IIT Dharwad AI course 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad has announced a major skill-development opportunity for eligible candidates seeking professional training in Artificial Intelligence. Through the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme 2026-27 of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the institute is also providing a one-year residential training programme in Artificial Intelligence Technocrat. Applications for the programme are being accepted online with the last date of application set as August 31, 2026.
The programme will provide candidates with industry-oriented AI skills as well as reduce the financial barriers associated with specialized technology training. IIT Dharwad will offer free training to selected candidates for a year. The official programme portal states that the course is under the Skill Development Project and is called Artificial Intelligence Technocrat (ICE/ITS/Q0201).
The programme is a residential programme. It is a residential-based one, and eligible candidates will be able to get boarding and lodging, and hostel facilities will be provided where possible. In addition to training and housing, participants will get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to live and study for the course, which will be transferred directly to the Ministry through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This makes it very relevant for our students who could not otherwise work towards specialised AI training due to accommodation and living expenses.
The programme also offers employment after training. Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded government-recognized certification through the relevant Sector Skill Council (SSC). The programme also provides two months of post-placement support. According to the programme details, financial assistance of Rs 4,000 will also be provided for each successfully placed candidate, subject to the scheme provisions.
IIT Dharwad AI Course 2026: Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for graduates from the listed minority communities. The listed communities are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains, and the age range is 18 to 45 years. The programme also mentions applicants with some knowledge of AI applications, ITI candidates, and last-year undergraduate students.
The scheme also includes provisions to increase participation among women and economically weaker candidates. As much as thirty-three per cent of seats are reserved for female candidates and up to 15 per cent for non-minority candidates in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, the programme details show.
Documents Required For Application
Before starting the online application process, applicants should have the required documents ready. This includes: Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, Class 10 certificate as proof of age, graduation certificate, bank passbook, EWS certificate if applicable, and minority community certificate. Candidates should make sure that the information presented in the application matches the supporting documents submitted during the application process.
Candidates will not only be selected based on submitting an application alone. The programme has a screening process for final shortlisting, which includes a review of eligibility criteria such that applicants should thoroughly review eligibility criteria and provide relevant information and documentation.
How To Apply For IIT Dharwad AI Course
Interested candidates can apply through the PM VIKAS portal in IIT Dharwad. The portal is pm-vikas.iitdh.ac.in, and the deadline for application is August 31, 2026.
The initiative is part of the government's larger effort to create technology-based and employment-oriented skill development opportunities. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been working with the world’s best technical institutions to provide modern training in areas of demand.
Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad, under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme 2026–27 of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, is offering a one-year residential course on Artificial Intelligence Technocrat (ICE/ITS/Q0201) as a Skill… pic.twitter.com/oyWS3cAW0t
— IIT Dharwad (@iitdhrwd) August 13, 2026
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that MoUs under PM VIKAS have been expanded to IIT Dharwad and other institutions to offer the highest-quality skill development for the industry.
The IIT Dharwad programme provides free training, residential support, certification, and a monthly stipend to any candidate who intends to build a career in Artificial Intelligence. However, all eligibility conditions and scheme rules and other eligibility criteria should be checked on the official portal before submitting their forms.
Important: The application deadline is August 31, 2026, and so eligible candidates must complete the application process well before the closing date and upload all the necessary documents.
