What is Modern Software and AI Engineering at Scaler Academy?

Modern Software and AI Engineering is Scaler Academy's flagship upskilling programme a comprehensive, end-to-end curriculum that prepares experienced software engineers to thrive in the AI-first era. It combines the proven foundations of software engineering (DSA, System Design, real-world projects) with a new Agentic AI elective, so you graduate as an engineer who can both build robust systems and deploy intelligent AI agents. It's offered under the Scaler Academy umbrella, with the same MAANG-vetted instructors and 1:1 mentorship you'd expect.

Why did Scaler rename the programme to Modern Software and AI Engineering?

The industry has fundamentally shifted. Writing clean code and knowing DSA is no longer enough to stand out at top-tier product companies; engineers are now expected to understand, build with, and evaluate AI systems. The new programme name reflects that reality. 'Modern Software and AI Engineering' signals that this is a curriculum for where the job market is going, not where it was five years ago. The core rigour stays; the scope expands.

Is this still part of Scaler Academy? Will my certificate say Scaler?

Yes, Modern Software and AI Engineering is fully under the Scaler Academy umbrella. Your credential, mentor network, alumni community, and career support all remain part of Scaler Academy. Think of it as the programme name evolving to match the curriculum, not a different company or product.

Who is a Forward Deployed Engineer?

A Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) is a high-demand hybrid software engineer who embeds directly with customers to build, customise, and deploy complex software and AI systems into real-world production. FDEs work at the intersection of deep technical problem-solving and client consulting. Core skills include: Engineering mastery System design AI & LLM deployment Communication & product management

What roles can I target after the program?

Forward Deployed Engineer, AI Engineer, AI Solutions Engineer, Agent Engineer, and AI-enabled product-engineering roles at AI-first companies and enterprises adopting AI.

Who is this program for?

Engineers who want to move into AI-native, customer-facing roles - from early-career SDEs (start from foundations) to senior engineers adding the AI layer to skills they already have.

Do I need prior AI or ML experience?

No. The program starts from programming and DSA foundations and builds AI engineering from first principles - and AI tools assist your learning from day one.

What does the full curriculum cover?

The programme runs across five structured stages: an introductory week for onboarding and mentor selection; 8 weeks of Programming Constructs (optional, at no extra cost); 21 weeks of Data Structures & Algorithms covering Arrays, Linked Lists, Trees, DP, and more; 10 weeks of System Design covering distributed systems, caching, schema design, and microservices; 5 weeks of a real-world project in your chosen specialisation (full-stack, frontend, or backend). Layered across this is the new Agentic AI elective for engineers who want to build AI-native systems.

Do I need an AI or ML background to enrol?

No. The programme is designed for software engineers with 6+ months of professional experience and proficiency in at least one high-level programming language — no prior ML or AI background required. The Agentic AI elective is built to be accessible to engineers who understand software systems, starting from first principles of how LLMs and AI agents work, then moving to building and deploying them.

What is Agentic AI, and why does it matter for my engineering career?

Agentic AI refers to AI systems that can plan, reason, and take actions autonomously — going far beyond a chatbot that answers a question. Think of an AI agent that reads your codebase, identifies a bug, writes a fix, tests it, and opens a pull request. Engineers who can design, build, and orchestrate these systems are among the most in-demand in the industry right now. The 'agentic ai' keyword alone receives over 83,000 monthly searches in India — the market is asking this question, and Scaler's new elective gives you the answer.

What will I actually build in the Agentic AI elective?

The Agentic AI elective is hands-on, not theoretical. You'll learn how LLMs work under the hood, how to design multi-step AI agents using tool-calling and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and how to orchestrate agents in real-world pipelines — production API integration, error handling, evaluation. You'll build an agent-powered project that you can deploy, publish to GitHub, and showcase in interviews. Instructors are engineers currently working with these systems at top tech companies.

How is Scaler's Agentic AI elective different from a standalone GenAI or LLM course?

Standalone GenAI courses teach you to call an API and generate text. The Scaler Agentic AI elective teaches you to engineer systems around AI: memory, tool use, multi-agent orchestration, evaluation frameworks, and deployment. It's built for software engineers — not data scientists — so you'll spend your time writing production-grade code, not tuning models. It slots naturally into the broader MSAI Engineering curriculum so you graduate with both foundational software skills and applied AI capabilities.

Is the Agentic AI elective mandatory or optional?

The Agentic AI elective is an optional specialisation within the Modern Software and AI Engineering programme. Engineers who want to focus purely on software foundations (DSA, System Design, and a full-stack project) can do so. Those who want to layer in AI engineering capabilities can add the elective. Your Academic Advisor will help you choose the right path based on your career goals during onboarding.

Who teaches and mentors on the Modern Software and AI Engineering programme?

Instructors are active engineers from MAANG and leading AI-first companies — people who are shipping production systems using the same tools you'll learn. The Agentic AI elective specifically is taught by engineers who work with LLMs, agent frameworks, and AI infrastructure day-to-day. On the mentorship side, you're paired 1:1 with an industry expert for personalised guidance, career goal mapping, and regular mock interviews throughout the programme.

How do mock interviews at Scaler prepare me for AI-related roles?

Mock interviews are run by experienced engineers from top tech companies — not bots or peers. For learners in the Agentic AI elective, mentors can specifically tailor sessions to include AI system design questions (how would you design an agentic coding assistant? how would you evaluate an LLM pipeline in production?). You'll receive structured feedback on both your technical approach and how you communicate AI tradeoffs — which is exactly what hiring managers at AI-forward companies look for.

