Top 10 Digital Marketing Online Courses in India

Below are the Top 10 Digital Marketing Online Courses in India. This article will help you find the best online digital marketing course in India based on the university affiliation, placement guarantee, 100% LIVE practical & theoretical classes, internship (paid or free), capstone projects, implementation of use cases, assignments, case studies, and faculty members.

Digital marketing is one of the most prominent courses worldwide and the demand is increasing daily. For someone who wants to make his/her career in this booming industry, taking the best digital marketing course can be a stepping stone to a bright career. However, if you are a beginner, how do you decide on the best digital marketing course and institute according to your needs? We will help you out. We have compiled a list of the top 10 online digital marketing courses in India, highlighting their unique selling points, advantages, and disadvantages to assist you in choosing the one that fits you best.

If you’re interested in offline digital marketing courses, we have composed another article to help you compare online vs offline digital marketing courses with all the pros and cons. Also, we have written an article regarding Free Vs Paid Digital Marketing Courses with all the Pros and Cons.

Anyway, before diving into the top 10 online digital marketing courses in India, here are a few additional insights regarding what a candidate should understand before admission to a digital marketing program.

12 Important Factors to Consider While Choosing a Digital Marketing Course or Institute

Numerous candidates struggle when selecting a top-notch course in digital marketing. They often fail to make the best choice and end up with a certification that is not “adequate” for advancing in this highly competitive field. Before discussing the Top 10 Digital Marketing Online Courses in India, let us examine the 12 key factors to consider when choosing a digital marketing course or institute.

1. University Affiliation/Partnership: If you intend to choose a digital marketing institute in India, ensure that it has an affiliation or partnership with a university, whether in India or abroad, to obtain a certificate that is recognized internationally. Your certificate will gain global acknowledgement if your institute is affiliated/partnered with a university, recognized by the AICTE, or accredited by global organizations like the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
2. Placement Guarantee, not just Assistance: According to their motives, individuals who enrol in digital marketing courses can be divided into two groups: those seeking employment and those wanting to enhance their knowledge. If your goal is to find a job or switch careers, opt for an institute or course that provides a Placement Guarantee instead of just Placement Assistance. Avoid being misled by claims of 100% placement assistance. 
3. 100% LIVE Theoretical & Practical Classes: When considering 100% LIVE classes, many digital marketing institutes fall short. A majority of institutions in India and overseas provide 30-70% pre-recorded content during their courses. It’s challenging to verify the dates of these recordings, and many are often outdated. Additionally, you’ll miss out on real-time interaction and Q&A sessions with instructors. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for a fully LIVE program for an enhanced learning experience. In addition, there should be a student dashboard available to access recordings of your daily classes after each session.
4. Practical on Real Accounts: A comprehensive digital marketing course should include over 30-50 practical exercises. Therefore, it’s crucial to review all the practicals offered in your chosen course, ensuring that each is conducted on actual business accounts rather than demo accounts to gain real-world experience.
5. One-to-one Workshops: We are all human, and occasionally, we encounter surprises in our lives. It’s possible to miss practical exercises in your program because of unforeseen obligations. Numerous institutes and courses offer individual sessions for students who have missed practicals.
6. Access to Pro-Tools: Digital marketing tools are crucial elements of a thorough course. Ensure that the course you choose includes relevant and up-to-date free and paid tools. Additionally, confirm that you will have access to these tools for at least 10-15 days to gain practical experience.
7. Internship (Paid or Free): Participating in an internship with a legitimate company for 1-2 months can enhance your chances of gaining an advantage during the course. Whether it’s paid or unpaid, this internship will provide you with hands-on experience in both the execution and strategic aspects of digital marketing. A paid internship is likely to be more rigorous than an unpaid one. This internship will significantly enhance your profile when you display your abilities while applying for positions.
8. Capstone Project/s: The capstone project(s) serves as a comprehensive summary of the entire internship experience. Interns are expected to apply all the knowledge and skills they gained throughout their internship to complete this 2-5 day project. The capstone project(s) will be assigned upon the conclusion of the internship to showcase the overall experience acquired during the program. The objective of a capstone project is to assist students in enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities. It also provides an opportunity for them to learn effective teamwork.
9. Use Cases/Case Studies Teaching: The use case teaching approach, often referred to as the case method, provides a realistic simulation of situations and encourages students to address intricate problems. Ensure that your courses incorporate use cases, and they should be pertinent to contemporary business challenges and kept current.
10. Assignments: Assignments are essential in skill-based courses such as digital marketing. Hands-on assignments provide a more in-depth experience. Ensure that your course includes a variety of assignments.
11. Mock Test/s: Practice exams play an essential role in preparing for tests. They are structured to replicate the real exam setting, allowing students to acclimate to the stress and time limits they will encounter on the actual exam day. By participating in practice exams, students can evaluate their understanding, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and develop the endurance required for extended testing sessions.
12. Faculty Members: Instructors who can effectively engage students in a digital marketing course typically blend hands-on industry experience, specific expertise, and a love for interactive education. They introduce real-world perspectives by utilizing current examples, relevant tools, and practical projects while exploring in-depth topics like SEO, paid advertising, and analytics. This approach ensures that students grasp individual competencies and recognize how these techniques integrate into a broader marketing strategy. Furthermore, involving knowledgeable instructors who are adept with tools such as Google Analytics and Meta Ads, along with guest speakers from top agencies and data-oriented professionals focusing on key performance indicators, helps students develop both fundamental knowledge and metrics-driven abilities vital for success in performance marketing.

