Practical Deep Learning for Coders (Part 1)

About this course

This is fast.ai's celebrated top-down approach to deep learning, taught by Jeremy Howard, one of the field's most respected practitioners. Rather than drowning you in math first, you'll build and train state-of-the-art AI models in your very first lesson—then circle back to understand the theory. It's a practical, code-first course designed for people who learn best by doing.

What you'll learn

• Build and train deep learning models using Python and PyTorch, with real datasets in lesson one
• Understand convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and how to apply them to image recognition tasks
• Use transfer learning to adapt pre-trained models for your own problems, saving time and compute
• Debug and improve your models by interpreting what they've learned
• Implement practical techniques like data augmentation and regularization
• Work with real-world datasets and navigate common pitfalls in model development
• Deploy your models so they can make predictions on new, unseen data

Who this is for

You're ready for this course if you can write basic Python and want to jump into AI without waiting years for theory. You don't need a PhD or a background in math—just curiosity and willingness to code.

• Software engineers and developers — gain hands-on AI skills to build smarter applications and stay competitive in India's growing AI job market
• Career-switchers and recent graduates — learn in-demand deep learning skills that make you attractive to tech companies and startups hiring for AI roles

Prerequisites

Solid grasp of Python fundamentals (loops, functions, libraries like NumPy). Basic familiarity with Jupyter notebooks is helpful. You don't need calculus or linear algebra—the course will introduce what you need as you go.

Why this matters for Indian learners

Deep learning expertise is one of the fastest-growing skill gaps in India's tech industry. Companies across fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and automotive—from Flipkart and Paytm to startups in Bangalore and Hyderabad—are hiring AI engineers and ML specialists. Salaries for deep learning engineers in India start around ₹12–15 lakh and jump significantly with real project experience. This course gives you exactly that: portfolio-ready skills in one of the most sought-after domains.

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really free?

Yes, completely free. You can audit the entire course and access all the lessons and code without paying anything.

How long will it take to complete?

The course is structured as 40 hours of material. If you dedicate 5–6 hours per week, you could finish Part 1 in about 7–8 weeks. The pace is yours—some people move faster, others spend longer experimenting with the code.

Will I get a certificate?

This course does not offer a formal certificate. However, the best proof of learning is the models you build and the projects you complete—those speak louder to employers than any badge.