Are IIT online courses worth it?

Introduction

IIT online courses - just these 3 words sound so nice, right? Just the first word will be enough! I cannot deny the reputation that IIT has made for itself and claimed to be the most prestigious institute in the country for decades! But hey, let’s begin with a subtle tone.

Somehow, I was always a jolly kid who loved learning and exploring new things, but I would not term that as ‘studious’. I was a backbencher!

Casually strolling through the Internet around 2 am almost 7 years back, I came across something called Google Digital Garage, now Skillshop by Google. Then, it almost felt like I stepped on a treasure trove full of diamonds!

Google Ads, Digital Marketing, Paid Media, and many other valuable courses - taught by folks from Google! The amazing part was it was all FREE!

Only then did the idea strike me: Are these courses worth it? Will these courses help me learn practical industry skills and get a job?

The same is true with IIT online courses. From NPTEL to IIT’s launching their portals to embrace online learning and reach students at every corner of the country, even the most prestigious engineering institute of India came forward with many online IIT courses, whether certificate programs or minor degrees.

But the question is - Are online IIT courses worth it? Do they hold any practical value in terms of upskilling and job prospecting? Do they have the IIT weight, or is it hype marketing?

My Google certification helped me land my first job and a considerable pay hike in the second! But as far as the matter goes around IIT online certificate courses, let’s explore.

What are IIT online courses?

Post-pandemic, McKinsey & Company released a report stating that the online education industry has become increasingly competitive, with providers vying for attention from a wide array of prospective students.

From 2011 to 2021, the number of learners reached by massive open online courses (MOOCs) increased from 300,000 to 220 million. (McKinsey & Company)

With the progress made by educational institutions, ed-tech companies, and online course providers in general, IITs have embraced the online teaching methodology, too.

In layman's terms, IIT online courses are educational programs (certificate, minor, and degree courses) offered by the Indian Institute of Technology on various online platforms.

The curriculum of these courses is designed to equip learners with the same quality of education and expertise that IITs are widely renowned for but in a more flexible and accessible online format.

Online IIT courses cater to various subjects, from engineering and technology to management, data science, and Humanities & Social Sciences.

IIT online courses are a great way to gain knowledge and certifications from IIT without appearing for the traditional entrance exams like JEE. A great way to be a part of IIT without JEE!

Should you be doing IIT online certificate courses?

IIT online certificate courses hold weightage in the job market, and employers are well aware of the potential of IIT certificates.

Undoubtedly, IITs are known for their rigorous educational curriculum, and completing an IIT online course will help you upskill and propel you forward in terms of employment prospects.

But is that all? No. Here are 5 reasons to consider enrolling in IIT online certificate courses.

1. High-quality education: These courses are typically taught by IIT professors and faculty members themselves, which ensures a high academic standard. Additionally, industry experts are invited for guest lectures, which equip you with real-life practical knowledge and skills.

2. Flexible learning: The entire course is based online, and you can access and learn at your own pace. Online IIT courses are ideal for working professionals and students.

3. Certification: Most of these IIT courses provide certification upon completion, which adds to your professional resume and improves your career prospects.

4. Wide canopy of courses: IIT online courses are not limited to certificate courses but provide scores of valuable resources such as Minor and Specialization programs. For instance:

A. Minor in AI by IIT Ropar (9 months, 15 academic credits)

B. Minor in CSE and Advanced Technologies by IIT Mandi (9 months, 15 academic credits)

C. BS Degree in Data Science & Applications by IIT Madras (4-year online Bachelor Degree)

You can choose from the wide range of online IIT courses via NPTEL, online providers like Coursera and eDX, or IIT portals themselves. Courses made in collaboration with platforms like Coursera and eDX make them globally accessible.

Best IIT Online Certificate Courses

IIT online courses eligibility & duration

The eligibility criteria for IIT online courses vary according to the programs or certifications you want to pursue.

Whether you are looking forward to enrolling in an online diploma, attaining a certification, or specialising in a particular field, IIT online courses are designed to uphold the varied interests of learners while maintaining the rigour and curriculum excellence that IITs are known for.

Diploma and Certificate Programs

Diploma and Certificate courses are typically 3 to 24 months long. These courses are curated to provide in-depth knowledge and skill development, making them perfect for someone seeking specialisation in a particular field.

Online Undergraduate Courses

Few IITs also have the option to enroll in a complete 4-year undergraduate degree program online.

For instance, IIT Madras has developed the world’s first online 4-year degree program (Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science and Applications) that you can enroll in regardless of age, location, or academic background.

