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There are several beginner-friendly AI courses in India that students can join regardless of their board exam scores. Let’s take a look at them here.
5 AI course options that can help students begin a career in this rapidly growing field. (AI Generated Image)
Scoring low in Class 12 may seem like a major setback – but in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), your marks are not the final deciding factor. In today’s AI industry, employers prioritise skills, projects, and hands-on experience over percentages. The good news is that there are several beginner-friendly AI courses in India that students can join regardless of their board exam scores.
Below are 5 AI course options that can help students begin a career in this rapidly growing field:
UG Courses: Options in UG courses include a BCA in AI & Data Analytics/Machine Learning, which is a 3-year, job-ready course that is non-PCM friendly and often offered by private universities; a B.Sc. in AI & Machine Learning; a B.Voc in Artificial Intelligence; and a BBA in AI-Driven Management. These degrees are suitable for students from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) who have passed 12th with a decent minimum (often 45-50%), with or without Mathematics.
Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Diploma programmes are an excellent option for students with low marks, as they focus on practical, hands-on learning rather than purely theoretical study. Some of the leading courses in India include IIT Guwahati (E&ICT Academy) – Diploma in AI and ML, IIIT Bangalore – Executive Diploma in AI & ML, and Amity University Online – Diploma in AI. These programmes typically require completion of Class 12 (any stream) along with basic mathematical knowledge.
Free AI Courses By Govt and Tech Companies: When budgets are limited, students can start with free AI courses and gradually build their skill set. Government-supported courses are ideal for those seeking low-cost, trustworthy learning options. A well-known course is the NIELIT – Certified Artificial Intelligence Associate (AI 300), along with Google AI and Cloud courses (covering LLMs, image generation, and more). These programmes are beginner-friendly, short-term, and focus on practical AI skills such as Python and data handling.
Short-Term AI Certificate Courses: Short-term certificates are ideal for beginners who want to enter the tech world quickly. These courses typically cover Python, basic machine learning concepts, and AI tools, helping students develop job-ready skills.
Data Science & AI Bootcamps: Bootcamps are intensive, skills-focused programmes that prioritise projects and portfolio development rather than marks. These typically run for 6-12 months and include real-world projects, which play a key role in improving employability.
AI courses in India typically cost between Rs 500 and Rs 2.5 lakh, depending on the level and the institution, making them suitable for a wide range of budgets. In today’s skill-focused job market, your portfolio matters more than your percentage – and AI is one of the strongest fields in which students can showcase their abilities.
April 17, 2026, 14:33 IST
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