How to become a business analyst in India

According to Gartner, Analytics (BA) is a method for creating scenarios, understanding reality, and predicting future outcomes through analysis models and simulations. As more global organizations rely heavily on data to maximize sales, business analysts are gaining tremendous importance. Consequently, business analysts have become more popular, respected, and secure as a career with great salary benefits.

Thus, if you want to become a business analyst in India, this is a great time to start your journey. Cloud training is integral in helping professionals build a career as business analysts. There is a surfeit of data available, and businesses from every industry sector are trying hard to make sense of the numbers and put them to good use. By becoming a data analyst in India, you can not only build a career of great demand but also help businesses grow their sales and ROI.

Role of business analysts

The role of business analysts is intrinsic to any organization that relies heavily on data. They present solutions to the organization to improve overall processes, revenue, and efficiency. They are proficient in various programming languages like Python, R, Tableau, RapidMiner, Apache Spark, and Microsoft Excel.

Business analysts in India also tap into various cutting-edge technology and tools to present more precise and goal-oriented results. Some of India’s most famous techniques used by business analysts are Wireframing, Modelling, Diagraming, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Customer Relationship Management, among others.

How to become a business analyst in India

Being a business analyst in India has its perks and advantages, especially in the 21st century. However, becoming a business analyst is not a piece of cake; it requires a lot of planning, research, and perseverance. Also, the various qualifications required to build a fruitful career in Business Analytics are not linear.

As the scope for business analysis is growing rapidly, professionals from other fields are switching to this one. This often happens with tech professionals, as academic certifications are the key factors determining one’s position and salary. Let’s take a look at the various requirements that one would need to become a highly employable business analyst in India.

• Getting a graduate degree 

Although anyone with a graduate degree with a minimum of 50% can become a business analyst, certain subjects make the process easy. A degree in Business Administration or Finance is better to become a business analyst in India as it gives the fundamentals of business operations. Most employers also prefer an IT and engineering background, as business analytics heavily depends on software and technology.

• Postgraduate degree

When it comes to a post-graduation degree, an MBA is the most obvious choice. An MBA degree raises the designation to senior and advisory roles. Many universities in India also offer post-graduate business analytics courses and business analytics programs. IIM (Bangalore, Indore), IISB Hyderabad, IBM Aegis School of Business, Praxis Business School, and the Great Lakes Institute of Management are some of the most popular options.

• Certification

In the 21st century, professional certifications are a great way for skill upgradation and ensure a better career path. A certification course can be a better option for many due to financial and time constraints. Thus, business analyst online certification courses are becoming hugely popular amongst professionals and a requirement according to the industry norms. One such course is Certification in Business Data Analytics, offered by the International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA-CBDA).

Business analyst certification courses help professionals proficient in SAS, R, SPSS, SQL, Hive, etc. It also gives them a working knowledge of business intelligence tools like Tableau, Qlik, Spotfire, etc. Business analysts with relevant domain skills and analytical tools can land jobs at TCS, Cognizant, GENPACT, Infosys, IBM, Deloitte, and Accenture, among other companies. AbsoluteData, Fractal Analytics, Mu Sigma Analytics are just some of the startups that offer excellent employment opportunities.

Business analyst certification courses in India are also offered by many ed-tech companies like Simplilearn, Upgrad, BACentric, Udemy, Mygreatlearning, and many more. You can choose one based on your choice and preference. 

Below are listed some of the vital skills that a top-level Business Analyst in India should have to be successful:

• Excellent verbal communication
• Proficient in technical skills, including various programming languages
• Conceptual modeling skills
• Explanatory ability
• Mentoring and coaching skills
• Ability to recognize risks quickly
• Change management
• Impromptu whiteboard drawing
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Managerial, negotiation, and persuasion skills

Career scope of business analysts in India

Business analysts have limitless opportunities in developing countries like India.  India currently has the biggest number of business analysts worldwide, and there is a continuous growing demand for the same. Among their most promising sectors are banking, retail, healthcare, e-commerce, manufacturing, and hospitality.

Market research, financial services, information technology, retail, and human resources are among the industries that hire business analysts. The demand for business analysts is high, and they are usually employed in mid-senior level positions by reputable companies, either as full-time employees or as consultants.

Average salary of a business analyst in India

According to Indeed, the average salary of a business analyst in an entry-level position is 7LPA-8LPA. With the increase in relevant experience, this figure rises to Rs.12,00,000/- per annum. The annual salary of an established business analyst ranges between Rs. 25,00,000 and Rs. 40,00,000.

In conclusion

Indian corporations are leaving a global footprint as more leave a footprint in the corporate sector. Business Analytics is an emerging career path that can put you at the forefront of this evolution. Many of the country’s most talented professionals want to be part of this evolution. As a BA in India, you will likely have a successful career due to your academic qualifications and the above skills.