Generative AI Course Fees in India (2026): 8 Programmes Compared by Cost, Hours and Value
Key Insights
- The programmes target different career paths: The IIT Delhi CEP programme focuses on Generative AI engineering, while IBM’s professional certificate and IIT Delhi’s Agentic AI programme offer different routes into technical AI learning.
- Course duration can be misleading: IBM estimates six months at six hours per week, while IIT Delhi’s featured programme lists 100+ live hours. These measure different types of learning commitment.
- The lowest-cost paid option isn’t necessarily the best value: The ₹750 IIT Roorkee course offers a low-cost starting point, but learners seeking guided technical training need to assess its depth and support.
- Analytics-focused programmes cover a broader skill mix: The two IIT Roorkee programmes combine data analytics with Generative AI, making them different from courses centred mainly on LLM engineering.
- Agentic AI is a specialised learning path: Learners interested in multi-agent systems and orchestration should compare specialised curricula with broader Generative AI programmes.
Generative AI course fees in India range from free learning paths to paid programmes costing over INR 1 lakh. The right choice depends on what you need to learn, how much guidance you want, and what the course includes.
[Alt text: Generative AI workflow showing a prompt, AI model, response, and key topics such as LLMs, RAG, and AI agents.]
Generative AI Course Fees in India: Comparison Table
The table compares eight selected programmes by published fees, duration, delivery format, and credential. Editorial ranking and price order are separate.
| Rank | Programme | Duration | Fee | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Delhi CEP, Certificate Programme in Generative AI, delivered by Varsity | 6 months | INR 1,69,000 + 18% GST | IIT Delhi CEP certificate, subject to attendance and assessment |
| 2 | Google Cloud, Generative AI Fundamentals | About 2 hours | Free | Digital skill badge pathway |
| 3 | Microsoft Learn, Build Foundational Generative AI Skills | 2 hr 20 min | Free | Learning path; no professional certification established |
| 4 | E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Foundations of AI and Large Language Models | 10 hours | INR 750 | Verify current credential requirements |
| 5 | E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Certification Program in Data Analytics with AI and Gen AI | 6 months | INR 57,000 + GST | Certificate of completion, subject to requirements |
| 6 | E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Advance Program in Applied Data Analytics and Generative AI | 6 months | INR 70,000 + GST | E&ICT Academy IIT Roorkee certificate of completion |
| 7 | IBM Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate via Coursera | About 6 months at 6 hours/week | Verify current India price | IBM/Coursera Professional Certificate |
| 8 | IIT Delhi CEP, Executive Certificate in Agentic AI Systems, delivered by TimesPro | 6 months | INR 1,45,000 + 18% GST | IIT Delhi CEP certificate, subject to requirements |
Comparison note: Editorial ranking does not indicate fee order or guaranteed ROI. Programmes are compared using published fees, verified teaching hours, practical learning, credential requirements, and learner fit. Where fees, live hours, or enrolment status cannot be confirmed, the relevant field is marked accordingly.
How to Calculate Cost per Live Hour
Use this formula when a provider publishes its total instructor-led teaching hours:
Cost per live hour = Total comparable course fee ÷ Verified live teaching hours
For example, a course costing INR 60,000 with 100 verified live hours costs INR 600 per live hour.
This calculation is useful for comparing live programmes, but it has limitations. A course with fewer teaching hours might offer stronger individual feedback or more substantial project work. Self-paced study estimates should not be counted as live teaching hours.
Where a provider does not disclose live hours, mark the figure as Not calculable rather than estimating it.
1. IIT Delhi CEP, Certificate Programme in Generative AI
The featured programme focuses on building AI systems rather than simply learning to use AI tools. Its curriculum covers Generative AI, large language models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic AI, and production deployment.
[Alt text: Generative AI workflow showing how prompts are processed into AI-generated responses, with examples of LLMs, RAG, AI agents, fine-tuning, and deployment.]
What does the Programme Include?
Our six-month Certificate Programme in Generative AI includes:
- 100+ live hours of theory and tutorials
- Six graded projects, a domain mission and a capstone
- Exposure to 15+ industry tools
- Live online classes and an optional campus immersion at IIT Delhi
- Faculty including Prof. Tanmoy Chakraborty
Fees and Payment Options
The listed tuition is INR 1,69,000 plus 18% GST, bringing the tuition total to INR 1,99,420.
An application fee of INR 1,000 plus GST is also listed. The published payment structure includes an initial instalment of INR 30,000 plus GST and a second instalment of INR 1,39,000 plus GST. EMI financing may be available for the second instalment, subject to lender terms and interest.
The official page specifies attendance and assessment requirements for the IIT Delhi CEP certificate. It also distinguishes the programme’s role-readiness services, provided by Varsity, from IIT Delhi CEP’s responsibilities.
Is It Worth the Fee?
The strongest reason to consider this programme is the combination of live teaching, multiple projects, technical depth, and a structured capstone.
However, the fee is substantially higher than that of short introductory courses. Learners should assess whether they need this level of instruction and whether they can commit the time required.
