India’s Ministry of Education has announced the launch of five free online courses in artificial intelligence on its SWAYAM portal, expanding access to AI education for students and professionals across various disciplines.
The initiative aims to equip learners with both foundational and applied AI skills. Developed by leading institutions and subject experts, the courses cover topics such as AI and Machine Learning using Python, AI in Physics, AI in Chemistry, AI in Accounting, and Cricket Analytics.
According to the ministry, this effort is part of a larger national push to democratise access to high-quality digital learning and prepare India’s youth for the evolving demands of the global workforce. The SWAYAM platform continues to play a central role in providing free, certified education through government-supported massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Each course has been designed to serve a broad audience from undergraduate students in science, commerce, and management to working professionals seeking to upgrade their technical capabilities. The aim is to bridge the gap between traditional education and the emerging needs of a data-driven economy where AI literacy is becoming essential.
The “AI/ML using Python” course introduces the fundamentals of programming, data visualisation, statistics, linear algebra, and optimisation techniques — establishing the foundation for understanding how machine learning models function. The “AI in Physics” and “AI in Chemistry” modules explore how neural networks and computational models can be used to solve scientific problems and simulate physical or chemical processes.
Meanwhile, “AI in Accounting” demonstrates how automation and intelligent systems can streamline business analytics, auditing, and financial decision-making, while “Cricket Analytics” focuses on applying machine learning to sports performance and strategy through real-world data sets.
All five courses are free of cost and can be accessed through the SWAYAM platform, which hosts structured video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and discussion forums. Upon completion, learners will receive digital certificates recognised by participating universities and institutions.
Officials from the Education Ministry have stated that the move aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages interdisciplinary and technology-integrated learning. The inclusion of AI within subjects such as chemistry, accounting, and sports reflects a conscious shift toward embedding emerging technologies in traditional disciplines.
The government has also emphasised that the open-access nature of these courses ensures equitable participation across regions, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where physical access to AI education remains limited. With a growing number of students in non-technical streams expressing interest in AI and data analytics, the courses are designed to simplify complex concepts for diverse learners.
Experts have noted that initiatives like these are vital in supporting India’s AI talent ecosystem, particularly as the global demand for data and AI professionals continues to rise. However, they also highlight the need for structured mentorship and practical exposure to ensure learners can apply theoretical knowledge effectively.
The launch underscores a broader trend of integrating artificial intelligence into mainstream education. As AI-driven automation transforms industries, such public initiatives can help ensure that the Indian workforce remains competitive and digitally fluent.
The SWAYAM platform, already home to thousands of free courses across disciplines, represents the government’s ongoing commitment to building a self-reliant, future-ready learning ecosystem. By offering free AI education, the Ministry of Education aims to create an inclusive environment where every learner regardless of background can develop skills in one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century.
Registrations for the AI courses are open now, and interested learners can enrol directly through the SWAYAM website. Upon completion, participants will gain certificates that could serve as valuable credentials in both academic and professional settings.
Through this initiative, India continues to reinforce its position as a nation investing in digital empowerment and AI literacy, fostering a new generation of learners ready to participate in the country’s growing AI and innovation landscape.