In addition, you may consider these points as well;

1. In-depth and up-to-date training module: As the digital industry is fast evolving, the course must provide comprehensive and best-in-the-industry training.
2. Add-on certificate/s: There are a few widely recognized certificates offered by Google, Hubspot, and Meta. Many institutes will help you to earn these certificates and it will have an impact when you showcase your skillset while applying for jobs.
3. Check Reviews: Choose an institute that has satisfactory reviews on its online website or social media pages. Also, do try to evaluate the authenticity of the reviews by reaching out to people who have taken the course.

Below is the compilation of institutions that assert they offer digital marketing courses in India with guaranteed placements.

What are the benefits of holding a Professional Digital Marketing Certification?

There is a huge amount of free courses available online, however, a paid course under the guidance of expert instructors with up-to-date course materials and valid certifications can be a great game-changer in one’s career. It creates just the right opportunity for a job seeker or someone looking to advance his career. The following are the undisputed advantages of holding a professional certification in digital marketing.

1. Opens up multiple opportunities- freelancing, entrepreneurship, managerial roles, trainer/instructor roles, and high-paying profiles in marketing in agencies and reputed companies worldwide.
2. High stability and security
3. Gain an understanding of various aspects of marketing and business
4. Opportunity to venture independently as a consultant and work with multiple companies that open up multiple sources of wealth generation

Top 10 Best Digital Marketing Online Courses in India

So far we have discussed the criteria for selecting the institute. Now let us take you through the Top 10 Digital Marketing Online Courses in India that help you decide further.

1. National Institute of Digital Education (NIDE), Bangalore

NIDE, one of the leading Digital Marketing Institutes in India with numerous awards, has positioned itself as a reliable choice for certificate courses in digital marketing. They offer a range of structured digital courses, including a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing with Gen AI and a Postgraduate Program in Digital Marketing with Gen AI, which is ideal for freshers, job seekers, business owners, freelancers, and working professionals. Their certification is aligned with Google, Facebook, and HubSpot. NIDE is the first Institute to start a performance marketing course in Asia back in 2019.

Why NIDE?

All courses are university-affiliated/partnered. They are the first Institute in India that has received the prestigious “International Excellence Award” as the Best Digital Marketing Institute in India. Their digital marketing courses come with a 100% Placement Guarantee. They are Affiliated with one of the top 20 Universities in India. They don’t believe in pre-recorded sessions and all their sessions are 100% LIVE (both theoretical and practical). They are responsible for providing you with the most up-to-date and relevant curriculum in the industry, recruiting top instructors from the industry, offering a personalized learning experience for each student, equipping you with valuable practical skills throughout their programs, and ultimately securing you excellent job placements with attractive salary packages. Paid Internships are available. Over 50 practical sessions are included in their digital marketing courses. Students have access to more than 50+ professional tools, including over 20+ AI tools.

Courses available in Digital Marketing;

NIDE has two digital marketing programs.

1. Postgraduate Program in Digital Marketing with Gen AI

Course Fee: INR 180,000/- now @ INR 155,000/-

2. Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing with Gen AI.

Course Fee: INR 90,000/- now @ INR 81,000/-

Both are “Globally recognized University Certification Programs (Affiliated to JAIN Deemed-to-be-University)”. Ranked No. 21 among the Top Private Universities in India. NBA Accreditation. AAAA+ Rating. NAAC ‘A Grade’ Awarded.

