Best certifications for freshers 2026

If you are a fresher and worried about how to stand out in a crowded job market, certifications can be a game-changer. Recruiters often scan resumes for skills and proof of learning, and the right certifications can instantly grab HR’s attention.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend money. There are many free certifications for freshers that look impressive on a resume and increase your chances of getting shortlisted. In this guide, you’ll learn how to add certifications on a resume, where to place them, and the best free certification courses in demand today, stream-wise.

Best Certification Courses for Freshers in Demand Today

Coding & Software Development (Beginner-Friendly)

CS50: Introduction to Computer Science – Harvard University

What is this course?
CS50 is one of the most famous beginner computer science courses in the world, created by Harvard University. It teaches you how computers work and how programming logic is built from scratch.

What will you learn?

  • Basics of programming and problem-solving
  • Languages like C, Python, and SQL
  • How algorithms and data structures work
  • How software thinks and solves problems

Who is this course for?

  • Absolute beginners with no coding background
  • Freshers who want a strong foundation in computer science
  • Aspiring software engineers and developers

How much time does it take?

  • Around 8–10 weeks
  • 6–8 hours per week

Why should you take it?
This course builds your thinking ability, not just coding syntax. Many top developers started their journey with CS50.

👉 Apply Now

Codecademy Free Tracks – Python, JavaScript, SQL

What is this course?
Codecademy offers interactive coding lessons where you learn by actually writing code in your browser.

What will you learn?

  • Python for beginners
  • JavaScript for web development
  • SQL for databases
  • Writing real code step by step

Who is this course for?

  • Beginners who want hands-on practice
  • Students who learn better by doing, not watching
  • Freshers preparing for entry-level coding jobs

How much time does it take?

  • Python basics: 15–20 hours
  • JavaScript basics: 20–25 hours
  • SQL basics: 10–15 hours

Why should you take it?
You don’t just watch videos—you code live, which builds confidence very fast.

👉 Apply Now

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

What is this course?
This is a beginner-level professional certificate by Google, designed for IT support and tech roles.

What will you learn?

  • Computer hardware and software basics
  • Operating systems (Windows, Linux)
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Troubleshooting real IT problems

Who is this course for?

  • Freshers looking for IT or technical support jobs
  • Non-coders who want to enter the tech field
  • Beginners interested in system and network roles

How much time does it take?

  • Around 3–6 months
  • Self-paced learning

Why should you take it?
Google certification adds strong value to your resume and is trusted by recruiters.

👉 Apply Now

Python Fundamentals for Beginners – Great Learning

What is this course?
A beginner-friendly Python course focused on teaching programming basics in a simple way.

What will you learn?

  • Python syntax and basics
  • Variables, loops, and functions
  • Simple logic-building concepts
  • Real-world Python examples

Who is this course for?

  • Absolute beginners
  • Students starting coding for the first time
  • Freshers interested in data science or software roles

How much time does it take?

  • 6–10 hours

Why should you take it?
It’s short, simple, and perfect for starting your coding journey without fear.

👉 Apply Now

AICTE Free Coding Courses (Government of India)

What is this course?
AICTE offers free government-backed coding courses for students and freshers.

What will you learn?

  • Python for beginners
  • Git and version control
  • Basic software development concepts
  • Cybersecurity and emerging tech basics

Who is this course for?

  • Indian students and freshers
  • Beginners looking for government-recognized certificates
  • Engineering and non-engineering students

How much time does it take?

  • 2–4 weeks per course

Why should you take it?
These certificates are free, credible, and great for resumes in India.

