You don't need JEE or CAT to learn from IIT and IIM faculty:
If you have been keeping an eye on tech and management hiring trends lately, you have probably noticed something surprising. Hiring managers care far less about whether you spent four years sitting in a traditional classroom and far more about whether you can actually build, analyze, and deploy real-world projects today.
This exact shift is why thousands of college students, fresh graduates, and working professionals are turning toward executive certification and upskilling programs powered by IIT innovation hubs, CCE units, and top IIMs.
These industry-aligned programs give you direct access to curriculum designed alongside institute faculty and tech leaders without requiring you to clear a multi-year JEE or CAT process. But with so many options floating around, which ones are actively accepting applications right now?
This complete guide breaks down the top executive certification and upskilling programs currently open for admission across hubs like Vishlesan i-Hub (IIT Patna), E&ICT Academy (IIT Roorkee), CCE (IIT Mandi), and IIM Ranchi, supported by the Masai placement ecosystem.
Quick overview of active certification programs open for admission
To make your search simple and actionable, here is a structured comparison of premier upskilling programs that have open batches and active qualifier tests right now.
Detailed breakdown of open programs for students and working professionals
Let us look closely at what each open program offers, who it is designed for, and how the learning is structured.
Note on program structure: These offerings are specialized executive certification programs meant for career upskilling. They are delivered by official knowledge partners (such as Vishlesan i-Hub IIT Patna, E&ICT Academy IIT Roorkee, CCE IIT Mandi, or IIM Ranchi), with career execution and outcome support provided by Masai.
1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning certification (Vishlesan i-Hub, IIT Patna)
If you want a comprehensive, end-to-end foundation in artificial intelligence that spans basic programming up to modern Generative AI, this 9-month program is one of the most thoroughly structured tracks available.
- Academic & knowledge partner: Vishlesan i-Hub, IIT Patna
- Career support partner: Masai placement ecosystem
- Current status: Open for admission (Qualifier test scheduled for upcoming cycle)
- Ideal for: Engineering students, computer science graduates, and developers wanting a thorough AI grounding.
Key learning modules:
- Core programming foundations: Master Python, NumPy, Pandas, and structured data handling.
- Classical machine learning: Supervised and unsupervised algorithms, regression, classification, and model evaluation metrics.
- Deep learning & Generative AI: Neural network architectures, computer vision, natural language processing, and LLM applications.
- Practical build: 1 major capstone project addressing real-world industry challenges alongside 3+ mini-projects.
2. Software engineering with AI program (E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee)
Traditional software development is evolving rapidly. This course focuses on building modern applications using AI-assisted development tools and clean software engineering principles.
- Academic & knowledge partner: E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee
- Career support partner: Masai placement ecosystem
- Current status: Open for admission
- Ideal for: Aspiring developers and tech graduates who want to build high-performance software systems using modern AI workflows
Key learning modules:
- Algorithmic thinking & backend logic: Writing scalable code, understanding data structures, and database management.
- AI co-pilot workflows: Integrating LLM APIs, code generation frameworks, and automated debugging into everyday development.
- System design & deployment: Building modular software components and preparing applications for production environments.
3. Certification program in data analytics with AI and Gen AI (E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee)
Data analytics is one of the fastest ways to break into tech. This program updates traditional data analytics training by embedding modern Generative AI and agentic automation right into the analytical workflow.
- Academic & knowledge partner: E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee
- Career support partner: Masai placement ecosystem
- Current status: Open for admission
- Ideal for: Non-tech graduates, business analysts, and freshers aiming for data-driven roles.
Key learning modules:
- Data architecture & SQL: Constructing complex database queries and managing relational data stores.
- Data wrangling with Python: Advanced manipulation using Pandas and visual storytelling with Matplotlib/Seaborn.
- LLM frameworks & prompt engineering: Zero-shot/few-shot prompting mechanics and programmatic model interaction.
- Agentic automation: Designing multi-step autonomous workflows using frameworks like LangChain and CrewAI.
4. Certification in artificial intelligence and machine learning (CCE, IIT Mandi)
Delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, this program emphasizes strong mathematical foundations and practical ML pipeline engineering.
- Academic & knowledge partner: CCE, IIT Mandi
- Career support partner: Masai placement ecosystem
- Current status: Open for admission
- Ideal for: Students and professionals who want rigorous conceptual clarity alongside hands-on project experience.
Key learning modules:
- Applied mathematics for ML: Linear algebra, calculus, vector spaces, and optimization techniques.
- Supervised & ensemble learning: Random forests, gradient boosting, and failure inspection pipelines.
- Deep learning frameworks: Building and training neural networks using PyTorch and TensorFlow.
5. Executive certificate programme in business analytics and AI for aspiring managers (IIM Ranchi)
For professionals who want to lead teams, optimize business operations, and drive corporate strategy through data, this program brings executive business training from IIM Ranchi into the mix.
- Academic & knowledge partner: IIM Ranchi
- Career support partner: Masai placement ecosystem
- Current status: Open for admission (Batch starts September 2026)
- Ideal for: Managers, team leads, business analysts, and non-tech professionals transitioning into strategic AI leadership.
Key learning modules:
- Data-driven decision making: Translating raw business metrics into actionable growth strategies.
- Applied business analytics: Predictive modeling, customer analytics, and operational optimization.
- AI strategy for managers: Evaluating AI tools for organizational efficiency and leading AI-integrated teams.
How to select the program that fits your goals
Choosing the right course comes down to your current background and your ideal career direction:
- If you want a full 9-month deep dive into core AI/ML: Choose the AI & Machine Learning Program with Vishlesan i-Hub, IIT Patna.
- If you want to build AI-powered software products: Choose the Software Engineering with AI Program with E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee.
- If you want to master business analytics & agentic workflows: Choose the Data Analytics with Gen AI Program with E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee.
- If you prefer mathematical depth and ML engineering: Select the AI & ML Program with CCE, IIT Mandi.
- If you are moving into management or business strategy: Select the Executive Program in Business Analytics & AI with IIM Ranchi.
Step-by-step admission roadmap
Getting started with these executive programs follows a clear, merit-based process:
- Step 1: Fill out the application form - Select your target program and submit your basic educational details online.
- Step 2: Take the qualifier test - Complete a 60-minute screening test covering basic logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and analytical skills.
- Step 3: Counseling & seat allocation - Shortlisted candidates attend a counseling session to discuss batch schedules and learning tracks.
- Step 4: Live learning & assignment submissions - Attend live online weekend sessions hosted by institute faculty and industry mentors.
- Step 5: Portfolio verification & career support - Upon meeting program criteria (such as maintaining 65%+ attendance and clearing internal assessments), access resume reviews, mock interviews, and career opportunities through the Masai placement ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Are these programs equivalent to full-time residential B.Tech or MBA degrees?
No. These are specialized executive certificate programs built specifically for skill enhancement and practical industry training. They are awarded by partner innovation hubs, CCE units, and academies (such as Vishlesan i-Hub IIT Patna or E&ICT Academy IIT Roorkee) and do not grant academic degree status.
Can college students and working professionals manage these classes?
Yes. All classes are conducted online during weekends or evening hours (typically 8 to 10 hours per week), allowing both full-time students and working professionals to balance their regular routines.
What eligibility criteria apply for placement support?
Learners who achieve the required academic attendance (usually 65% or higher) and maintain satisfactory cumulative evaluation scores become eligible for dedicated career assistance, interview coaching, and portfolio reviews through the Masai placement ecosystem.