Advantages: All programs are University Affiliated/Partnered. Globally recognized certificate. 100% Live online class, Affordable course fee. Placement Guaranteed program (Salary starts @ 5 LPA for freshers). 2-3 Months Paid Internship (Work from Home and Stipend starts @ INR 10,000/Month). 100% Live Practical sessions. 50+ Practicals. Practicals on real accounts. Access to 50+ Pro Tools (Both Digital Marketing & AI). AI-Integrated Syllabus. Multiple Assignments and Case Studies. 3 Capstone Projects. 23 Modules with 75+ Sub-Modules. Lifetime Access to revised modules. 6 Months of Free Incubation for business owners after the program. One-to-one session. Customization is available as per your requirements. Free consultation to your business requirements. Both curriculums are fully curated and trained by IIMs & Top-level e-Commerce Marketing Experts. In addition, the Great NIDE and JAIN University Alumni status & Network access.

Drawback: Fluency in English communication is mandatory. 

We have added their course comparison chart below;

Reference Videos;

Social Media Ads – First Session by Sidharth Padmanabhan, Ex-Account Director, LinkedIn 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Pre-Launch Strategy & Brand Building Framework (Session 1) by Mr. Anish George, Program Director, NIDE, Bangalore 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

The list of Facilities that make NIDE special. You get a chance to learn digital marketing directly from marketing veterans. You also get Lifetime access to Live Classrooms. NIDE has a strong Alumni Network.

Some of the Faculty Members of NIDE

Digital Marketing and AI Tools covered during the program;

Recent Award/s:

“International Excellence Award” for the “Best Digital Marketing Institute in India”

2. Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is a prestigious business institution, frequently cited among the top schools for business education. Renowned for its emphasis on collaborative leadership, Kellogg is highly ranked in several categories; it occupies the #6 position in North America for its Executive MBA program and is #11 worldwide for its Master’s in Management program. Additionally, Kellogg collaborates with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for its EMBA program, which ranks #2 on a global scale, highlighting the program’s international acclaim. The faculty at Kellogg comprises industry leaders and top researchers, and the school boasts a vast alumni network of over 55,000 members, including prominent figures across various sectors. Graduates enjoy valuable networking prospects and frequently land roles at top companies, such as McKinsey, SAP, and Facebook, with average starting salaries around $150,000. The program’s high standards are validated by accreditations from AACSB International, making Kellogg an attractive option for students aiming to succeed in a competitive global business environment.

Course offered by Kellogg in Digital Marketing;

Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing

Course fee: INR 560,000

Duration: 6 Months

Advantages: Obtain a certificate from a leading B-School in the World. Robust Alumni Network. Kellogg Alumni Status. Kellogg Faculties conducts sessions. 100% Live Sessions. Multiple Assignments/Case Studies/Live Projects. One Capstone project is available.

Drawback: No Placement and No Internship. This course is designed for top-level executives, not for any beginners (mentioned on their course page).

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

3. UpGrad

UpGrad is one of the leading online higher education companies in India. UpGrad is not an Institute but a platform partnered with a lot of Universities in India and abroad to offer online higher education courses in Law, Management, Science, and Commerce.

Courses offered by UpGrad

They majorly offer three digital marketing courses and those are;

1. Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication partnered with MICA University, India

Course Fee: Starts @ INR 109,000/-

2. MSc in Digital Marketing partnered with American Business School, USA

Course Fee: INR 4,000,000/-

3. MS in Digital Marketing and Media partnered with Yeshiva University, France

Course Fee: INR 2,800,000/-

Advantages: All courses are university-affiliated/partnered. Online Convenience, Two programs are Postgraduate level and those are Partnered with foreign Universities. Live Projects are available. AI-integrated syllabus and its tools are covered. Q&A sessions are available to clear your doubts after watching the recordings. Good Alumni Network.

Drawbacks: Online courses are NOT 100% LIVE. Pre-recorded classes. There is NO paid internship or placement guarantee. Practical exposure is low. The course is completely online. They do not have offline classes. More surprisingly, Graduation is mandatory to get admission to their Advanced Certificate program.

We have added their course comparison chart below;

4. Simplilearn

Simplilearn is among the top online higher education platforms in India. Rather than being an institute, Simplilearn is an EdTech company that collaborates with numerous universities both within India and internationally to provide online degree programs in Law, Management, Science, and Commerce.

