7 Leading Data Science and AI Institutes in India

Digitisation has paved the way for data science to swiftly become a highly sought-after career path. Businesses worldwide are eager to harness the power of data professionals to maximise their data’s potential and improve business performance.

As AI and data science become crucial across all types of organisations, pursuing a career in this field has become easier. To meet this rising demand, esteemed institutions such as the IITs and IIMs have begun integrating departments focused on data science and AI, offering courses at different proficiency levels.

We have carefully curated a list of institutions in India that teach data science and artificial intelligence.

Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, IIT Madras

Just a few months ago, Sunil Wadhwani, a distinguished alumnus of IIT Madras and co-founder of iGATE and Mastech Digital, donated ₹110 crore to establish the Wadhwani School of Data Science. It endeavours to impart knowledge not only on the intricacies of AI algorithms, but also the underlying systems driving AI, along with proficiency in data gathering and management. 

The curriculum is structured into four main components: Foundational sciences, modelling techniques, training and deploying models, and ultimately, integrating these insights into real-world applications. 

The school offers a diverse range of courses, including BTech and MTech programs in data science and AI, an interdisciplinary dual degree program in data science, MS and PhD programs, a joint MSc in data science and AI with the University of Birmingham, and a web-enabled MTech program in industrial AI.

Recently, Balraman Ravindran shared a post unveiling his journey at Wadhwani School.

Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science, IIT Mumbai

The Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science (C-MInDS) is at the forefront of AI and ML exploration. Through groundbreaking research, academic programs, and strong industry collaborations, C-MInDS is expanding the horizons of these technologies and exploring their real-world uses.

Their academic offerings span a wide spectrum, catering to students at various stages of their educational journey. From foundational courses in AI for undergraduates to advanced postgraduate and doctoral studies, they provide a comprehensive range of programs. 

Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence, IIT Delhi

The Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence (Yardi ScAI) was established in September 2020 at IIT Delhi with a mission to advance education and research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, along with their diverse applications in fields such as healthcare, materials science, robotics, industry 4.0, weather prediction, and transportation.

This interdisciplinary school boasts support from over 40 faculty members across various departments, reflecting its broad focus on applications. Yardi ScAI offers a range of programs, their MINDS program caters to industry needs, while the MS(R) program is tailored for those inclined towards research.

Machine Intelligence and Robotics COE (MINRO), IIIT Bangalore

The MINRO Center has a broad mandate: to conduct top-tier research in machine intelligence and robotics, with the aim of producing groundbreaking innovations that benefit both Karnataka and the nation.

The centre is dedicated to multidisciplinary research and development across key areas such as machine intelligence, artificial intelligence systems, data analysis, data science, pattern recognition, human-machine interface, and industrial products related to robotics and automation.

Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, IIT Guwahati

Established in 2021 at IIT Guwahati and supported by the Mehta Family Foundation, the school aims to become a leading institution dedicated to generating knowledge through the analysis of diverse datasets and the development of intelligence engineering methodologies. 

Since its inception, the school has introduced BTech and PhD programs in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Building on this foundation, in 2023, Mehta Family expanded their offerings to include an MTech program in Data Science, offered jointly with the departments of mathematics and electrical engineering. 

The Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoEAI), IIT Kharagpur

Established in 2018, the AI and ML Innovations Centre at IIT Kharagpur, leverages the drive to transform change across industries and society through the power of AI. The efforts are concentrated in four pivotal domains: pioneering research, advanced education, collaborative industry endeavours, and vibrant entrepreneurship.

The academic offerings include PhD, MTech, Dual Degree (MTech), and micro-specialisation programs, providing a comprehensive educational landscape for aspiring AI and ML enthusiasts.

NV AI Centre and KRIYA, IIT Hyderabad

The AI department at IIT Hyderabad has gained acclaim for its groundbreaking work in AI and research. This recognition extends to its comprehensive educational programs spanning BTech, MTech, and PhD studies in AI. 

A Center for Research and Innovation in AI (क्रिया) has been entrenched to bolster the department’s research activities. This AI क्रिया Center not only provides spaces for collaboration such as seating areas, classrooms, and conference rooms but also hosts a mini-data centre.

Featuring a range of GPU servers, including the advanced NVIDIA DGX1 and DGX2 deep learning supercomputers, the data centre delivers a staggering 250 TFlops of GPU computing power. Such capabilities empower faculty, research personnel, and students to conduct state-of-the-art AI research on-site.