What salary outcomes can I expect as an AI-skilled software engineer after Scaler?

AI engineering roles are among the highest-compensated in the tech market. The keyword 'AI engineer salary' receives 17,000 monthly searches in India — and for good reason. AI engineers in India currently command significant premiums over general software engineering roles. Scaler alumni who've added system design expertise have consistently landed at Amazon, Microsoft, and Google; the Agentic AI elective is designed to give you the additional leverage to compete for AI-focused roles at these same companies. Specific package ranges will be discussed with your Academic Advisor.

Will AI replace software engineers — and how does this programme address that?

This is the right question to ask. The honest answer: AI won't replace engineers who know how to build and work with AI systems — but it will replace engineers who don't adapt. That's precisely why Scaler built the Agentic AI elective into this programme. You'll move from being someone who worries about AI replacing their job to being the engineer who deploys AI agents that multiply a team's output. The engineers graduating from this programme are positioned to lead, not be displaced.

What is the fee structure for Modern Software and AI Engineering?

Fees are personalised based on your scholarship performance. You can earn up to INR 25,000 in scholarship from a 30-minute entrance test. No-cost EMI and standard EMI options from NBFC partners are available, and you can pay as little as ₹9,811/month when you combine a scholarship with an EMI plan. Financing with a down payment and monthly instalments is also available. Book a call with an Academic Advisor to get the exact breakdown for your profile — they'll also walk you through which programme path (with or without the Agentic AI elective) fits your budget and goals.

How does the programme fit around a full-time job?

Modern Software and AI Engineering is designed entirely for working professionals. Classes are scheduled in evenings and weekends. All sessions are recorded so you never miss content. Teaching Assistants are on hand for async help. You can pause and resume your enrolment if life gets in the way. Post-completion, you retain access to course content for 6 months including the Agentic AI elective materials, which update regularly as the AI landscape evolves.

Scaler Academy12 Month Program

Modern Software
and AI Engineering.

Software Engineering hasn't changed. What it takes to be great at it, has. Stronger fundamentals, faster delivery, and AI fluency built into how you learn.
Now with a new specialisation in FDE.

Download Brochure

Placement report

Next cohort starts July 2026

AI-Integrated Curriculum

AI built into every module , not bolted on after.

Unlock Lifelong Learning

Curriculum updates forever - no extra cost.

Fundamentals First

Foundations that last. Artificial Intelligence that compounds

Introducing an FDE Track

A high-demand role now at your fingertips

AI Shift

AI didn't replace engineers. It raised the bar for what they can do.

The roles being created now require stronger fundamentals, faster execution, and the ability to build with AI.

Ready to join Scaler and take your first step towards success?

Request a Callback

who it is for?

AI is reshaping every role. Are you ready for yours?

The problem isn't talent - it's that your current stack doesn't include the AI layer companies now expect.

SDEs, QA engineers, and frontend developers

I can execute tasks, but I don't yet feel like the engineer people trust for product thinking or AI-first workflows.

1-4 Years

SDEs, QA Engineers & Frontend Developers

You know how software teams work. Now build the AI-aware engineering skills that move you beyond execution-only roles.

What you'll gain

Stronger fundamentals across frontend, backend, APIs, and data flows
AI-assisted development workflows for faster, validated builds
Readiness for product-oriented engineering roles

I can execute tasks, but I don't yet feel like the engineer people trust for product thinking or AI-first workflows.

AI is the operating system

Software Engineering Has Changed. So Has This Program.

Other programmes teach you to ship features. We teach you to build, evaluate, and own AI-integrated systems end to end.

AI-Led Curriculum

Every module runs on a Prompt → Review → Own workflow. You use AI to move faster, then learn to validate outputs and take full ownership of what ships.

AI Mock Interviews

Practice with avatars trained on real SWE interview formats across DSA, LLD, and system design.

AI-Driven Project Portfolio

Every project goes from problem statement to deployed, AI-integrated product. End-to-end ownership across frontend, backend, and AI feature integration.

AI Learning Model

You don't just learn from AI. You teach it. Correcting a naive AI's wrong approaches and refining its code builds conceptual clarity that passive problem-solving never gives you.

Tools you’ll learn with us:

Curriculum Core

Find the AI Path for your role

Instructors, mentors, and leaders from industry who shape what you learn and how you grow.

How is This Module Future Proof

AI-assisted debugging and pattern recognition are taught from day one. Building habits that scale with any future AI tooling

Core

Programming Fundamentals

No prior coding needed. Build syntax, logic, arrays, and debugging discipline before DSA pressure begins. AI tools assist from day one. For visualisation, edge-case thinking, and critique.

2 Months27 sessionsInterview Prep

What you'll learn

Core problem solvingOperators, data types, if-else, loops, patterns, functions, and arrays

Modular thinking & code structureFunctions, strings, 2D arrays, memory visualisation with AI

AI-Assisted EngineeringUse AI for edge-case thinking, debugging, and iteration analysis from day one

Want to dive deeper into the details?

Download Brochure

Pick your Specialisation

How is This Module Future Proof

AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, MCP) are part of your daily workflow — not an afterthought.

