Tech, AI, and Beyond: IITs’ Free Courses Reshape India’s Learning Landscape

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India’s premier institutes, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, are making high-quality education more accessible than ever by offering several free online courses catering to students, professionals, and educators nationwide. These initiatives leverage national platforms like SWAYAM and SWAYAM Plus to provide engaging, expert-led learning across emerging and core technical disciplines, empowering learners from diverse backgrounds without the barriers of cost or entrance exams.

Key Highlights of IIT Bombay’s Free Course Offerings

IIT Bombay offers free courses in in-demand technical topics such as C++, Arduino programming, business management, thermodynamics, and creative writing.
These courses are designed for wide audiences, including high school students, undergraduates, postgraduates, and working professionals, featuring self-paced formats and hands-on tutorials.
One standout course is the Free C++ programming course by IIT Bombay, which requires no prior programming experience or JEE qualification. It comprehensively covers programming fundamentals, object-oriented concepts, advanced libraries, and real-world applications.
Learners can earn certifications (optional) by opting for proctored exams at nominal fees, adding a credible credential to their skillsets.
Platforms include Coursera, NPTEL, and the IITBombayX portal, ensuring ease of access and a variety of course durations from weeks to months.
IIT Madras Expands ‘AI for All 2.0’ Initiative with New Courses for School Teachers
IIT Madras has extended its much-acclaimed ‘AI For All’ programme to include school teachers from Kindergarten to Class XII across India catering to a broader base with free AI education.
The new phase includes a dedicated ‘AI for Educators’ course to equip K-12 teachers with practical AI skills for classroom integration, alongside five existing courses: AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, AI in Accounting, Cricket Analytics with AI, and AI/ML using Python.
Course durations range between 25 to 45 hours, offered entirely online through SWAYAM Plus in partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
Certification is available at a nominal fee via proctored exams, while course registration is open until October 10, 2025.
Importantly, no prior coding or AI knowledge is necessary—only basic digital literacy is required—making AI education widely inclusive.
IIT Madras leadership emphasizes that empowering educators with AI knowledge is a strategic step towards transforming education and nation-building.

Detailed Course Benefits and Accessibility

Both IIT Bombay and IIT Madras have focused on accessibility, affordability, and practical relevance in their offerings. These free courses provide:
Expert instruction from leading IIT faculty and education pioneers, ensuring top-quality learning experiences.
Flexibility for learners to study at their own pace and convenience with self-paced video tutorials, assignments, and projects.
Practical, hands-on components such as coding exercises, case studies, and real-world applications.
Opportunities to earn certificates that can enhance professional and academic profiles, with minimal certification costs.
Inclusion of learners from non-technical backgrounds, expanding the reach beyond engineering to educators and diverse professionals.

The nationwide availability of these free courses aligns strongly with India’s education policy goals of digital literacy, skill development, and equitable access to knowledge resources. As of September 2025, students, teachers, and professionals can enroll to develop cutting-edge skills in programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, and business management.

Source: Indian Express; IIT Madras SWAYAM Plus Announcement; India Today