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PG Certificate Program in Forward Deployed AI Engineering
The World's First Academic Program for Forward Deployed Engineers.
Start Date
March 2026 (Tentative)
Duration
3 Months - 85 hours
Course Fee
₹45,000 + 18% GST
No. of Seats Left
32
Credits
18
Program Highlights
World’s First Academic Program for Forward Deployed Engineers
Post Graduate Certificate from CEC, IIT Roorkee
Dual-Track Foundation Building: AI Engineering + Client Consulting
Progressive Learning Pedagogy: No-Code → Low-Code → Full-Code
15+ GenAI & LLM Tools · 10+ Prompt Libraries
About IIT Roorke
Founded in 1847, IIT Roorkee is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, with a legacy of academic leadership and technological innovation. As a pioneer in interdisciplinary education, IIT Roorkee has been at the forefront of engineering, data science, AI, and management education.
Its executive education programs are designed to equip working professionals with industry-aligned, future-forward skill sets, combining academic rigor with hands-on learning and strategicthinking.
Our Program Director
Prof. Gaurav Dixit
Assistant 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.
The IIT Advantage
Experience Campus Immersion At IIT Roorkee Research Park
Certification From IIT Roorkee
Receive a Certificate of completion from IIT Roorkee,
recognizing your achievement.
in Just 3 Months
How You Go From Learning to Orchestrating
Module 1: AI for Enterprises (Phase 1)
Module 1: AI for Enterprises (Phase 1)
AI vs GenAI vs Agentic AI
Use cases; Adoption realities
Module 2: Data Science for Managers
Module 2: Data Science for Managers
Pipelines; Data quality; Metrics; Visualization
Module 3: DL/NLP Foundations
Module 3: DL/NLP Foundations
Embeddings; Sequence models; Transformers
Module 4: GenAI Foundations
Module 4: GenAI Foundations
LLM vs ML; Prompting basics; Cross-functional workflows
Module 5: Prompt Engineering (Phase 2)
Module 5: Prompt Engineering (Phase 2)
Role-task-context framework; Chain-of-thought
Module 6: RAG Systems (3 parts)
Module 6: RAG Systems (3 parts)
Embeddings; Chunking; Grounding; Hallucination control; Retrieval patterns
Module 7: AI Limitations (Phase 3)
Module 7: AI Limitations (Phase 3)
Bias; Adversarial prompts; Attack/defense patterns
Module 8: LLMOps Primer
Module 8: LLMOps Primer
Cloud basics; Latency/cost tradeoffs
Module 9: Agentic AI
Module 9: Agentic AI
Autonomy vs orchestration; Multi-agent patterns
Module 10: Systems Thinking for AI (Phase 4)
Module 10: Systems Thinking for AI (Phase 4)
Stakeholder mapping; Org-level system design
Module 11: Statistical Thinking
Module 11: Statistical Thinking
Interpreting ML outputs; Model evaluation
Module 12: Ethical AI & Governance
Module 12: Ethical AI & Governance
Risk frameworks; Safety policies
Module 13: AI Strategy for Functions
Module 13: AI Strategy for Functions
Alignment with KPIs; Cross-functional roadmaps
Module 14: Case Studies
Module 14: Case Studies
Cross-functional mini-cases from GCCs
Participants will work on 10+ diverse hands-on activities with AI Tools
AI Clinic
Through the Futurense AI Clinic, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to real enterprise-grade AI projects, from ideation to deployment.
Live Enterprise Projects
Work on real business challenges sourced from Futurense's industry network
AI Workflow Design
Learn to design, automate, and optimize AI-first business systems
Tool Mastery
Get hands-on with 30+ leading AI tools, from ChatGPT to LangChain
Guided Mentorship
Receive 1-on-1 feedback from industry mentors on your project's AI strategy & implementation
While mastering 20+ Tools
By The End, You’ll Be Able To Do All This
This Program is for
Educational Qualification
- 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.
Work Experience
Open to fresh graduates and early to mid-career professionals (0–3+ years) from software, data, analytics, AI, or related technical roles.
Technical Readiness
Basic Python fundamentals and strong analytical thinking required. Exposure to AI, cloud, data, or software systems is an added advantage, not mandatory.
Learning Support
A pre-program Bridge Course is provided to align all learners before the program begins.
Educational Qualification
Short aptitude-based Qualifying Test (non-technical)
Educational Qualification
Short aptitude-based Qualifying Test (non-technical)
Qualifying Test
What You’ll Be Tested On
Duration: 45 minutes
Important Guidelines
Online, MCQ-based
Each section has a time limit and can be attempted only once
Do not refresh or close the browser during the qualifying test
Use latest versions of Chrome/Firefox on desktop/laptop
Keep pen and paper handy for rough work
You’ll receive qualifying test access only after completing registration
Software Developers & Engineers
Looking to move from building features to deploying AI systems in real client environments.
