid towards the Program at any time, before the Program Start Date, by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. You can request your Admissions Counselor to help you in applying and withdrawing for a refund by sending them an email with reasons listed. Processing fee of Rs. 10,000/- will be levied. If less than Rs. 10,000/- have been paid in total, student shall not be eligible for any refund in such case.
Student shall not be eligible for any refund under any circumstances if any such refund requests are raised post Cohort Commencement Date and student will continue to pay the EMI for loan (if applicable) and such loan cannot be cancelled. This is also applicable for those students who could not complete their payment and could not be enrolled in the cohort opted for. However, the student can raise a request for Pre-Programme deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.
In case of a refund, student will be solely responsible for any cancellation of loan, including but not limited to applicable loan cancellation charges levied on the total cancelled loan amount.
Student must pay the full fee within 7 days of payment of Caution Money or Cohort Commencement Date, whichever is earlier, otherwise the admission letter will be rescinded.
Request for refund must be sent via e-mail in the prescribed Refund Request Form. The refund will be processed within 30 working days of commencement of the programme after being duly approved by the Academic Committee.

1st Deferral (pre or post programme commencement) is free for all enrolled students with the following conditions:

The Executive Post Graduate Program learners should complete the course in a maximum duration of 3 years from the initial batch start date.
The Advanced Certificate Program learners should complete the course in a maximum duration of 2 years from the initial batch start date.

2nd deferral will be charged as explained below.

2nd Deferral Policy: (Pre- Programme Commencement)

If a student, due to unavoidable circumstances is unable to commence with the cohort and requests for a deferral before the cohort starts, we provide the opportunity for the student to defer to another batch.
However, the student will be required to pay 50% of the total course fee amount (inclusive of taxes) before the deferral can be approved. Till this is completed, the student will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
A student can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of initial batch the student enrolled for.
The student has time till the current cohort launch date to make the payment of the 50% program fee, post which the deferral request will expire. Once the deferral window expires and the student now asks for a refund, the above-mentioned applicable refund policy will apply.
The fee applicable to the deferred student will be as per prevailing fee for the batch student as opted to defer to (No additional deferral fee is required to be paid).

2nd Deferral Policy: (Post Programme Commencement)

If a student is facing severe issues in dedicating time to the course, we provide the opportunity for the student to defer to another batch.
A student can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of initial batch the student enrolled for.
The student will be required to pay a deferral fees of 10% of the total course amount fee + Taxes if any along with the differential programme fees between the two cohorts
The deferral request will be approved once the deferral fee is paid.
Till this is completed, the student will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
The student has 7 days (including holidays and weekends) from the date of deferral request to make the payment of the deferral fee post which the deferral request will expire, and the student will continue as part of the current cohort.
If the student completes the deferral payment, the student’s login will be disabled, the student will leave the deferred cohort and the student will start learning on the new cohort from the point of the last assignment that was graded in the deferred cohort. All grades and progress till that point will be carried forward as it is to the new cohort. For clarification, the grades of the graded assignments will be carried forward, whether the student had submitted these grading during the initial stage.
The deferral can only be requested during the batch for which the student has enrolled is ongoing. Once the batch has completed, deferral requests shall not be entertained. For clarification, the batch completion here shall mean the “last grace deadline” as communicated by upGrad.

Question 11

No Cost Credit Card EMI FAQ's

Accepted Answer

0% EMI with Finance partners /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.

1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC).

2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.

8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the learner, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.

10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.

Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000

Question 12

Is there any minimum education qualification required for the programme?

Accepted Answer

Bachelor's Degree with minimum 50% or equivalent passing marks.

Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive)

Introduction To Data Science Advanced Course

Overview of Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive)

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