Amid a surge in the demand for skilled professionals in emerging technologies in India, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar recently launched a certified minor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). The course aims to help class 12 and students from engineering or polytechnics find suitable jobs using AI/ML in various sectors, including manufacturing, at three newly set up semiconductor manufacturing units at Dholera and Sanand in Gujarat, and a semiconductor packaging unit at Morigaon in Assam.
With its ability to process data, recognize patterns, and learn from experience, AI is driving innovation in semiconductor technology. The integration of AI technologies is also creating new market opportunities for the semiconductor industry.
Expanding employment prospects
The minor programme, a collaboration between IIT Ropar, Masai School and NSDC, will boost job generation in India. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said, “Through this newly designed curriculum and hands-on training options, students will be equipped with the precise skills required in the semiconductor industry. The programme equips students with the technical proficiency and soft skills essential for success. This academia-industry synergy will increase the employability of graduates, aligning with India's aspirations to become self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports and stimulating economic growth.”
Tripathi said the accredited minor program will bridge the skills gap by driving innovation and creating jobs. “Furthermore, by leveraging the projected annual growth rate of over 20 percent in the Indian semiconductor market, this joint initiative will generate sufficient talent to meet the industry demand. Industry integration initiatives such as internships and guest lectures will provide students with valuable exposure to real-world challenges and best practices, better preparing them to contribute to semiconductor companies after graduation,” he added.
Students from any technical college, vocational training institute (ITI), private or public university, and diploma holders can apply for the one-year program. Education TimesRajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar said, “While many of our engineers aspire to work in MNCs or the IT sector, the manufacturing sector is ignored due to lack of technology upgradation. This course is aimed at enhancing the employability of core engineers from various technical institutes who have not found suitable jobs or are interested in upskilling. The course will impart AI/ML skills that will help them find jobs including in manufacturing.”
During the programme, students will attend lectures at the IIT Ropar campus and be assessed by faculty at the institute. The course includes seven modules: Prompt Engineering Fundamentals, Introduction to Machine Learning, Data Handling and Processing, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Functions of Large Language Models (LLM), and a Capstone Project. Credit-linked micro-specializations in AI/ML are among the most in-demand fields and can land you a high-paying technical job.
