Artificial intelligence continues to drive innovation and create new job opportunities across industries in 2025. As demand for skilled AI professionals grows rapidly, choosing the best AI courses becomes essential for career success. This article highlights the top free and paid artificial intelligence courses online, certificates offered, and job outcomes after completion. Whether you are a beginner or looking for AI courses with placement support, this blog will help you find the best AI course in India and global options.
Why Learn AI in 2026?
Rising Demand for AI Professionals Across Industries
The demand for AI professionals is growing rapidly across industries such as healthcare, finance, retail, and IT. According to recent data, generative AI skills saw job postings grow nearly 10,000-fold from 2021 to 2025, showing how vital AI expertise has become. Besides traditional roles like Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers, new positions like Generative AI Engineers, Product Managers, and Solutions Architects increasingly require AI skills. Companies embed AI across multiple business functions, emphasizing a mix of technical expertise and domain knowledge, reinforcing that AI talent is needed in many sectors beyond just IT.
Salary Potential (₹10–20 LPA India, $110K+ Abroad)
AI roles offer compelling salaries worldwide. In India, fresh AI professionals earn close to ₹8 lakhs annually, increasing to even ₹20 lakhs annually. Globally, particularly in the US, entry-level AI jobs start around $100,000 per year and can increase significantly with experience. As AI-driven roles expand, salaries rise due to the specialized nature of these positions, combined with their impact on business growth and innovation. This makes AI learning an excellent investment for career growth and financial advancement.
AI Transforming Every Sector (Healthcare, Finance, Retail, IT)
Artificial intelligence is reshaping sectors by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and delivering personalized experiences. Healthcare uses AI for diagnostics and drug discovery, improving patient outcomes. Finance benefits from AI in fraud detection and algorithmic trading. Retail relies on AI for personalized shopping and inventory forecasting. The IT sector integrates AI for automation, cybersecurity, and software development. As AI continues to embed itself in core business functions, professionals equipped with AI knowledge gain significant career advantages.
Best Free AI Courses with Certificates
Scaler Topics provides a free AI course online with a certificate that is beginner-friendly. It features a structured learning path covering AI basics such as supervised and unsupervised learning and common machine learning algorithms. The course offers a free certificate on completion, making it an excellent starting point for new learners.
- Coursera – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng)
This introductory course is non-technical and ideal for those exploring AI’s impact on business and society. The course is free to audit, with certificates available upon applying for financial aid.
- Google AI – Basics of Machine Learning
Google’s free artificial intelligence certification course introduces foundational AI and ML concepts. Backed by industry expertise, it is short, practical, and certificate-bearing.
- Udemy Free AI Courses
Udemy occasionally offers free AI courses with certificates for completed courses. These limited-time opportunities cover AI and ML essentials at an entry level.
Table: Free AI Courses With Certificates
| Course | Provider | Duration | Level | Certificate |
| Scaler Topics – AI Tutorial | Scaler | Self-paced | Beginner | Yes |
| AI for Everyone | Coursera | ~4 weeks | Beginner | Yes (via aid) |
| Basics of ML | Google AI | ~6 hours | Beginner | Yes |
| Intro AI & ML | Udemy | Varies | Beginner | Yes |
Best Paid AI Courses in India
Scaler offers an industry-ready curriculum encompassing ML, deep learning, NLP, generative AI, and deployment techniques. The program features mentorship, real-world projects, placement support, and certification from IIT Madras. It prepares learners for immediate job roles with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills.
- IIT Kanpur e-Masters in AI & ML
An academic-professional hybrid program focusing on advanced AI topics with flexible online learning and strong faculty guidance. Students benefit from a modular structure that allows completion in one to three years, suitable for working professionals.
- BITS Pilani PG Program in AI/ML
This 18–24 month program balances rigorous academic knowledge with industry applications, ideal for serious learners. It delivers live, interactive sessions and practical labs to build strong AI competencies.
- IIT Bombay AI & Machine Learning Program
Offered in collaboration with leading industry partners, IIT Bombay’s AI & ML program provides a strong foundation in data science, deep learning, and neural networks. The program is designed for professionals aiming to upskill or transition into AI-driven roles, backed by IIT Bombay’s academic excellence and brand value.
Table: Paid AI Courses in India
| Institute | Program | Duration | Format | Placement Support |
| Scaler | AI & Machine Learning | 6–9 months | Online | Yes |
| IIT Kanpur | e-Masters AI & ML | 1–2 years | Online | Yes |
| BITS Pilani | PG Program AI/ML | 18–24 months | Online | Yes |
| GUVI | AI & ML Course | Few months | Online | Yes |
Best Global AI Courses
- Stanford AI Professional Program
This course emphasizes foundational AI principles and advanced applications with top-tier faculty. It also offers networking opportunities with leading AI researchers and professionals.
- MIT – Introduction to Deep Learning
An intense program focusing on deep learning techniques and their real-world applications. The course includes hands-on projects using cutting-edge tools and frameworks.
- IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate (Coursera)
A comprehensive specialization covering AI, ML, NLP, and deep learning. It provides career guidance, resume tips, and interview training alongside practical labs and projects.
- Udacity – AI Programming with Python Nanodegree
Hands-on programming and AI fundamentals with industry projects. Students receive personalized feedback and mentorship to build job-ready skills.
- Fast.ai – Practical Deep Learning for Coders
Focused on accessible, effective deep learning education. The course empowers coders to implement AI models quickly with minimal prerequisites.
Table: Global AI Course Comparison
| Course | Provider | Duration | Level | Certificate | Placement Support |
| Stanford AI Professional Program | Stanford | Several months | Intermediate | Yes | Limited |
| Intro to Deep Learning | MIT | 12 weeks | Advanced | Yes | No |
| AI Engineering Specialization | IBM/Coursera | 6 months | Intermediate | Yes | No |
| AI Programming Nanodegree | Udacity | 3–6 months | Beginner-Intermediate | Yes | Career services |
| Practical Deep Learning | Fast.ai | Self-paced | Intermediate | No | No |
How to Choose the Best AI Course for You
Beginners should start with free AI courses like Scaler Topics, Coursera’s AI for Everyone, or Google AI for foundational knowledge. For professionals aiming to upskill or shift careers, advanced paid programs such as Scaler’s AI & ML program, IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters, or global offerings from Stanford and MIT are ideal.
When selecting a course, consider factors such as cost, time commitment, flexibility, mentorship availability, placement support, and the potential return on investment.
Final Thoughts: Which AI Course Should You Choose?
Free AI courses are excellent starting points to build foundational knowledge. However, for sustainable careers in AI, paid courses with real projects and placement assistance are essential. Scaler’s AI & Machine Learning program is well-balanced, offering industry-ready content and strong job support.
Explore Scaler’s AI & Machine Learning Program
FAQs on AI Courses
Which is the best AI course in India?
Scaler’s AI & Machine Learning program and IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters in AI & ML are among the best artificial intelligence courses in India, offering comprehensive training and placement assistance.
Can I get a job after a free AI course?
A free AI course with certificate helps you learn basics but is usually not enough to secure AI jobs without hands-on experience and advanced learning.
Do AI courses require coding?
Most AI courses require basic coding, especially in Python, to understand algorithms and build models.
Which AI course has the best placements?
Scaler’s AI & Machine Learning program and IIT Kanpur’s e-Masters offer strong placement support, mentoring, and industry connections.
How long does it take to learn AI?
Popular AI courses range from a few weeks (for basics) to 6–24 months (for advanced paid programs).