The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are some of the most esteemed and prestigious universities, not only in India but around the world.
In recent years, the field of artificial intelligence has gained immense popularity, and it is one of the most in-demand courses right now.
Forbes predicts that “97 million jobs involving artificial intelligence (AI) will be created between 2022 and 2025.” On the other hand, a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that almost 40% of jobs in developing economies and 60% of jobs in developed economies will be impacted by AI.
Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the IMF, emphasizes that although the integration of AI may help roughly half of the exposed jobs, the other half may experience a decline in the demand for labor, which would result in lower salaries and less hiring. She also suggests that jobs with “high complementarity” to AI, where the use of technology enhances work rather than replaces it, are safe.
Many students are now opting for AI as it is proving to be a lucrative career option. As a result, IITs have also added AI courses to their curricula to meet the growing demand.
With a range of specialized AI courses, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, IITs offer an unparalleled learning experience for students pursuing an AI career. This article will look at the list of top IITs that offer AI courses.
Top IITs for AI Courses
IIT Madras
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is the top engineering college in India. Established in 1959, this esteemed institute is situated in Madras, Chennai, and is ranked number 1 in the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings.
It offers one of the top Data Science and Artificial Intelligence courses in the country. In 2023, Google gave $1 million to IIT Madras to set up the first multidisciplinary center for responsible AI in the country.
Course(s): IIT Madras offers an M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering and an M.Tech. in Data Science and AI (MTech DSAI). Computer Science is an umbrella term that covers AI-ML as well, including natural language processing (NLP), neural networks, and deep learning. Whereas, the MTech DSAI course covers an in-depth curriculum in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
IIT Bombay
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is a premier research and engineering institute in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Established in 1958, the university is ranked third in the NIRF engineering rankings. IIT Bombay has one of the top faculties with renowned experts from all fields of study.
Course(s): IIT Bombay offers a Master’s degree in Data Science and AI, and Machine Intelligence and AI. It also offers a 6-month certificate course on Machine Learning & AI with Python. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. It includes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications to ensure that you are able to apply your learning in the real world.
IIT Delhi
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) is one of the 23 IITs and is situated in Delhi. It is renowned for its excellent curriculum, top-class faculty, and academic endeavors.
In 2021, IIT Delhi set up its School of Artificial Intelligence (ScAI) to focus primarily on “AI-related research in the country.” The institute is ranked 2nd in the NIRF engineering rankings and 197th in the QS World University rankings.
Course(s): IIT Delhi offers an M.Tech in Machine Intelligence & Data Science (MINDS). It consists of courses in the foundational mathematics that underpins contemporary AI technologies, as well as application-focused courses in computer vision, natural language processing, and AI for healthcare. The curriculum also includes deep learning and data mining.
IIT Kharagpur
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) was founded in 1951 and is one of the first of the 23 IITs to be recognized as an Institute of National Importance. The institute is located in Kharagpur, West Bengal, and is ranked 7th in the overall NIRF engineering rankings. It has a special research center dedicated to revolutionizing industries and society through AI, the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.
Course(s): IIT Kharagpur offers a dual-degree (M.Tech) program in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Applications. The course consists of different subjects in AI-ML, such as Linear Algebra, Deep Learning, Big Data Processing, and basic fundamentals and principles.
IIT Kanpur
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) was established in 1959. It is located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and is ranked 4th in the NIRF engineering ranking. The institute has one of the best research units in the country, particularly in the areas of aerospace, computer science, and machine learning.
Course(s): IIT Kanpur offers an M.Tech. program in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). The course covers all the fundamentals of CS, including mathematics, operating systems, artificial intelligence, internet technology, computation, and more. It also offers a great professional certificate course in AI and Machine Learning. The course is 11 months long and focuses on ML, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, generative AI, and more.
IIT Roorkee
Established in 1847, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is the oldest engineering institution in the country. It was ranked 5th in the NIRF engineering rankings and 8th overall. The institute is situated in the picturesque city of Roorkee in Uttarakhand.
Course(s): IIT Roorkee offers an M.Tech program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, an M.Tech degree in Artificial Intelligence, and a B.Tech. program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
IIT Indore
The Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) was established in 2009. It is one of the eight new universities started by the Indian government. The institute was ranked 14th in the engineering category and 28th overall. USNews.com ranked the institute 1140th in the Best Global Universities category.
Course(s): IIT Indore offers a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Data Science and Management. The course covers in-depth topics in probability, statistics, programming, database management systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more.
IITBHU
The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi was established in 1919. Located inside the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the institute was ranked 15th in the NIRF engineering rankings and 31st in the overall category.
Course(s): IIT (BHU) Varanasi offers an M.Tech. course in Computer Science and Engineering with specializations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This two-year course focuses on providing an in-depth study of important topics such as cloud computing, natural language processing (NLP), affective computing, information security, the basics of data science, and the basics of IoT.
| IIT | Course(s) | Key Highlights | NIRF Rank (Engineering) |
| IIT Madras | M.Tech in CSE, M.Tech in Data Science & AI (MTech DSAI) | $1M funding from Google for the multidisciplinary center for responsible AI | 1 |
| IIT Bombay | Master’s in Data Science & AI, Machine Intelligence & AI, Certificate in ML & AI with Python | Renowned faculty, combines theoretical and practical knowledge | 3 |
| IIT Delhi | M.Tech in Machine Intelligence & Data Science (MINDS) | Hosts School of Artificial Intelligence (ScAI), AI for healthcare and deep learning courses | 2 |
| IIT Kharagpur | Dual-degree (M.Tech) in AI, ML, and Applications | Centre of Excellence in AI, focuses on deep learning and big data | 7 |
| IIT Kanpur | M.Tech in CSE, Professional Certificate in AI & ML | 11-month program includes generative AI, computer vision, and NLP | 4 |
| IIT Roorkee | M.Tech and B.Tech in Data Science & AI | Offers AI-focused programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels | 5 |
| IIT Indore | M.Sc. in Data Science & Management | Covers probability, ML, AI, and database systems | 14 |
| IIT BHU | M.Tech in CSE with specializations in AI & IoT | Focuses on NLP, cloud computing, IoT basics, and affective computing | 15 |
The above-mentioned 8 IITs are the best engineering colleges in India that offer courses in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science. The placement rate of these institutes is 94.35%, with the average CTC (cost to company) ranging from INR 10 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs. If you are looking to pursue a career as an AI expert, then you can choose either of the 8 IITs listed above based on your preferences.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IIT Madras is the top-ranked engineering college in the country. The institute also offers one of the best AI courses.
Yes, there is an AI branch in IIT Bombay. The institute offers a Master’s degree in Data Science and AI, and Machine Intelligence and AI.
Yes, IIT Delhi also offers AI courses. You can opt for an M.Tech degree in Machine Intelligence & Data Science program, often abbreviated as MINDS.