Degree programs generally last 3 to 5 years, impart specialised knowledge, and dive deep into a particular field of study. Ex - Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, Marine Engineering, etc.

Other online IIT courses

A wide canopy of IIT online courses is available, including certifications and specialisations. However, the duration of the courses varies widely depending on the complexity and the depth of the course.

Certain certificate programs may last 6 to 12 months, while other courses may span 1 to 2 years. These courses are inclined towards providing focused and niche-based learning.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for IIT online courses, typically for diploma courses or certification programs, begins with having a 10+2 education level. However, some qualifications may differ depending on the course you want to pursue.

Some programs may require prior knowledge or relevant expertise in the subject matter. This is typically done for enrollment in advanced courses, as a fundamental grasp of basic concepts may be necessary for the program.

IIT Online Courses Admission Procedure

Enrolling in any IIT online course is an easy and streamlined process. First, choose your course or certificate program from the extensive catalogue provided by various IITs nationwide.

Remember the course duration and ensure you satisfy the eligibility criteria for the program you wish to enrol in. Register on the online IIT portal, create your profile, and apply for your desired course.

If you meet all the program's prerequisites, proceed with the online payment options provided. After successful payment, you will be registered for the course, and you will be granted access to the lectures and study materials.

Study at your own pace, attend all live lectures, complete all given assignments on time, and participate in exams and quizzes. After completing the course, you will be awarded an IIT-endorsed certificate.

This method of learning and upskilling encourages learners worldwide to enroll in IIT online certificate courses while upholding the quality of education IITs are known for.

It also grants students a passing certificate that holds the weightage of IIT, boosting their CV and employment prospects.

Loan/EMI facilities for IIT online courses

Financial constraints should never be a barrier to quality education. For the same reason, IITs provide the convenience of paying program fees in easy instalments, and you can also leverage the educational loan facility.

Leveraging these options has enabled students to access quality education without putting hefty pressure on their wallets or breaking the bank.

Benefits of IIT Online Courses

IIT online courses offer many benefits in contrast to the traditional method of in-person learning. You can interact with these courses via live lectures, recorded sessions, practice quizzes, assignments, peer-to-peer conversations, and more.

IIT online courses encompass a horizon of learning that improves overall comprehension and instils critical thinking. Here are 5 benefits of IIT online certificate courses:

Cost-effective

Traditional higher education programs are sometimes exorbitantly expensive and out of reach for a larger population of students. IIT online courses can overcome this cost barrier.

Institutions like IIT are democratising education and making high-quality learning accessible to a large spectrum of students nationwide by offering these courses at a fractional cost compared to in-person programs.

Flexibility of learning

Unlike in-person programs, online courses by IIT offer flexible learning, which is suitable for students and working professionals.

Their online courses are accessible via live lectures and recorded sessions, which learners can see and complete at their own pace. They can take quizzes and assignments when they are ready and how many times they want.

This eradicates the need for learners to sit for long hours continuously and follow stringent course timelines, which can hamper other commitments.

Top-Tier education

IIT online courses are renowned for their course materials, backed by the rigorous and quality content curriculum that IITs are known for.

The courses are taught by IIT Professors and faculty members who hold cutting-edge knowledge and deep expertise in the subject matter, ensuring high course quality.

Additionally, guest lecturers who are typically domain experts are invited across multiple industries, enriching the course with a multitude of subject expertise.

Course diversity

IIT courses span various disciplines, ranging from engineering, design and technology to humanities, management, and social sciences.

This appeals to students' diverse interests, and they can enroll in whichever specialisation they want that is relevant to their domain or the role they wish to pursue to enhance their career prospects.

Recognised Certification

Almost all IIT online courses are certificate courses wherein you receive IIT-endorsed certification after completing the course.

These certificates hold immense value as the course curriculum follows the IIT learning methodology, known for its rigorous syllabus.

Additionally, IIT online certificate courses are recognised worldwide, increasing employability and demonstrating practical knowledge to potential employers.

Are IIT online courses valuable and recognised?

Before enrolling for any IIT online course, you must walk through this question, as they will demand time, money and effort. IIT provides a vast canopy of courses, from certificate programs to diplomas and UG/PG degree programs to minor specialisations.

All of the IIT online certificate courses are of varying durations and offer students the opportunity to access high-quality education without any geographical barriers.

Whether you want to pursue a diploma, certification, or a specialisation in a particular field, online IIT courses are meant to accommodate varied learners while upholding the rigour and curriculum excellence that IITs are known for.