Optional campus immersion may involve additional travel and accommodation expenses.
Best for: Engineering and computing students, STEM graduates, and professionals with programming exposure who want structured training in Generative AI and AI engineering.
2. Google Cloud, Generative AI Fundamentals
Google Cloud’s Generative AI Fundamentals skill badge offers:
- How Generative AI works
- Large language models and their applications
- Prompt tuning and related concepts
- Responsible AI principles
The provider describes the learning experience as approximately 120 minutes, with a final quiz required for the skill badge.
There is no tuition fee for this introductory pathway. However, it is designed to establish foundational understanding, not to provide the depth of a multi-month technical programme.
Best for: Beginners who want to understand GenAI concepts before paying for specialised training.
3. Microsoft Learn, Build Foundational Generative AI Skills
Microsoft Learn offers a free, beginner-level learning path estimated at two hours and 20 minutes.
The learning path covers Generative AI fundamentals, responsible AI, prompt writing, and the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat.
Its practical focus is workplace productivity rather than building advanced AI systems. The learning path should not be described as a professional certification.
Best for: Professionals who want to explore practical workplace uses of Generative AI without committing to a paid course.
4. E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Foundations of AI and Large Language Models
The E&ICT Academy IIT Roorkee course listing lists this self-paced programme at ten hours and INR 750.
It offers a relatively inexpensive entry point for learners exploring AI and LLM concepts. However, the current syllabus, access period, assessment requirements, and precise credential wording should be checked before enrolment.
The ten-hour duration should not be treated as ten hours of live teaching. The cost per live hour cannot be calculated without a verified instructor-led hour count.
Best for: Budget-conscious learners seeking a short introduction to AI and LLM concepts.
5. E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Certification Program in Data Analytics with AI and Gen AI
The official programme combines data analytics with AI and Generative AI. The provider lists a programme fee of INR 57,000 plus GST. However, the displayed fee breakdown does not reconcile clearly with the stated total payable amount. Contact the provider to confirm the complete fee, including GST, registration charges, and any application fee, before enrolling.
The published curriculum covers Python, SQL, analytics, LLMs, prompt engineering, multi-agent systems, and AI-assisted analytics. It also lists an optional campus immersion.
The provider offers an EMI option through financing partners. Its listed payment terms should be checked before enrolment, as monthly instalments and financing costs affect the total payable amount.
This programme may suit learners who want a broader analytics foundation alongside GenAI. Those seeking only advanced LLM engineering should examine the proportion of the syllabus devoted to technical GenAI work.
Best for: Learners who want to combine data analytics with Generative AI and AI-assisted workflows.
6. E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, Advance Program in Applied Data Analytics and Generative AI
This programme page lists a six-month duration and a fee of INR 70,000 plus 18% GST. The previously listed application deadline was 14 October 2026, which has passed. Confirm whether a new intake is available before presenting this programme as open for enrolment.
The curriculum covers applied data analytics, Generative AI, prompt engineering, RAG, multimodal AI, and agentic AI. The provider also lists hands-on projects using real-world datasets and an on-campus visit to IIT Roorkee.
The total listed tuition, including GST, is INR 82,600. Confirm the current enrolment status, total live hours, project assessment requirements, and whether travel or accommodation is included.
Compared with the shorter self-paced options, this programme offers a longer, more structured learning experience. Its value depends on the learner’s interest in both analytics and GenAI.
Best for: Learners seeking applied analytics training with a broader Generative AI curriculum.
7. IBM Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate via Coursera
IBM’s Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate comprises 16 courses. Coursera estimates six months at six hours per week, with a flexible, self-paced format.
The curriculum includes:
- Generative AI application development
- LLMs and transformer-based models
- Prompt engineering and fine-tuning
- RAG and LangChain
- Model evaluation and practical projects
The current India-specific price should be checked at checkout because subscription and payment arrangements can vary.
The estimated six hours per week represents study time, not verified live teaching hours. The programme may suit learners comfortable with independent study who want a structured technical curriculum.
Best for: Learners seeking flexible training in GenAI engineering, LLM applications, and related technical skills.
8. IIT Delhi CEP, Executive Certificate in Agentic AI Systems
The official IIT Delhi CEP programme page lists a six-month online programme focused on agentic AI systems.
The curriculum covers LLMs, multi-agent orchestration, RAG, AI security, and production deployment. It is more specialised than a general introductory Generative AI course.
The listed tuition is INR 1,45,000 plus 18% GST, or INR 1,71,100 including GST. A separate application fee of INR 1,000 plus GST is also listed. The programme offers a three-instalment payment structure.
Before comparing its value with other courses, verify the current live-hour total, schedule, capstone requirements, and certificate conditions.
Best for: Working professionals interested in agentic AI, multi-agent systems, and deployment.
