IIM Bangalore has announced plans to offer 60 free online courses focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the Swayam platform in 2026. The initiative is expected to significantly expand access to digital learning for students, early career professionals and individuals looking to update their skills in a fast evolving job market.
According to details shared by the institute, the upcoming courses will include a broad mix of topics such as machine learning, data science, AI applications in business, technology fundamentals, digital transformation and quantitative methods. These courses will be made available without any entry requirement, allowing learners to access the material without clearing competitive exams or meeting traditional eligibility criteria. IIM Bangalore has stated that this decision aligns with its wider plan to democratise high quality management and technology education.
The courses will follow a self paced online structure and will be hosted on Swayam, the national e learning platform managed by the Ministry of Education. Most of the offerings will include video lectures, reading material, weekly assessments and a final evaluation for learners seeking certification. Individuals who complete the assessments and final examination will be eligible to receive a certificate after paying the standard Swayam exam fee. Learners who prefer not to take the exam can still access all course content free of charge.
Faculty members at IIM Bangalore have indicated that the growing demand for AI ready talent and the need for continuous upskilling influenced the design of the new catalog. Over the past year, industries such as software services, banking, consulting, retail and manufacturing have adopted AI driven systems, resulting in new expectations for digital fluency across job roles. The institute noted that learners from non technical backgrounds have also shown increasing interest in acquiring foundational AI knowledge to remain competitive in the workplace.
The institute already runs several online courses on Swayam covering subjects such as marketing, economics, analytics, financial accounting and entrepreneurship. However, the upcoming expansion marks one of IIM Bangalore’s largest content additions focused specifically on AI and technology. The new courses are expected to cater to a wider pool of learners, including college students preparing for technical careers, working professionals seeking reskilling opportunities and individuals looking for structured introductions to data driven fields.
This development comes at a time when Indian educational institutions are strengthening their digital learning strategies. Government platforms have seen growing participation from learners across urban and rural regions, supported by wider internet access and increasing awareness about online credentialing. With AI skills becoming central to job readiness across multiple industries, academic institutions have been broadening their portfolios to include technology oriented courses that can be accessed remotely.
Reports indicate that IIM Bangalore’s initiative has also been shaped by the rapid expansion of the AI industry in India and globally. Companies are adopting automated systems for decision making, customer engagement, supply chain forecasting and operational efficiency. As a result, professionals are required to understand AI tools, analytical reasoning and data interpretation to participate effectively in organisational decision frameworks.
While the upcoming courses are designed to be accessible to a wide audience, the institute has mentioned that some advanced subjects may require basic familiarity with mathematics or computing. Still, the majority of the curriculum will be introductory and structured to support learners who are new to the field. The institute has also stated that the goal is to address skill gaps and promote AI literacy in a way that supports inclusive growth.
The introduction of 60 AI focused courses also reflects a shift among leading management institutes that are responding to the changing expectations of students and employers. The growing intersection between business and technology has prompted institutions to introduce more applied and interdisciplinary learning material. The courses offered by IIM Bangalore are expected to include real world case studies, industry examples and practical assignments to ensure relevance.
The courses are scheduled to be released gradually on Swayam starting next year, with more detailed timelines expected to be announced ahead of the launch. The institute has encouraged learners to follow updates on the Swayam portal and IIM Bangalore’s official communication channels.
With this initiative, IIM Bangalore is positioned to play a significant role in supporting India’s AI education ecosystem and providing accessible pathways for continuous learning. As the demand for AI related skills continues to rise, the availability of free high quality courses from a leading management institution is likely to help more learners prepare for technology driven career opportunities.