Free Data Science Roadmap for Beginner
Starting your journey into Data Science? Here’s a structured 5-step roadmap to help you learn essential tools, build projects, and become job-ready. This guide enhances the popular Placement Drive roadmap with alternative tools and course links so you can choose the best fit for you.
Step 1: Learn Python Programming
Original Suggestion: Kaggle Learn
Recommended: Python for Everybody by University of Michigan (Coursera)
Other Alternatives:
- Codecademy – Learn Python 3
- SoloLearn – Python Course
- freeCodeCamp – Scientific Computing with Python
Step 2: Learn Data Analysis
Original Suggestion: Coursera – Applied Data Science with Python
Recommended: Data Manipulation with pandas (DataCamp)
Other Alternatives:
- OpenClassrooms
- edX – Analyzing Data with Python (IBM)
- Udemy – Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp
Also Read – How to Build a Perfect LinkedIn Profile as a Fresher
Step 3: Scientific Computing with Python
Original Suggestion: freeCodeCamp
Recommended: Introduction to Data Science (University of Washington on Coursera)
Other Alternatives:
- MIT OCW – Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
- Khan Academy – Intro to Programming
- Udemy Bootcamp
Step 4: Data Visualization & pandas
Original Suggestion: Kaggle Recommended: Data Visualization with Python (Coursera)
Other Alternatives:
- DataCamp – Data Visualization with Seaborn
- Google Data Studio
- Power BI Desktop / Tableau Public
Step 5: Introduction to Machine Learning
Original Suggestion: Kaggle
Recommended: Machine Learning by Andrew Ng (Coursera)
Other Alternatives:
- DataCamp – Supervised Learning with scikit-learn
- fast.ai – Practical Deep Learning
- Udemy – Machine Learning A-Z
Also read – How to Spot Real vs Fake Job Referrals on LinkedIn – A Must-Read for Freshers
Bonus: Practice, Hosting & Portfolio Building
- Practice Projects: Kaggle Competitions, LeetCode Data Science
- Version Control: GitHub
- Deployment Tools: Streamlit, Gradio, Heroku
- Portfolio Websites: Notion, GitHub Pages, Wix
Suggested 10-Week Learning Plan
| Week | Topic | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Python Basics | Coursera / Codecademy |
| 3–4 | Data Analysis & pandas | DataCamp / Coursera |
| 5 | Scientific Computing | Coursera / freeCodeCamp |
| 6–7 | Data Visualization | Coursera / Power BI / Tableau |
| 8–9 | Machine Learning Introduction | Coursera / DataCamp / Udemy |
| 10 | Projects + Portfolio | GitHub, Streamlit, Kaggle |