Specialisation

FDE Foundations: Python, Workflow & Delivery

The module that makes you a forward deployed engineer. Learn the customer-embedded operating model, scope solutions under ambiguity and ship a production-grade Python service for a digital-health startup — clean toolchain, tests, CI, the lot.

1 Month12 sessionsThe FDE role

What you'll learn

The FDE operating modelEngagement lifecycle, RACI, SLAs, trust-building

Production PythonGenerators, async, Pydantic, decorators, hexagonal architecture

Modern workflowGit internals, pytest, CI, and AI dev tools (Cursor, Claude Code, MCP)

Want to dive deeper into the details?

Download Brochure

Want to know how to end-up in Forward Deployment Engineer roles?

Request a Callback

Project

Every project ships with an AI layer. That's the new bar.

Every project is interview-ready and AI-integrated. Something you can open, walk through, and defend - including the AI features you built into it.

FDE Specialisation

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Build a real marketplace backend (OrderFlow): FastAPI, JWT/RBAC, Stripe payments, real-time order updates, and vector search.

FASTAPI STRIPE REDISPGVECTOR

Project: build an order and payments backend

An AI-ready data layer with hybrid + vector search.

FDE Specialisation

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Implement github branching strategy, cicd, iac for these. Implement production concepts like scaling, security, monitoring etc. for these repositories to be deployed on a single EKS cluster.

AWSKUBERNETESTERRAFORM SRE

Project: deploy, break, and fix on the cloud

AI used to accelerate runbook and infrastructure-as-code authoring.

FDE Specialisation

Build a CRM-to-AI Support Copilot

Build an AI agent that safely acts inside a CRM, tool calling, MCP, human-in-the-loop approval, and real connectors.

AGENTSMCP HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP

Project: build a CRM-to-AI support copilot

Agentic AI with audit trails and confirmation on destructive actions.

FDE Specialisation

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Build a real marketplace backend (OrderFlow): FastAPI, JWT/RBAC, Stripe payments, real-time order updates, and vector search.

FASTAPI STRIPE REDISPGVECTOR

An AI-ready data layer with hybrid + vector search.

FDE Specialisation

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Implement github branching strategy, cicd, iac for these. Implement production concepts like scaling, security, monitoring etc. for these repositories to be deployed on a single EKS cluster.

AWSKUBERNETESTERRAFORM SRE

AI used to accelerate runbook and infrastructure-as-code authoring.

instructors / mentors

Learn from the top 0.1% of practitioners.

Three tracks, one outcome: production-grade skills with AI fluency. Every module below has an AI integration layer - it's not an add-on, it's how you learn.

Problem Solving & System Design

Taught by Anshuman Singh

Co-Founder @

Two-time ACM ICPC World Finalist. Built Facebook Messenger as a founding team member.

15+ YOE15+ Years of Experience

4.9

System Design & Backend Architecture

Taught by Shivank Agarwal

Senior VP Engineering @

A decade at Microsoft and Oracle. Now SVP of Engineering at Scaler, building next-gen engineers.

14+ YOE14+ Years of Experience

4.7

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Naman Bhalla

Co Founder @Scaler AI Labs

Google Kickstart global rank 135. ACM ICPC rank 37. Built Scaler Topics from scratch.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Anurag Khanna

Principal Software Engineer @ Cadence logo

Builds large-scale systems at Microsoft. Ex-Amazon SDE. Praised for unparalleled depth in DSA mentoring.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Problem Solving

Taught by Kshitij Mishra

Head of Instructors @

IIIT Hyderabad CS grad. Heads the Scaler instructor team. Ex-Lead SDE at InterviewBit.

10+ YOE10+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Competitive Programming

Taught by Utkarsh Gupta

VP, Academic Course Architect @

AIR 1 in Google Hash Code 2019. Codeforces Master and 6-star CodeChef. 750+ live sessions at Scaler.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.9

DSA & Backend Development

Taught by Umang Agrawal

SDE-II @

Drives Amazon's Everyday Essentials incentives strategy. Ex-Microsoft. 750+ live sessions, 4.87/5 rating.

5+ YOE5+ Years of Experience

4.9

Backend Engineering & System Design

Taught by Subham Soni

Software Engineer @ Microsoft logo

Google engineer and Scaler alumnus. Ex-Intuit and Credit Suisse. Known for clarity-first teaching.

5+ YOE5+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Backend Development

Taught by Kunal Jindal

SDE II @

Ex-Microsoft (youngest SDE-II on CO+I India team). Ex-Disney+ Hotstar AdTech. AIR 6 National Astronomy Olympiad.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.7

System Design & Backend Development

Taught by Alok Singh

SDE 2 @

Built Booking.com's Eligibility API serving 5M+ partners daily at 99.99% uptime. Ex-Razorpay, Ex-Samsung.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.7

Problem Solving & System Design

Taught by Anshuman Singh

Co-Founder @

Two-time ACM ICPC World Finalist. Built Facebook Messenger as a founding team member.

15+ YOE15+ Years of Experience

4.9

System Design & Backend Architecture

Taught by Shivank Agarwal

Senior VP Engineering @

A decade at Microsoft and Oracle. Now SVP of Engineering at Scaler, building next-gen engineers.

14+ YOE14+ Years of Experience

4.7

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Naman Bhalla

Co Founder @Scaler AI Labs

Google Kickstart global rank 135. ACM ICPC rank 37. Built Scaler Topics from scratch.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Anurag Khanna

Principal Software Engineer @ Cadence logo

Builds large-scale systems at Microsoft. Ex-Amazon SDE. Praised for unparalleled depth in DSA mentoring.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.8

how scaler works

This isn't an AI content library. It's a system built around AI-era progress.

