Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous professions and sectors. For the benefit of students, the Ministry of Education is providing five free AI courses on the Swayam portal. Swayam is a government portal that provides free online courses from the school level to the postgraduate level. The AI courses are designed to prepare students for acquiring skills that will be required in future careers in technology, research, and business.
Below are the five courses and what each one teaches.
Why these free AI courses matter
- AI skills are in high demand in many fields.
- These courses are free and available on a trusted government platform.
- Students from different backgrounds (science, commerce, sports analytics) can benefit.
- Most courses offer a certificate after a test or assessment.
The five free AI courses on Swayam
1. AI/ML Using Python
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Course topics are statistics, linear algebra, optimization, and data visualization. The course also provides instruction in Python, a data science language.
- Duration: 36 hours.
- Assessment: Certification assessment at the end.
- Good for: Beginners who want a strong foundation in AI and ML tools.
2. Cricket Analytics With AI
Fundamentals of sports analytics with Python, using cricket data as a prime example. It demonstrates learning and predicting trends from historical match data.
- Offered by: Professors from IIT Madras.
- Duration: 25 hours.
- Assessment: Multiple-choice assessment at the end.
- Good for: Students who love sports and want to learn data-driven analysis in cricket.
3. AI in Physics
How to use machine learning and neural networks to solve actual physics problems. The course includes interactive sessions, practical examples, and lab work.
- Duration: 45 hours.
- Good for: Physics students and researchers who want to apply AI to experiments and simulations.
4. AI in Accounting
Use of AI in accounting and finance. The course describes AI applications in bookkeeping, auditing, and financial forecasting.
- Duration: 45 hours.
- Assessment: Certification assessment at the end.
- Good for: Commerce and management students who want AI skills for accounting jobs.
5. AI in Chemistry
Applying actual chemical data to predict molecular properties, simulate reactions, and assist in drug design. The course covers AI techniques using Python.
- Offered by: IIT Madras.
- Duration: 45 hours.
- Good for: Chemistry students and researchers interested in computational chemistry and drug discovery.
What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning (ML) refers to making predictions based on data. Like how ML can anticipate the speed of the next ball in cricket based on records. ML is an integral part of most AI applications.
Who should take these courses?
- School and college students who want to learn AI basics.
- Science, commerce, and sports students who want subject-specific AI skills.
- Teachers and researchers who want to use AI in their work.
- Anyone curious about how AI works and how it helps real problems.
How to enroll (simple steps)
- Go to the Swayam portal.
- Search for the course name (for example, “AI/ML Using Python” or “Cricket Analytics With AI”).
- Register or sign in with your details.
- Enroll in the course. The course pages show the schedule and study materials.
- Complete lessons and assessments to get the certificate.
Note: All five courses are free. Some courses may have a final test for certificate eligibility.
Benefits of these courses
- Free learning from expert teachers.
- Certificates that can help in job applications.
- Hands-on practice with real data sets and labs.
- Wide range of topics — from sports to science to commerce.
Conclusion
The five free courses by the Ministry of Education on the Swayam portal are an excellent opportunity to acquire valuable future skills. Sports, physics, chemistry, accounting, or basic AI and ML – there’s something for every interest. These courses are short and narrow in scope and provide certificates on completion of assessments. If you would like to begin to acquire AI, head to the Swayam portal and sign up.