Courses offered by Simplilearn

They have two programs in Digital Marketing.

1. Postgraduate Program in Digital Marketing partnered with Purdue University, USA

Course Fee: INR 1,02,000/-

2. Professional Certification in Digital Marketing partnered with SP Jain School of Global Management, India

Course Fee: INR 1,02,000/-

Advantages: Most of their courses are university-affiliated/partnered. Online Convenience and live Projects are available. AI-integrated syllabus and its tools are covered. Q&A sessions are available to clear your doubts after watching the recordings. Good Alumni Network.

Drawbacks: Online courses are NOT 100% LIVE. Pre-recorded classes. There is NO paid internship or placement guarantee. Practical exposure is low. They do not have offline classes. Module-specific trainers are very few.

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

5. Indian School of Business

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is a leading business institution in India, noted for its rigorous academic programs and impressive global standing. At present, ISB is ranked #1 B-School in India by the FT Global MBA Ranking 2024 and ranked #6 in the LinkedIn Top MBA 2024, highlighting its excellence in job placement, career progression, and networking opportunities for its alumni.

ISB has earned the esteemed “triple crown” of accreditations from AMBA (Association of MBAs), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

These accreditations demonstrate ISB’s dedication to upholding high educational standards and its ongoing commitment to providing exceptional business education. By fostering a vibrant learning atmosphere, ISB prepares its students with the essential skills required to thrive in their careers and make significant contributions to the business sector.

Course offered by ISB in Digital Marketing;

Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing (Level – Advanced Certification)

Course fee: INR 225,000

Duration: 6 Months

Advantages: Obtain a certificate from a leading B-School in India. Robust Alumni Network. One capstone project and multiple case studies/assignments included. ISB Alumni Status.

Drawback: No Placement, No Internship, and No Practicals. 95% Pre-recorded videos. Only 6 master classes and 5 Live webinars during the entire program. ISB faculty will not be a part of weekly live sessions or any other live interaction in this programme.

Note*** This course can be useful for people who are from the digital marketing industry to gain and showcase a digital marketing certificate from the top B-School in India. 

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

6. IIM, Visakhapatnam

The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM Visakhapatnam or IIMV) is an institution that is rapidly evolving under the esteemed IIM brand. Established in 2015, IIM Visakhapatnam provides a range of programs, including postgraduate, executive, and doctoral courses, aimed at fostering leadership and management abilities. According to the 2023 NIRF rankings, IIM Visakhapatnam is ranked 29th in the Management category, highlighting its dedication to excellence among the newer IIMs. The institute is recognized by AIU and AICTE, holds accreditation from the NBA and SAQS, and is affiliated with AACSB and the Business Graduates Association, which enhances its reputation both nationally and internationally. The programs at IIMV are praised for their combination of challenging academics and practical applications, supported by faculty members possessing industry experience, equipping students for successful careers in management across various sectors.

Course offered by IIMV in Digital Marketing;

Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing and Growth

Course fee: INR 225,000

Duration: 12 Months

Advantages: Obtain a certificate from a leading B-School in India. Robust Alumni Network. IIMV Alumni Status. IIM Faculties conduct sessions. 

Drawback: No Placement, No Internship, and No Practicals. Live and Pre-recorded sessions. Industry experts are lacking during the delivery of the live classes. 

Note*** This course can be useful for people who are from the digital marketing industry to gain and showcase a digital marketing certificate from the top B-School in India. 

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

7. Digital Vidya and Delhi School of Internet Marketing (DSIM)

Both Digital Vidya and DSIM are one of the oldest private digital marketing institutes in India. DSIM is now merged with Digital Vidya. They are one of the pioneers in digital education in India. Digital Vidya is a leading name in this field and has a team of experts as trainers. They have various short and long-duration courses in digital marketing.

Courses offered by Digital Vidya and DSIM

Masters in Digital Marketing Course (by DSIM)
Course Fee: INR 65,000/-

Certified Digital Marketing Master Course (by Digital Vidya)
Course Fee: INR 65,000/-

Advantages: Live online class, Affordable course fee. Placement assistance. One month Internship. 40+ Tools covered. Multiple Assignments and Case Studies. 3 Capstone Projects. 18 Modules with 40+ Sub-Modules. Lifetime Access to revised modules.

Drawback: The certificate will not have global recognition since both institutes (Digital Vidya & DSIM) are not affiliated with any University. There is no placement guarantee. 

