Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly transforming businesses across the globe and India stands at the forefront of this transformation. According to latest reports, 30% of Indian companies have maximised AI’s potential, which is way ahead of the global average of 26%. India's AI market is set to hit an eye-watering $184.46 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 51% during the period between 2024 and 2030.

This swift expansion is indicative of the growing need for expert AI professionals who can spearhead innovation and ensure competitiveness across industries. To meet this requirement, obtaining well-established AI certifications has become the necessity for career-enhancing professionals who want to become market competitive. This article provides an entire overview of the six most sought-after AI certifications for Indian professionals.

Six popular AI certifications for Indian professionals

1. Executive Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science by IIT Bombay

The Executive Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) for working professionals. The course syllabus includes major topics like machine learning programming, statistical foundation, deep learning, and data science.Through this course, professionals have the opportunity to be taught by the distinguished IIT Bombay faculty and learn by practical application of case studies based on actual scenarios. This course is provided with a flexible design to accommodate the hectic professional timings, making it a well-liked and apt certification for professionals. 

2. USAII Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™)

United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) provides the Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™) certification, which is internationally recognized. The course provides end-to-end knowledge of AI principles, tools, and methodologies. Joining this course makes working professionals AI-ready to implement AI solutions in any sector. This course includes subjects such as machine learning, neural networks, and AI ethics to make the students understand all the aspects holistically. This certification is apt for working professionals who are interested in proving their AI skills and enhancing career prospects.

3. AI+ Cloud™ Certification

The AI+ Cloud™ certification deals with cloud AI and AI over the cloud, following the cloud AI industry direction. The students are asked to apply AI models on the cloud infrastructure, manage data pipelines, and ensure scalability. This certification is particularly beneficial for experts involved in creating and operating AI applications over the cloud. The hands-on skill emphasis in the program enables the participants to tackle the demand for cloud-based AI services demand.

4. AI Engineering Professional Certificate from IBM

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate aims to give an in-depth insight into AI applications. The curriculum of the course comprises machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks, and offers practical projects through which the participants can apply what they learn in real-world applications. The certification is suitable for those who wish to enhance their AI knowledge and apply it practically in their own fields.

5. AWS Certified AI Practitioner

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification, updating basic knowledge of AI and machine learning concepts. The course prepares professionals to implement AI solutions using AWS technologies by learning about AI frameworks, AWS AI services, and practical applications. This certification is ideal for individuals who wish to integrate AI services into cloud-based applications since the market is moving towards cloud computing.

6. AI for Everyone by DeepLearning.AI

AI for Everyone is a certification programme offered by DeepLearning.AI, aiming to simplify AI and make it accessible to non-technical professionals. The course deals with AI vocabulary, possible uses, and how AI will affect multiple industries. The course is created for business owners, managers, and anybody wanting to learn about using AI within their organisations. The certification is most valuable to non-technical professionals who want to understand AI and related concepts to maintain relevance in the job market.

Why AI certifications matter

As the rate of technological advancement keeps growing, AI certifications are also gaining much relevance for career-driven individuals who seek to advance their careers. An AI certification can translate to improved career opportunities, professional advancement, and income.

In India, the need for AI training is brought out by the growing requirement for professionals in the field. India, being an education and technology hub, offers a variety of AI certification courses to meet the demand. In addition to that, AI certification leads to good-paying career professions in many fields. 

Summing it up

AI is transforming India's economy quickly, and professionals need to remain in the game with appropriate skills and qualifications. Gaining an AI certification not only supports technical strength but also future-proofs a career by increasing employability, enhancing job opportunities, and giving greater salary negotiating power. It does not matter if you are employed in an NBFC, MNC, online marketplace, or any other sector; developing AI capabilities will make you future-proof your career and stay competitive.