Which Course is Best for an Azure Data Engineer in 2026? Why DP-700 is Kolkata’s Top Choice

Introduction

In the era of explosive data growth, the role of an Azure Data Engineer has become critical for organizations worldwide—and India’s emerging tech hubs like Kolkata are no exception. With leading IT parks such as Sector V, New Town, and vibrant companies like ITC Infotech, TCS, and PwC India making significant cloud and data investments, the local demand for skilled Azure Data Engineers is skyrocketing. However, with Microsoft’s recent certification evolution, professionals are asking: which Azure Data Engineer course is the best investment for 2026 and beyond? The answer lies in the newly introduced DP-700 certification, designed to future-proof careers.

The Certification Shift: From DP-203 to DP-700

Microsoft has recently retired the older DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure exam and replaced it with the DP-700: Implementing Data Engineering Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric certification. This shift reflects the evolution in Microsoft’s data engineering platform from multiple fragmented services towards an integrated, cloud-native analytics ecosystem called Microsoft Fabric.

Aspect	DP-203 (Legacy Focus)	DP-700 (Future Focus)
Platform	Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Databricks	Unified Microsoft Fabric environment including OneLake, Fabric notebooks
Skills Emphasis	Building data pipelines, data storage, batch/stream processing	Data ingestion, transformation, analytics using SQL, PySpark, and Kusto Query Language (KQL) within Fabric
Tools and Languages	ADF, Synapse, Databricks, SQL, Python, Scala	Fabric-native features, integrated AI tools, OneLake
Certification Status	Retired March 31, 2025	Active recommended path for 2026+
Career Fit	Broader Azure ecosystem roles	Future-proofed, Fabric-centric roles aligned with evolving data stacks

Why the Change?

• Unified Platform: Microsoft Fabric integrates various Azure services into a SaaS-based single experience, simplifying data engineering workflows.
• Future-Ready Skills: DP-700 focuses on new paradigms like fabric notebooks, lakehouse architecture, and AI-infused data processing, making skills immediately relevant.
• AI and Automation Focus: Integrates Microsoft Copilot and advanced AI features as first-class tools in the data engineering lifecycle.

Why the DP-700 is the Best Course for 2026

Focus on Microsoft Fabric

Microsoft Fabric represents the next generation in Azure’s data analytics suite. Unlike the older fragmented Azure services, Fabric offers an end-to-end enterprise-ready platform, combining data engineering, warehousing, real-time analytics, and governance in a unified SaaS environment. The DP-700 course is built specifically for this ecosystem, giving learners hands-on skills that directly map to real-world modern data projects in 2026.

The Power of OneLake and Lakehouses

OneLake is Fabric’s core unified data lake storage solution supporting the lakehouse paradigm, which harmonizes data lakes and warehouses for agility and scalability. DP-700 training covers how to leverage OneLake for seamless data integration, storage optimization, and governance—a must-know framework for any data engineer aiming to stay ahead.

AI and Copilot Integration

A key highlight of the DP-700 curriculum is the integration of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot within data engineering workflows. These AI-powered assistants help automate repetitive tasks, accelerate data transformation, and enhance insights generation, making DP-700 certified professionals vital assets for AI-driven enterprises.

Comprehensive Skill Coverage

The DP-700 course covers:

• Data engineering with Microsoft Fabric modules
• Advanced transformation and orchestration of data pipelines
• Real-time monitoring and performance tuning of data engineering solutions
• Security, governance, and compliance tailored to enterprise needs

Together, these skills equip candidates to be job-ready for the fast-evolving data roles of 2026.

The Kolkata Advantage: Why Get DP-700 Certified Here?

Kolkata’s Thriving Data Ecosystem

With bustling IT hubs like Sector V, New Town, and Rajarhat, Kolkata is quickly becoming a nucleus for cloud and data platform investments by top IT firms. Companies such as ITC Infotech, TCS, PwC, and Accenture have ramped up hiring for Azure data engineering roles, creating a robust demand for DP-700 certified professionals locally.

Local Expert Instructors

AEM Institute offers access to instructors who are deeply familiar with Microsoft’s global Azure Fabric platform and Kolkata’s unique job market dynamics, corporate culture, and interview expectations. This holistic understanding enhances the learning experience and career readiness of candidates.

Vernacular Language Support

One of AEM Institute’s major strengths is delivering complex Azure and data engineering concepts in Bengali and Hindi, making it easier for many learners in Kolkata and West Bengal to comprehend and master the material, unlike generic pre-recorded courses.

Job Placement & Interview Preparation

AEM’s placement cell maintains strong ties with Kolkata’s leading IT firms and startups. Services include resume building, targeted mock interviews focused on local company requirements, and internship opportunities, significantly boosting students’ chances to secure high-paying IT jobs in Kolkata post-certification.

Who is This Course For?

• Data professionals seeking to deepen Azure data engineering expertise
• IT professionals aiming to pivot to data engineering roles
• Database administrators transitioning to cloud data platforms
• Business Intelligence professionals upgrading to modern analytics
• Fresh graduates with computer science backgrounds
• Career changers targeting cloud and data domains

 

 

 

Course Structure at AEM Institute, Kolkata

• Duration: 8-12 weeks
• Batches: Flexible weekday and weekend timings, hybrid format (online + classroom)
• Curriculum aligns fully with DP-700 exam objectives, covering:
  • Microsoft Fabric fundamentals and architecture
  • OneLake and lakehouse concepts
  • Data ingestion, transformation, orchestration with SQL, PySpark, KQL
  • AI integration including Microsoft Copilot in data workflows
  • Security, governance, monitoring, and optimization
• Emphasis on hands-on labs using real-world scenarios in Kolkata-based cloud labs

FAQs

Is the DP-700 harder than the DP-203?
DP-700 requires learning new tools and concepts focused on Microsoft Fabric. While it may have a steeper learning curve initially, the course’s relevance and future-proof nature make the investment worthwhile.

What is the exam cost for DP-700 in India?
The DP-700 exam cost is approximately ₹6000 in India.

What is the salary of an Azure Data Engineer in Kolkata?
Certified Azure Data Engineers in Kolkata earn competitive salaries ranging from ₹6 LPA for freshers to ₹17+ LPA for experienced candidates, with specialized skills in Fabric commanding premium pay.

Do you provide recorded sessions?
Yes, recorded sessions are available for revision and flexible learning.

What are the prerequisites for the DP-700 course?
Familiarity with SQL and data transformation concepts is recommended, along with basic knowledge of cloud platforms.

Do you offer guaranteed placement?
AEM Institute provides dedicated placement support and strong local industry connections, significantly improving placement chances though no absolute guarantee can be made.

Conclusion

For aspiring data professionals in Kolkata aiming for a future-proof career in 2026, the DP-700 certification focused on Microsoft Fabric is undoubtedly the best choice. It equips learners with cutting-edge skills aligned with industry evolution, backed by strong local demand. Ready to become a certified Azure Data Engineer? Contact AEM Institute—the trusted top data engineer course training institute in Kolkata—for a free counseling session today. Visit us in Rashbehari Avenue or call at 9330925622. Begin your journey towards a high-paying IT job in Kolkata now!