40 hrs
This NPTEL course, taught by Prof. Deepak Khemani, dives into the foundations of AI through logic-based knowledge representation and reasoning—the core techniques that let machines understand, store, and act on information the way humans think. Rather than the hype around large language models, you'll learn the classical, rigorous approaches that power everything from expert systems to automated planning, and remain fundamental to trustworthy AI.
You're an intermediate programmer or CS student who wants to understand how AI systems actually *reason*—not just predict. If you've dabbled in Python or basic programming and you're curious about the logic behind intelligent systems, this course will give you real, implementable knowledge.
Comfortable with basic programming concepts (variables, loops, functions) and mathematical notation. Familiarity with discrete math or logic is helpful but not required—the course builds up concepts from first principles.
As Indian tech companies compete globally—from Infosys and TCS building AI-driven solutions to startups in Bangalore and Hyderabad—demand for engineers who understand reasoning systems is rising. Companies building healthcare AI, financial systems, and enterprise automation rely heavily on knowledge representation. Mastering these foundations gives you an edge in roles at top Indian tech firms, startups, and multinational R&D centers setting up operations in India.
Yes, completely free. NPTEL courses are funded by the Indian government and open to all learners worldwide at no cost.
The course is designed as 40 hours of total learning. If you dedicate 5–6 hours per week, you can complete it in roughly 7–8 weeks. Pace yourself—this material benefits from time to absorb and practice.
Yes. NPTEL awards a certificate upon successful completion. You can use it in your CV and professional profiles as proof of structured learning from a top Indian institution.