Essential Resources to Learn Algo Trading: Courses & Tutorials

The field of algo trading is rapidly evolving every day and it has become necessary to master it to remain competitive in the Indian stock market ecosystem. Whether you are a beginner who is eager to grasp the basics or a professional planning to gain an edge over others, there’s always scope to learn something new. In this article, let’s look at how online courses and informative tutorials can guide you through every level to master algo trading. 

Beginner Level Courses & Tutorials

If you are a beginner and want to learn the basics of algo trading, these are some sources which will help you build a strong foundation:

1. Udemy 

Udemy offers a wide range of algo trading courses targeting beginner traders. You can gain lifetime access to resources to learn at your own pace. 

The courses on Udemy will teach you how to create trading bots for exchanging stocks and build Python-based trading algorithms. You can join hundreds of algo trading courses (most of them are paid ones) and learn from experienced professionals. Some of the popular courses are:

• Algorithmic Trading A-Z: This will teach you the basics of algo trading, how to build your own truly data-driven trading bot, and how to create, test, implement & automate unique algo trading strategies. 

• Algorithmic Trading Options for the Indian Stock Market: This course is specially designed for options algo trading in Indian markets. It focuses on teaching and implementing algo trading strategies using Zerodha and Angel One APIs. It also emphasises risk management and the practical application of options trading tools. 

• Algorithmic Trading and Quantitative Analysis: This is a beginner-friendly course where you will learn about building fully automated trading systems and implementing quantitative trading strategies using Python.

2. Algorithmic Trading YouTube Playlist by Dhan

This is a complete guide/playlist by the YouTube channel of Dhan, an online stock trading and investing platform. It is a completely Hindi-based tutorial that will provide insights on algo trading. The information provided ranges from the introduction of algo trading and basics of Application Programming Interface (API) to algo trading strategies with live market charts.

[An API is a set of protocols and tools that enable the software to interact with and place orders on different trading platforms, exchanges, or brokers.]

Check out the playlist: What is Algorithmic Trading? Basics of APIs Explained in Hindi - Beginners Guide | Dhan

3. Algorithmic Trading Module by NSE

This course aims to provide students with NSE Academy Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM). This is a self-learning course, and you will be given a solid syllabus on algo trading, order types, trading strategies and architecture, and audit & compliance processes. 

This is a paid course worth ₹7,670. At the end, students have to take an examination of 100 questions and 60 minutes will be provided. The passing percentage of this exam is 60%. The certificate obtained after passing this exam will be valid for 3 years. 

To learn more about the course, check NSE’s official website.

4. Algo Trading for Beginners by Pushkar Raj

This a collaboration between stock market educator Pushkar Raj Thakur and Sharique Samsudheen, the CEO & co-founder of marketfeed. This video explains everything about algo trading, clarifying misconceptions and explaining its basics. It covers strategy creation, backtesting, and automation. Sharique shares a specific intraday option selling strategy for Bank Nifty, detailing its rules, backtested performance, and considerations for traders. The emphasis is on understanding the process and developing strategies on your own, rather than relying on others.

Don’t forget to watch the video: Algo Trading Strategy for Beginners | How to Make Money in the Share Market?

5. PGPAT by the Indian Institute of Quantitative Finance

The Post Graduate Program in Algorithmic Trading (PGPAT) is an online program offered by the Indian Institute of Quantitative Finance (IIQF), Mumbai. The course is taught by highly qualified and experienced market practitioners to produce industry-ready algo-trader professionals at the Master's level. 

Any fresh graduates, management students, finance professionals, prop traders, or any retail trader can join this course. After completing this course, students can join the trading desks of various financial institutions, either in India or at global locations. They can set up their independent prop desks for algos. 

To get more information about the course, check IIFQ’s official website.

Advanced Level Courses & Tutorials

If you are a trader with intermediate algo trading knowledge looking to advance your skills, here are valuable resources to help you master the art of algo trading:

1. Coursera

Coursera’s a great platform to learn algo trading concepts from industry experts. You can enroll for courses designed by faculties of top universities or global institutions. These courses cover a wide range of topics— from quantitative trading strategies to financial modelling and machine learning. You can also gain a foundational understanding of the various tools used in the field. If you are looking for a platform for a structured path to learn algorithmic trading with proper certifications, then Coursera might be the best option for you. 

Some of the best algo trading courses are paid and some are free to pursue. A few of the best-rated and reviewed popular courses are:

• Trading Algorithms: This algo trading course is designed by the Indian School of Business (ISB) and provides information on trading algorithms, advanced trading algorithms, and trading strategies in emerging markets.

• Machine Learning for Trading Specialisation: This course covers financial analysis, machine learning, investment management, and more.

To explore more algo trading courses on Coursera, click here.

2. Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT):

This is a high-ranking, investment-oriented algorithmic trading program offered by QuantInsti (a pioneering institute in quantitative finance and algo trading). The cost of this program is around ₹3 lakhs - purely for professionals! It focuses on quantitative techniques, machine learning, and strategy development. EPAT provides students with the skills necessary for developing and managing advanced algo trading systems.

To know more about this course, check out their website.

3. Machine Learning and Quant Strategies with Python by freeCodeCamp.org

With more than 6 lakh views, this video discusses algorithmic trading strategies using machine learning and quantitative methods in Python, focusing on factors and portfolio optimisation. You will learn about the best trading algorithms and strategies to enhance your financial toolkit. You'll explore the Unsupervised Learning Trading Strategy, utilising S&P 500 stock data to master features, indicators, and portfolio optimisation. This is the best for beginners looking for a tutorial in English.

Take a look at the video: Algorithmic Trading – Machine Learning & Quant Strategies Course with Python

Conclusion 

Algo trading helps you in various aspects of trading. You can learn it for free, whether you're just starting or already know a lot. Websites like Coursera and Udemy have classes you can take. Institutions like IIQF and NIFM help you learn and try it out yourself. You can also watch videos on YouTube to learn how algo trading works and pick up useful tips.

To keep up with the changing world of finance, it's important to keep learning new skills. This is your chance to learn about algo trading and come up with new ideas. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow!