Universities across India are witnessing a remarkable shift in academic preferences, with data science and analytics degrees emerging as the top choice among students set to graduate in 2026. This trend reflects the growing recognition that artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are reshaping every sector of the economy.
In Bihar, institutions including IIT Patna and the National Institute of Technology have reported a 40 percent increase in applications for data science-related programmes over the past two years. Students cite expanding career opportunities in healthcare analytics, financial technology, and government digital transformation projects as key motivators for choosing these specialisations.
Industry experts attribute this surge to the rapid adoption of automation and generative AI across business operations. From agricultural yield prediction to smart city initiatives, data scientists are becoming indispensable. The Union government's Digital India mission and state-level e-governance projects have further amplified demand for professionals skilled in handling large datasets and building predictive models.
Career counsellors advise aspirants to complement their data science degrees with domain knowledge in sectors like banking, education, or public health. With starting salaries for data analysts ranging from ₹6-12 lakhs annually, and senior positions commanding significantly higher packages, the Class of 2026 appears well-positioned to capitalise on India's digital transformation journey.