IIT Bombay Launches Certificate Programme in Generative AI
On January 7, 2026, IIT Bombay announced the launch of a new Certificate in Generative AI, aimed at equipping professionals and graduates with practical, industry-ready skills in one of the most transformative areas of technology today. This innovative five-month online certificate programme will be offered by the Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with Great Learning, an edtech partner.
Programme Overview
The certificate programme is scheduled to commence in 2026, with registrations currently open. Designed and delivered by faculty from IIT Bombay, the programme features a hands-on, industry-aligned curriculum focused on building real-world Generative AI (GenAI) applications. The course adopts a large language model (LLM)-first approach, ensuring that learners gain both conceptual clarity and applied expertise.
Curriculum Structure
The programme is structured across five modules, which take participants from the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and LLMs to advanced topics. The modules include:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Prompt Engineering Techniques
- Model Adaptation Using Proprietary Datasets
- Creation of AI-Powered Copilots and Multi-Step Workflows
A key highlight of the certificate course is its emphasis on practical learning and implementation. Participants will work on multiple applied projects that simulate real business and technology challenges. The programme concludes with modules on the deployment, security, and scalability of GenAI solutions, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to design, build, and manage reliable AI systems in professional environments.
Certification and Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay, validating their proficiency in developing and deploying Generative AI applications for real-world use cases. This certification is expected to enhance the career prospects of participants in a rapidly evolving job market.
Expert Insights
Commenting on the launch, Prof. Manjesh K. Hanawal of IIT Bombay stated that Generative AI represents one of the most significant technological shifts of the current era. He emphasized that the programme is designed to move learners beyond surface-level usage of AI tools, enabling them to understand which GenAI models are best suited for specific applications and how to deploy them responsibly. According to him, the course reflects IIT Bombay’s commitment to blending strong conceptual foundations with practical implementation, empowering learners to drive AI-led decision-making, productivity, and innovation across industries.
Target Audience
The certificate programme is targeted at a wide range of candidates, including:
- Software Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Analysts
- Product Managers
- Technology Professionals
- STEM Graduates
- Generative AI Enthusiasts
It is particularly suited for those seeking to integrate GenAI into workflows, build AI-driven products, and explore emerging career opportunities in the AI domain.
Collaboration with Great Learning
Speaking on the collaboration, Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder and CEO of Great Learning, noted that Generative AI has rapidly evolved from a niche area into a core professional skill. He highlighted that the programme enables learners to move beyond experimentation and gain a deeper understanding of how GenAI systems work and how they can be applied meaningfully to real-world challenges. This partnership aims to enhance the learning experience and ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to industry needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA, are eligible to apply for the programme. This inclusive eligibility criterion ensures that a diverse group of learners can benefit from the course, regardless of their academic background.
Conclusion
The launch of the Certificate in Generative AI by IIT Bombay marks a significant step towards preparing professionals for the future of technology. With a focus on practical skills and real-world applications, this programme is set to empower a new generation of AI practitioners capable of driving innovation across various industries.
Note: This article is based on the information available as of January 2026. For the latest updates and details on the programme, please refer to the official IIT Bombay website.
