Which place is best, UpGrad or Great Learning?

TaaniTech

30 Jun, 2025

A student studying online with headphones and laptop, focused on learning from home – online education in India.

In today’s digital age, education is no longer limited to traditional classrooms. You can now learn from top global universities right from the comfort of your home. When it comes to choosing the best platform for online learning, two major names dominate the space: UpGrad and Great Learning.

So, the big question is: UpGrad vs. Great Learning — which one is better? Which one can actually help boost your career?

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

What is UpGrad?

UpGrad is an Indian online higher education and upskilling platform that offers a wide range of courses, certifications, and degree programs in collaboration with top universities and industry partners.

Upgrade, founded in 2015 by Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and Ravijot Chugh, UpGrad aims to bridge the skills gap by providing professionals with industry-relevant education in fields such as technology, business, data science, and management.

Key Highlights of UpGrad:

Industry-ready courses (like Data Science, MBA, Software Dev, etc.)
Collaborations with top Indian and global universities (IIMs, IITs, Deakin University, and more)
1-on-1 mentorship and live classes
Career support, job assistance, and resume building

What is Great Learning?

In today's digital age, where every skill is rapidly evolving, Great Learning is an online learning platform that helps youth and professionals acquire future-ready technical skills. Great Learning was founded in 2013 by Mohan Lakhamraju, Hari Krishnan Nair, and Arjun Nair. It began as a data analytics program but has since expanded to offer various courses in AI/ML, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, and other in-demand skills.

It was launched in India in 2013 to empower individuals who want to advance their careers but are unable to attend college or full-time classes.

To date, millions of learners have built careers in fields like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, and Digital Marketing through this platform.

Great Learning is a popular EdTech platform offering courses in technology and business. Now part of the BYJU’S group, it focuses on practical skills that meet industry standards.

Key of Great Learning:

Strong focus on technology-based skills
Offers many free courses via Great Learning Academy
Career support with job assistance and mentoring
Collaborations with prestigious institutions like Stanford and IIT-Madras

UpGrad vs Great Learning: Comparison

Feature	UpGrad	Great Learning
Year Established	2015	2013
Main Focus Areas	Degree Programs & Career-Focused Courses	Tech Skills & Short-Term Certifications
Free Courses	Limited selection	Many free options via the Academy
University Partners	Indian & Global Universities	Stanford, IIT Madras, and others
Mentorship Style	1-on-1 personalized guidance	Industry expert-led sessions
Career Assistance	Resume help, mock interviews, and job fairs	Resume reviews, placement drives
Learning Mode	Online with live classes	Online (self-paced + live)

UpGrad vs Great: Course Structure & Learning Style

UpGrad offers comprehensive long-term learning programs that include assignments, capstone projects, and, in some cases, university diplomas.
Great Learning offers shorter, modular courses that are suitable for quick learning and upskilling.

Example:

For a working professional seeking to pursue an online MBA, UpGrad is a more suitable option.
For someone who wants to learn Python or Data Analysis quickly, Great Learning Academy can be a great starting point.

UpGrad vs Great: Pricing & Affordability

UpGrad’s programs are generally more expensive because many offer full certifications or degrees. Prices often start at ₹50,000 and go up to ₹5 lakh or more.
Great Learning provides more budget-friendly options, including a variety of free courses. Paid courses typically start from ₹20,000.

💡 Tip: Both platforms offer EMI payment options to make courses more affordable.

Career Support & Placement Assistance

Both platforms aim to support career growth, but their approach differs:

UpGrad provides resume help, mock interviews, career counseling, and job fairs.
Great Learning focuses on resume reviews, job referrals, and recruitment drives, especially in the tech sector.

Both platforms can be useful if you’re aiming for a career shift into a high-growth industry, but UpGrad is often better for structured, long-term transformation.

UpGrad vs Great Learning: User Experience & Support

UpGrad’s mobile app and web interface are professional and offer smooth navigation.
Great Learning offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience that suits first-time learners well.

Best Learning Platforms Based on Learner Type

Learner Type	Recommended Platform
Students or freshers exploring careers	Great Learning
Professionals aiming for career growth	UpGrad
Looking for a tech certification	Great Learning
Wanting a business or data science degree	UpGrad
Need quick learning for a job switch	Great Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are certificates from UpGrad and Great Learning recognized?
Yes, both platforms offer certificates that are respected by many employers and academic institutions.

Q. Are the free courses on Great Learning really helpful?
Yes. They are especially useful for beginners who want to explore subjects before investing in a paid course.

Q. Can I get a job after completing a course from these platforms?
Both platforms provide career support, but landing a job depends on your skills, practice, and preparation.

Q. Are these courses suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Great Learning is more beginner-friendly, while UpGrad is better suited for learners with some background knowledge.

Final Verdict: Which Platform Wins in 2025?

Both UpGrad and Great Learning have unique strengths:

Choose UpGrad if you're serious about earning a degree or making a complete career switch.
Choose Great Learning if you want to explore subjects, learn skills quickly, or get started with minimal investment.