Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the business ecosystem across industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce. AI deployment is growing at a very rapid rate in India, and thus, there is a growing need for AI professionals. India’s pool of talent in AI is set to grow to over 1.25 million by 2027, based on a new NASSCOM report, pointing towards the need for professionals to reskill.
Since increasing numbers of companies are implementing AI for automation, decision-making, and customer experience improvement, professionals need to keep pace with learning so that they’re not left behind. India has a huge pool of technical skills, and there are several AI courses available for beginners as well as professionals. This article explores six such courses for Indian professionals.
1. AI and Machine Learning eMasters Program by IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur eMasters in AI & ML is an executive degree for working professionals who wish to upskill their careers. It provides an immersive understanding of AI concepts and industry applications through flexible online learning and live weekend interactions.
Key Features:
- Flexible duration, enabling professionals to finish it within 1 to 3 years.
- Includes Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and AI in Healthcare.
- Hands-on projects, case studies specific to the industry, and capstone projects.
- Alumni status from IIT Kanpur, with long-term networking benefits.
- Career growth through placement assistance and incubation initiatives.
Course fees: Rs. 8,00,000.
Duration: 1 to 3 years (flexible).
2. PG Certification in AI/ML by IIIT Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad’s PG Certification in AI/ML is provided in association with industry leaders. The program is suitable for mid-to-senior tech professionals who want to supercharge their careers using AI and ML capabilities.
Key Features:
- Extensive coverage of various AI tools along with Python fundamentals, deep learning, and deployment of real-world solutions
- High focus on hands-on learning with emphasis on data visualisation, regression problems, and web scraping
- Includes a 3-month hands-on project for practical exposure
Course fees: Rs. 3,00,000.
Duration: 9 months.
3. Post Graduate Programme in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning by BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani Post Graduate Programme in AI & ML is an exhaustive course aimed at working professionals who want to advance their machine learning, deep learning, and AI application skills. The curriculum portrays the integration of conceptual learning and practical exposure such that professionals obtain hands-on exposure through projects.
Key Features:
- Industry-focused curriculum covering ML algorithms, deep learning, NLP, and AI ethics.
- Hands-on projects and case studies for applying AI ideas in real-life scenarios.
- Weekend sessions and live online classes for convenience.
- BITS Pilani alumni network connection for career progression.
Course fees: Rs. 2,45,000.
Duration: 11 months (part-time).
4. Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI with IIIT-B
IIT Bangalore PG Diploma in AI and ML is a program intended for working professionals who desire to upskill their AI capabilities. It encompasses essential subjects like natural language processing, neural networks, and reinforcement learning, with theoretical learning blended with practical implementations. The online convenience is suitable for working professionals in data science, software development, and engineering. Graduates are also IIIT Bangalore alumni, enhancing career prospects.
Key Features:
- Solve sixty+ real-world case studies.
- 6 practical hands-on capstone projects.
- Use the latest MLAI tools and frameworks.
- Create and deploy Generative AI apps.
- Beginners get two months of complimentary programming boot camp.
Course fees: Rs. 3,35,000
Duration: 13 months.
5. PG Program in Artificial Intelligence by Great Learning
Offered by the Edtech platform Great Learning, this programme focuses on generative AI tools, ML technologies, and more. Professionals enrolled on this course learn how to build AI applications with generative AI, predictive analytics, NLP, and computer vision.
Key Features:
- Access to online lectures, assignments, and webinars to help working professionals learn at their own pace.
- 11+ hans-on projects and 27+ AI tools covered.
- Dedicated career support and mentorship.
- Industry-recognised certification from the prestigious Texas McCombs School of Business at the Texas University, Austin.
Course fees: Rs. 2,75,000.
Duration: 12 months.
6. AI and Machine Learning Bootcamp by Simplilearn
Simplilearn offers this AI and ML Bootcamp in collaboration with Caltech’s Centre for Technology and Management Education (CTME) and IBM. This extensive boot camp course covers AI and ML extensively, focusing on Python and TensorFlow.
Key Features:
- Tackles deep learning, statistics, and data science with Python.
- Comprises a capstone project for the implementation of learned concepts.
- Provides a range of electives, such as NLP, reinforcement learning, and speech recognition.
- Certification from Caltech’s CTME upon completion of the course.
Course fees: Rs. 1,89,999.
Duration: 6 months.
How to choose the right AI course
There are numerous AI courses out there, and picking the right one can seem daunting. To make the correct decision, keep the following key considerations in mind:
- Accreditation and recognition: Select courses from popular institutions like IITs, ISB, or well-known ed-tech providers like Great Learning and Simplilearn. A course with good accreditation guarantees quality learning and industry recognition.
- Learning format: Reflect on your time schedule and learning style. For flexibility, opt for online or hybrid courses. For personal interaction, consider in-person programs. Many online courses also offer recorded lectures, allowing you to study at your own pace.
- Course curriculum: Ensure that the program covers topics relevant to your career goals. Some courses focus on data science and machine learning, while others emphasise AI applications in business, healthcare, or finance. Choose a course that is appropriate to your interests and career needs.
- Hands-on training: AI is best learned by doing. Look for programs that provide live projects, case studies, and coding exercises. Programs that expose you to AI software like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or cloud computing platforms will make you job-ready.
- Placement support: If career growth is your goal, select a course that offers placement support, networking, and industry mentorship. Some institutions are well-networked with top companies and help students secure job roles in AI-focused industries.
- Cost and ROI: AI courses vary in cost, so think about whether the cost is worth the knowledge and opportunities provided. Think about whether the course provides EMI options, scholarships, or financial assistance. A good AI course should be of high value and increase your earning capacity.
Summing it up
AI is transforming industries, and hence, AI upskilling is necessary for professionals. It is no longer just about the tech industry. Whether you have a career at an NBFC or one in the retail space dealing with online marketplaces, your job is not immune to AI usage and impact. As a working professional, you need to upskill to keep pace with such developments. With the courses listed above, you can improve your AI knowledge to build a thriving career, progress to more lucrative opportunities, and essentially protect your earnings from possible retrenchment and AI-related job losses.
