AI and Data Science are redefining how organizations compete. A Postgraduate (PG) Diploma from a reputable technical institute or university gives you deep, applied skills and a credential that hiring teams respect.
Below are seven vetted programs for 2025 that balance curriculum quality, hands-on projects, and career outcomes.
How We Have Chosen These Courses
- Academic credibility: Programs from top institutes or accredited providers.
- Hands-on learning: Emphasis on capstones, real projects, and applied labs.
- Flexible delivery: Online, hybrid, or part-time formats that suit working professionals.
- Modern curriculum: Includes ML, deep learning, Generative AI, and MLOps.
- Career impact: Proven alumni outcomes, placement support, or industry recognition.
Top 7 PG Diploma Programs in AI and Data Science to Advance Your Career (2025)
1. e-PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science – IIT Bombay (Online, 18 months)
Duration: 18 Months | Delivery mode: Fully online (designed for working professionals)
This artificial intelligence online course from IIT Bombay’s Centre for Machine Intelligence & Data Science delivers a practitioner-focused curriculum crafted and taught by IIT faculty.
Students move from statistical foundations and programming for machine learning to applied topics like deep learning and Generative AI, with emphasis on real toolchains and applied problem solving.
Learners receive hands-on support via Great Learning’s platform, including personalized mentorship and a dedicated program manager to guide projects and progress.
Key features:
- This artificial intelligence online course covers core AI/DS skills with a curriculum crafted by IIT faculty.
- Courses include Programming for Machine Learning, Statistical Foundations, Machine Learning, Deep Learning & GenAI, etc. The program emphasizes hands-on tools like Python, SQL, TensorFlow, Keras, Seaborn, and more.
- Students benefit from personalized mentorship and a dedicated program manager through Great Learning’s platform, ensuring tailored support and project guidance
2. PG Diploma in Data Science & AI (PGDDSAI) — COEP Technological University
Duration: 1 year | Delivery mode: Full-time / Part-time
COEP Tech’s PGDDSAI combines core data science, ML engineering, and business analytics in a hands-on format for engineering graduates.
The program emphasizes lab work, case studies, and a capstone to ensure technical depth and workplace readiness. Career support and industry ties help convert projects into job outcomes.
Key features:
- Curriculum: Python/R, ML algorithms, data engineering, computer vision
- Applied labs, industry case studies, and placement support
- Designed for B.E./M.Tech/MCA backgrounds or equivalent
3. e-Postgraduate Diploma (ePGD) in Computer Science and Engineering – IIT Bombay (Online, 1 Year)
Duration: 1 year | Delivery mode: (Online + Mentored Learning)
This IIT Bombay CSE program equips professionals with advanced knowledge in programming, computing systems, and artificial intelligence.
Delivered by IIT Bombay faculty and powered by Great Learning, the program combines academic depth with real-world applications, preparing learners to solve complex engineering and software challenges.
The flexible online format, enriched with hands-on labs and live faculty sessions, allows working professionals to upskill without career disruption.
Program Highlights:
- 36-Credit Structure: Complete six courses (each 6 credits) organized under three baskets; Advanced Programming, Computing Systems, and AI & Machine Learning. At least one course must be taken from each basket.
- Comprehensive foundation in Computer Science covering data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and databases.
- Specialized electives in AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, aligning with current industry needs.
- Recognized by top recruiters for technical leadership and research-oriented roles.
This IIT Bombay CSE program is ideal for professionals aiming to upskill in core computing and emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence and data systems.
4. PG Diploma in Artificial Intelligence — C-DAC
Duration: 6–12 months | Delivery mode: Full-time / Online
C-DAC’s program is practical and employability-focused, covering ML, deep learning, data visualization, and open-source AI stacks.
It includes intensive labs and frequent placement drives, making it a strong route for candidates seeking quick entry into AI engineering roles.
Key features:
- Lab-intensive modules and project work with open-source toolchains
- Government-recognized diploma and campus recruitment opportunities
- Short, industry-aligned delivery for rapid job readiness
5. PG Certificate in AI & ML — BITS Pilani (WILP)
Duration: 11 months | Delivery mode: Online
BITS Pilani’s WILP certificate offers a flexible, academically framed pathway into AI/ML with six core courses and a capstone.
It balances practical system building (Python, neural nets) with academic rigor and is suited for early-career professionals seeking a credible credential.
Key features:
- Modules: Python, Neural Networks, Generative AI, ML system design
- Hands-on capstone project and BITS credentialing
- Flexible schedule for working learners
6. Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence — IIT Delhi CEP
Duration: 6 months | Delivery mode: Online
IIT Delhi’s CEP program focuses on deploying production-grade models (NLP, ML, engineering practices) for business use cases.
Delivered by faculty with real-world projects, it’s designed for a quick transition into analytics or ML engineering roles with practical deployment skills.
Key features:
- Emphasis on deployment, NLP, model monitoring, and production pipelines
- Faculty-led, project-centric learning and capstone deliverables
- Short, high-impact format for working professionals
7. Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics & AI — ISB Hyderabad
Duration: 15 months | Delivery mode: Blended (Online + On-Campus)
ISB’s program integrates analytics, AI and leadership to help senior professionals translate models into strategic outcomes.
With executive coaching, business casework and peer networking, it’s targeted at managers who must sponsor and scale AI initiatives.
Key features:
- Curriculum: Business analytics, AI strategy, product leadership, ethics
- Blended delivery with on-campus immersion and executive network access
- Designed for mid- to senior-level leaders and decision makers
Conclusion
PG Diplomas in AI and Data Science offer a practical, credible route to move into technical, product, or leadership roles in the data economy.
Choose a program that matches your current skill level, time availability, and career objective. Short, intense programs speed skill acquisition, while university-linked diplomas provide academic depth and long-term credential value.
Prioritize capstone projects and mentor access to maximize ROI and turn learning into measurable career outcomes.