👉 Apply Now (Link to AICTE free courses portal)

Here is the Link:

CS50: Introduction to Computer Science – Harvard University
👉 Apply Now: https://pll.harvard.edu/course/cs50-introduction-to-computer-science Harvard University

Codecademy Free Tracks – Python, JavaScript, SQL
👉 Apply Now: https://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy

Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Free to audit on Coursera)
👉 Apply Now: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support Coursera

Python Fundamentals for Beginners – Great Learning
👉 Apply Now: https://www.mygreatlearning.com/academy/learn-for-free/courses/python-fundamentals-for-beginners Google Sites

AICTE Free Coding Courses (Government of India)
👉 Apply Now: https://www.freshersgram.in/2025/07/free-online-courses-that-offer.htm

Data Science, AI & Machine Learning

Best for: Data Analyst, AI Engineer, Machine Learning roles

IBM SkillsBuild & IBM Cognitive Class

What is this course?
IBM SkillsBuild and Cognitive Class are free learning platforms by IBM that teach data science, AI, Python, and machine learning fundamentals.

What will you learn?

  • Data science basics
  • Python for data analysis
  • Machine learning & AI fundamentals
  • Real-world industry concepts

Who is this course for?

  • Beginners entering data science or AI
  • Freshers looking for trusted brand certificates
  • Students from non-CS backgrounds

How much time does it take?

  • 10–40 hours, depending on the course

Why should you take it?
IBM certificates add strong credibility and are recognized globally.

👉 Apply Now (Link to IBM SkillsBuild / Cognitive Class)

Google Digital Garage – Data & Tech Courses

What is this course?
Google Digital Garage offers free beginner courses in data, analytics, and digital technology.

What will you learn?

  • Data basics
  • Digital & tech fundamentals
  • Problem-solving using data
  • Career-ready tech skills

Who is this course for?

  • Freshers exploring data or tech roles
  • Beginners with zero experience

How much time does it take?

  • 5–15 hours per course

Why should you take it?
Google certification boosts resume value and trust.

👉 Apply Now (Link to Google Digital Garage)

AI for Everyone – deeplearning.ai

What is this course?
A non-technical AI course by Andrew Ng that explains AI concepts in simple language.

What will you learn?

  • What AI really is (and isn’t)
  • How AI is used in real companies
  • AI strategy and future careers

Who is this course for?

  • Absolute beginners
  • Non-technical students
  • Anyone curious about AI

How much time does it take?

  • 6–8 hours

Why should you take it?
Perfect starting point before learning technical AI or ML.

👉 Apply Now (Link to deeplearning.ai course)

Data Science: Machine Learning – edX

What is this course?
A foundational machine learning course available on edX from top universities.

What will you learn?

  • Machine learning concepts
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Predictive models

Who is this course for?

  • Beginners with basic math/programming
  • Freshers targeting ML roles

How much time does it take?

  • 8–12 weeks (self-paced)

Why should you take it?
Gives structured ML knowledge from top institutions.

👉 Apply Now (Link to edX ML course)

👉 See AI & Data Certificates List on Our Website

📊 Data Science, AI & Machine Learning

IBM SkillsBuild & IBM Cognitive Class
👉 Apply Now: https://skillsbuild.org/students/course-catalog/data-science IBM SkillsBuild

Google Digital Garage – Data & Tech Courses
👉 Apply Now: https://skillshop.withgoogle.com/ Skillshop

AI for Everyone – deeplearning.ai (Coursera)
👉 Apply Now: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=ai%20for%20everyone Coursera

Data Science: Machine Learning – edX/Coursera
👉 Apply Now: https://www.edx.org/learn/data-science Coursera

Digital Marketing & Business Skills

Best for: Marketing, SEO, social media, e-commerce roles

Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

What is this course?
Google’s most popular free marketing certification for beginners.

What will you learn?

  • SEO basics
  • Social media marketing
  • Online ads & analytics
  • Digital business growth

Who is this course for?

  • Marketing freshers
  • Students interested in digital careers

How much time does it take?

  • 40 hours

Why should you take it?
Highly trusted certificate accepted by companies worldwide.

👉 Apply Now (Link to Google course)

HubSpot Academy – Content, Email & Inbound Marketing

What is this course?
Industry-recognized marketing certifications by HubSpot.

