IIT Gandhinagar has launched three new six-month postgraduate diploma programs. These fully residential programs focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and software engineering. The diplomas, set to begin in February 2026 , require admission through an All India National Proficiency Test (AINPT) followed by a multi-stage interview.
New Diploma Programs
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar offers these programs. They are facilitated through the IIT Gandhinagar Competency Development Foundation. Futurense Technologies collaborates on the program delivery. The three new diplomas available are:
- PG Diploma in AI and Agentic AI Engineering
- PG Diploma in GenAI and Data Science Engineering
- PG Diploma in AI-Powered Software Engineering with Cloud
Each program features over 600 hours of structured learning. The curriculum design integrates project-based instruction with faculty-led sessions. This intensive learning aims to equip students with skills equivalent to approximately two years of industry experience. Participants will develop and deploy enterprise-grade AI, data science, and software engineering solutions during their enrollment.
Admission and Campus Residency
Admission to these postgraduate diploma programs follows a specific selection process. Candidates must first clear the All India National Proficiency Test (AINPT). This test assesses their foundational knowledge and aptitude. Successful AINPT candidates then proceed to a multi-stage interview process. These interviews evaluate problem-solving abilities and suitability for the programs.
Each diploma program has a capacity for 60 candidates. All admitted students will reside on the IIT Gandhinagar campus. This residential format ensures a focused learning environment. Students will receive continuous guidance from IIT faculty. They will also benefit from mentorship provided by industry professionals.
Curriculum and Industry Integration
The learning methodology strongly emphasizes practical application. The program model allocates 70% of the time to project-based learning. The remaining 30% focuses on faculty-led instruction. This structure is supported by continuous mentorship and career development resources for all participants.
Program initiatives are designed to foster practical skills and real-world understanding. These include:
- AI clinics for hands-on problem-solving
- Product deconstruction exercises to analyze existing systems
- Competitive coding sessions to enhance programming skills
- Applied AI solution development projects to build functional systems
Futurense Technologies integrates key industry-focused learning components. The Futurense AI Clinic facilitates direct interaction between students and technical leaders. These leaders come from Fortune 500 companies. Sessions focus on discussing real architectural challenges and production system issues. The Futurense Leadership Council provides mentorship from over 40 global CXOs and CTOs. These experienced leaders offer guidance on current industry practices, technology strategy, and effective leadership approaches in tech.
“Together, IIT Gandhinagar and Futurense create outcome-focused programs where graduates demonstrate capabilities through verifiable portfolios of deployed systems,” an official press release stated. This highlights the practical, results-driven nature of the diplomas.
Raghav Gupta, CEO of Futurense, commented on the collaboration’s vision. “IIT Gandhinagar represents the new generation of India’s IITs: agile, applied, and innovation-first,” Gupta said. “Through this collaboration, we are building engineers who can think in systems, not silos.” This statement underscores the program’s goal to develop holistic engineering thinkers.
Program Outcomes and Future Opportunities
Graduates who successfully complete these diploma programs will receive placement support. This assistance aims to connect them with relevant job opportunities in the industry. Additionally, graduates will be granted executive alumni status. This status provides access to a professional network. This network includes established IIT alumni and prominent industry leaders, offering long-term career advantages.