What you will learn

• Power BI dashboards
• DAX
• Data modeling
• Visualization

Course content (62 lessons)

1. 1.1 What is Business Intelligence (BI)? — What is Business Intelligence (BI)? Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the technologies, strategies, and practices used for collecting, integrating, analyzing, and presenting…
2. 1.2 Overview of Power BI & Its Importance — Overview of Power BI Power BI is a business analytics tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to connect to data sources, transform and model data, and create interactive…
3. 1.3 Components of Power BI — Components of Power BI Power BI is not a single tool — it is an ecosystem of interconnected components that work together to deliver end-to-end BI solutions. 1. Power BI Desktop •…
4. 1.4 Installing and Setting Up Power BI — Installing Power BI Desktop Power BI Desktop is the primary tool for creating reports. It is available for Windows only . System Requirements Requirement Minimum --- --- Operating…
5. 1.5 Understanding Power BI Architecture — Power BI Architecture Power BI architecture defines how data flows from its source to the final report that users interact with. Understanding this flow is essential for designing…
6. 1.6 Power BI vs Tableau vs Excel — Power BI vs Tableau vs Excel Choosing the right tool depends on your needs, budget, and technical expertise. Here's a comprehensive comparison. Feature Comparison Feature Power BI…
7. 1.7 Importing Data from Various Sources — Importing Data in Power BI One of Power BI's greatest strengths is its ability to connect to a wide variety of data sources. You can pull data from files, databases, cloud…
8. 1.8 DirectQuery vs Import vs Live Connection — Data Connectivity Modes in Power BI Power BI offers three ways to connect to data. Choosing the right mode impacts performance, data freshness, and file size. 1. Import Mode…
9. 1.9 Setting Up Scheduled Data Refresh — Scheduled Data Refresh in Power BI When using Import mode, data is a snapshot taken at the time of import. To keep reports up-to-date, you can configure scheduled refresh in the…
10. 1.10 Handling Data Source Permissions — Data Source Permissions in Power BI Managing data source permissions is critical for security, governance, and ensuring smooth data refresh in Power BI. Why Permissions Matter •…
11. 2.1 Introduction to Power Query Editor — Introduction to Power Query Editor Power Query Editor is the data transformation engine inside Power BI Desktop. It allows you to clean, reshape, and prepare your data before it…
12. 2.2 Data Cleaning Techniques — Data Cleaning Techniques in Power Query Data cleaning (or data cleansing) is the process of fixing or removing incorrect, incomplete, duplicate, or improperly formatted data.…
13. 2.3 Data Shaping and Filtering — Data Shaping and Filtering Data shaping involves restructuring your data so it's in the right format for analysis. Filtering helps you focus on relevant data by excluding…
14. 2.4 Adding Conditional Columns — Adding Conditional Columns Conditional columns allow you to create new columns based on logical conditions — similar to IF statements in Excel. What is a Conditional Column? A…
15. 2.5 Merging and Appending Queries — Merging and Appending Queries Combining data from multiple tables is one of the most powerful features of Power Query. There are two main operations: Merge (join horizontally) and…
16. 2.6 Understanding Query Dependencies — Understanding Query Dependencies Query dependencies show how your queries (tables) relate to and depend on each other within Power Query. Understanding dependencies helps you…
17. 2.7 What is a Data Model? — What is a Data Model? A data model is the foundation of every Power BI report. It defines how your data is structured, organized, and related — enabling efficient analysis and…
18. 2.8 Star Schema vs Snowflake Schema — Star Schema vs Snowflake Schema Schema design determines how fact and dimension tables are organized. The two most common schemas in BI are Star Schema and Snowflake Schema . Star…
19. 2.9 Relationships, Cardinality & Cross-Filtering — Creating Relationships Between Tables Relationships define how tables connect to each other in the data model. They are essential for cross-table analysis and accurate…
20. 2.10 Hierarchies & Grouping — Hierarchies & Grouping Hierarchies and grouping help organize data into logical levels, enabling drill-down analysis in reports. What is a Hierarchy? A hierarchy is a multi-level…
21. 2.11 Calculated Columns vs Measures & Composite Models — Calculated Columns vs Measures Both are created using DAX, but they serve very different purposes and behave differently. Calculated Columns • Created using DAX formulas in the…
22. 3.1 What is DAX? Why is it Important? — What is DAX? DAX stands for Data Analysis Expressions . It is a formula language used in Power BI, Excel Power Pivot, and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) for creating custom…
23. 3.2 Basic DAX Functions: SUM, COUNT, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX — Basic DAX Aggregation Functions These are the most commonly used DAX functions for summarizing data. They form the foundation of most Power BI measures. SUM() Returns the sum of…
24. 3.3 Logical Functions: IF, SWITCH, AND, OR — DAX Logical Functions Logical functions evaluate conditions and return results based on whether conditions are true or false. They are essential for implementing business logic in…
25. 3.4 Text Functions: CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID — DAX Text Functions Text functions allow you to manipulate, extract, and combine text (string) values in your data model. CONCATENATE() Joins two text strings into one. Syntax:…
26. 3.5 Date & Time Functions — DAX Date & Time Functions Date and time functions are crucial for time-based analysis — one of the most common requirements in business intelligence. Basic Date Functions TODAY()…
27. 3.6 Filter Functions: FILTER, ALL, RELATED — DAX Filter Functions Filter functions control which data is evaluated during calculations. They are fundamental to writing powerful and flexible DAX measures. FILTER() Returns a…
28. 3.7 Row Context vs Filter Context — Row Context vs Filter Context Understanding evaluation context is the most important concept in DAX. It determines how DAX formulas are evaluated and what data they operate on.…
29. 3.8 CALCULATE() – The Most Powerful DAX Function — CALCULATE() — The Most Powerful DAX Function CALCULATE is the single most important function in DAX. It allows you to modify the filter context in which a measure is evaluated.…
30. 3.9 Advanced Time Intelligence Functions — Advanced Time Intelligence Functions Time intelligence functions allow you to compare data across time periods — a core requirement in business reporting. Pre-requisites for Time…
