Top 10 Project Management Tools
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, project management has become an essential skill, not just for business professionals, but also for students aspiring to lead teams, manage complex tasks, and deliver impactful results. Whether you’re handling a university project, a group assignment, or preparing for a management career, understanding the project management process and using the right project management tools can make a world of difference.
The demand for skilled project managers continues to grow globally. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), employers will need nearly 90 million professionals in project management-related roles by 2027. As digital transformation accelerates, mastering the tools and project management methodologies that drive successful project delivery is more valuable than ever.
This blog explores what project management is, why it matters, and the top 10 project management tools every student should know in 2025.
What is project management?
Project management is the art and science of planning, organising, and executing a project from start to finish. It involves coordinating people, time, and resources to achieve specific goals efficiently. In simple terms, it’s how great ideas become successful outcomes.
Project Management Process Overview
The project management process generally includes five core phases:
- Initiation – defining objectives and identifying stakeholders.
- Planning – creating detailed schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
- Execution – carrying out project tasks and managing teams.
- Monitoring and Controlling – tracking performance and resolving issues.
- Closure – completing deliverables and evaluating success.
Understanding this process equips students with a structured mindset and practical problem-solving skills that are essential in today’s professional world.
What Is the scope of Project Management?
The scope of project management spans nearly every industry, including IT, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and education. It ensures that projects are executed efficiently and meet strategic objectives.
Students studying project management at institutions like GISMA Business School gain hands-on experience with leading project management tools, learn to manage complex projects, and develop vital communication and leadership abilities.
If you want to expand your managerial expertise, GISMA also offers the MSc Supply Chain Management, which complements project management knowledge with strategic insights into logistics and global operations.
What Is the Importance of Project Management?
Effective project management ensures that organisations deliver quality outcomes on time and within budget. It aligns teams with goals, mitigates risks, and improves productivity.
For students, learning project management methodologies provides essential life and career skills like time management, teamwork, and strategic thinking. As industries adopt agile and digital frameworks, proficiency with modern project management tools has become indispensable for career advancement.
What are the top 10 project management tools?
Here are the top project management tools transforming how teams collaborate and deliver results in 2025. Each tool supports unique project management methodologies and suits different types of projects and users.
- Asana
Overview: A user-friendly platform ideal for students and small teams managing group projects or start-ups.
Key Features: Task tracking, project timelines, automation, and Google Drive integration.
Ideal For: Team collaboration and academic projects.
Pricing: Free for basic use; premium plans start at €10.50/month (≈ ₹950).
Quick Tip: Use Asana’s “My Tasks” view to organize deadlines effectively.
- Trello
Overview: A visual project management tool that uses Kanban boards for effortless task tracking.
Key Features: Drag-and-drop boards, custom cards, and integrations.
Ideal For: Students managing creative or marketing projects.
Pricing: Free plan available; business class starts at €4.60/month (≈ ₹415).
Quick Tip: Colour-code tasks for better clarity and organization.
- Monday.com
Overview: Monday.com offers a colourful, flexible dashboard to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Key Features: Dashboards, automation, timelines, and collaboration tools.
Ideal For: Research projects and academic planning.
Pricing: Free for individuals; paid plans start at €7.40/month (≈ ₹670).
Quick Tip: Use templates to simplify your project management process.
- Jira
Overview: Originally for software teams, Jira is now widely used across industries for agile project management methodologies.
Key Features: Scrum and Kanban boards, sprint planning, and issue tracking.
Ideal For: IT and software engineering students.
Pricing: Free for small teams; standard plan from €7.60/user/month (≈ ₹690).
Quick Tip: Learning Jira adds value to your CV, especially in tech fields.
- ClickUp
Overview: A comprehensive platform that combines productivity and project management.
Key Features: Gantt charts, goal tracking, and time management.
Ideal For: Students managing multiple academic and personal projects.
Pricing: Free forever plan; paid plan starts at €6.50/user/month (≈ ₹590).
Quick Tip: Use ClickUp Docs to centralise all your project information.
- Notion
Overview: Notion merges note-taking, databases, and project management tools into one flexible workspace.
Key Features: Templates, task boards, and collaborative editing.
Ideal For: Students who prefer customisable dashboards.
Pricing: Free for students; personal pro plan available.
Quick Tip: Use project templates to plan research or thesis tasks efficiently.
- Wrike
Overview: Wrike is a professional-grade project management tool designed for collaboration.
Key Features: Gantt charts, workflow customisation, and automation.
Ideal For: Business students and large project teams.
Pricing: Free for small teams; professional plans start at €9.10/month (≈ ₹820).
Quick Tip: Use Wrike dashboards to visualise the project management process in real time.
- Basecamp
Overview: A simple yet powerful project and communication management platform.
Key Features: To-do lists, file sharing, scheduling, and messaging.
Ideal For: Students collaborating on academic or internship projects.
Pricing: Free for students; business plan €14/month (≈ ₹1,260).
Quick Tip: Set up automated check-ins to maintain team accountability.
- Smartsheet
Overview: A spreadsheet-style project management tool for task automation and reporting.
Key Features: Custom workflows, integration with Teams, and conditional formatting.
Ideal For: Students comfortable with data and Excel-based tracking.
Pricing: Free trial available; plans start at €6.50/user/month (≈ ₹590).
Quick Tip: Use Smartsheet for managing deadlines and project deliverables.
- Microsoft Project
Overview: A classic project management software trusted globally.
Key Features: Gantt charts, scheduling tools, and risk management.
Ideal For: Students aiming for corporate project management roles.
Pricing: Starts at €9.30/user/month (≈ ₹840) via Microsoft 365.
Quick Tip: Learn Microsoft Project fundamentals—it’s a key tool for many global employers.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
For students in India or Hyderabad, many project management tools offer free educational plans or discounts. Basic versions of Asana, Trello, Notion, and ClickUp are ideal for individual use, while premium subscriptions range from ₹400–₹1,000 per month per user.
Advanced tools like Jira, Wrike, and Microsoft Project are priced slightly higher but often provide free trials. Students can save by combining free plans with cloud-based tools like Google Workspace or OneDrive for storage and communication.
Why Study Project Management?
Studying Project Management at GISMA Business School equips students with a deep understanding of project management methodologies, business leadership, and real-world application.
GISMA’s MSc in Project Management program enables you to:
- Master modern project management tools and techniques
- Apply structured project management processes
- Strengthen leadership, communication, and risk management skills
- Gain hands-on learning in a global business environment
GISMA’s international campus experience prepares students for leadership roles across industries, from technology and consulting to supply chain and finance.
Conclusion
Project management is more than task execution, it’s about achieving results through structure, collaboration, and innovation. Students equipped with the right project management methodologies and digital tools will stand out in the global job market.
By mastering these project management tools and pursuing programs such as GISMA’s MSc in Project Management or MSc Supply Chain Management, you’ll be prepared to lead impactful projects across any sector.
FAQ
What is software project management?
Software project management is the discipline of planning, organising, and controlling software development projects. It involves defining requirements, scheduling timelines, managing teams, and ensuring quality delivery throughout the project management process.
What does a project manager do?
From planning to completion, a project manager oversees all stages of a project. They manage resources, communicate with stakeholders, mitigate risks, and ensure the project aligns with scope, budget, and deadlines.
What is risk management in project management?
Risk management in project management involves identifying potential problems that could affect a project’s success and developing strategies to mitigate or eliminate those risks before they occur.
Is project management a good career path?
Absolutely. Project management offers diverse career paths, global demand, and strong salary potential. Professionals skilled in project management tools and methodologies are highly valued across industries like IT, healthcare, finance, and construction.
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