In the contemporary AI-powered world, data science has evolved from merely working on data to building smart systems for making smarter decisions.
The Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science & Agentic AI is a systematic course comprising topics such as statistics, machine learning, data engineering, business analytics, Generative AI, and Agentic AI. It prepares learners to become industry-ready by way of a gradual learning process.
This blog post covers the entire curriculum breakdown, essential modules, practical projects, capstone project, skills learners can acquire, features of the program, eligibility criteria, and reasons to join IIT Kharagpur for the course.
Complete Curriculum Breakdown of the Applied Data Science & Agentic AI Program
The Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science & Agentic AI offers a structured curriculum covering statistics, data engineering, business analytics, Generative AI, and Agentic AI to build practical, industry-ready skills.
Module 1: Machine Learning & Statistical Foundations
Objective: Build the statistical reasoning and problem formulation skills that every subsequent module depends on.
In this module, learners develop the core statistical and analytical thinking skills required for data science. It establishes the foundation needed for machine learning, predictive analytics, and AI applications.
Topics Covered:
Learn analytical thinking to solve business problems using data.
Understand how to design meaningful business metrics for performance measurement.
Study descriptive statistics to summarize and interpret datasets.
Learn inferential statistics to draw conclusions from sample data.
Build a strong understanding of probability concepts used in predictive models.
Explore statistical significance beyond traditional p-values for better decision-making.
Module 2: Data Engineering, SQL & Modern AI Data Stack
Objective: Develop production-quality SQL skills and modern data stack literacy—the foundation of every analytical role.
This module focuses on managing, processing, and analysing data efficiently. Learners gain practical experience with SQL, Python, and modern data infrastructure used in AI-driven organizations.
Topics Covered:
Use Python for cleaning, analysing, and manipulating data.
Learn advanced SQL techniques for querying large datasets.
Apply analytical SQL patterns for business reporting and insights.
Understand the modern AI data stack and data engineering workflows.
Learn data quality management to ensure accurate and reliable analysis.
Module 3: Data Visualization, Business Analytics & AI Storytelling
Objective: Conduct rigorous exploratory analysis and communicate findings through compelling visual and narrative techniques, including AI-assisted exploration.
This module teaches learners how to explore datasets, identify trends, and present insights effectively using visualizations and AI-powered tools.
Topics Covered:
Perform systematic Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) to understand datasets.
Handle missing data and create useful features for better model performance.
Design dashboards and visualizations that simplify complex information.
Learn analytical storytelling to communicate insights to business stakeholders.
Use Generative AI to accelerate data exploration and analysis.
Module 4: Experimentation, Causal AI & Predictive Modelling
Objective: Master experimentation, forecasting, predictive modelling, and causal inference—the capabilities that separate mid-level from senior data scientists.
This module helps learners move beyond traditional analytics by building skills in experimentation and advanced predictive techniques.
Topics Covered:
Design and evaluate experiments using A/B testing methods.
Learn time series analysis for forecasting future business trends.
Build predictive models using machine learning techniques.
Understand causal inference to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Apply data-driven methods to improve business decision-making.
Module 5: Generative AI, AI Copilots & Analytics Automation
Objective: Use Generative AI as an analytical productivity multiplier by accelerating routine tasks while maintaining statistical accuracy and trust in AI outputs. This module introduces modern AI technologies that improve productivity and automate analytical workflows.
Topics Covered:
Understand how Large Language Models (LLMs) work and compare different models.
Learn prompt engineering techniques for analytical tasks.
Use AI to accelerate exploratory data analysis and code generation.
Build AI-powered analytical copilots for faster insights.
Develop Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems for context-aware analytics.
Module 6: Agentic AI, RAG Systems & Responsible AI
Objective: Build agentic analytical workflows, apply responsible AI governance, and understand the evolving AI regulatory landscape.
The final module prepares learners to build intelligent AI systems that automate complex analytical tasks while ensuring ethical and responsible AI implementation.
Topics Covered:
Design automated analytical systems using AI agents.
Build intelligent analytical agents for business decision support.
Learn bias detection, fairness, and explainability in AI models.
Understand responsible AI practices and AI governance principles.
Gain awareness of India's AI regulations and responsible Generative AI adoption.
Capstone Project
Objective: Build and present a complete AI-powered analytical solution that demonstrates the knowledge gained throughout the programme.
The capstone allows learners to apply everything they have learned by solving a real business problem from start to finish.
What You'll Do:
Select a real-world business problem with clear objectives and measurable success metrics.