31. 3.10 Ranking, Variables & DAX Optimization — Ranking Functions Ranking functions assign ranks to rows based on specified criteria. Essential for Top N analysis and leaderboards. RANKX() Assigns a rank to each row in a table…
32. 4.1 Understanding Power BI Visuals — Understanding Power BI Visuals Power BI offers a rich set of built-in visualizations to represent data in meaningful and interactive ways. Choosing the right visual is key to…
33. 4.2 Formatting & Customizing Visuals — Formatting & Customizing Visuals Formatting transforms basic charts into polished, professional-looking reports. Power BI provides extensive formatting options for every visual.…
34. 4.3 Drill-Down & Drill-Through Reports — Drill-Down & Drill-Through Reports Drill-down and drill-through are two powerful navigation features that allow users to explore data at different levels of detail. Drill-Down…
35. 4.4 Tooltips & Annotations — Tooltips & Annotations Tooltips and annotations help users understand data without cluttering the report with too many labels or visuals. Default Tooltips • When you hover over a…
36. 4.5 Creating Hierarchical Reports — Creating Hierarchical Reports Hierarchical reports allow users to navigate through multiple levels of data — from a broad overview to granular detail — within a single report.…
37. 4.6 Types of Filters in Power BI — Types of Filters in Power BI Filters are fundamental to Power BI — they control which data is displayed in visuals, pages, and entire reports. Understanding filter types and their…
38. 4.7 Using Slicers & Syncing Across Pages — Using Slicers in Power BI Slicers are visual filters placed directly on the report canvas. They provide an intuitive, user-friendly way to filter data interactively. What is a…
39. 4.8 Creating Dynamic Titles Using DAX — Creating Dynamic Titles Using DAX Dynamic titles change automatically based on user interactions (slicers, filters). They provide context about what data is currently being…
40. 4.9 Drillthrough & Bookmark Navigation — Drillthrough & Bookmark Navigation Drillthrough and bookmarks are powerful features for creating interactive, app-like navigation experiences in Power BI reports. Drillthrough…
41. 5.1 What is Power BI Service? Publishing & Workspaces — What is Power BI Service? Power BI Service (also called Power BI Online or Power BI Cloud) is the web-based platform where you publish, share, and collaborate on Power BI reports…
42. 5.2 Sharing Reports Securely — Sharing Reports Securely Power BI provides multiple ways to share reports, each suited for different audiences and security requirements. Sharing Methods Overview Method Audience…
43. 5.3 Row-Level Security (RLS) in Power BI Service — Row-Level Security (RLS) in Power BI Service Row-Level Security (RLS) restricts data access at the row level — different users see different rows of data based on their identity…
44. 5.4 Exporting Reports & Data Alerts — Exporting Reports Power BI allows you to export reports and data in multiple formats for offline use, presentations, and further analysis. Export Formats Format Best For How to…
45. 5.5 Setting Up Scheduled Data Refresh — Setting Up Scheduled Data Refresh Scheduled refresh ensures your published reports always show the latest data without manual intervention. Why Scheduled Refresh? • Reports…
46. 5.6 What is Row-Level Security (RLS)? — What is Row-Level Security (RLS)? Row-Level Security (RLS) is a Power BI feature that restricts which rows of data a user can see, based on their identity or assigned role. It…
47. 5.7 Implementing Static & Dynamic RLS — Implementing Static & Dynamic RLS This lesson walks through the step-by-step process of implementing both static and dynamic Row-Level Security. Implementing Static RLS Scenario:…
48. 5.8 Testing RLS in Power BI Service — Testing RLS in Power BI Service Thorough testing is critical to ensure RLS works correctly. Incorrect configuration can lead to data leaks or users seeing no data at all. Testing…
49. 5.9 Object-Level Security (OLS) vs RLS — Object-Level Security (OLS) vs Row-Level Security (RLS) While RLS controls which rows users can see, Object-Level Security (OLS) controls which tables and columns are visible.…
50. 6.1 Power BI with Excel — Power BI with Excel Excel and Power BI are deeply integrated in the Microsoft ecosystem. Understanding how they work together enables powerful hybrid analytics workflows. Ways to…
51. 6.2 Power BI & Azure Data Services — Power BI & Azure Data Services Power BI integrates seamlessly with Azure's cloud data ecosystem, enabling enterprise-scale analytics. Key Azure Services for Power BI Azure Service…
52. 6.3 Power Automate for Workflow Automation — Power Automate for Workflow Automation Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) allows you to automate workflows triggered by Power BI events, such as data alerts, refresh…
53. 6.4 Connecting Power BI with Python & R — Connecting Power BI with Python & R Power BI supports Python and R for advanced data transformation, statistical analysis, and custom visualizations. Python in Power BI Python for…
54. 6.5 Deployment Pipelines — Deployment Pipelines Deployment pipelines provide a structured process for developing, testing, and deploying Power BI content across environments — similar to DevOps practices in…
55. 6.6 Version Control & Collaboration — Version Control & Collaboration Version control tracks changes to Power BI content over time, enabling collaboration, rollback, and audit trails. Power BI Git Integration Power BI…
56. 6.7 Power BI Licensing & Pricing — Power BI Licensing & Pricing Understanding Power BI licensing is crucial for organizations to choose the right plan and manage costs effectively. License Tiers License Price…
57. 6.8 Enterprise Governance & Compliance — Enterprise Governance & Compliance Governance ensures that Power BI usage across the organization is secure, compliant, and well-managed. It's critical for large-scale…
58. 6.9 Project: Sales Dashboard — Project: Sales Dashboard Build a comprehensive sales dashboard that provides actionable insights for sales leadership. Project Overview Aspect Details --- --- Objective Monitor…
59. 6.10 Project: HR Analytics Dashboard — Project: HR Analytics Dashboard Build an HR analytics dashboard to monitor workforce metrics, attrition, and employee satisfaction. Project Overview Aspect Details --- ---…
60. 6.11 Project: Financial KPI Dashboard — Project: Financial KPI Dashboard Build a financial dashboard for tracking revenue, expenses, profit margins, and budget variance. Project Overview Aspect Details --- --- Objective…
61. 6.12 Project: Inventory Management Report — Project: Inventory Management Report Build an inventory management report to track stock levels, optimize reorder points, and minimize stockouts. Project Overview Aspect Details…
62. 6.13 End-to-End Business Case Study — End-to-End Business Case Study This case study brings together all Power BI concepts covered in the course — from data connection to deployment — in a realistic business scenario.…

