IIT Madras launches 5 free AI courses for people with no coding experience

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched five free online courses focused on artificial intelligence (AI) through the SWAYAM Plus platform, a government-backed initiative aimed at expanding access to digital education.

Courses target multiple disciplines

According to a press release from IIT Madras, the new AI courses are designed to be interdisciplinary, catering to learners from fields such as science, engineering, commerce, and the arts.

The courses are structured to be accessible to participants without prior experience in AI or programming. Each program requires between 25 to 45 hours of engagement and includes applied case studies and real-world datasets.

The available courses include:

• AI in Physics: Examines the use of machine learning and neural networks in physics-related problems.
• AI in Chemistry: Focuses on molecular predictions and chemical modeling using AI tools.
• AI in Accounting: Introduces AI concepts relevant to automation in accounting and finance.
• Cricket Analytics with AI: Applies data science methods to analyse cricket performance and trends.
• AI/ML using Python: Provides an introduction to programming, machine learning, and statistical techniques for problem-solving.

The courses are delivered in English and include practical components such as coding exercises and data analysis tasks.

Integration with national education policy

These offerings are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), allowing them to be incorporated into higher education curricula as credit-based skill development modules. A certification option is available for those who choose to pay a fee, though access to the course content remains free.

Institutions may consider these courses for elective credits, particularly in light of recent education policy shifts encouraging digital and skill-based learning. The content is also designed to meet the guidelines set by the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes interdisciplinary and applied education models.

Enrollment and contact

The courses are open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all academic backgrounds, including engineering, science, commerce, arts, and interdisciplinary studies. Faculty members from higher education institutions are also encouraged to enroll. Basic digital literacy and a willingness to learn are the only prerequisites.

Interested individuals can register for the courses through the following link. The last date to register is May 12, 2025.

While the courses do not require prior coding experience, they are expected to appeal to learners looking to understand how AI tools are being used in various professional and academic domains.