Honest comparison · Updated May 2026
CDA Academy is a well-established agency-backed institute in Calicut and Kochi with a strong certification bundle. Unlearn Academy serves South Kerala from Trivandrum and Kadakkal with a six-track curriculum and published placement outcomes.
Disclosure: This page is written by Unlearn Academy. We have tried to be accurate and fair.
Choose Unlearn Academy if…
Consider CDA Academy if…
| Factor | Unlearn Academy | CDA Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Specialisation | 6 tracks — DM, Design, UI/UX, Web Dev, Video, Ad Design | Agency-based digital marketing |
| Physical campus | Trivandrum (Kazhakootam) + Kadakkal | Calicut (Kozhikode) + Kochi (Kakkanad) |
| Course format | In-person, hybrid, online | Offline + live online; weekend batches available |
| Programme length | L1 ~3 months; L1–L4 progression pathway | 4-month advanced programme |
| Entry fee | ₹36,000 + GST offline / ₹25,000 + GST online (L1) | Not published; EMI options available |
| Certifications | Google, Meta, HubSpot, Semrush | CDA cert + Govt cert + Google + other industry certs |
| Real client work | Yes — live campaigns from Level 2 onwards | Live project environment via agency |
| Hiring partners | Kerala agencies, in-house brands, GCC companies | 300+ hiring partners across Kerala, India, abroad |
| AI tools | Yes — integrated from L1 across all tracks | Included in curriculum |
| Kerala placement data | Documented — names, roles, salary (₹4–12 LPA) | 100% placement assistance; individual data not published |
| GCC remote outcomes | Documented — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain | Placements abroad mentioned, specifics not listed |
| Best for | South Kerala, multi-track career paths, documented outcomes | North Kerala (Calicut/Kochi), 4-month agency programme |
CDA Academy has built a strong reputation in North Kerala — Calicut and Kochi — with government certification and a wide hiring partner network of 300+ companies. For students in those geographies, it is a well-regarded option with proven local connections.
Unlearn Academy is rooted in South Kerala and serves students from Trivandrum, Kadakkal, Kollam, and nearby districts. Beyond the geographic difference, Unlearn offers six tracks — so a student can grow from DM into graphic design, performance media, UI/UX, or video production in a single connected programme. And individual placement outcomes are published openly for every prospective student to verify.
What is the difference between Unlearn Academy and CDA Academy?
CDA Academy is an agency-based digital marketing institute in Calicut and Kochi offering a 4-month advanced programme with government certification, Google certifications, and 300+ hiring partners. Unlearn Academy is a dedicated digital marketing and creative skills institute in Trivandrum and Kadakkal with a four-level progression system, six specialised tracks, and published individual placement outcomes. Both are strong choices — CDA is excellent for North Kerala students; Unlearn serves South Kerala students with a broader multi-track curriculum.
Does CDA Academy have better certifications than Unlearn Academy?
CDA Academy includes government certification, Google certifications, and their own CDA Academy certification — a strong certification bundle. Unlearn Academy integrates Google, Meta, HubSpot, and Semrush certifications within the curriculum. For Kerala employers, both offer credible certification packages. The practical portfolio and placement outcomes are what most hiring managers weigh more heavily than the number of certificates.
Which has better placement — CDA Academy or Unlearn Academy?
CDA Academy claims 300+ hiring partners and 100% placement assistance, with learners finding jobs across Kerala, India, and abroad. Unlearn Academy publishes individual placement outcomes by name, company, role, and salary (₹4–12 LPA), including documented GCC placements in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. The difference is in how placement data is presented — Unlearn makes specific individual outcomes public at unlearnacademy.in/placement.
Can I do weekend batches at CDA Academy or Unlearn Academy?
CDA Academy offers weekend batches at both their Calicut and Kochi centres, which is helpful for working professionals. Unlearn Academy also offers flexible batch timings including evening and weekend options at both Trivandrum and Kadakkal campuses. Contact either institute directly to check the next available batch schedule.
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