Designed for people with jobs, ambition, and limited time. Structure, people, practice, and accountability are built in so AI upskilling turns into capability, not content consumption

AI-first structured curriculum, rebuilt not retrofitted

01AI-first structured curriculum

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

Every module reflects how the best engineering and data teams work today with AI-assisted workflows, current interview standards, and the roles companies are hiring for now

Mentors who guide you while building the industry

021:1 mentor support

The people who guide you are also building the industry

Your mentors are active industry professionals,currently employed, currently hiring, currently solving the same problems you will face. They review your work, unblock you in real time, and bring the kind of judgment that only comes from being inside the teams you want to join.

03Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Projects land module by module, tied to real business cases and interview-ready builds. The distance between learning and application is zero.

Scaler practice platform built to match the real hiring environment

04Scaler-built preparation products

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

Scaler's own coding platform, terminal-based judges, and AI mock interviews are built in-house designed around exactly the way technical hiring works today. Nothing about the real thing should feel unfamiliar.

05Backed by a Strong Tech Community

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Structured check-ins, career support, and exclusive access to 1,00,000+ Scaler alumni keep you moving long after the program ends. The community outlasts the curriculum.

06Learning never ends

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

Live sessions, regular curriculum updates, and lifetime access to recorded content mean you remain current as the industry moves. Not caught up. Ahead of it.

01AI-first structured curriculum

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

Every module reflects how the best engineering and data teams work today with AI-assisted workflows, current interview standards, and the roles companies are hiring for now

021:1 mentor support

The people who guide you are also building the industry

03Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Projects land module by module, tied to real business cases and interview-ready builds. The distance between learning and application is zero.

04Scaler-built preparation products

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

05Backed by a Strong Tech Community

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Structured check-ins, career support, and exclusive access to 1,00,000+ Scaler alumni keep you moving long after the program ends. The community outlasts the curriculum.

06Learning never ends

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

Live sessions, regular curriculum updates, and lifetime access to recorded content mean you remain current as the industry moves. Not caught up. Ahead of it.

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

CERTIFICATE

Will you be certified? Of course! It’ll look great on your resume and LinkedIn

Where AI-native engineering takes you

AI didn't replace engineers. It created new roles that pay more.

AI Backend Engineer
AI Front-end Engineer
AI Fullstack Engineer
Forward Deployment Engineer
AI Backend Engineer
AI Front-end Engineer
AI Fullstack Engineer
Forward Deployment Engineer

163%

Growth in AI-related job postings between 2024 and 2025 — even as overall tech hiring fell

LinkedIn, 365 Data Science, 2025

"AI Engineer" ranked as the fastest-growing job title in the US on LinkedIn's 2026 Jobs Report

LinkedIn Jobs Report, 2026

729%

Year-over-year growth in forward-deployed engineer job postings (2025 → 2026).

Source: Mint, TOI, Medium

$206K

Average AI engineer salary in 2025, a $50,000 jump in a single year, still climbing in 2026

MRJ Recruitment, Second Talent, 2026

Stories

Real AI-era career moves, not generic success stories.

Numbers tell part of the story. These are the role shifts behind them.

0%Hike

Shivam Prakash

Computer Scientist, Adobe

Before:Backend Engineer, Ericsson

Now:Computer Scientist, Adobe

3 OFFERSExplore more

“This journey has been an incredible blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping me with the skills to tackle real-world challenges in the dynamic field of AI and ML. I'm excited to leverage this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation.”

Sahil Bansal

Data Scientist, Fractal

Scaler learner success story video thumbnail

Rajesh Somasundaram

Machine Learning Ops Engineer-2, NinjaCart

Before:Software Engineer - II, HERE Technologies

Now:Machine Learning Ops Engineer-2, NinjaCart

Arun M V

Applied scientist, GoKwik

0%Hike

Divyanshu Tanter

AI Researcher and Developer, Dassault Systems

Before:Data Scientist, Wipro Limited

Now:AI Researcher and Developer, Dassault Systems

4 OFFERSExplore more

“In just 2.5 months of joining Scaler, I not only learned the fundamentals but also advanced-level concepts in Data Science and Machine Learning. The structured approach, comprehensive curriculum, and unwavering guidance of mentors like Srikanth Varma Chekuri, Naman Bhalla, Mudit Goel , and a fantastic cohort of peers made this journey incredibly rewarding.”

Akshat Arora

Data Scientist, Landmark Group

Madhuri Kukreja

Associate Analyst, Razorpay

Before:Associate Analyst, XL Dynamics

Now:Associate Analyst, Razorpay

0%Hike

Sayyam Bhandari

Data Engineer, Amazon

Before:Sr BI Analyst, USEReady INC.

Now:Data Engineer, Amazon

2 OFFERSExplore more

“Scaler Academy's program is truly exceptional, providing me with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in the field of Full-Stack_Data Engineer. The practical projects and real-world scenarios prepared me well for the challenges ahead”

Vempali B N V D Sivasanthosh

Full Stack data Engineer, Fractal

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

Community

37,000+ tech professionals. Your next network.

Starting at

₹ 9,791/month

Total ₹ 3,99,000*

Learn AI, stay ahead, and make the best investment for your future with EMI and a ₹20,000 upfront commitment.

