IIT Bombay Launches 5-Month GenAI Certificate Course to Build Industry-Ready AI Skills

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has announced a new certificate programme in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), aimed at equipping learners with practical, industry-ready skills in one of the fastest-growing areas of technology. The five-month programme is scheduled to open for registrations in 2026 and will be delivered entirely online.

The certificate course has been developed by faculty members at IIT Bombay’s Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence and is being offered in partnership with edtech platform Great Learning. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, addressing the growing demand for professionals who can effectively design, deploy and manage GenAI systems.

Targeted at software engineers, data scientists, analysts, product managers, STEM graduates and working professionals, the programme focuses on helping learners integrate generative AI into real business and technology workflows. It is also open to GenAI enthusiasts seeking structured, hands-on exposure to modern AI systems.

Focus on Practical, Hands-On Learning

The curriculum follows an industry-aligned structure that progresses from foundational concepts to advanced applications. Participants will begin with core artificial intelligence principles and an understanding of large language models, before moving on to specialised modules such as prompt design, adapting models using proprietary datasets, and building AI-powered copilots.

A key highlight of the programme is its emphasis on hands-on projects. Learners will work on practical assignments that simulate real-world use cases, including deploying GenAI solutions, ensuring system security and building scalable AI applications. These projects are intended to give participants confidence in applying GenAI tools beyond experimentation and into production environments.

On successful completion, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay, adding academic credibility to their professional skill set.

Faculty Perspective and Industry Relevance

Commenting on the launch, Professor Manjesh K Hanawal from IIT Bombay described Generative AI as one of the most transformative technological shifts of the present era. He highlighted that GenAI is rapidly reshaping how ideas are generated, knowledge is processed and work is executed across industries.

He noted that the focus has now moved from curiosity-driven exploration to capability-driven implementation. According to him, professionals must not only understand how to use GenAI tools but also learn how to select appropriate models, design responsible solutions and deploy them effectively in real-world scenarios.

The programme aims to enable learners to confidently make AI-driven decisions, enhance productivity and create innovative solutions tailored to specific industry needs.

Modules Designed for Real-World Use Cases

The course is divided into five modules, starting with foundational AI concepts and advancing to topics such as prompt engineering, model fine-tuning, workflow automation and system deployment. Each module is mapped to current industry requirements, ensuring relevance across sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, product development and analytics.

By launching this programme, IIT Bombay seeks to support the growing demand for skilled GenAI professionals and help learners stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven job market. The certificate positions itself as a structured pathway for professionals looking to upgrade their skills without taking a career break.