Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future—it’s a fast-evolving sector that’s revolutionizing industries globally. From healthcare and finance to transport and entertainment, AI is at the center of technological advancement. For students who have just finished their Class 12 studies, this is the ideal time to find out how to join the AI arena and create a future-proof career.
In this article, we will take you through all that you need to know regarding AI courses after Class 12, right from eligibility to course types, best institutions, and career prospects.
Why Opt for AI After Class 12?
AI is among the most sought-after areas in the international job market. The advent of automation, intelligent assistants, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven decision-making has opened up a massive demand for AI professionals. Studying AI after Class 12 can lead to lucrative and mentally stimulating careers in data science, robotics, machine learning, and others.
Eligibility Criteria
To take AI-related courses after Class 12, students generally have to fulfill the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
- Stream: Students from the Science stream, especially those with Mathematics and Physics/Computer Science, are usually given preference. Some diploma or certificate courses may, however, be available to students from other streams as well.
- Minimum Marks: A minimum of 50%–60% marks in Class 12 is usually needed in most degree courses, based on the institution.
Entrance exams like JEE Main, CUET, or certain university-level tests may be necessary for getting into undergraduate AI courses in top institutions.
Types of AI Courses After Class 12
Following completion of Class 12, there are a number of types of AI courses students can take:
1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
These are in-depth 3- to 4-year courses covering AI and related subjects.
- B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- B.Sc in Artificial Intelligence
- B.Tech in Computer Science with specialization in AI
These courses generally comprise core computer science topics along with higher-level AI modules like neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
2. Diploma and Certification Courses
For learners who want short-term learning or trial periods prior to taking on a full degree, numerous diploma and certification programs in AI exist online and offline.
- Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
- Certificate in Machine Learning and AI
- AI courses from online sites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy (some of which carry university endorsement)
Such courses could vary from weeks to a few months and typically include project-oriented, practical learning.
Best Institutes Providing AI Courses
Few of the best institutes in India and worldwide providing AI courses are:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institute of Information Technology (its)
- Amity University
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology
International Universities: Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Oxford provide the best AI courses (largely postgraduate but their online portal provides foundation courses apt after Class 12)
Career Opportunities in AI
With proper skills and qualifications, AI graduates can avail a variety of interesting job titles:
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Robotics Programmer
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist
- AI Researcher
- Software Developer in AI-based applications
Various companies such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, Infosys, and TCS are hiring professionals in AI right now, and the demand only increases in years to come.
Final Thoughts
Artificial Intelligence is the way forward, and taking an early initiative after Class 12 can prove to be a significant boost. Be it pursuing a full-fledged degree or beginning with a short-term certification, there are plenty of avenues to enter the AI world. With passion, hard work, and proper mentorship, you can be a part of this revolutionary stream and contribute to shaping technologies for the future.
