IIT Bombay Launches Five-Month Online Certificate Programme in Generative AI
On January 6, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay announced the launch of a new online certificate programme in Generative AI. This initiative aims to equip professionals and graduates with practical, industry-ready skills in one of the most transformative areas of technology today.
Programme Overview
The five-month online certificate programme will be offered by the Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence at IIT Bombay, in collaboration with Great Learning as the edtech partner. The programme is scheduled to commence in 2026, and registrations are currently open.
Curriculum Structure
Designed and delivered by IIT Bombay faculty, 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.
The curriculum is structured across five modules, covering the following key areas:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to AI concepts and methodologies.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): Understanding the architecture and functioning of LLMs.
- Prompt Engineering: Techniques for creating effective prompts to optimize model responses.
- Model Adaptation: Using proprietary datasets to tailor models for specific applications.
- AI-Powered Copilots and Multi-Step Workflows: Developing advanced AI applications that assist users in various tasks.
Practical Learning and Implementation
A key highlight of the certificate course is its emphasis on practical learning and implementation. Participants will engage in multiple applied projects that simulate real business and technology challenges. This hands-on experience is designed to prepare learners to effectively design, build, and manage reliable AI systems in professional environments.
The programme concludes with modules on:
- Deployment: Strategies for implementing AI solutions in real-world scenarios.
- Security: Ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI technologies.
- Scalability: Techniques for scaling AI applications to meet growing demands.
Certification and Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay. This certification validates their proficiency in developing and deploying Generative AI applications for real-world use cases.
Expert Insights
Commenting on the launch, Prof. Manjesh K. Hanawal of IIT Bombay stated, “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 Prof. Hanawal, 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.
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 aims to attract a diverse group of learners who are keen to advance their careers in the field of AI.
Conclusion
The launch of the online certificate programme in Generative AI by IIT Bombay represents a significant step towards enhancing the skill set of professionals in this rapidly evolving field. With its comprehensive curriculum and practical approach, the programme is poised to empower learners to become proficient in developing and deploying AI solutions that address real-world challenges.
Note: For more information on the programme and registration details, please visit the official IIT Bombay website.