Design and execute a complete analytical workflow, from data collection to model development.
Integrate an AI-powered component using Generative AI or Agentic AI with proper trust verification.
Build an end-to-end analytical solution that combines data science, predictive modelling, and AI technologies.
Present and defend your final project before the faculty, demonstrating your technical knowledge and business understanding.
Why This Curriculum Is Designed for the Agentic AI Era?
The Applied Data Science & Agentic AI program prepares learners for the AI era by combining statistical foundations, machine learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI to build practical, industry-ready analytics and decision-making skills.
Key highlights of the curriculum:
Transition from traditional analytics to AI-powered decision intelligence.
Build a strong foundation in statistics, probability, and machine learning.
Learn Generative AI, LLMs, prompt engineering, AI copilots, and RAG systems.
Develop skills to build predictive models and AI-powered analytical solutions.
Gain hands-on experience with agentic workflows and intelligent AI systems.
Progress through a structured curriculum from fundamentals to advanced AI concepts.
Apply your learning through real-world projects and an industry-focused capstone.
Build future-ready skills for modern data science and AI careers.
Hands-on Projects and Industry Capstone
The Applied Data Science & Agentic AI program emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on projects that mirror real business challenges. Throughout the programme, learners apply concepts from machine learning, business analytics, Generative AI, and Agentic AI to develop practical solutions. These industry-focused projects help build a strong portfolio while preparing participants to solve data-driven problems in professional environments.
Predictive Analytics Solution
Build a machine learning solution that forecasts business outcomes and generates actionable recommendations using predictive analytics techniques.
Business Experimentation Framework
Design and implement A/B testing and experimentation frameworks to measure business performance, evaluate strategies, and make evidence-based decisions.
AI-Powered Analytics Copilot
Develop an intelligent analytics assistant that uses Generative AI to automate reporting, answer business queries, and accelerate insight generation.
Agentic Decision Workflow
Create AI-powered workflows that combine autonomous agents with enterprise data to automate analytical tasks and support intelligent business decision-making.
RAG-Enabled Business Intelligence System
Build a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system that retrieves relevant business information and delivers accurate, context-aware insights using enterprise data.
Industry Capstone
Complete an end-to-end capstone project by solving a real-world business problem. Combine machine learning, predictive modelling, Generative AI, and Agentic AI to design, build, and present a production-ready analytical solution that showcases your technical and problem-solving skills.
Skills You Build Throughout the Programme
The Applied Data Science & Agentic AI programme equips learners with a balanced mix of technical , analytical, and business know-how that’s needed for today’s AI driven positions. At the end of the programme, participants are meant to work with data, build AI powered solutions, and support sharper business decisions, all while using up to date technologies.
Some key abilities you’ll end up developing include:
Machine Learning: Develop predictive models to address real world business issues
Statistical Analysis: Use statistical methods so the data is interpreted more accurately, and decisions get made better
SQL: Query, handle, and examine structured data in a really efficient way
Data Engineering: Prepare, process, and keep tidy high quality data pipelines
Business Analytics: Turn business information into practical insights
Data Visualization: Craft dashboards and visual reports to share results clearly
Predictive Modelling: Anticipate trends and predict outcomes using machine learning methods
Who Should Enrol in This Programme and Why Choose IIT Kharagpur?
The Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science & Agentic AI is ideal for professionals looking to build industry-ready skills in data science, Generative AI, and Agentic AI through a practical, AI-focused curriculum from IIT Kharagpur.
Who Should Enrol?
This programme is suitable for:
Data analysts
Business analysts
Data scientists
AI professionals
Software engineers
Analytics consultants
Technology professionals
Business leaders adopting AI
Eligibility: Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks.
Why Choose IIT Kharagpur?
Learn from the Department of Artificial Intelligence.
Attend 100% live, interactive learning sessions.
Follow an industry-aligned, AI-native curriculum.
Gain hands-on experience through real-world projects and a capstone.
Earn an Executive Post Graduate Certificate.
Receive Executive Alumni Status and network with industry professionals.
Celebrate your achievement at the on-campus graduation ceremony.
Conclusion
The Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Data Science & Agentic AI equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed for today's AI-driven world. From statistical foundations and machine learning to Generative AI, Agentic AI, and real-world projects, the programme offers a complete learning journey.
With an industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on capstone, and IIT Kharagpur's academic excellence, it prepares professionals to build AI-powered solutions and advance their careers in data science and analytics.