Data & AI Practitioners
Data analysts, ML engineers, and AI developers aiming to work closer to business and deployment.
Early-Career Engineers
Freshers and junior engineers seeking a first-mover advantage in a globally emerging AI role.
Professionals Pivoting to AI Deployment
Consultants, analysts, and tech professionals who want to bridge business problems with AI execution.
Roles That’ll Be Looking For You
Forward Deployed Engineer
₹18-32 LPA
lakhs per annum
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
₹32-58 LPA
lakhs per annum
Forward Deployed AI Architect
₹48-78 LPA
lakhs per annum
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer
₹65-1.1CrPA
crores per annum
Forward Deployed Engineering Lead
₹85-1.4CrPA
crores per annum
Staff Forward Deployed Engineer
₹95-1.6CrPA
crores per annum
Career Assistance
Profile, Narrative & Resume Building
Craft a recruiter-ready identity with optimized resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and a strong career narrative.
Career-Specific Training
Develop job-ready skills with role-focused training, capability tests, AI tools workshops, and continuous upskilling to match real hiring expectations.
Futurense Job Board - Exclusive Opportunities
Access curated, pre-vetted roles before they hit public portals, with priority visibility for Futurense learners.
Interview Playbooks & Cheat Sheets
Get insider interview guidance with structured playbooks: FAQs, sample answers, frameworks, recruiter insights, and round-wise preparation.
Mock Interviews with Experts
Experience real interview simulations with personalized feedback from mentors, industry leaders, and FLC members.
Mentor Referrals & Networking
Unlock referral advantages, insider recommendations, alumni-driven opportunities, and FLC mentorship that accelerates your career entry.
Salary Negotiation Support
Get guidance on positioning, benchmarking, negotiation strategy, and communication to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our students are acing it!
Disclaimer: All products and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of product and company names does not imply any affilation with or endorsement by the holders.
They are working at companies which are a dream for most
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Fee Structure
Total Admission Fee
₹45,000
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Program Fee | ₹45,000 |
| GST (18%) | As applicable |
| Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)* | ₹5,000 (Adjusted in Program Fee) |
| Total Payable | ₹45,000 + 18% GST |
The registration fee of ₹5,000 is a one-time, non-refundable application processing fee, adjusted against the total program fee.
Payment of the registration fee is required at the time of application submission.
EMI options are available through partner NBFCs.
If a participant withdraws before the program start date, the program fee will be refunded, excluding:
Registration fee, GST, Any applicable subvention or processing charges.
No refunds are applicable once the program has commenced.
Optional 2-Day Campus Immersion at IIT Roorkee may be offered at an additional cost (subject to actuals).
Travel, boarding, and lodging expenses for campus immersion (if opted) will be borne by the participant.
Application Deadline
15th January, 2026
Admissions close once the required number of students is enrolled for the upcoming cohort. Apply early to secure your seat.
How it Works
Application Process
1
Submit Your Application
Apply online with your basic details and pay the ₹5,000 non-refundable registration fee to complete your application.
2
Pre-Screening Assessment
Take a pre-screening test to assess your technical readiness and suitability for the Forward Deployed Engineer role.
3
Offer & Begin Your Learning Journey
Receive your offer letter, complete the fee payment, and get immediate access to the Futurense Bridge Course before classes begin.
Traditional AI Programs vs. IIT Roorkee’s Forward Deployed AI Engineering
Dimension
This Programme
Other Programme
Core Philosophy
Forward Deployed AI Engineering, bridging AI systems, business problems, and real-world deployment
Model building or theoretical AI concepts with limited deployment exposure
Role Orientation
Client-facing, deployment-first role at the intersection of Software Engineering, Product Thinking, and Consulting
Primarily, individual contributor roles focused on development or analysis
Curriculum Design
Dual-track architecture (Tech + Consulting) with GenAI, RAG, Agentic AI, LLMOps, and client problem scoping
Single-track curriculum focused on generic ML / AI topics
Learning Style
RFP-based scenarios, agile sprint simulations, and real FDE workflows
Classroom lectures, assignments, and exams
Production Readiness
Emphasis on PoV → PoC → MVP, deployment patterns, guardrails, and real enterprise constraints
Limited focus on production deployment and enterprise realities
AI Stack Exposure
LLM APIs, RAG systems, agent frameworks, evaluation tools, cloud & deployment basics
Tool exposure varies; often limited to libraries or offline notebooks
Portfolio Output
End-to-end deployed capstone, client-ready documentation, demos, and GitHub artifacts
Academic projects or model-centric assignments
Industry Alignment
Designed for enterprise AI adoption and client-centric deployment roles
Broad AI knowledge with indirect industry mapping
Career Outcomes
Forward Deployed Engineer, Senior FDE, Forward Deployed AI Architect (as per role progression)
ML Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer (conventional roles)
Feeling Underconfident About Your Tech Skills?
