Distance learning has seen rapid transformation all over the world in 2025, due to the rising fields like Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science mainly. Many universities are offering UGC approved online courses to enhance the impact of distance learning and make it more legitimate and recognized for career advancements.
IITs have expanded their digital presence and started online degree programs to make traditional knowledge available to masses. Online courses from IITs provide online course programs to the following group of profiles.
- High school graduates
- College dropouts
- Government job aspirants
- Working professionals
Table of Contents
Key Platforms offering IIT courses
All courses by IITs are accessible through their own websites as well as other many government certified websites. Read their description below to get a better understanding.
| Platform | Description | IIts Involved |
| NPTEL | Free courses & paid certifications | All IITs, ISCs |
| Swayam | Government- backed MOOC pattern | All IITs |
| IIT Madras Online degree | First online BSc/ BS degree | IIT Madras |
| edX/ Coursera/ UpGrad | PG diplomas | IIT Bombay, Madras, Roorkee |
Online Courses offered by IITs Across India
IITs offer a variety of online degree and diploma courses which are accessible through their own website or via NPTEL/ Swayam. Following are some top courses offered by top IITs.
| IITs | Degree offered |
| IIT Madras | BS Data Science and Application |
| IIT Kanpur | Postgraduate degree (Wireless Tech, FinTech, Power Sector, Data Science) |
| IIT Delhi | Executive Program (Data Science, Management, Cybersecurity) |
| IIT Guwahati | BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| IIT Bombay | Various fields |
| IIT Bhilai | Postgraduate Degree (Applied Mechatronics, Data Science & Analytics) |
1. IIT Madras
IIT Madras which is known for its traditional teaching methods has launched India’s first online degree program for Data science enthusiasts. This online degree course is directly accessible through the college website.
It’s ideal for students, working professionals, dropouts or even parallel learners who are looking for a degree from prestigious institutes.
Eligibility
IIT Madras has kept the admission eligibility criteria simple, making it more accessible for the students. Below mentioned are
- Any 12th passout can apply for this course.
- It has three terms throughout the year which makes it more feasible for the students to apply.
- No age limit. People from age 17 to 81 have currently enrolled.
- No entrance is required. Admission is based on a qualifier exam.
Fee Structure
IIT Madras’ online degree is affordable in comparison to the traditional on campus degree. Here’s the breakdown of the fee structure.
| Goal | Total Credits | Total Fees INR |
| Foundation Only | 32 | ₹32,000 |
| Foundation + One Diploma | 59 | ₹94,500 |
| Foundation + Two Diplomas | 86 | ₹1,57,000 |
| BSc Degree | 114 | ₹2,21,000 – ₹2,27,000 |
| BS Degree | 142 | ₹3,15,000 – ₹3,51,000 |
Notable features
- Students can exit at any level.
- Learners with household income < 5LPA can get a scholarship of upto 75%
- Curriculum spans core programming plus business subjects to help students ace the field.
- Students can learn at their own pace and form their own curriculum.
2. IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay offers an e-Postgraduate degree in various fields through distance learning. The course can be availed through the IIT Delhi official website. IIT Delhi’s course is focused on certificate- level offerings.
Eligibility
- Graduate or diploma holders.
- Executive courses might require 1+ years of work experience.
- For Data Science & Machine Learning certificates aggregate of 50% is required in class 12 Mathematics/ Statistics.
IIT Bombay offers quality education at affordable prices. Here’s the breakdown of the fee structure.
| Programme | Duration | Fee (₹, excl. GST) |
| Data Science & ML | 6 months | ₹1,25,000 |
| Advanced Data/Decision Science | 12 months | ₹1,75,000 |
| AI & ML (Deep Learning) | 6 months | ₹1,50,000 |
| Design Thinking & Innovation | 5–6 months | ₹1,00–1,25K |
| Digital Marketing | 6 months | ₹55K |
| Project Management | 5–6 months | ₹60–70K |
| Finance for Non-Finance | 15 weeks | ₹75K |
| Operations & Analytics | 6 mo | ₹1,00,000 |
| New Product Development | 5 mo | ₹1,25,000 |
| Cybersecurity Foundations | – | ₹1,18,000 |
| Hybrid E‑Vehicle Tech | 6 months | ₹1,00–1,18K |
Notable features
- Program taught by IIT Delhi faculty
- Live sessions and practical case studies
- Flexible finance options
- Prestige and Alumni Access
Read More: Top Central Engineering Colleges In India: For Students 2025
3. IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi has been expanding its online portfolio with strategic new- age offerings such as CEP( Continuing Education Programmes) courses for working professionals, helping them gain new skills, and insights in their respective fields. These courses are aligned with notional skill priorities, boosting its national as well as global ranking.
Eligibility
- Each course has different eligibility criteria but most require bachelor’s degree in the respective field.
- All programs require basic understanding of English, stable interest, and commitment to assessments.
- Working experience is necessary but not compulsory for the courses.
Fee Structure
The online degree offered by IIT Delhi is more cost-effective than the conventional on-campus degree. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fee structure.
| Program | Duration | Fees (₹) | GST Incl. |
| Data Science & Machine Learning | 6 months | ₹1,50,000 + 18% | ₹1,77,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | 9–12 months | ₹3,50,000 + 18% | ₹4,13,000 |
| Supply Chain & Operations Analytics | 6 months | ₹1,20,000 + 18% | ₹1,41,600 |
| Semiconductor Manufacturing & Tech | 6 months | ₹1,25,000 + 18% | ₹1,47,500 |
| Advanced Product Management | 6 months | ₹1,69,000 + 18% | ₹1,99,420 |
| Entrepreneurship Development | 8 months | ₹1,00,000 + 18% | ₹1,18,000 |
| Digital Marketing & Analytics | 5–6 months | ₹55,000 + 18% | ₹64,900 |
| Design Thinking & Innovation | 6 months | ₹1,25,000 + 18% | ₹1,47,500 |
| AI & ML (Deep Learning focus) | 6 months | ₹1,50,000 + 18% | ₹1,77,000 |
Notable Features
- No JEE needed. Accessible through bachelor’s credentials.