1.1 What is Business Intelligence (BI)?

What is Business Intelligence (BI)?

Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the technologies, strategies, and practices used for collecting, integrating, analyzing, and presenting business data. The goal of BI is to support better decision-making.

Why is BI Important?

• Converts raw data into meaningful insights • Helps organizations make data-driven decisions • Identifies trends, patterns, and anomalies • Improves operational efficiency and profitability

Key Components of BI

BI in the Real World

Examples of BI Usage: • Retail: Analyzing sales trends and customer behavior • Healthcare: Tracking patient outcomes and hospital performance • Finance: Risk assessment and fraud detection • Education: Student performance analysis and enrollment trends

Traditional BI vs Modern BI

1.2 Overview of Power BI & Its Importance

Overview of Power BI

Power BI is a business analytics tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to connect to data sources, transform and model data, and create interactive visualizations and reports.

Key Features of Power BI

• Data Connectivity: Connect to hundreds of data sources (Excel, SQL, cloud services, APIs) • Data Transformation: Clean and shape data using Power Query Editor • Data Modeling: Create relationships and calculated measures with DAX • Visualization: Build rich, interactive charts, graphs, and dashboards • Collaboration: Share reports and dashboards across your organization • Natural Language Queries: Ask questions in plain English using Q&A feature

Why Power BI?

Who Uses Power BI?

• Data Analysts — to create reports and dashboards • Business Managers — to monitor KPIs and performance metrics • Data Engineers — to build data pipelines and models • Students — to learn data analytics and visualization • Organizations — across Finance, Healthcare, Retail, IT, and more

Power BI Editions

Frequently asked questions

Is the Power BI course really free?

Yes. The entire Power BI course on Siksha Sarovar is free to read with no account required. You can optionally sign in with Google to save your progress.

Do I get a certificate for Power BI?

Yes — finish the lessons and pass the quiz to earn a free, verifiable certificate you can share on LinkedIn or with recruiters.

Can I run code while learning?

Yes. The built-in online compiler runs C, C++, Python, Java, PHP, JavaScript, C# and SQL directly in your browser — no installation needed.