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Introduction to AI (IIT Delhi)
NPTEL
NPTEL

Introduction to AI (IIT Delhi)

Prof. Mausam's NPTEL AI course from IIT Delhi — uncertainty, planning, knowledge, learning.
free
intermediate

36 hrs

course

About this course

This is Prof. Mausam's foundational AI course from IIT Delhi, delivered through NPTEL — India's premier platform for quality engineering education. You'll explore the core pillars of artificial intelligence: how machines handle uncertainty, make plans, represent knowledge, and learn from data. It's designed to give you a solid conceptual grounding in AI without assuming prior expertise.

What you'll learn

  • How to model and reason under uncertainty using probability and Bayesian networks
  • Planning algorithms and search strategies that power autonomous systems
  • Knowledge representation techniques for encoding domain expertise
  • Supervised and unsupervised learning fundamentals with practical intuition
  • How to apply these concepts to real-world problems in Indian industries
  • The mathematical reasoning behind modern AI systems
  • When and why different AI approaches succeed or fail

Who this is for

You're ready for this course if you want to understand AI deeply — not just use tools, but grasp what's happening under the hood. It's for learners with some technical foundation who are serious about building AI literacy.

  • Engineering students — build a competitive edge in AI before campus placements and technical interviews
  • Working professionals — transition into AI/ML roles or strengthen AI knowledge for better career decisions
  • Tech enthusiasts — move beyond hype and gain real conceptual clarity on how AI actually works

Prerequisites

Comfort with basic mathematics (linear algebra, probability) and programming fundamentals. You should be able to read and understand pseudocode. This is not a beginner course, but the instructor teaches concepts clearly.

Why this matters for Indian learners

AI skills are reshaping India's tech job market. Major Indian tech companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro are hiring for AI and data roles at scale, and demand for AI literacy is growing across fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare sectors. A structured understanding of AI fundamentals — beyond just using ChatGPT — opens doors to better-paid roles and more meaningful technical work.

NPTEL courses also carry institutional weight; employers recognize them as serious learning from top engineering colleges.

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really free?

Yes, completely free. You can audit the course and watch all lectures at no cost. An optional certificate is available for a small proctored exam fee if you want formal verification.

How long will it take to complete?

The course is designed for 36 hours of engagement. If you dedicate 6–8 hours per week, you can complete it in about 4–6 weeks. Some weeks may be lighter, others heavier depending on topic difficulty.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes. NPTEL offers certificates for learners who complete the course and pass the final proctored exam. The certificate is issued under IIT Delhi's name and carries credibility in India's job market.

At a glance

Provider
NPTEL
Level
Intermediate
Duration
36 hrs
Format
Recorded
Language
En
Certificate
True
Price
free (0 )

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