IIT Bombay's New GenAI Certificate Course: Boost Your AI Skills in 5 Months

In a move set to reshape the landscape of AI education in India, IIT Bombay has launched a hands-on certificate programme in Generative AI (GenAI) aimed at equipping technology professionals and STEM graduates with practical skills to thrive in the fast-evolving AI industry. The programme promises not just theoretical knowledge but a structured pathway for applying AI in real-world scenarios, making participants industry-ready within five months. Registrations for this exciting course are scheduled to begin in 2026.

A Collaboration Designed for Practical Learning

The course is developed by faculty at IIT Bombay’s Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with leading edtech company Great Learning. This partnership reflects a growing trend in bridging academic excellence with industry-relevant skill development. By combining IIT Bombay’s deep expertise in AI research with Great Learning’s experience in delivering online programs to professionals worldwide, the certificate aims to equip learners with both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience in generative AI applications.

The initiative targets a wide spectrum of learners, including software engineers, data scientists, business analysts, product managers, STEM graduates, and GenAI enthusiasts. The goal is to empower participants to integrate generative AI systems into workflows effectively, thereby unlocking new opportunities for innovation and productivity in their respective fields.

Curriculum Structure: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

The course spans five months and is delivered entirely online, offering a flexible yet intensive learning experience. What sets it apart is its industry-aligned curriculum designed to equip learners with both foundational knowledge and advanced AI capabilities.

Participants will begin with the basics of artificial intelligence, including an introduction to large language models (LLMs), ensuring a strong conceptual grounding. From there, learners move through modules covering prompt engineering, model adaptation using proprietary data, and the creation of AI copilot tools—practical skills essential for deploying generative AI solutions in professional environments.

Hands-on projects form a core part of the learning process. These projects are structured to give participants practical experience in building scalable applications, addressing deployment challenges, and understanding the security considerations necessary for responsible AI implementation. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay, a credential that signals both competence and readiness for the AI-driven job market.

Industry Relevance: Preparing for the GenAI Era

Generative AI is widely recognized as one of the most transformative technological developments of the decade. Professor Manjesh K Hanawal of IIT Bombay highlighted the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that GenAI is reshaping how ideas are generated, knowledge is constructed, and work is organized across sectors.

He explained that as AI adoption moves from experimentation to capability-driven implementation, professionals need to understand not just how to use AI tools but how to apply them responsibly and effectively. The course is designed with this perspective in mind, helping learners assess which AI models are most suitable for specific use cases, and guiding them in designing and deploying reliable generative AI solutions.

Professor Hanawal added, “Learners will reinvent how they look at AI and GenAI,” gaining confidence in AI-driven decision-making, productivity enhancement, and the creation of innovative solutions across industries. This reflects a shift in AI education from theory-heavy content to skill-based learning that emphasizes real-world application.

Module Breakdown: Deep Dive into GenAI

The programme’s five modules are carefully curated to align with current industry demands. Each module addresses a specific facet of AI competency, ensuring that learners not only grasp theoretical concepts but also acquire practical expertise in navigating real-world AI challenges.

1. Foundational Concepts in AI and LLMs – Introduces the underlying principles of artificial intelligence, including large language models, their architecture, and capabilities.
2. Prompt Design and Engineering – Covers effective techniques for generating high-quality outputs from AI models, emphasizing structured and creative approaches.
3. Model Adaptation with Proprietary Data – Teaches methods for fine-tuning AI models with organization-specific data to enhance performance and applicability.
4. AI Copilot Tools and Workflow Automation – Focuses on integrating AI systems into existing workflows, streamlining operations, and creating AI-assisted productivity solutions.
5. Deployment, Security, and Scalable Applications – Prepares learners for the practical aspects of releasing AI systems in live environments, with a focus on security, compliance, and scalability.

This structured approach ensures that participants emerge not only with technical skills but also with the strategic insight needed to make informed AI-related decisions in professional settings.

Meeting the Growing Demand for GenAI Professionals

The demand for skilled AI professionals, particularly in the domain of generative AI, is increasing rapidly. Industries ranging from software development and data analytics to finance, healthcare, and product management are actively seeking experts who can design, deploy, and manage AI-driven solutions.

IIT Bombay’s certificate programme is strategically positioned to meet this demand. By emphasizing hands-on learning, industry alignment, and practical applications, the course provides participants with a competitive edge in an increasingly AI-focused job market. Graduates can confidently contribute to AI initiatives, lead generative AI projects, and develop innovative solutions that leverage the transformative potential of GenAI.

Why This Programme Stands Out

Several features make this programme a standout option for professionals looking to enhance their AI capabilities:

• Practical Orientation: Unlike conventional courses that focus heavily on theory, this programme prioritizes applied learning through projects and real-world case studies.
• Industry Relevance: The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends and requirements in AI and generative AI.
• Expert Faculty: Participants benefit from instruction by IIT Bombay faculty who are leaders in AI research, supported by practical insights from Great Learning’s delivery team.
• Flexible Online Delivery: Designed to accommodate working professionals, the course can be completed remotely while balancing professional commitments.
• Certification from a Premier Institute: A certificate from IIT Bombay carries significant recognition and credibility in both Indian and global AI communities.

Conclusion: A Gateway to AI Innovation

IIT Bombay’s Generative AI certificate programme represents an opportunity for professionals and graduates to gain cutting-edge AI skills in a structured, practical, and industry-relevant framework. By combining foundational knowledge with advanced techniques in prompt engineering, model adaptation, and AI-driven workflow automation, learners are well-positioned to harness the power of GenAI in their careers.