The capabilities of AI and large language models that the world has witnessed over the last few years have been remarkable.
Needless to say, the demand for skilled professionals in AI and allied fields, such as machine learning (ML) and data science, has never been higher. For instance, a report from Deloitte found that 94% of business leaders believe that AI skills are “critical” for their business success.
Besides, as per a PwC survey report, 73% of investors urge their portfolio companies to deploy AI solutions at scale, 66% expect productivity increases, 63% revenue gains, and 62% higher profitability from AI.
Recognising the growing demand for AI expertise, and building on its proven track record of impactful learning experiences, upGrad, one of India’s most successful ed-tech firms, has updated its flagship programmes—the Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI, and the Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI. The curriculum has been upgraded to incorporate cutting-edge skills required in the emerging field of generative AI.
These diplomas are offered in partnership with the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), a collaboration that spans over a decade. Through these programmes, upGrad and IIIT-B have built a remarkable alumni network in the data science and machine learning fields, with more than 45,000 students having completed these courses.
The upGrad-IIIT-B Advantage
While many educational programmes inadvertently intimidate newcomers, upGrad and IIIT-B adopt a different approach to ensure every aspirant has a fair chance at participating in the AI revolution. The platform emphasises supporting beginners by offering a complimentary three-month programming bootcamp that equips them with essential foundational concepts before transitioning into the comprehensive core curriculum.
The core curriculum of these diplomas has been thoughtfully redesigned to align with the AI transformation happening across the industry. The updated curriculum contains in-demand AI/ML concepts across domains such as cloud computing, big data, deep learning, generative AI, natural language processing, and MLOps—skills highly valued in today’s professional landscape
Furthermore, the diplomas feature targeted electives and specialisations that provide learners with highly specialised, industry-relevant skills.
For instance, the generative AI specialisation in the ML and AI diploma equips learners with modern AI frameworks and architectures, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), computer vision, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, gated recurrent units (GRUs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and more. It also encompasses fundamental concepts of generative AI system design, as well as frameworks and architectures related to this field, such as RAG, agentic systems, embeddings, and vector databases, among others.
Moreover, the programme emphasises the most effective form of learning—applying the acquired skills to action on a broad scale. Both programmes feature over 60 case studies and more than a dozen projects focused on real-world industry problems and challenges.
For context, real-world projects, to name a few, involve analysing Spotify data using SQL, optimising NYC taxi operations, or enhancing customer engagement with big data analysis on Mercari’s data.
Besides, upGrad also implements a unique approach for the capstone projects involved in the programmes. upGrad gives learners the flexibility to tailor their final projects to real‐world challenges in three distinct ways: by infusing existing assignments with their own industry data, by bringing entirely original ideas to life, or by selecting from a curated set of domain‐focused projects.
Throughout this journey, subject‐matter experts provide ongoing feedback at every stage, ensuring that each project remains closely aligned with practical requirements and professional standards.
Recognising the comprehensive scope of the programmes, upGrad effectively offers a flexible learning path, especially for full-time employees. This structure enables students to pursue their education without interrupting their jobs, and they can access the programmes regardless of the time zone they reside in, given that it is a mix of live and pre-recorded sessions.
Both programmes typically take 12 months to complete, after which the learner qualifies as an alumnus of IIIT-B. In addition to faculty from IIIT-B, these programmes are taught by experts from leading companies such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG), IBM, Flipkart, ICICI Bank, and more.
Due to upGrad’s meticulous curriculum design and implementation, the programmes have consistently delivered exceptional outcomes and measurable success for their participants.
Success Defined in Numbers, and Not Adjectives
In the Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI course, which comprises over 30,000 students, 86% achieved desired outcomes. While 36% transitioned into data science for the first time, 16% advanced their careers through promotions and raises, and 34% experienced a boost in professional confidence.
Out of 15,000 graduates of the Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI course, 83% achieved desired outcomes. While 26% landed their first role in ML, 19% secured promotions or salary increases, and 38% felt more confident in their current positions.
Besides, upGrad and IIIT-B offer comprehensive career support, including personalised industry sessions with experts, dedicated coaching to identify opportunities, and small-group mentorship. Learners also benefit from resume-building tools and specialised interview preparation, including just-in-time sessions with hiring managers, to achieve their professional goals with confidence.
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, upGrad’s Executive Diplomas emerge as career-defining investments. Moreover, the programme grants learners an executive diploma and an alumni status from IIIT-B. This esteemed institution has produced some of the brightest minds in the country, who have gone on to lead major companies and establish successful ventures of their own.
What truly sets these programmes apart is their triple advantage: the real-world applicability through industry-partnered projects that build an impressive portfolio, the personalised career acceleration services that have helped thousands secure promotions and transitions, and the exclusive access to a robust alumni network of at least 45,000, spanning global tech leaders across continents.
By combining academic rigour with practical expertise and comprehensive support, upGrad positions learners at the forefront of the AI revolution. For professionals ready to transform their careers, these programmes offer a strategic and competitive advantage in today’s AI-first landscape.
