This Post Graduate Certificate Program in Forward Deployed AI Engineering, offered by IIT Roorkee through Futurense, is a 3-month intensive program designed to produce client-facing AI professionals who can design, prototype, and deploy enterprise-grade AI systems. The program bridges the gap between AI technology and real business outcomes, preparing learners to operate at the intersection of software engineering, product thinking, and consulting.\n\nThe curriculum spans 14 modules across four phases: Enterprise AI Foundations, GenAI and RAG Foundations, AI Limitations and Agentic AI, and Applied AI Strategy and Case Labs. Learners gain hands-on experience with 30+ AI tools including LangChain, LlamaIndex, CrewAI, AutoGen, and major LLM platforms. Through the Futurense AI Clinic, participants work on live enterprise projects and build 15+ portfolio-ready artefacts.\n\nThe program includes comprehensive career support—resume building, mock interviews, interview playbooks, access to the Futurense Job Board, and networking via the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC), a collective of CXOs and AI leaders from global Fortune 500 companies. Graduates are positioned for high-impact roles such as Forward Deployed AI Engineer, Applied AI Engineer, GenAI Consultant, and AI Solutions Engineer.
Instructors:

Prof. Gaurav Dixit
English
Course Start Date:
June, 2026
Application Deadline:
15th May, 2026
Duration:
3 Months
₹ 45,000
Overview
This Post Graduate Certificate in Forward Deployed AI Engineering is offered by the Continuing Education Centre (CEC) of IIT Roorkee in collaboration with Futurense. IIT Roorkee, founded in 1847, is one of India's oldest and most prestigious institutions with a legacy of academic leadership and technological innovation. The program is designed for professionals and graduates who want to move beyond theoretical AI knowledge into production-ready, client-facing AI deployment roles.
The 3-month program (approximately 85 learning hours) is structured as a weekend live online program with an optional 2-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee Research Park. It spans four progressive phases: Enterprise AI Foundations, GenAI and RAG Foundations, AI Limitations and Agentic AI, and Applied AI Strategy and Case Labs. Learners work across 30+ AI tools and build 15+ portfolio artefacts including RAG architectures, red-team test reports, AI opportunity canvases, and a capstone deployment.
All learners receive access to the Futurense Bridge Course (valued at ₹29,000) at no additional cost, covering Python, MySQL, GenAI basics, and cloud foundations. Program Director is Prof. Gaurav Dixit, Associate Professor at DoMS, IIT Roorkee, with expertise in AI/ML, Information Systems, and Computational Social Science.
Why Artificial Intelligence?
The Forward Deployed AI Engineer is one of the most in-demand and least-supplied roles in the global AI industry. This program is the world's first academic program structured around the FDE role—a client-facing, deployment-first AI professional who bridges the gap between enterprise business problems and scalable AI solutions. Unlike generic AI programs that focus on model building, this curriculum is built around real client engagement: from discovery sessions and problem scoping to PoV → PoC → MVP → deployment cycles.
Learners gain access to the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC)—a collective of CXOs, AI leaders, and digital transformation heads from Fortune 500 companies—providing mentorship, referrals, and career acceleration. The dual-track curriculum (Tech + Consulting) covers GenAI, RAG, Agentic AI, LLMOps, and enterprise AI strategy in a single program. The AI Clinic provides live enterprise project exposure, and graduates leave with 15+ portfolio-ready artefacts and a deployed capstone that demonstrates real deployment capability.
The IIT Roorkee certificate carries significant brand equity. The program's partnership with Futurense ensures job board access, mock interviews, interview playbooks, and salary negotiation support. With an optional 2-day campus immersion and a fully sponsored Bridge Course valued at ₹29,000 included, the program offers exceptional value for serious early-mover professionals.
What does this course have to offer?
Key Highlights
World's First Academic Program for Forward Deployed Engineers
Post Graduate Certificate from CEC, IIT Roorkee
Dual-Track Foundation: AI Engineering + Client Consulting
Progressive Pedagogy: No-Code to Low-Code to Full-Code
14 Curriculum Modules across 4 Phases
30+ Industry-Grade AI Tools
15+ Portfolio-Ready Artefacts
Live Enterprise Projects via Futurense AI Clinic
Optional 2-Day Campus Immersion at IIT Roorkee Research Park
Futurense Bridge Course (₹29,000 value) included free
Futurense Leadership Council (FLC) mentorship and networking
Structured Career Support including Job Board and Mock Interviews
Who is this programme for?
Software Developers and Engineers looking to move from building features to deploying AI in client environments
Data Analysts, ML Engineers, and AI Developers aiming to work closer to business and deployment
Early-Career Engineers and Freshers seeking a first-mover advantage in the FDE space
Consultants, Analysts, and Tech Professionals pivoting to AI deployment roles
Professionals with 0-3 years of experience in software, data, analytics, or AI
Minimum Eligibility
Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, or related disciplines
MCA / M.Sc / M.Tech / MBA candidates with technical or analytical exposure are also eligible
Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA required
Open to fresh graduates and early to mid-career professionals (0-3+ years)
Basic Python fundamentals and strong analytical thinking required
Must pass a 45-minute online qualifying test (logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, digital and AI awareness)
Who is the programme for?
