The business analysts know how to use data effectively and take informed decisions. In addition, this is the reason why AI is a natural progression from their existing knowledge and experience.
The perfect Applied AI & ML program that will help business analysts to learn ML, Generative AI, RAG, MLOps, and deployment of AI will leverage the existing analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills of the professionals while providing training on machine learning and other technologies.
This blog discusses why business analysts should opt for Applied AI & ML program, the curriculum of IIT Kharagpur's EPGC program, hands-on projects, eligibility criteria, admission process, and other key aspects.
For professionals planning to move from data analytics to AI, IIT Kharagpur's EPGC in Applied AI & Machine Learning offers a structured pathway to develop and deploy enterprise-ready AI systems.
Why Business Analysts Are Well-Positioned to Learn Applied AI & ML?
Business analysts already possess many of the core skills required for Applied AI & Machine Learning. Their expertise in data analysis, business processes, stakeholder management, and problem-solving creates a strong foundation for developing AI-powered solutions that deliver measurable business value. They have:
Understanding business processes and stakeholders: Helps identify business problems where AI can improve efficiency, automation, forecasting, and decision-making.
Experience with data analysis and reporting: Familiarity with dashboards and business metrics builds a strong foundation for machine learning and predictive analytics.
Knowledge of SQL, Excel, BI tools, or Python: Existing technical skills simplify data preparation, analysis, and AI model development workflows.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities: Enables business analysts to design practical AI solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
Effective communication with stakeholders: Bridges the gap between technical AI teams and business leaders for successful AI implementation.
From descriptive to predictive decision-making: AI helps business analysts forecast trends, automate insights, and support proactive business strategies.
Curriculum: What Makes IIT Kharagpur's Applied AI & ML Programme Industry-Relevant
The curriculum follows a structured, application-first approach that takes learners from AI fundamentals to designing, deploying, and managing enterprise AI solutions. Each module builds practical skills through real-world applications, enabling business analysts to solve complex business challenges with Artificial Intelligence.
AI Foundations Bridge: Strengthen Python, SQL, statistics, probability, linear algebra, and calculus fundamentals required for Applied AI and Machine Learning.
Module 1: Machine Learning Foundations: Learn data preprocessing, feature engineering, supervised and unsupervised learning, model evaluation, and machine learning algorithms.
Module 2: Deep Learning & Computer Vision: Build deep learning models using neural networks, CNNs, RNNs, and transfer learning for real-world AI applications.
Module 3: NLP, Transformers & Speech AI: Explore Natural Language Processing, transformer architectures, speech recognition, text-to-speech, and modern language models.
Module 4: Generative AI & Large Language Models: Master prompt engineering, LLM architectures, PEFT, LoRA, QLoRA, multimodal AI, and responsible AI practices.
Module 5: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) & LLM Orchestration: Develop enterprise-grade RAG pipelines and orchestrate LLM applications for intelligent business solutions.
Module 6: Agentic AI, MLOps, Deployment & AI Governance: Learn AI agents, production deployment, MLOps workflows, model monitoring, governance, security, and lifecycle management.
Industry Capstone Project: Design, build, deploy, and evaluate a production-ready AI solution that addresses a real-world business challenge under expert mentorship.
Together, these modules equip business analysts with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to build, deploy, and manage AI systems that create measurable business impact.
Gain Practical Experience Through Real-World AI Projects
The programme prioritizes experiential learning through hands-on projects that mirror real business challenges. Instead of focusing only on theory, learners apply AI concepts to develop, test, and deploy practical solutions while building a portfolio that demonstrates production-ready AI skills.
Build an end-to-end Machine Learning system covering data preparation, model training, evaluation, and deployment.
Develop a Deep Learning application for computer vision or sequence-based real-world business use cases.
Create an enterprise-grade Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system using vector search and LLM orchestration.
Design a Generative AI and Agentic AI application using prompt engineering, lightweight fine-tuning, and autonomous AI workflows.
Deploy a production-ready AI API with containerization, monitoring, versioning, and MLOps best practices.
Complete an industry capstone by designing, building, and deploying an AI solution for a real business problem under faculty mentorship.
These practical projects help business analysts build a strong AI portfolio, showcasing their ability to solve business challenges with production-ready AI systems.
Programme Details at a Glance
The Applied AI & Machine Learning programme is designed for graduates and working professionals who want to build practical AI expertise through a structured curriculum, live faculty sessions, and industry-focused projects.
Programme fee: ₹1,99,000 (inclusive of taxes)
Seat booking amount: ₹10,000
EMI options: Starting from ₹6,825 per month
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized institution.
Preferred educational backgrounds: B.Tech/M.Tech, B.E./M.E. (CS, IT, AI, ECE), B.Sc./M.Sc. (Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics), MCA, and BCA.
Other eligible professionals: Graduates from other disciplines with at least two years of technology industry experience.
Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge, familiarity with any programming language, and foundational understanding of algebra, probability, and statistics.
Certification awarded: Executive Certificate from IIT Kharagpur with an on-campus graduation ceremony. The top 10% of learners receive a Certificate with Distinction.
Simple Admission Process for Working Professionals
The admission process is designed to be simple and convenient for busy professionals. From application to enrolment, each step ensures a smooth onboarding experience so learners can begin their AI journey without unnecessary delays.
Complete the online application by submitting your personal, academic, and professional details.
Receive a provisional offer letter after successfully completing the selection process.
Verify your documents and block your seat by paying the seat booking amount.
Pay the remaining programme fee to confirm your enrolment and secure your place in the programme.
Key Reasons Business Analysts Choose IIT Kharagpur's Applied AI & ML Programme
The Executive Post Graduate Certificate (EPGC) in Applied AI & Machine Learning by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) combines academic excellence with hands-on industry learning to help business analysts transition into AI-driven roles. Its comprehensive, production-oriented curriculum equips learners with the practical skills needed to build, deploy, and manage AI solutions for real-world business challenges.
Attend 100% live online sessions led by experienced IIT Kharagpur faculty, enabling interactive and collaborative learning.
Learn from the Department of Artificial Intelligence, IIT Kharagpur, through a curriculum aligned with current industry requirements.
Develop expertise across Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Generative AI, RAG, Agentic AI, MLOps, and enterprise AI deployment.
Strengthen practical skills by completing six hands-on projects that simulate real-world AI development workflows.
Apply your learning through an industry capstone project focused on solving an end-to-end business challenge.
Master a production-oriented AI workflow, from model development and testing to deployment and optimization.
Understand enterprise AI practices, including model monitoring, governance, security, and lifecycle management.
Receive an Executive Certificate from IIT Kharagpur and celebrate your achievement at the on-campus graduation ceremony.
Conclusion
The business analysts will already be having the requisite mindsets and skills that will help them excel in the field of Applied AI & Machine Learning. Enrolling for the EPGC program at IIT Kharagpur will help them acquire AI skills by way of classroom teaching and practical implementation in projects and business scenarios.