Pilani, India — Aug 18, 2022:The Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) division of Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani has launched M.Tech. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) programme to help working professionals address the current and future AI potential in key sectors and thereby their career aspirations with various AI- and ML-related roles. The programme helps the professionals enhance their conceptual understanding and hands-on knowledge of various traditional and contemporary AI and ML techniques, including deep learning and reinforcement learning; AI application areas, such as natural language processing, computer vision, robotics and cyber security; software implementation and associated system support with applications beyond Data Science.

The four-semester programme covers wide range of skill and knowledge areas, and helps various technology professionals advance their career further, as potential ML engineers and AI scientists in the future.

Addressing AI potential in sectors ranging from manufacturing to IT

As per Valuates Reports, the global artificial intelligence market size was valued at USD 65.48 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1,581.70 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 38.0% from 2021 to 2030. The global artificial intelligence market is growing primarily due to an increase in demand for intelligent systems to improve efficiency and productivity in sectors, such as IT and telecommunications, retail and e-commerce, BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive. Based on technology, the machine learning category is likely to maintain its lead in the artificial intelligence market share, largely due to its widespread use in complicated industrial applications. 

AI & ML at work to help address business challenges and opportunities

With rising complexities in business problems and reduced time in decision making, AI has been gaining pace and popularity in various sectors across the globe. AI is a broad umbrella term with applications ranging from text analysis to robotics; it is primarily about enhancing the decision-making ability based on available data, with an aim to perform various tasks in a faster, cheaper and/or more efficient manner. ML is a subset of AI that helps in predicting outcomes in a more accurate manner, by learning automatically and improving over time, when exposed to new data.

About M.Tech. in AI & ML programme from BITS Pilani WILP

Elaborating further about the value proposition of the M.Tech. in AI & ML programme, Prof. Anita Ramachandran, who heads the Computer Science and Information Systems group of WILP at BITS Pilani, says, “The set of core courses and electives of this programme have been carefully designed in such a manner that it aids in comprehensive development of skills and knowledge for a learner. For instance, the programme addresses the fact that the ML engineers need to be familiar with not just algorithms, such as supervised deep learning, unsupervised and reinforcement learning, but also AI application areas, such as natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and cyber security, while staying up-to-date with the leading research in the field. The programme even aims to help a learner gain better understanding of the software engineering requirements for implementing ML systems on large datasets and in resource-constrained environments — and all this, while keeping a tab on the underlying ethical issues in applying AI and ML.”

To download the programme brochure or to learn more about the objectives, highlights, curriculum (including details about core courses and electives), eligibility criteria, learning methodology, featured faculty, and any other critical information, please visit the BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) website.

How to apply for BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Programmes, including M.Tech. in AI & ML

For over four decades now, the BITS Pilani WILP division has been offering various higher education degree programmes, which the working professionals from different sectors and industries can leverage to reskill or upskill themselves — and all this, while not having to leave their current professions and roles. WILP are the degree/diploma/certificate programmes, which are developed and conducted by BITS Pilani in association and jointly with organizations representing various industry sectors; they are comparable to BITS Pilani’s regular programmes, both in terms of unit/credit requirements as well as academic rigour.

The interested working professionals can visit the BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) website (https://bits-pilani-wilp.ac.in/) to learn more about the objectives of different programmes (for which the admissions are now open), register their account, and pursue the process listed on the website accordingly.

The last date for applications for admissions for M.Tech. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning programme is September 12, 2022.

About BITS Pilani:

BITS Pilani is an Institution of national repute, known for providing technical education of the highest standards and is well recognized for its innovations, and strong links with industry. It is consistently ranked as the best private engineering & technology institution by leading ranking agencies and publications. MHRD, Govt. of India, in August 2018 announced BITS Pilani as one of the first six Institutions of Eminence in the country. It is one of the few universities that has created an institutionalized framework for achieving a vibrant environment that successfully inculcates an ambience for experiential and cooperative learning and education. BITS Pilani views education as a continual engagement and experience, and ensures that the learning experience is integrated seamlessly not only across its classrooms and laboratories, but also in the industry, as exemplified by its Practice School, and Work Integrated Learning Programmes.

About BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP):

India has a large and qualified professional workforce, which must and will continue to grow in size, complexity, and quality. Given the nature of modern professions, and the acquired reputation of Indian professionals in these roles, continual learning and higher educational qualifications are necessary tools for the nation to succeed within, and compete globally. Work Integrated Learning Programmes of BITS Pilani (WILP) are degree/diploma/certificate programmes, which are developed and conducted by BITS Pilani in association and jointly with organizations representing various industry sectors.