The PG Certificate in Forward Deployed AI Engineering is offered by the Continuing Education Centre (CEC), IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Futurense. Admission requires a Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, or related fields, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. MCA, M.Sc., M.Tech., and MBA candidates with technical exposure are also eligible. Freshers may apply; 1-2 years of relevant experience is preferred.
The admission process begins with online application submission and payment of a ₹5,000 non-refundable registration fee (adjusted against total fees). Shortlisted candidates take a 45-minute pre-screening qualifying test covering logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, digital and AI awareness, and applied situational judgment—conducted online, MCQ-based. Qualified candidates receive an offer letter and must complete fee payment and Bridge Course enrollment before the program begins. Required documents include identity proof (Aadhaar and PAN), DOB proof, academic transcripts (10th, 12th, graduation), updated resume, and employment verification documents where applicable.
Selection process
How to apply?
Curriculum
The program curriculum is structured across 4 phases and 14 modules spanning approximately 85 learning hours over 3 months. Phase 1 (Enterprise AI Foundations) covers AI vs GenAI vs Agentic AI, data science pipelines, DL/NLP foundations, and GenAI basics. Phase 2 (GenAI and RAG Foundations) covers advanced prompt engineering using the role-task-context framework and RAG systems including embeddings, chunking, grounding, and hallucination control across 3 parts.\n\nPhase 3 (AI Limitations and Agentic AI) addresses bias, adversarial prompts, attack/defense patterns, LLMOps cloud basics, latency/cost tradeoffs, and Agentic AI with multi-agent orchestration patterns. Phase 4 (Applied AI Strategy and Case Labs) covers systems thinking for AI, statistical thinking, ethical AI and governance frameworks, AI strategy aligned to KPIs, and cross-functional case studies from GCCs.\n\nParticipants also complete 10+ hands-on activities with AI tools and work on live enterprise projects through the AI Clinic. The Bridge Course covers Python, MySQL, GenAI basics, prompt engineering, and cloud foundations.
There are 14 semesters in this course
The program is divided into 14 modules across four phases. Phase 1 covers the enterprise AI landscape: understanding the differences between AI, GenAI, and Agentic AI with real adoption use cases; data science pipelines, data quality metrics, and visualization; deep learning and NLP foundations including embeddings, sequence models, and transformers; and GenAI foundations covering LLM versus ML distinctions, prompting basics, and cross-functional workflows. Phase 2 builds on GenAI with advanced prompt engineering using the role-task-context framework and chain-of-thought techniques, followed by a three-part deep dive into RAG systems covering embeddings, chunking strategies, grounding methods, hallucination control, and retrieval patterns. Phase 3 addresses AI limitations including bias, adversarial prompts, and attack/defense patterns; LLMOps cloud deployment basics with latency and cost tradeoffs; and Agentic AI systems covering autonomy, orchestration, and multi-agent design patterns. Phase 4 is applied and strategic, covering systems thinking for AI at the organizational level, statistical thinking for interpreting ML outputs and evaluating models, ethical AI and governance risk frameworks, AI strategy for business functions aligned to KPIs and roadmaps, and cross-functional mini-cases from Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Module 1: AI for Enterprises (Phase 1)
Module 2: Data Science for Managers
Module 3: DL/NLP Foundations
Module 4: GenAI Foundations
Module 6: RAG Systems (3 parts)
Module 7: AI Limitations (Phase 3)
Module 8: LLMOps Primer
Module 9: Agentic AI
Module 10: Systems Thinking for AI (Phase 4)
Module 11: Statistical Thinking
Module 12: Ethical AI & Governance
Module 13: AI Strategy for Functions
Module 14: Case Studies
Programme Length
3 Months (approximately 85 learning hours). Weekend live online sessions of 2-3 hours each day. Learners should commit approximately 10 hours per week. An optional 2-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee Research Park may be offered at an additional cost.
Whom you will learn from?
Learn from top industry experts who bring real-world experience and deep knowledge to every lesson. The instructors are dedicated to help you achieve your goals with practical insights and hands-on guidance.
Instructor

Prof. Gaurav Dixit
Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies (DoMS), IIT Roorkee
Prof. Gaurav Dixit is a Joint Faculty at the Mehta Family School of Data Science & AI and Core Faculty of Information Systems at DoMS, IIT Roorkee. His expertise spans Information Systems, Computational Social Science, and AI/ML for decision-making, with publications in top international journals and conferences. He has led multiple government and industry-funded projects and teaches Digital Transformation, AI/Data Science Programming, Artificial Intelligence, and Deep Learning. Earlier, he worked at Hewlett-Packard (R&D) and Sharda University, bringing valuable industry experience to his teaching and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from IIM Indore and a B. tech . in CSE from IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
Tuition Fee
The total program fee is ₹45,000 plus 18% GST. A ₹5,000 non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of application and is adjusted against the total program fee. EMI options are available through partner NBFCs. Required documents for financing include PAN card, Aadhaar card, and bank statements for the last 3 months.
