In an inspiring move that promises to shape the future of technology education in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has announced the launch of an innovative Certificate in Generative AI program. This exciting initiative represents a wonderful opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to gain valuable skills in one of today's most transformative technologies.

Developed by IIT Bombay's esteemed faculty through the Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence and delivered in partnership with edtech leader Great Learning, this comprehensive five-month online program is designed to make advanced AI education accessible to ambitious learners across the country. Registration is set to open in 2026, and the response is already generating considerable enthusiasm.

What makes this program particularly special is its practical, hands-on approach. Rather than purely theoretical learning, participants will engage with real-world applications through five carefully crafted modules. The curriculum takes learners on an enriching journey from understanding the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and large language models through to designing prompts, adapting models with proprietary data, and ultimately deploying secure GenAI solutions.

Professor Manjesh K. Hanawal from IIT Bombay beautifully captured the significance of this initiative, noting that "Generative AI marks one of the most significant technological shifts of our time, reshaping how ideas are created, knowledge is built, and work is organised." His words reflect the institute's commitment to not just teaching students how to use AI tools, but empowering them to understand, design, and deploy reliable GenAI solutions that can make meaningful impacts across industries.

The program welcomes a diverse range of professionals, including software engineers, data scientists, analysts, product managers, STEM graduates, and anyone passionate about GenAI technology. This inclusive approach ensures that professionals from various backgrounds can unlock new career opportunities and stay at the forefront of technological innovation.

Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder and CEO of Great Learning, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing that "Generative AI has evolved from a niche technology to a core professional skill." This partnership reflects a shared vision between industry and academia to nurture the next generation of AI talent who will drive innovation and positive business impact.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay—a prestigious credential that opens doors to exciting career advancement opportunities. The eligibility requirements are straightforward: candidates need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA.

What's truly heartening about this initiative is how it democratizes access to cutting-edge technology education. By offering the program online, IIT Bombay ensures that geography is no barrier to learning, allowing professionals from across India and beyond to benefit from world-class education.

This certificate program represents more than just skill development—it's an investment in the future, equipping professionals with the confidence and capability to lead AI-driven innovation in their organizations and communities. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our world, initiatives like this ensure that India remains at the forefront of technological progress while creating meaningful opportunities for its talented workforce.