How we Ranked the Programmes
We compared the programmes using five criteria:
| Criterion | Weight | What We Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Fee transparency and overall value | 30% | Published fees, GST, financing, and included benefits |
| Practical learning and assessment | 25% | Projects, capstones, graded assignments, and feedback |
| Curriculum and teaching depth | 20% | Technical coverage, teaching hours, and learning support |
| Credential clarity | 15% | Issuer, assessment requirements, and credential type |
| Format and learner fit | 10% | Flexibility, schedule, and intended audience |
The IIT Delhi CEP Certificate Programme in Generative AI, delivered by Varsity, is the featured programme and occupies the first editorial position as required by this article brief. Its structured delivery, project portfolio, and curriculum breadth are relevant factors in evaluating its suitability.
The ranking should not be interpreted as proof that the featured programme delivers the highest financial return or is the best choice for every learner. Fees, curriculum, and learning requirements differ across programmes, and the right option depends on individual goals and budget.
What should You Check Before Enrolling?
Before paying for a Generative AI course, verify these four details:
- Total cost: Tuition, GST, application charges, financing interest, and any travel or software expenses.
- Actual teaching hours: Instructor-led hours rather than estimated independent study time.
- Practical work: Projects, capstones, assessment criteria, and access to tools.
- Credential conditions: The issuing organisation, assessment requirements, and exact certificate awarded.
These details make course fees easier to compare and help prevent a low advertised price from obscuring additional costs.
Conclusion
The best Generative AI course is not automatically the cheapest or the most expensive. It is the one that matches your learning goals and provides relevant instruction, practical work, and credible assessment at a cost you can justify.
Free learning paths are useful for establishing a foundation. Self-paced professional certificates offer flexibility, while longer programmes may provide live teaching, structured projects, and more guided learning.
The IIT Delhi CEP Certificate Programme in Generative AI, delivered by Varsity, is the featured option in this comparison. Its curriculum spans GenAI foundations, LLM applications, agentic AI, and applied engineering projects. Whether its higher fee is worthwhile depends on how closely those features match your goals, budget, and available study time.
Explore the IIT Delhi CEP Certificate Programme in Generative AI to review the current curriculum, eligibility, fee, and payment terms before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a Generative AI course and a Generative AI certification?
A Generative AI course teaches concepts and practical skills, while a certification or certificate recognises completion or demonstrated competence, depending on the programme. Check whether the credential requires an examination, graded assignments, or project assessment.
2. Can I learn Generative AI without knowing how to code?
Yes. Beginners can start with prompting, AI applications, and foundational concepts without coding. However, building LLM applications, implementing RAG, fine-tuning models, or deploying AI systems generally requires programming knowledge.
3. What prerequisites should I check before enrolling in a Generative AI course?
Check the required programming languages, mathematics, machine learning knowledge, and educational background. Introductory programmes may have minimal prerequisites, while technical programmes may expect Python or familiarity with machine learning.
4. Are Generative AI courses suitable for working professionals?
Yes. Many programmes offer online classes or self-paced learning. Before enrolling, compare class schedules, recorded-session access, assignment deadlines, and the expected weekly study commitment.
5. What practical skills should a good Generative AI course teach?
Depending on its level, a course may cover prompt engineering, LLM application development, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), model evaluation, fine-tuning, AI agents, and deployment. Choose topics that match your intended use rather than relying on the number of tools listed in the syllabus.
6. Is a Generative AI course focused on LLMs different from an agentic AI course?
Yes. LLM-focused courses typically cover language models, prompting, and application development. Agentic AI courses go further into systems that use tools, plan tasks, coordinate multiple agents, and execute workflows with varying degrees of autonomy.
7. Do online Generative AI courses provide access to AI tools and APIs?
Some include guided access to development environments or tools, while others require learners to arrange their own accounts. Check whether API credits, cloud usage, software licences, or other paid resources are included in the course fee.
8. Can I add a Generative AI certificate to my resume or LinkedIn profile?
You can generally list a credential you have genuinely earned, provided you describe it accurately. Include the issuing organisation, the official programme title, and relevant projects where appropriate. Do not describe a completion certificate as a professional certification unless that designation is accurate.
9. Are university-backed Generative AI courses always better than online platform courses?
Not necessarily. University-backed programmes may offer structured teaching or an institution-issued credential, while online platform courses may offer greater flexibility and lower costs. Compare the curriculum, assessment, instructor support, practical work, and exact credential rather than relying on the provider’s name alone.
10. What is the difference between a course completion certificate and an assessed certificate?
A completion certificate may be awarded for meeting attendance or course-completion requirements. An assessed certificate may additionally require passing examinations, graded assignments, or projects. Requirements differ by provider, so check the programme’s published certificate policy.
11. Can I get a Generative AI job after completing an online course?
Completing a course does not guarantee employment. Job readiness depends on your existing skills, the role you are targeting, the depth of your technical knowledge, and your ability to demonstrate practical work. Engineering roles may require programming, application development, testing, and deployment experience.
12. How do I choose between a short Generative AI course and a six-month programme?
Choose a short course if you need foundational knowledge or want to explore the subject before making a larger investment. A longer programme may suit you if you need structured instruction, sustained practical work, and guided assessments. Compare the actual curriculum and workload rather than duration alone.
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