- Flexible duration, normally 6-12 months.
- Flexible payment options
- Live, faculty-led delivery with case studies.
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4. IIT Kanpur
The e-masters from IIT Kanpur are online, government approved master’s degree, delivered via the iPearl.ai platform. Unlike MTech, these course- based programmes are without a thesis but carry the same IIT Kanpur degree and alumni status.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
- Minimum 5.5 CGPA is required.
- Some courses may require online tests or interviews.
- Some courses may require a minimum 2 years of work experience.
Fee Structure
The fee structure is simple for IIT Kanpur. Breakdown of the fee structure is provided below.
- Application: ₹1,500
- Registration: ₹40,000
- Admission: ₹1,60,000
- Module Fees: ₹5,40,000 (₹45,000 × 12 modules)
- Quarterly Fee: ₹60,000 (₹15,000 × 4 quarters)
- Extensions: ₹15,000 per extra quarter (up to 3 years total)
Notable Features
- Live classes on weekends, ideal for professionals.
- 12 industry aligned modules.
- Opportunities for campus visits, alumni access.
- Flexible payment options.
5. IIT Guwahati
IIT Guwahati has upgraded itself in a well rounded online ecosystem. It provides full- degree in AI/ DS and many targeted upskilling programs. Their self placed programs are suitable for working professionals. While the BSc programme is ideal for parallel studies. They also provide many executive level programmes. All their programmes are government approved and are backed with IITG Credibility and alumni access.
Eligibility
- Mathematics in class 12th is must
- Student must have passed with an aggregate of 60%
- Direct entry is allowed for JEE Advanced qualifiers while the rest must complete an online foundational math course.
Fee Structure
IIT Guwahati provides an online degree that is less expensive than the traditional on-campus degree. Here is a breakdown of the fee structure.
Total Fee:
- ₹3,49,000 for 299 credits
- ₹50,000 admission fee
- ₹1,000 per credit
Notable Features
- It’s a self placed degree that has to be completed within an 8 year time period.
- It provides multiple exit options, which gives the student flexibility to exit the course at 4 different stages.
- Industry aligned curriculum with IIT Guwahati faculty.
- Full online delivery with optional on- campus immersion.
Read More: Deloitte Data Analytics Internship: Learn Steps to Apply & More
6. IIT Bhilai
In the era where high- quality education is a necessity, IIT Bhilai is redefining online learning through a diverse range of career oriented programs. IIT Bhilai’s 2- year executive MTech degrees and e-Masters diplomas which focus on the leading tech domains such as Cyber Security, Cloud Technology. These courses blend academic rigor with real-world application bringing the IIT experience on your finger tips.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field is required.
- At least 5.5 CGA
- Minimum 2 years of work experience in the recent 5 years.
Fee Structure
IIT Madras’ online courses and degree is affordable in comparison to the traditional on campus degree. Here’s the breakdown of the fee structure.
| Program | Duration | Fee (₹) |
| Executive MTech in Cyber Security & Ethical Hacking | 2 years | 4,05,000 |
| Executive MTech in Cloud & Emerging Technologies | 2 years | 4,05,000 |
| Executive MTech in Artificial Intelligence | 2 years | 4,25,000 |
| Executive MTech in Data Science & Analytics | 2 years | 3,70,000 |
| e‑Masters (EV Systems, Mechatronics & Robotics, Data Science & Analytics) | 2 years | ~₹3.7–4.2 Lakh |
Notable Features
- Government approved online courses.
- Weekend sessions, making it suitable for working professionals.
- Real- world projects and case studies
- Self placed studies options and virtual live classes.
Career and Learning Benefits
Many recruiters value the certifications from top ranking institutions like IITs. It is often a sign of technical competence.
- Alumni access and mentorship from these institutes are valuable in shaping the career.
- Besides this, courses from IITs hold weights globally.
- These courses aim to prepare students for the trending technologies like AI, ML. You can build job ready skills with an AI/ML course on Pregrad.
- Courses by these IITs are self placed, which makes them suitable for full- time professionals and students pursuing them with parallel degrees.
- In comparison to on campus programmes, online courses are much more affordable.
With IITs expanding their online presence, quality education is globally accessible and has become a powerful tool for empowerment. These courses provide you hands-on experience for the trending tech courses, boosting your CV and enhancing your knowledge.
The days where cracking JEE for admission in these institutions are far behind. Now, just an internet connection and commitment can land you a rewarding job.
Read More: Deloitte Data Science Internship: Stipend Starting From 30,000 Per Month
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does IIT provide online courses?
Ans: Several IIT’s across India offer online courses through platforms like NPTEL, SWAYAM, and through their own websites. These courses are on leading topics which can help you land rewarding jobs.
2. Which is the no. 1 course in IIT?
Ans: While it varies by institute and demand, BS Data Science and Applications by IIT Madras is widely considered the most sought-after and top-ranking course across IITs due to its high placement rates and global career opportunities.
Q3. Does IIT Delhi offer online courses?
Ans: Yes, IIT Delhi offers online certificate programs, executive education, and MOOCs via SWAYAM, NPTEL, and its Continuing Education Program (CEP). Topics range from Artificial Intelligence to Business Management.
Q4. Does IIT Bombay provide online courses?
Ans: Yes, IIT Bombay offers numerous online courses via NPTEL, SWAYAM, and its IITBombayX platform. It also provides short-term certificate and executive programs in collaboration with edtech platforms.