If a participant withdraws before the program start date, the program fee (excluding registration fee, GST, and any subvention or processing charges) is refundable. No refund is applicable once the program has commenced. An optional 2-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee Research Park is available at an additional cost of approximately ₹10,000 (subject to actuals). Travel, boarding, and lodging for campus immersion are borne by the participant. Self-funding with flexible payment scheduling is also available.
Fee Structure
Payment options
Learning Experience
The PG Certificate in Forward Deployed AI Engineering uses a hybrid learning model anchored in live weekend sessions, delivered fully online. Sessions run for 2-3 hours per day on weekends, with learners expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including self-study and hands-on activities.
The pedagogy progresses from No-Code to Low-Code to Full-Code, ensuring accessibility for learners from diverse technical backgrounds. Learning is structured around RFP-based scenarios, agile sprint simulations, and real Forward Deployed Engineer workflows rather than conventional lecture-and-exam formats. The AI Clinic provides access to live enterprise problems sourced from Futurense's industry network, where learners build real-world artefacts.
A Futurense Bridge Course is provided to all learners before the program begins, covering Python fundamentals, MySQL, GenAI basics, prompt engineering, and cloud foundations—ensuring all cohort members start from a common baseline. Guided mentorship from industry professionals provides 1-on-1 feedback on project AI strategy and implementation.
University Experience
IIT Roorkee, established in 1847, is one of India's oldest and most prestigious technical institutions. Recognized as a top-tier IIT, it combines a rich legacy of engineering excellence with a forward-looking commitment to AI, data science, and management education. The Continuing Education Centre (CEC) at IIT Roorkee designs and delivers executive and professional education programs in collaboration with industry partners.
The optional 2-day campus immersion at the IIT Roorkee Research Park offers learners the opportunity to engage with faculty through masterclasses and build peer networks in a prestigious campus environment. The certificate issued by CEC, IIT Roorkee is recognized across the Indian industry and signals academic credibility alongside practical skill. The Futurense Leadership Council (FLC), a collective of CXOs and AI leaders from global Fortune 500 companies, is integrated into the program's mentorship and career network ecosystem.
Word from the Directors
Prof. Gaurav Dixit
Associate Professor, DoMS and Joint Faculty, Mehta Family School of Data Science & AI, IIT Roorkee
Prof. Gaurav Dixit brings deep expertise in Information Systems, Computational Social Science, and AI/ML for decision-making. He has led multiple government and industry-funded projects, worked at Hewlett-Packard R&D, and holds a Ph.D. from IIM Indore and B.Tech. from IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
Testimonials
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About the University
Established in 1847, IIT Roorkee is one of the oldest engineering institutions in India and was designated as an Indian Institute of Technology in 2001. Located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, it is recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions in engineering, science, and technology. IIT Roorkee offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across multiple disciplines.
6
NIRF Ranking (2024)
335
QS World University Ranking (2024)
23
Number of academic departments
Affiliation & Recognition
Ministry of Education, Government of India
National Board of Accreditation (NBA)
International Association of Universities
Faculties
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they're here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
Instructors
Expert in Advanced Wireless Communication at IIT Roorkee"
Abhay Kumar Sah is an Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee, specializing in advanced wireless communication. He teaches the course "Foundations of Advanced Wireless Communication," which covers essential concepts, techniques, and algorithms necessary for understanding and designing modern wireless communication systems. The course includes topics such as multi-antenna systems, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), massive MIMO for 5G, and various multiple access techniques like OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) and NOMA (Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access).
Expert in Optimization and Mathematics
Dr. S. K. Gupta is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at IIT Roorkee, specializing in areas such as Support Vector Machines, Fuzzy Optimization, and Mathematical Programming, which encompasses duality theory, non-smooth and non-convex optimization, vector optimization, and variational inequalities. He earned his Ph.D. in Optimization Theory from IIT Roorkee in 2008. Throughout his career, Dr. Gupta has received several accolades, including the "Outstanding Teacher Award" at IIT Roorkee in 2018 and the "Best Teacher Award" at IIT Patna in 2010. He was also a gold medalist in MSc (Applied Mathematics) from IIT Roorkee in 2002. Having guided six PhD theses, he is currently supervising five more. Dr. Gupta has published over 55 research articles in reputable international journals and is an active member of the Operational Research Society of India, as well as a contributor to the Working Group on Generalized Convexity.
Career services
The Placement and Internship Cell at IIT Roorkee provides comprehensive support for students' career development. Services include career counseling, resume workshops, job fairs, and networking events with industry professionals. The cell also facilitates internships and co-op opportunities to enhance practical experience.
95%
Placement rate
₹12 LPA
Average salary offered to graduates
200+
Number of recruiters visiting annually
Course Start Date:
June, 2026
Application Deadline:
15th May, 2026
Duration:
3 Months
₹ 45,000
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.