What will you learn?

  • Content marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Lead generation & inbound strategy

Who is this course for?

  • Aspiring marketers
  • SEO & content creators

How much time does it take?

  • 4–6 hours per course

Why should you take it?
HubSpot certificates are loved by marketing recruiters.

👉 Apply Now (Link to HubSpot Academy)

Meta Blueprint – Social Media Advertising

What is this course?
Meta’s free learning platform for Facebook & Instagram ads.

What will you learn?

  • Running paid ads
  • Audience targeting
  • Social media growth strategies

Who is this course for?

  • Social media marketers
  • E-commerce beginners

How much time does it take?

  • 3–8 hours

👉 Apply Now (Link to Meta Blueprint)

Google Analytics 4 Certification

What is this course?
Teaches website and user analytics using Google Analytics 4.

What will you learn?

  • Website traffic analysis
  • User behavior tracking
  • Marketing performance measurement

Who is this course for?

  • Digital marketers
  • Data-driven roles

How much time does it take?

  • 6–10 hours

👉 Apply Now (Link to GA4 certification)

upGrad Free Marketing Courses

What is this course?
Short, beginner-friendly marketing courses by upGrad.

What will you learn?

  • Digital marketing basics
  • Business & branding fundamentals

Who is this course for?

  • Absolute beginners
  • Business & marketing students

👉 Apply Now (Link to upGrad)

Digital Marketing & Business Skills

Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (Google Digital Garage)
👉 Apply Now: https://skillshop.withgoogle.com/ Skillshop

HubSpot Academy – Content, Email & Inbound Marketing
👉 Apply Now: https://academy.hubspot.com/ Skillshop

Meta Blueprint – Social Media Advertising Courses
👉 Apply Now: https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/blueprint/courses Skillshop

Google Analytics 4 Certification
👉 Apply Now: https://analytics.google.com/analytics/academy/ Skillshop

upGrad Free Marketing Courses
👉 Apply Now: https://www.upgrad.com/

Product Development & Product Management

Best for: Product, project & UI/UX roles

Alison – Project Management

What is this course?
Free project management certification for beginners.

What will you learn?

  • Planning & execution
  • Team coordination
  • Project lifecycle basics

Who is this course for?

  • Freshers
  • Non-technical roles

👉 Apply Now (Link to Alison)

Free Udemy Product Courses (Coupons)

What is this course?
Practical product & UI/UX courses available for free via coupons.

What will you learn?

  • Product thinking
  • UI/UX basics
  • Real-world tools

👉 Apply Now (Link to Udemy)

LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial)

What is this course?
Professional courses during LinkedIn’s free trial period.

What will you learn?

  • Product management
  • Agile & Scrum
  • Business skills

👉 Apply Now (Link to LinkedIn Learning)

Product Development & Product Management

Alison – Fundamentals of Project Management (Free Certificate)
👉 Apply Now: https://alison.com/ Skillshop

Free Udemy Product Courses (via Coupons)
👉 Apply Now: https://www.udemy.com/courses/free/ Skillshop

LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial Courses)
👉 Apply Now: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

Professional Skills (Communication, Excel, Leadership)

Best for: All freshers

upGrad – Communication & Soft Skills

What will you learn?

  • Communication skills
  • Workplace behavior
  • Interview confidence

Microsoft Learn – Excel & Office Tools

What will you learn?

  • Excel basics to advanced
  • Office productivity skills

upGrad – Communication & Soft Skills Courses
👉 Apply Now: https://www.upgrad.com/ Skillshop

Microsoft Learn – Excel & Office Tools
👉 Apply Now: https://learn.microsoft.com/ Skillshop

LinkedIn Learning – Leadership & Productivity Courses
👉 Apply Now: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

Certifications alone won’t get you a job, but certifications + skills + projects significantly increase your chances. Always add certificates to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio.

Leave a Comment