Talk To Advisor

View Emi

What's included

No-cost EMI available

Flexible monthly payments

Full Day access from Day 1

All tracks, all modules, all tools

Lifelong Access Unlock

Curriculum, recordings, and future updates

Career support included

Resume review, mock interviews, placement assistance

our free courses

Modern Software and AI Engineering Skills you will learn

Python Tutorial Java Tutorial Data Structure OOPS Concept in Java SQL Operating System Tutorial DBMS Tutorial

Sneak-peak into our course

Register for a Free Masterclass

Instructors, mentors, and leaders from industry who shape what you learn and how you grow.

news

Featured in the News

Are India’s engineers truly AI-ready? Scaler-CMR study uncovers a “Confidence-Capability Gap”

03rd Mar 2026

IIT Roorkee and Scaler Sign MOU to launch Advanced AI-Focused Programs to Bridge Industry Skill Gaps

19th Mar 2026

Scaler Signs MoU with IIM Tiruchirappalli to Co-Develop Industry-Ready Management Programmes for an AI-Driven World

19th Jan 2026

Google for Startups collaborates with Scaler to equip Indian founders with hands-on AI skills through ‘Prompt to Prototype’

07th Nov 2025

BLOG

From the Scaler editorial desk

Software Architect Roadmap for 2026 : Skills, Steps & Career Path

A step-by-step guide to becoming a software architect - covering system design, patterns, cloud, and leadership

Tushar Bisht

08th Apr 2026

What Is a Software Engineer? Definition, Skills & Career Guide

Everything you need to know about the role — from key skills and responsibilities to salaries and growth paths.

Team Scaler

19th Feb 2026

Transitioning From a Non-Technical Role to Software Development

Net loss down from ₹139 Cr to ₹3 Cr in FY25, with positive EBITDA and a pivot toward AI-powered learning.

Tushar Bisht

22nd Jan 2026

System Engineer vs Software Engineer: A Detailed Comparison

Two distinct engineering paths, one big decision. Compare roles, responsibilities, skills, salaries, and growth to find your ideal career fit.

Team Scaler

19th Feb 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Still having doubts regarding program details?

Reach out to the team for more information.

Request a Callback

Ready to upskill in Modern Software and AI Engineering

Know more about Scaler Academy: Modern Software and AI Engineering

Software development is the foundation of every technology we rely on from the banking app on your phone to the e-commerce platform processing millions of orders, to the AI systems reshaping how we work. Every one of these products is built by software engineers, and the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow faster than any other profession.

Scaler Academy: Modern Software and AI Engineering is a structured, industry-led programme that takes you from programming fundamentals to production-grade software engineering, system design, and AI integration. Whether you are a working professional looking to break into tech, an engineer targeting senior roles, or a career-switcher building from scratch, this programme gives you the skills, mentorship, and portfolio to compete for the roles that matter.

Software engineering jobs are projected to grow by approximately 25 per cent from 2021 to 2031 roughly three times the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Analyst reports show the global developer population is expected to grow from 18.9 million in 2019 to 45 million by 2030, yet supply remains far behind demand. Software engineers in India now regularly earn 20–40 lakhs per annum at top product companies, with senior engineers, architects, and AI specialists commanding significantly more. The opportunity has never been larger, and the window to enter at a premium is now.

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

Introducing a high-demand Specialisation in FDE! Talk to us at08045579575or

Request a Call

Scaler Academy12 Month Program

Modern Software
and AI Engineering.

Download Brochure

Placement report

Next cohort starts July 2026

AI-Integrated Curriculum

AI built into every module , not bolted on after.

Unlock Lifelong Learning

Curriculum updates forever - no extra cost.

Fundamentals First

Foundations that last. Artificial Intelligence that compounds

Introducing an FDE Track

A high-demand role now at your fingertips

AI Shift

AI didn't replace engineers. It raised the bar for what they can do.

The roles being created now require stronger fundamentals, faster execution, and the ability to build with AI.

Ready to join Scaler and take your first step towards success?

Request a Callback

who it is for?

AI is reshaping every role. Are you ready for yours?

The problem isn't talent - it's that your current stack doesn't include the AI layer companies now expect.

I can execute tasks, but I don't yet feel like the engineer people trust for product thinking or AI-first workflows.

1-4 Years

SDEs, QA Engineers & Frontend Developers

You know how software teams work. Now build the AI-aware engineering skills that move you beyond execution-only roles.

What you'll gain

Stronger fundamentals across frontend, backend, APIs, and data flows
AI-assisted development workflows for faster, validated builds
Readiness for product-oriented engineering roles

I can execute tasks, but I don't yet feel like the engineer people trust for product thinking or AI-first workflows.

AI is the operating system

Software Engineering Has Changed. So Has This Program.

Other programmes teach you to ship features. We teach you to build, evaluate, and own AI-integrated systems end to end.

AI-Led Curriculum

Every module runs on a Prompt → Review → Own workflow. You use AI to move faster, then learn to validate outputs and take full ownership of what ships.

AI Mock Interviews

Practice with avatars trained on real SWE interview formats across DSA, LLD, and system design.

AI-Driven Project Portfolio

Every project goes from problem statement to deployed, AI-integrated product. End-to-end ownership across frontend, backend, and AI feature integration.

AI Learning Model

You don't just learn from AI. You teach it. Correcting a naive AI's wrong approaches and refining its code builds conceptual clarity that passive problem-solving never gives you.

