IIT Guwahati introduces online BSc (Hons) degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: All the details – Times of India

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, ranked as the country’s 7th best engineering institute, is introducing an online Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree Program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This program will be offered on Coursera. By completing this online degree, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to pursue lucrative and rapidly growing careers in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
The National Education Policy 2020 recognizes the significance of training professionals in cutting-edge areas such as machine learning, AI, and extensive data analysis. By doing so, it aims to enhance the employability of young people. The policy also highlights the need to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, tech roles such as AI and machine learning specialists, data analysts, and data scientists are expected to grow by over 30% by 2028.
IIT Guwahati is responding to the demand and following the recommendations of NEP 2020 by offering multiple admissions pathways to their completely online degree program.
Anyone who has completed Class XII or its equivalent and has mathematics as a compulsory subject can apply. Candidates who have registered for JEE Advanced (in any year) will receive direct admission, while those who have not can complete an online course and be admitted based on their performance.
The degree program offers multiple exit options based on the number of credits earned. Learners can choose to receive a certificate, diploma, degree, or an honor’s degree. Optional campus visits also provide opportunities for students to connect with faculty and peers.
The program for students starts with a foundation in coding and then advances to more specialised subjects such as generative AI, deep learning, computer vision, and data mining. Learning is further enhanced through group projects, real-world case studies, and internships. The program also offers industry micro-credentials that recognize prior learning, which allows students to gain more job-relevant knowledge.
The graduates will have the opportunity to apply for over 400,000 job openings in various fields such as AI engineering, data engineering, ML engineering, and data analysis. IIT Guwahati provides job placement assistance to students and grants access to Coursera’s recruitment platform, Coursera Hiring Solutions.
“This program teaches students the digital skills they need to thrive in the modern workforce. They graduate knowing how to implement the latest AI and data science techniques in any field, setting them up for success in their careers,” said Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT Guwahati.