IIT Kharagpur has opened registration for its free 12-week Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence course on the SWAYAM platform. The programme gives students an opportunity to understand the latest concepts in AI and explore how modern technologies are applied across industries. Taught by expert faculty from one of India’s top institutes, the course focuses on both practical skills and core AI fundamentals. Starting on January 19, 2026, it aims to help learners build a strong foundation for future careers in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.
What AI and Deep Learning Programme Offers
The course covers how complex AI models perform various tasks (such as image recognition, speech processing, pattern detection, automation, etc.). It is intended as a comprehensive introduction to Deep Learning. Students will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are part of our everyday experience function over 12 weeks, running from January 19 to April 17, 2026.
In addition to foundational Machine Learning concepts (e.g., Bayesian Classification and Multilayer Perceptrons), the course will cover powerful Deep Learning architectures (e.g., Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Autoencoders). The program is administered by a subject matter expert, Dr Prabir Kr. Biswas.
Real-World Applications
A major highlight of the course is its strong application focus, enabling learners to understand how Deep Learning solves real-life problems. The training includes:
Identifying diseases with medical imaging
Identifying objects, animals, and faces in images
supporting voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri
Creating intelligent chatbots
Finding patterns of fraud in financial and textual data
Who Can Apply?
This course would be very beneficial for both undergraduate and graduate engineering students, especially those majoring in computer science, electronics, and electrical engineering. A background in linear algebra, digital signal processing, and partial differential equations is recommended but not necessary.
AI and Deep Learning Certification Details
While the course is free, students who wish to earn a certificate must take an optional proctored offline exam on April 25, 2026, by paying a fee of ₹1,000. The certificate will display the candidate’s photograph, marks, and the official emblems of NPTEL and IIT Kharagpur.
How to Register for AI and Deep Learning Course
Step 1: Students should visit the official SWAYAM/NPTEL Deep Learning course page
Step 2: Click Join and sign in via entering your email address and password.
Step 3: Fill in the required details to complete registration.
Step 4: Click on the submit button, and you will be given a schedule of the class via email accordingly.
Applications are open until January 26, 2026, offering students a valuable chance to gain future-ready AI skills at no cost.
