IIT Delhi Opens Admissions for Third Batch of Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
New Delhi, February 19, 2026 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has announced the opening of admissions for the third batch of its Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: From Fundamentals to Deployment. This comprehensive 24-week live online programme is designed to equip learners with the skills necessary to transform data into scalable solutions, focusing on practical applications of AI and data science.
Programme Overview
The Certificate Programme is offered through the Continuing Education Programme (CEP) at IIT Delhi. It emphasizes applied capability, teaching participants to utilize modern data science and AI techniques to enhance operational efficiency, improve forecasting and decision-making, and develop automation that adapts to changing business conditions.
Participants will learn to approach AI with a focus on responsible practices, including understanding model behavior, addressing bias, and ensuring transparency and accountability in design and deployment. The deadline for applications is March 27, 2026.
Industry Relevance
As organizations increasingly prioritize data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled professionals in AI and data science continues to grow. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, executives often link being more data-driven with enhanced business agility and process automation. Additionally, IBM has noted that rapid advancements in AI, particularly in generative AI, are reshaping job roles and widening the skills gap as organizations automate more processes and services.
AnalytixLabs reports that India has the highest number of AI learners globally, with 1.3 million individuals pursuing education in this field. However, the country ranks 89th out of 109 in AI proficiency, indicating a significant talent gap of 50-55%. It is projected that India will need nearly one million AI professionals by 2026, yet only about half of the current workforce is qualified to fill these roles.
Expert Insight
Professor Ankur Gupta, Associate Professor at the Centre for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE) at IIT Delhi, emphasized the importance of developing reliable AI models that perform well beyond initial demonstrations. He stated, “The value of AI now depends on whether teams can build models that remain reliable across data drift, operational constraints, and real users. This programme develops that applied capability, combining strong fundamentals with hands-on practice and deployment thinking.”
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is designed to build competence progressively, starting with Python-based data handling and analytical thinking. As participants advance, they will explore machine learning techniques widely used in the industry. The programme includes practical modeling workflows and familiarizes learners with modern toolchains for experimentation and iteration.
In the later stages, the focus shifts to deployment readiness, covering essential production-facing considerations such as packaging models, working with cloud environments, and operational best practices that support monitoring and repeatability. The learning approach is strongly application-led, featuring projects that reflect contemporary use cases such as generative AI and domain-oriented problem solving.
Target Audience
This programme is ideal for aspiring data scientists, AI enthusiasts, technology and analytics professionals, and engineers seeking structured progression into applied AI. Participants will engage with real-world case studies and complete a capstone project, enhancing their ability to develop and deploy data-driven solutions with both technical depth and responsible judgment. The skills acquired will be applicable across various sectors, including healthcare, banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), retail, and manufacturing.
Learning Methodology
The sessions will be delivered live via Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode, complemented by tutorials and collaborative work under the guidance of IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts. A unique feature of the programme is a one-day campus immersion at the IIT Delhi campus, designed to foster academic interaction and peer engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
Graduates and diploma holders (10+2+3) from recognized universities are eligible to apply, with a preference for candidates from backgrounds in computer science/IT, electronics, electrical engineering, physics, or related fields. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive an e-Certificate issued by the Continuing Education Programme at IIT Delhi.
About IIT Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is one of the 23 IITs established to serve as Centres of Excellence for training, research, and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. Founded in 1961 as the College of Engineering, it was later designated as an Institution of National Importance under the Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963, and renamed the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
IIT Delhi has consistently ranked among the top five management institutes and has been recognized as the top institute in Research and Professional Practice according to the NIRF 2022 and NIRF 2021 Management Category rankings.
Continuing Education Programme (CEP)
The Continuing Education Programme at IIT Delhi is dedicated to providing high-quality education that meets the training and development needs of various organizations, industries, and individual participants at both national and international levels. Through initiatives like eVIDYA@IITD, IIT Delhi aims to make quality education accessible and empower young learners with cutting-edge knowledge in engineering, technology, science, humanities, and management.
Note: The press release has been issued on behalf of the Service Provider TimesPro for the Continuing Education Programme (CEP) at IIT Delhi.
