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Database Administrator (DBA) Roadmap

Master database administration — from design to performance tuning. Every company with data needs DBAs. It's a stable, well-paying career in Indian IT with strong demand.

5-7 months4-8 LPA → 22-45 LPA expected7 steps • 25 free resources
1

SQL Mastery

3-4 weeks

DBAs must know SQL inside out. Master complex queries, window functions, CTEs, query optimization, and execution plans.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Write complex SQL with joins, subqueries, and CTEs
  • Use window functions for analytical queries
  • Read and optimize query execution plans
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Mini-project

Solve 50 advanced SQL problems. Optimize 10 slow queries by 10x using execution plan analysis.

2

Database Design

2-3 weeks

Design databases that perform at scale. Learn normalization, ER modeling, indexing strategies, and schema design patterns.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Design normalized database schemas
  • Create ER diagrams and translate to tables
  • Choose appropriate indexing strategies
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Mini-project

Design a database for a hospital management system: ER diagram, normalized schema, indexes, and sample queries.

3

MySQL/PostgreSQL Administration

3-4 weeks

Master your primary database: installation, configuration, user management, backup/recovery, and performance tuning.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Install and configure MySQL/PostgreSQL
  • Manage users, roles, and permissions
  • Set up backup and recovery procedures
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Mini-project

Set up a production-like database environment: replication, automated backups, user management, and monitoring.

4

Performance Tuning

3-4 weeks

Slow databases cost businesses crores. Learn query optimization, index tuning, buffer pool configuration, and performance diagnostics.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Identify and fix slow queries
  • Tune database server configuration
  • Monitor and diagnose performance issues
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Mini-project

Take a deliberately slow database and optimize it: fix 20 slow queries, tune configurations, measure improvement.

5

High Availability & Replication

2-3 weeks

Production databases can't go down. Learn replication, clustering, failover, and disaster recovery strategies.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Set up master-slave replication
  • Configure automatic failover
  • Design disaster recovery procedures
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Mini-project

Build an HA database setup: primary-replica replication, automatic failover, and test a disaster recovery scenario.

6

NoSQL & Modern Databases

2-3 weeks

Not everything fits in tables. Learn MongoDB, Redis, and when to use NoSQL vs SQL. Modern DBAs need both.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Use MongoDB for document storage
  • Implement Redis for caching and sessions
  • Choose the right database for each use case
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Mini-project

Build a polyglot persistence architecture: PostgreSQL for transactions, MongoDB for content, Redis for caching.

7

Oracle/DBA Certification

3-4 weeks

Oracle DBA certification is highly valued in Indian enterprises. Many MNCs and banks run Oracle.

By the end, you'll be able to

  • Understand Oracle database architecture
  • Pass OCA/OCP practice exams
  • Manage Oracle databases in enterprise settings
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Mini-project

Complete Oracle DBA exercises. Take 5 certification practice exams. Score 80%+ consistently.

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Pick the path that fits you

Not sure if this is the right roadmap? Browse all our career paths and find the one that matches your goals.