IIT Mandi AI minor degree launched with NSDC and imarticus learning

IIT Mandi has launched an AI minor degree for engineering undergraduates in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and imarticus learning. The programme will be offered through partner colleges and integrated into existing engineering curricula so students can gain AI skills without disrupting their core degrees.

IIT Mandi AI minor degree: what the course includes

The minor follows a seven-semester structure and covers machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision and AI deployment. Students will also get hands-on projects, real-world applications, and exposure to python, SQL, data visualisation, large language models and responsible AI practices.

IIT Mandi faculty provide academic leadership and oversight for curriculum design and delivery. The programme combines online sessions, faculty interactions and campus immersion visits to IIT Mandi.

Tushar Jain, head CCE at IIT Mandi, said the course is designed to give both fundamentals and application-focused learning so graduates can build real-world AI solutions.

IIT Mandi AI minor degree: how colleges and students join

The initiative is structured according to UGC guidelines for undergraduate specialisations and aligned with the multidisciplinary vision of NEP 2020. NSDC will support institutional outreach, quality assurance and implementation across participating colleges.

Imarticus learning will enable partner colleges to offer the programme and support industry-aligned skilling pathways, said Nikhil Barshikar, founder and CEO of imarticus learning. Nitin Kapoor, vice president at NSDC Academy, highlighted the need for deep technical talent with academic rigour and industry relevance.

Several institutions have already joined the initiative, including IIMT group of colleges, Lamrin Tech University, Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth University, Alard University, Ajeenkya DY Patil University and LNCT University. The programme is open to colleges that integrate the minor into their engineering curriculum and to students enrolled in those participating colleges.

Immediate student impact and transcript recognition

Unlike short-term certificates, the AI minor will appear on official academic transcripts issued by the host colleges, offering formal recognition of the specialisation. That could help your employability in AI-related roles while you complete your engineering degree.

Officials have not released fee details, exact rollout timelines or semester credit loads. Colleges interested in offering the minor will work with IIT Mandi, NSDC and imarticus learning on implementation and quality checks.

Officials said the programme aims to bring academic depth, practical learning and emerging areas like generative AI into undergraduate education, making AI accessible to a wider pool of engineering students.