Digital Scholar vs UpGrad: Best Digital Marketing Course in Bangalore?

As the demand for skilled digital marketers continues to rise, the number of people searching for digital marketing courses in Bangalore has grown exponentially. With several institutes offering both online and offline programs, it can be difficult to determine which course is best suited for your goals, budget, and learning style.

Two names that frequently pop up during this search are Digital Scholar and UpGrad. Both are respected in the field of digital marketing education, but they differ in several key areas—including learning format, practical training, fees, placement support, and overall student experience.

If you’re considering enrolling in a digital marketing course in Bangalore, this blog will help you make an informed choice by comparing Digital Scholar vs UpGrad, with a primary focus on what Digital Scholar brings to the table.

Why Digital Marketing Courses in Bangalore Are in Demand

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s understand why Bangalore is a hotbed for digital marketing education:

• It's the startup capital of India

• Home to global companies like Google, Amazon, IBM, and Infosys

• A thriving digital ecosystem with numerous agencies and e-commerce companies

• High demand for digital marketers, SEO experts, content creators, and social media managers

This makes Bangalore the perfect place to pursue a career-oriented course in digital marketing.

Overview: Digital Scholar and UpGrad

1. Curriculum & Learning Style

Digital Scholar

Digital Scholar offers an industry-aligned, agency-style curriculum designed to prepare you for real-world scenarios. It includes 20+ modules such as:

• Social Media Marketing

• SEO & SEM

• Google & Meta Ads

• Email Marketing

• Content Strategy

• Marketing Automation

• Personal Branding

• Affiliate Marketing

• E-commerce Marketing

You’re not just watching videos—you’re creating ad campaigns, managing social handles, running email drips, and building real marketing funnels. Their training style mimics how digital agencies work.

UpGrad

UpGrad’s curriculum is more academic and leaning towards theory. While it does include essential modules and offers university certifications (e.g., MICA), it often lacks deep hands-on practice unless you choose their premium tier programs.

If you prefer structured, academic-style learning, UpGrad may appeal to you. But for hands-on execution? Digital Scholar takes the lead.

2. Learning Format – Flexibility and Personalization

Digital Scholar

Digital Scholar offers both online and offline learning options. Their offline classes in Bangalore are ideal for those who thrive in a classroom setup. With group projects, real-time feedback, and brainstorming sessions, offline students enjoy a true collaborative learning environment.

Online students aren’t left behind either. They get:

• Live weekend classes

• 1-on-1 mentorship

• Assignments and quizzes

• Doubt-clearing sessions

This flexibility makes Digital Scholar ideal for working professionals, students, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

UpGrad

UpGrad only offers online programs, most of which are pre-recorded with periodic live sessions. While they maintain a structured learning environment, there is limited interaction with trainers and no offline experience—a drawback for those looking for real-time engagement.

3. Trainers and Mentors

Digital Scholar

Led by Sorav Jain, one of India’s top digital marketing influencers with over 15 years of experience, Digital Scholar boasts an exceptional mentor lineup. All trainers are active professionals working on real client campaigns.

Bonus: You’ll get access to guest lectures by industry leaders like Neil Patel, Ryan Deiss, and Rishi Jain.

UpGrad

UpGrad has a respected faculty list, but most are from academic backgrounds or associated with their partner universities. There's often a gap between theory and the kind of hands-on mentorship needed in digital marketing.

4. Placement & Career Support

Digital Scholar

Placement is one of Digital Scholar’s strongest points. Their 100% placement support includes:

• Mock interviews

• Resume-building workshops

• LinkedIn profile optimization

• Internship opportunities

• Job portal access

Students have been placed in top companies like Amazon, Cognizant, Freshworks, Accenture, and several digital marketing agencies in Bangalore.

They also offer freelancer guidance and startup mentorship for those who want to build their own brand or agency.

UpGrad

UpGrad offers placement assistance, but it's not as personalized or proactive. Students often have to compete with a large alumni base, and job leads may not align with everyone’s expertise or goals.

5. Certification & Recognition

Digital Scholar

Students receive 20+ globally recognized certifications, including:

• Google Ads

• HubSpot

• Meta Blueprint

• SEMrush

• Digital Scholar’s course certificate

These are highly regarded by employers and help you build a solid portfolio.

UpGrad

UpGrad offers limited certifications—primarily through their partnership with MICA and Meta. These are credible but not as diverse or practical for freelancers and marketers aiming for niche specialization.

6. Student Reviews & Community

Digital Scholar

With a growing community of over 100,000+ students, Digital Scholar’s alumni network is strong. There are numerous success stories from Bangalore students who went from zero to agency owners or six-figure freelancers within months.

They also run an active Telegram community, weekly Q&A sessions, and post-course alumni support.

UpGrad

UpGrad has a wide student base as well, but since the programs are more generalized and longer in duration, the sense of digital marketing community is less focused.

Final Verdict: Digital Scholar or UpGrad?

If you’re serious about hands-on learning, practical projects, and real job support in Bangalore’s digital marketing scene, Digital Scholar is the better choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right digital marketing course can be the stepping stone to a rewarding career. While both Digital Scholar and UpGrad offer good programs, Digital Scholar clearly outshines in real-world application, mentorship, placement support, and learning flexibility, especially if you’re based in Bangalore.

Whether you’re a student, working professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, Digital Scholar’s digital marketing courses in Bangalore give you the competitive edge you need to thrive in the digital space.

 Want to Learn More?

Visit Digital Scholar's Bangalore Campus
Address: Sapna Trade Center, Poonamallee High Road, Bangalore
www.digitalscholar.in
Call: +91-9513632705