Kick things off with a 2-Week Bridge Course that gets you course-ready
What you'll learn:
How LLMs work (no code)
Prompt basics
AI capabilities vs limitations
Enterprise AI landscape
Industry use-case overview
Reading AI vendor claims
ChatGPT/Claude accounts
Notion workspace
Your toolkit, ready to go
Worth ₹29,000
Included free with your enrollment.
Led by the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC)
A collective of CXOs, AI leaders, and digital transformation heads from
Fortune 500 companies shaping the AI-native workforce.
A V Rahul
Director, Analytics, - Barracuda
Aditya Khandekar
President, Corridor Platforms
Akshay Kumar
Research & Analytics Leader
Alok Tiwari
Director of Analytics, Junglee Games
Anand Das
Chief Digital & AI Officer, TVS Motors
Aneel kumar
Global Chapter Leader - ICSS, DD&T
Anirban Nandi
Head of AI Products & Analytics (Vice President), Rakuten India
Ankit Mogra
Director – Insights & Analytics, Ather Energy
Anupam Gupta
Independent Consultant – AI/ML Product Development, Amplify Health
Arpit Agarwal
Data Science Manager, Google
Arvind Balasundram
Executive Director, Commercial Insights & Analytics
Ashish Dabas
Vice President, Capital One
Bhairav M
Senior Manager Data Science and Product Management
Bhargab Dutta
Chief Digital Officer, Centuryply
Deepa Mahesh
Head of Strategy & Operations, Board Member
Divesh Singla
SVP, Global Operations Services and Managing Director, India & Philippines, SignantHealth
Indrani Goswami
Director of Analytics, NYKAA
Ishu Jain
Head of Analytics
Kaushik Das
Managing Director, JCPenney
Krithika Muthukrishnan
Chief Data Science Officer, Scripbox
Madhu Hosadurga
Global Vice President, Enterprise AI, Schneider Electric
Madhurima Agarwal
Managing Director - Microsoft for Startups
Monica S Pirgal
Chief Executive Officer, Bhartiya Converge
Muthumari S
Global Head of Data & AI Studio
Nithya Subramanian
Senior Director Data & AI COE - Best Buy
Nitin Srivastava
Global Head of Data and Analytics, Dr. Martens plc
Pankaj Rai
Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Group
Pankaj Srivastava
Partner, PwC
Praveen Sathyadev
Head - EU/UK Business Growth (VP) - Analytics, Insights and AI, Course5i
Ruchika Singh
Director, Data Science & Insights, Spotify
Satyakam Mohanty
Founder & Managing Partner, Wyser
Saurabh Agarwal
Chief Executive Officer
Saurabh Kumar
Director - Data Engineering
Sharmistha Chaterjee
Executive Engineering Manager - Head of Software and Systems Engineering, Commonwealth Bank
Shirsha Ray Chaudhuri
Director of Engineering
Srini Oduru
Head of IT Delivery and Operations, Cervello India
Sulabh Jain
Chief Analytics Officer
Sumon Mal
Head of Backend Engineering, Sony LIV
Supria Dhanda
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Wyser
Swati Jain
Partner - Digital, AI & Analytics, Deloitte
Tushar Chahal
Chief Technology Officer, Numisma Bank
Tushar Sahu
Director Engineering, Google
Vidhi Chugh
AI Executive | Microsoft MVP
Vishal Nagpal
Director of Data and AI at Best Buy
Vishal Nagpal
Director of Data and AI at Best Buy
Vidhi Chugh
AI Executive | Microsoft MVP
Tushar Sahu
Director Engineering, Google
Tushar Chahal
Chief Technology Officer, Numisma Bank
Swati Jain
Partner - Digital, AI & Analytics, Deloitte
Supria Dhanda
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Wyser
Sumon Mal
Head of Backend Engineering, Sony LIV
Sulabh Jain
Chief Analytics Officer
Srini Oduru
Head of IT Delivery and Operations, Cervello India
Shirsha Ray Chaudhuri
Director of Engineering
Sharmistha Chaterjee
Executive Engineering Manager - Head of Software and Systems Engineering, Commonwealth Bank
Saurabh Kumar
Director - Data Engineering
Saurabh Agarwal
Chief Executive Officer
Satyakam Mohanty
Founder & Managing Partner, Wyser
Ruchika Singh
Director, Data Science & Insights, Spotify
Praveen Sathyadev
Head - EU/UK Business Growth (VP) - Analytics, Insights and AI, Course5i
Pankaj Srivastava
Partner, PwC
Pankaj Rai
Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Group
Nitin Srivastava
Global Head of Data and Analytics, Dr. Martens plc
Nithya Subramanian
Senior Director Data & AI COE - Best Buy
Muthumari S
Global Head of Data & AI Studio
Monica S Pirgal
Chief Executive Officer, Bhartiya Converge
Madhurima Agarwal
Managing Director - Microsoft for Startups
Madhu Hosadurga
Global Vice President, Enterprise AI, Schneider Electric
Krithika Muthukrishnan
Chief Data Science Officer, Scripbox
Kaushik Das
Managing Director, JCPenney
Ishu Jain
Head of Analytics
Indrani Goswami
Director of Analytics, NYKAA
Divesh Singla
