The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has launched a new short online course in Applied Data Science & Machine Intelligence: Fundamentals to Next‑Generation AI for 2026, aimed at equipping learners with practical and theoretical foundations in artificial intelligence and data science.
Programme Overview and Dates
The Applied Data Science & Machine Intelligence course at IIT Kanpur is a 45‑day online programme running from 1 June to 15 July 2026. The curriculum integrates core concepts in machine learning, deep learning, large language models (LLMs) and generative AI (GenAI) with hands‑on project experience. Participants will engage in 50+ learning hours including 10+ practical projects, live expert sessions and flexible access to course materials.
The programme is coordinated by Prof. Rajesh Hegde and is designed to be accessible for a range of learners including students, faculty, industry professionals and entrepreneurs involved in AI‑based initiatives.
Eligibility and Target Audience
This course is open to a broad spectrum of participants seeking to enhance their skills in AI and related fields:
- Students aspiring to careers in AI, machine learning and data science.
- Researchers exploring AI‑driven problem solving.
- Faculty members aiming to integrate AI knowledge into teaching or research.
- Industry professionals and entrepreneurs developing AI solutions or products.
The programme’s flexible structure is designed to accommodate varied backgrounds while offering a comprehensive introduction to current and emerging AI technologies.
Registration and Fee Structure
Interested candidates must register online via the official IIT Kanpur course link. Registration is divided into three phases with tiered fees:
- Early Bird (till 28 Feb 2026): Lower fee bracket for early applicants.
- Normal Registration (till 10 May 2026): Standard fee structure.
- Late Registration (from 11 May 2026): Higher fee tier for late entries
Fee categories distinguish between IIT Kanpur students, non‑IIT students, academia/professionals and international participants, with prices in local currency and US Dollars accordingly.
Learning Outcomes
The curriculum focuses on delivering both conceptual clarity and applied skills in areas such as:
- Machine learning algorithms and workflows.
- Neural networks and deep learning architectures.
- Applications of AI and generative models.
- Real‑world case studies and project implementation
Participants will have 24/7 access to learning materials, expert talks and recorded sessions, enabling flexible study alongside ongoing commitments.
How to Apply?
To register for the 2026 short course in Applied Data Science & Machine Intelligence:
- Visit the official link provided on iitk.ac.in under events or summer training sections.
- Complete the online form with personal and professional details.
- Select the appropriate fee category and registration phase.
- Submit the form and payment before respective deadlines.
For queries or additional information, applicants may contact programme organisers via email or phone as listed on the official site.
Importance for Career Development
This short course comes at a time when demand for skills in AI, machine learning and data science continues to grow across sectors including tech innovation, analytics, automation and research. Graduates and professionals who complete this programme can expect to strengthen their industry readiness, research capabilities and employability in high‑growth tech domains.