Tools you’ll learn with us:

Curriculum Core

Find the AI Path for your role

Instructors, mentors, and leaders from industry who shape what you learn and how you grow.

How is This Module Future Proof

AI-assisted debugging and pattern recognition are taught from day one. Building habits that scale with any future AI tooling

Core

Programming Fundamentals

No prior coding needed. Build syntax, logic, arrays, and debugging discipline before DSA pressure begins. AI tools assist from day one. For visualisation, edge-case thinking, and critique.

2 Months27 sessionsInterview Prep

What you'll learn

Core problem solvingOperators, data types, if-else, loops, patterns, functions, and arrays

Modular thinking & code structureFunctions, strings, 2D arrays, memory visualisation with AI

AI-Assisted EngineeringUse AI for edge-case thinking, debugging, and iteration analysis from day one

Want to dive deeper into the details?

Download Brochure

Pick your Specialisation

How is This Module Future Proof

AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, MCP) are part of your daily workflow — not an afterthought.

Specialisation

FDE Foundations: Python, Workflow & Delivery

1 Month12 sessionsThe FDE role

What you'll learn

The FDE operating modelEngagement lifecycle, RACI, SLAs, trust-building

Production PythonGenerators, async, Pydantic, decorators, hexagonal architecture

Modern workflowGit internals, pytest, CI, and AI dev tools (Cursor, Claude Code, MCP)

Want to dive deeper into the details?

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Project

Every project ships with an AI layer. That's the new bar.

Every project is interview-ready and AI-integrated. Something you can open, walk through, and defend - including the AI features you built into it.

FDE Specialisation

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Build a real marketplace backend (OrderFlow): FastAPI, JWT/RBAC, Stripe payments, real-time order updates, and vector search.

FASTAPI STRIPE REDISPGVECTOR

An AI-ready data layer with hybrid + vector search.

FDE Specialisation

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Implement github branching strategy, cicd, iac for these. Implement production concepts like scaling, security, monitoring etc. for these repositories to be deployed on a single EKS cluster.

AWSKUBERNETESTERRAFORM SRE

AI used to accelerate runbook and infrastructure-as-code authoring.

FDE Specialisation

Build a CRM-to-AI Support Copilot

Build an AI agent that safely acts inside a CRM, tool calling, MCP, human-in-the-loop approval, and real connectors.

AGENTSMCP HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP

Agentic AI with audit trails and confirmation on destructive actions.

FDE Specialisation

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Build a real marketplace backend (OrderFlow): FastAPI, JWT/RBAC, Stripe payments, real-time order updates, and vector search.

FASTAPI STRIPE REDISPGVECTOR

An AI-ready data layer with hybrid + vector search.

FDE Specialisation

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Implement github branching strategy, cicd, iac for these. Implement production concepts like scaling, security, monitoring etc. for these repositories to be deployed on a single EKS cluster.

AWSKUBERNETESTERRAFORM SRE

AI used to accelerate runbook and infrastructure-as-code authoring.

instructors / mentors

Learn from the top 0.1% of practitioners.

Three tracks, one outcome: production-grade skills with AI fluency. Every module below has an AI integration layer - it's not an add-on, it's how you learn.

Problem Solving & System Design

Taught by Anshuman Singh

Co-Founder @

Two-time ACM ICPC World Finalist. Built Facebook Messenger as a founding team member.

15+ YOE15+ Years of Experience

4.9

System Design & Backend Architecture

Taught by Shivank Agarwal

Senior VP Engineering @

A decade at Microsoft and Oracle. Now SVP of Engineering at Scaler, building next-gen engineers.

14+ YOE14+ Years of Experience

4.7

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Naman Bhalla

Co Founder @Scaler AI Labs

Google Kickstart global rank 135. ACM ICPC rank 37. Built Scaler Topics from scratch.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Anurag Khanna

Principal Software Engineer @ Cadence logo

Builds large-scale systems at Microsoft. Ex-Amazon SDE. Praised for unparalleled depth in DSA mentoring.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Problem Solving

Taught by Kshitij Mishra

Head of Instructors @

IIIT Hyderabad CS grad. Heads the Scaler instructor team. Ex-Lead SDE at InterviewBit.

10+ YOE10+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Competitive Programming

Taught by Utkarsh Gupta

VP, Academic Course Architect @

AIR 1 in Google Hash Code 2019. Codeforces Master and 6-star CodeChef. 750+ live sessions at Scaler.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.9

DSA & Backend Development

Taught by Umang Agrawal

SDE-II @

Drives Amazon's Everyday Essentials incentives strategy. Ex-Microsoft. 750+ live sessions, 4.87/5 rating.

5+ YOE5+ Years of Experience

4.9

Backend Engineering & System Design

Taught by Subham Soni

Software Engineer @ Microsoft logo

Google engineer and Scaler alumnus. Ex-Intuit and Credit Suisse. Known for clarity-first teaching.

5+ YOE5+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Backend Development

Taught by Kunal Jindal

SDE II @

Ex-Microsoft (youngest SDE-II on CO+I India team). Ex-Disney+ Hotstar AdTech. AIR 6 National Astronomy Olympiad.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.7

System Design & Backend Development

Taught by Alok Singh

SDE 2 @

Built Booking.com's Eligibility API serving 5M+ partners daily at 99.99% uptime. Ex-Razorpay, Ex-Samsung.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.7

Problem Solving & System Design

Taught by Anshuman Singh

Co-Founder @

Two-time ACM ICPC World Finalist. Built Facebook Messenger as a founding team member.

