For students planning careers in analytics, this is an important field to consider. Indian students have numerous opportunities in analytics, which is ideal for those who enjoy working with numbers and solving problems. Analytics careers are growing rapidly across industries such as business, healthcare, IT, retail, and e-commerce. Gaining experience and understanding the field is key to success.Business Analytics is expanding as a career. It involves using data, technology, and business thinking to help companies make informed decisions. Companies increasingly rely on analytics to stay ahead of the competition. Business AnalystA Business Analyst evaluates business processes and data to help teams make informed decisions. They collaborate with different departments to identify needs and solve problems.Key skills: SQL, Excel, problem solving, communication Industries: Banking, IT, telecom, e-commerceIn 2026, data-driven decision-making will continue to be a priority for companies, increasing demand for Business Analysts. Data AnalystData Analysts clean, analyse, and interpret data to identify patterns and trends. They prepare reports and dashboards using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Excel. Their insights support sales, marketing, and operations decisions.Key skills: Data cleaning, data visualisation, statistics, reporting Demand: High in IT, finance, retail, and startups Business Intelligence (BI) AnalystA BI Analyst transforms data into actionable insights through dashboards and reports. They monitor performance trends, create forecasts, and ensure leadership has the information needed to make decisions.Key skills: Tableau, Power BI, SQL, data modelling Trend: Increasing use of real-time and self-service BI tools in 2026 Supply Chain / Operations AnalystSupply Chain and Operations Analysts work with logistics and operations data to optimise processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This role is particularly in demand in e-commerce and retail industries.Key skills: Data analytics, forecasting, Excel, SQL Growth: Rapid, due to India’s booming online retail and logistics sectors Data ScientistData Scientists develop predictive models and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to forecast trends. This career suits students with strong maths and coding skills.Key skills: Python, R, statistics, machine learning tools, big data platforms Trend: AI and data volumes are expected to grow significantly in 2026 Skills That Will Get You Ahead in 2026To succeed in business analytics, combine technical skills with business knowledge. Essential skills include:SQL & Excel – basics for data workBI tools (Power BI, Tableau) – for dashboardsProgramming (Python/R) – for data science tasksCommunication – explain insights clearly to teamsAI & ML basics – for advanced analytics understandingHuman interpretation remains vital, even as AI and automation handle routine tasks. Clear communication ensures teams understand insights and make better decisions. Top Government Colleges for Business Analytics in IndiaIIT (ISM) Dhanbad – MBA in Business Analytics via CAT; strong placements and industry exposureIndian Institutes of Management (IIMs) – Analytics electives in MBA programmes (IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta)Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi – Analytics-focused management courses via CAT or institute-specific examsSome government universities offer BBA in Analytics, including:Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University, KolkataBengaluru City UniversityDr. Abdul Haq Urdu University, Kurnool Salary and DemandBusiness analytics offers excellent career prospects and competitive salaries. Salary grows with experience and skill development. Companies in consulting, IT, finance, telecom, retail, and healthcare have multiple analytics roles available. Why Choose a Career in Business Analytics?High demand across industriesCompetitive salary prospectsOpportunities to work with AI and big dataCombines technical and business skillsBusiness Analytics in 2026 offers exciting opportunities in data-driven decision-making. Whether you aim to become a Business Analyst or a Data Scientist, the field rewards curiosity, problem-solving, and continual learning. Start building relevant skills early to stay competitive in India’s evolving job market.