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

8. IIDE

The Indian Institute of Digital Education (IIDE), located in Mumbai, is among the top institutions in India for digital marketing and associated skills, established in 2016. IIDE provides a variety of courses that encompass numerous aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, social media, content strategy, Generative AI, and web analytics. It is recognized for its hybrid learning model, which integrates live online and offline classes, in-person sessions, and recorded lectures, tailored to accommodate learners at all levels, from novices to experienced professionals. IIDE places a strong emphasis on a practical, hands-on learning experience, led by industry experts and professionals from leading companies, allowing students to acquire real-world insights through live projects, case studies, and engaging workshops. Furthermore, IIDE’s connections within the industry offer job placement support for recent graduates, making it a favoured option for individuals looking to build foundational skills and advance their careers in digital marketing.

Courses offered by IIDE

Their major digital marketing courses are;

1. Professional Certification in Digital Marketing and Strategy

Course Fee: INR 150,000/-

2. Postgraduate Program in Digital Marketing & Strategy

(Non-University Affiliated)

Course Fee: INR 450,000/-

Advantages: Live online classes blended with pre-recording sessions for a few modules. Both Campus Immersion and Offline Classes are available. Placement assistance. The internship is available. 20+ Tools covered (digital marketing and AI). Multiple Assignments and Case Studies. 4 Live Projects and 1 Capstone Project. 6 Modules with 30+ Sub-Modules. Learn from Industry Experts.

Drawback: Not affiliated to any University. So the certificate will not be globally recognized. All the courses are high-priced. The advanced certificate course fee itself starts @ INR 150,000/- and there is NO placement guarantee.

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

9. IIMSkills

IIMSkills provides a thorough digital marketing course that is highly regarded for its hands-on focus and adaptability. The program includes 180 hours of training, which features 60 hours of live online sessions and 120 hours dedicated to assignments and projects. It encompasses over 40 modules, covering topics such as SEO, social media marketing, web development, content creation, affiliate marketing, and marketing automation. Furthermore, participants have access to materials like video lectures, lifetime availability of course content, and preparation for key industry certifications such as Google and Facebook Blueprint credentials. The advantages of IIMSkills’ digital marketing course include its practical, tool-centric approach and a strong focus on experiential learning, making it suitable for individuals looking to apply concepts immediately in real-life situations. It also offers flexibility through online availability, making it appealing for professionals or individuals with busy schedules. On the other hand, for those seeking robust university affiliations, the course might fall short in terms of traditional accreditation, which could be a disadvantage for some students who value formal recognition from universities.

Courses offered by IIMSkills

Their major courses are;

Digital Marketing Master Certification
Course Fee: INR 88,500/-

Digital Marketing Leadership Program
Course Fee: INR 177,000/-

Advantages: Live online class. Campus Immersion is available. 100% Placement assistance. 2 month Paid Internship. 50+ Tools covered. Multiple Assignments and Case Studies. 500+ Hiring partners. 3 Capstone Projects. 40 Modules in their Leadership Program. 

Drawback: The certificate will not have global recognition since IIMSkills and its courses are not affiliated/partnered with any leading University. There is no placement guarantee. Getting exposure to mentorship from current industry leaders is slightly low compared to the lists at the top. Rest all looks great.

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;

10. NIIT

NIIT’s Full Stack Digital Marketing with Generative AI program offers an extensive curriculum that combines basic digital marketing strategies with advanced topics, especially those related to generative AI, equipping students with contemporary, technology-driven marketing skills. The program spans social media, programmatic advertising, Google Analytics, and its practical applications, is enriched by industry mentorship and projects, and provides certification along with placement assistance, which can be particularly beneficial for job seekers.

However, its certification is valuable, it may not have the same global recognition as those from university-associated programs, potentially affecting job opportunities internationally. In summary, NIIT’s program excels in its technology-oriented approach and practical support, making it ideal for individuals aiming to enter the digital marketing sector with an emphasis on innovation and industry relevance.

Course offered by NIIT in Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing with GenAI Advanced Program

Course fee: INR 76,700/-

Duration: 6 Months

Advantages: Online flexibility and AI-Integrated curriculum. Live Online Classes are available. One capstone project is available.

Drawback: Not affiliated to any University. There is no paid internship or placement guarantee. No access to Paid Pro Tools. Assignments, Live Projects, and Case studies are not mentioned on the course page. Industry-experienced faculties are missing on the course page. 

We have added their course comparison chart below for your reference;