15+ YOE15+ Years of Experience

4.9

System Design & Backend Architecture

Taught by Shivank Agarwal

Senior VP Engineering @

A decade at Microsoft and Oracle. Now SVP of Engineering at Scaler, building next-gen engineers.

14+ YOE14+ Years of Experience

4.7

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Naman Bhalla

Co Founder @Scaler AI Labs

Google Kickstart global rank 135. ACM ICPC rank 37. Built Scaler Topics from scratch.

6+ YOE6+ Years of Experience

4.8

DSA & Full Stack Development

Taught by Anurag Khanna

Principal Software Engineer @ Cadence logo

Builds large-scale systems at Microsoft. Ex-Amazon SDE. Praised for unparalleled depth in DSA mentoring.

7+ YOE7+ Years of Experience

4.8

how scaler works

This isn't an AI content library. It's a system built around AI-era progress.

Designed for people with jobs, ambition, and limited time. Structure, people, practice, and accountability are built in so AI upskilling turns into capability, not content consumption

01AI-first structured curriculum

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

Every module reflects how the best engineering and data teams work today with AI-assisted workflows, current interview standards, and the roles companies are hiring for now

021:1 mentor support

The people who guide you are also building the industry

03Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Projects land module by module, tied to real business cases and interview-ready builds. The distance between learning and application is zero.

04Scaler-built preparation products

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

05Backed by a Strong Tech Community

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Structured check-ins, career support, and exclusive access to 1,00,000+ Scaler alumni keep you moving long after the program ends. The community outlasts the curriculum.

06Learning never ends

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

Live sessions, regular curriculum updates, and lifetime access to recorded content mean you remain current as the industry moves. Not caught up. Ahead of it.

01AI-first structured curriculum

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

Every module reflects how the best engineering and data teams work today with AI-assisted workflows, current interview standards, and the roles companies are hiring for now

021:1 mentor support

The people who guide you are also building the industry

03Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Projects land module by module, tied to real business cases and interview-ready builds. The distance between learning and application is zero.

04Scaler-built preparation products

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

05Backed by a Strong Tech Community

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Structured check-ins, career support, and exclusive access to 1,00,000+ Scaler alumni keep you moving long after the program ends. The community outlasts the curriculum.

06Learning never ends

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

Live sessions, regular curriculum updates, and lifetime access to recorded content mean you remain current as the industry moves. Not caught up. Ahead of it.

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

CERTIFICATE

Will you be certified? Of course! It’ll look great on your resume and LinkedIn

Where AI-native engineering takes you

AI didn't replace engineers. It created new roles that pay more.

AI Backend Engineer
AI Front-end Engineer
AI Fullstack Engineer
Forward Deployment Engineer
AI Backend Engineer
AI Front-end Engineer
AI Fullstack Engineer
Forward Deployment Engineer

163%

Growth in AI-related job postings between 2024 and 2025 — even as overall tech hiring fell

LinkedIn, 365 Data Science, 2025

"AI Engineer" ranked as the fastest-growing job title in the US on LinkedIn's 2026 Jobs Report

LinkedIn Jobs Report, 2026

729%

Year-over-year growth in forward-deployed engineer job postings (2025 → 2026).

Source: Mint, TOI, Medium

$206K

Average AI engineer salary in 2025, a $50,000 jump in a single year, still climbing in 2026

MRJ Recruitment, Second Talent, 2026

Stories

Real AI-era career moves, not generic success stories.

Numbers tell part of the story. These are the role shifts behind them.

0%Hike

Shivam Prakash

Computer Scientist, Adobe

Before:Backend Engineer, Ericsson

Now:Computer Scientist, Adobe

3 OFFERSExplore more

Sahil Bansal

Data Scientist, Fractal

Rajesh Somasundaram

Machine Learning Ops Engineer-2, NinjaCart

Before:Software Engineer - II, HERE Technologies

Now:Machine Learning Ops Engineer-2, NinjaCart

Arun M V

Applied scientist, GoKwik

0%Hike

Divyanshu Tanter

AI Researcher and Developer, Dassault Systems

Before:Data Scientist, Wipro Limited

Now:AI Researcher and Developer, Dassault Systems

4 OFFERSExplore more

Akshat Arora

Data Scientist, Landmark Group

Madhuri Kukreja

Associate Analyst, Razorpay

Before:Associate Analyst, XL Dynamics

Now:Associate Analyst, Razorpay

0%Hike

Sayyam Bhandari

Data Engineer, Amazon

Before:Sr BI Analyst, USEReady INC.

Now:Data Engineer, Amazon

2 OFFERSExplore more

Vempali B N V D Sivasanthosh

Full Stack data Engineer, Fractal

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

Community

37,000+ tech professionals. Your next network.

Starting at

₹ 9,791/month

Total ₹ 3,99,000*

Learn AI, stay ahead, and make the best investment for your future with EMI and a ₹20,000 upfront commitment.