These courses bring out the distinction of an IIT standard education while providing the flexibility of study that works around your schedule. This is one of the many reasons these courses are a top choice for students and working professionals.

You will learn from domain experts across various industries alongside IIT professors and faculty members. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge that will help you advance your career.

To add the cherry on top, IIT online courses come at a fractional cost compared to regular classes. Enrolling in an online IIT course is like holding a piece of the famed IIT distinction, which can be used to propel forward in both personal and professional development and boost your CV.

Lastly, IITs do not require UGC/AICTE accreditations. They are autonomous bodies and are Institutes of National Importance. IITs were established by the Act of Parliament 1961 (IIT Act), and hence, they hold immense importance and are recognised globally.

Hear from students - IIT Online courses review

Now, before you enroll in any IIT online course moving forward, be it to advance your career or showcase a prestigious IIT-endorsed certificate in front of potential employers, let me walk you through a few student testimonials, who have been part of IIT courses online, and how has it impacted them.

Mansi Mutreja - Student with Micro-Credit Program in Computer Science, IIT Guwahati

As a non-tech professional with 1.7 years of experience, I struggled with rejections for tech roles. A friend recommended this IIT online course, and it has been a game-changer. Through structured lessons in C++, Maths, Data Science basics, and practical assessments, I've gained hands-on skills and 12 credits towards a minor in Computer Science. The support from mentors, engaging sessions with IIT professors, and responsive management make the learning experience accountable and inspiring. I’m grateful for this course and the dedicated team behind it.

Yash Saini - Student with Micro-Credit Program in Computer Science, IIT Guwahati

I’m currently pursuing my B.Tech major in Computer Science, and I wanted to strengthen my skills even more, so I decided to enroll in the Micro-Credit Program at IIT Guwahati. This course has been an amazing addition to my learning journey. It’s super practical and helped me dive deeper into key concepts like C++ and Data Science. The professors are really passionate about teaching, and they make the classes engaging. I also love how there’s a balance between theory and hands-on learning. Plus, the support from mentors is great—they’re always there to help, and the extra sessions make sure I’m on the right track.

BK Singh - Student with Micro-Credit Program in Computer Science, IIT Guwahati

Masai teaches the ‘emotions of technology,’ creating thoughtful, tech-savvy minds. I joined this course because of the IIT-Guwahati credit-sharing program, and it has exceeded my expectations. The IIT professors are excellent, and the supportive, responsive management—especially Dhiraj and Suraj Sir—adds to the experience. The curriculum is well-structured to meet diverse learning needs, and the community and scrum sessions build a strong foundation for continued growth. Masai feels like a finishing school for IT and Computer Science, with the added value of the IIT-Guwahati alumni network.

Harsh Gehlot - Student with Minor in ML & Data Science, IIT Mandi

Enrolling in the IIT Mandi minor in Machine Learning and Data Science has been a life-changing journey. Balancing two degrees was challenging, but it taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. The tight schedules, late nights, and hard-won victories helped me grow personally and academically. Alongside invaluable support from friends and mentors, I’ve gained skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in ML and data science. This program is more than just a degree—it's an unforgettable journey of growth and transformation.

Priyanka - Student with Minor in AI, IIT Ropar

Enrolling in this program has been a transformative experience. The curriculum is comprehensive and hands-on, covering essential AI/ML concepts with real-world applications. The instructors are knowledgeable and highly supportive, ensuring a thorough understanding of each topic. I appreciate the practical, project-based approach, which has strengthened my problem-solving skills and boosted my confidence in applying AI/ML techniques. This course is ideal for anyone aiming to build a solid foundation and gain practical skills in the field of AI and machine learning!

Takeaway

So, to conclude - Are IIT online courses worth your time, money, and effort? Let's be honest; it completely depends on what outcome you seek from the course.

IIT online certificate courses come with the distinction of IIT-level education while being flexible to accommodate the style of varied learners nationwide.

You can learn directly from the IIT faculty and industry experts in various domains, which will help you gain immense practical experience with the required exposure to excel in your career.

Additionally, these courses come at a fractional cost compared to regular courses, which is another significant benefit. Pursuing online courses from IIT is equivalent to lifting up a portion of the famed IIT quality, which can help you progress in both personal and professional fields.

It's a fantastic opportunity to level up your skills, enhance your employment prospects, boost your CV, discover new interests, etc. However, your commitment and dedication will decide whether these courses are worth your time and effort!