Programme Expansion and Enrolment Surge
IIT Kharagpur, in partnership with upGrad, launched its first‑ever online executive AI portfolio in April 2026. The portfolio initially offered four specialised programmes—Generative AI, AI‑Native Software Engineering, Applied AI & Machine Learning, and Technology & AI Leadership. Within a single quarter the portfolio recorded a three‑fold quarter‑on‑quarter (QoQ) increase in enrolments, prompting an expansion to seven programmes. The three new offerings are Building AI Products, Systems & Services; Applied Data Science & Agentic AI; and FinTech & AI.
Learner Demographics and Geographic Reach
The collaboration has attracted learners from 133 Indian cities and seven foreign countries (UAE, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Kuwait). The median professional experience of participants is 12 years, and nearly 63 % possess more than a decade of work experience, indicating a senior‑level audience. Geographic concentration is strongest in Bengaluru, followed by Hyderabad and Pune, with substantial enrolments also from Mumbai, Delhi‑NCR, Kolkata, Chennai and a range of emerging cities.
Programme‑Specific Growth
Two programmes have emerged as the fastest‑growing: the Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Generative AI & Agentic AI and the Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Applied AI & Machine Learning, each achieving a 2× QoQ enrolment increase. Growth in the newly added specialised offerings reflects broader demand for role‑aligned AI capabilities across product development, data science, software engineering, technology leadership and fintech.
Participant Profile
Enrolled professionals represent senior roles such as Vice Presidents, Principal Engineers, Engineering Managers, Tech Leads, Staff Software Engineers, Senior Consultants and Data Scientists. Prominent employers include Tata Consultancy Services, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, HSBC, Infosys, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, IBM, Oracle, Cognizant, Salesforce, Wipro, Citi and Qualcomm.
Engagement Metrics
More than 95 % of enrolled learners have activated their accounts and commenced the learning journey, underscoring high relevance for working professionals balancing full‑time employment. Completion and certification statistics will be disclosed as the earliest cohorts finish their programmes.
Institutional Context and Statements
Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, highlighted the institute’s 75‑year legacy and its commitment to lifelong learning, noting that AI is reshaping industries and that the partnership with upGrad enables scalable delivery of advanced AI education. Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO – Higher Education Programmes at upGrad, emphasized the shift from early‑career to senior‑level AI upskilling and the need for specialised, role‑aligned learning pathways, which drove the rapid portfolio expansion.
About IIT Kharagpur
Established in 1951 and designated an Institute of National Importance, IIT Kharagpur received the “Institute of Eminence” status in 2019 and consistently ranks among India’s top technical institutions. It offers a broad spectrum of programmes across engineering, science, management, law, humanities and interdisciplinary domains.
About upGrad
Founded in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s leading integrated skilling and workforce development company, providing online and hybrid programmes in partnership with top universities worldwide. It serves individuals across career stages and offers enterprise‑focused skilling solutions.