Talk To Advisor

View Emi

What's included

No-cost EMI available

Flexible monthly payments

Full Day access from Day 1

All tracks, all modules, all tools

Lifelong Access Unlock

Curriculum, recordings, and future updates

Career support included

Resume review, mock interviews, placement assistance

our free courses

Modern Software and AI Engineering Skills you will learn

Python Tutorial Java Tutorial Data Structure OOPS Concept in Java SQL Operating System Tutorial DBMS Tutorial

Sneak-peak into our course

Register for a Free Masterclass

Instructors, mentors, and leaders from industry who shape what you learn and how you grow.

news

Featured in the News

Are India’s engineers truly AI-ready? Scaler-CMR study uncovers a “Confidence-Capability Gap”

03rd Mar 2026

IIT Roorkee and Scaler Sign MOU to launch Advanced AI-Focused Programs to Bridge Industry Skill Gaps

19th Mar 2026

Scaler Signs MoU with IIM Tiruchirappalli to Co-Develop Industry-Ready Management Programmes for an AI-Driven World

19th Jan 2026

Google for Startups collaborates with Scaler to equip Indian founders with hands-on AI skills through ‘Prompt to Prototype’

07th Nov 2025

BLOG

From the Scaler editorial desk

Software Architect Roadmap for 2026 : Skills, Steps & Career Path

A step-by-step guide to becoming a software architect - covering system design, patterns, cloud, and leadership

Tushar Bisht

08th Apr 2026

What Is a Software Engineer? Definition, Skills & Career Guide

Everything you need to know about the role — from key skills and responsibilities to salaries and growth paths.

Team Scaler

19th Feb 2026

Transitioning From a Non-Technical Role to Software Development

Net loss down from ₹139 Cr to ₹3 Cr in FY25, with positive EBITDA and a pivot toward AI-powered learning.

Tushar Bisht

22nd Jan 2026

System Engineer vs Software Engineer: A Detailed Comparison

Two distinct engineering paths, one big decision. Compare roles, responsibilities, skills, salaries, and growth to find your ideal career fit.

Team Scaler

19th Feb 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Still having doubts regarding program details?

Reach out to the team for more information.

Request a Callback

Ready to upskill in Modern Software and AI Engineering

Know more about Scaler Academy: Modern Software and AI Engineering

Want to learn more about our ventures and collaborations?

Request a Callback

Introducing a high-demand Specialisation in FDE! Talk to us at08045579575or

Request a Call

Modern Software and AI Engineering.

AI-Integrated Curriculum

Unlock Lifelong Learning

Fundamentals First

Introducing an FDE Track

AI didn't replace engineers. It raised the bar for what they can do.

AI is reshaping every role. Are you ready for yours?

SDEs, QA Engineers & Frontend Developers

Fullstack Developers, Backend & API Engineers

Software Engineers, Senior Engineers & Tech Leads

Solution Engineers & AI-First Product Builders

AI-Led Curriculum

AI Mock Interviews

AI-Driven Project Portfolio

AI Learning Model

Find the AI Path for your role

Programming Fundamentals

FDE Foundations: Python, Workflow & Delivery

Every project ships with an AI layer. That's the new bar.

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Build a CRM-to-AI Support Copilot

Build an Order & Payments Backend

Deploy · Break · Fix on the Cloud

Learn from the top 0.1% of practitioners.

Problem Solving & System Design

System Design & Backend Architecture

DSA & Full Stack Development

DSA & Full Stack Development

DSA & Problem Solving

DSA & Competitive Programming

DSA & Backend Development

Backend Engineering & System Design

DSA & Backend Development

System Design & Backend Development

Problem Solving & System Design

System Design & Backend Architecture

DSA & Full Stack Development

DSA & Full Stack Development

This isn't an AI content library. It's a system built around AI-era progress.

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

The people who guide you are also building the industry

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

AI-first structured curriculum. Not retrofitted. Rebuilt.

The people who guide you are also building the industry

Projects, AI labs, and evaluated practice You learn it. You use it. You get evaluated on it.

Built at Scaler The practice environment is built to match the hiring environment.

Community, accountability, and career support. It is your professional network for the next decade.

Lifelong access and continuous learning The program ends. The access does not.

Will you be certified? Of course! It’ll look great on your resume and LinkedIn

AI didn't replace engineers. It created new roles that pay more.

Real AI-era career moves, not generic success stories.

37,000+ tech professionals. Your next network.

Modern Software and AI Engineering Skills you will learn

Register for a Free Masterclass

Featured in the News

From the Scaler editorial desk

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

What is Modern Software and AI Engineering at Scaler Academy?

Why did Scaler rename the programme to Modern Software and AI Engineering?

Is this still part of Scaler Academy? Will my certificate say Scaler?

Ready to upskill in Modern Software and AI Engineering

Know more about Scaler Academy: Modern Software and AI Engineering

Modern Software and AI Engineering.

AI-Integrated Curriculum

Unlock Lifelong Learning

Fundamentals First

Introducing an FDE Track

AI didn't replace engineers. It raised the bar for what they can do.

AI is reshaping every role. Are you ready for yours?

SDEs, QA Engineers & Frontend Developers

Fullstack Developers, Backend & API Engineers

Software Engineers, Senior Engineers & Tech Leads

Solution Engineers & AI-First Product Builders

AI-Led Curriculum

AI Mock Interviews

AI-Driven Project Portfolio

Modern Software
and AI Engineering.

Will you be certified? Of course! It’ll look great on your resume and LinkedIn

37,000+ tech professionals. Your next network.

Modern Software
and AI Engineering.

Will you be certified? Of course! It’ll look great on your resume and LinkedIn

37,000+ tech professionals. Your next network.