SVP, Global Operations Services and Managing Director, India & Philippines, SignantHealth
Deepa Mahesh
Head of Strategy & Operations, Board Member
Bhargab Dutta
Chief Digital Officer, Centuryply
Bhairav M
Senior Manager Data Science and Product Management
Ashish Dabas
Vice President, Capital One
Arvind Balasundram
Executive Director, Commercial Insights & Analytics
Arpit Agarwal
Data Science Manager, Google
Anupam Gupta
Independent Consultant – AI/ML Product Development, Amplify Health
Ankit Mogra
Director – Insights & Analytics, Ather Energy
Anirban Nandi
Head of AI Products & Analytics (Vice President), Rakuten India
Aneel kumar
Global Chapter Leader - ICSS, DD&T
Anand Das
Chief Digital & AI Officer, TVS Motors
Alok Tiwari
Director of Analytics, Junglee Games
Akshay Kumar
Research & Analytics Leader
Aditya Khandekar
President, Corridor Platforms
A V Rahul
Director, Analytics, - Barracuda
Ready to Build AI That Actually Works in Companies?
Top AI companies are hiring Forward Deployed Engineers, but India has very few trained professionals. Early movers will define this category! Be one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you might have some questions before getting started in our platform
What is the name of the program, and who is providing the certification?
The program offered is a Post graduate Certificate in Forward Deployed AI Engineering.
The certificate is issued by the Continuing Education Centre (CEC), Indian Institute of Technology IIT) Roorkee.
What is a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)?
An FDE is a client-facing "horizontalist" who works directly with customers on the front lines to solve high-stakes AI projects and implement solutions that provide real ROI.
They sit at the intersection of Software Engineering, Platform Engineering, and Solutions Architecture to bridge the gap between "software sold" and "software working".
How does the role of an FDE differ from a traditional Software Engineer?
While a traditional approach follows a linear "Requirement → Build → Test → Deploy" cycle that can take months, an FDE uses a "Discovery → Prototype → Validate → Ship → Iterate" cycle to get to production in weeks.
Page 04 Instead of handoffs between different teams, the FDE owns the process end-to-end, measuring success by actual business outcomes rather than just features shipped.
What is the duration and schedule of the program?
Duration: 3 months (approximately 85 hours of learning).
Format: Hybrid, featuring Weekend Live Online Sessions (Saturdays and Sundays, 2–3 hours each).
Commitment: Learners should expect to commit about 10 hours per week (including live sessions, self-study, and practice).
When is the first cohort expected to start?
The tentative start date is March 2026.
What is the medium of instruction?
The medium of instruction for all lectures, labs, and materials is English.
Whom can I contact for queries?
The dedicated e-mail ID will be provided where you can reach out for any student queries.
How can I apply to the PG Certification in “Forward Deployed AI Engineering” ?
Click on 'Apply Now' button and fill the form.
When will the application process to the program start?
The application process for CEC, IIT Roorkee’s PG Certificate Program has already begun
Who is eligible for this program?
Education: A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical disciplines. MCA, M.Sc, M.Tech, and MBA (with tech/analytics exposure) or BCA candidates are also eligible.: Familiarity with Minimum Marks
50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation.
Experience: While open to fresh graduates, 1–2 years of experience in Data Science, Engineering, or Software Development is preferred.: At least Technical Prerequisite
Python fundamentals and strong analytical thinking are required.
What is the admission process?
1. Apply Online: Submit your basic details.
2. Pre-screening Assessment: Successful clearance of a mandatory exam is required.
3. Receive Offer Letter: Qualified candidates will receive an official offer.
4. Enrollment: Pay the fee to begin the Futurense Bridge Course.
Is this program for freshers or experienced professionals?
The program is designed to be inclusive. While it is open to fresh graduates with strong analytical thinking, 1–2 years of experience in Data Science, Engineering, or Software Development is
preferred.
It serves as a "bridge" for tech professionals to transition into one of the most in-demand AI roles of 2026.
Is there a qualifier test, and what does it cover?
Yes, a pre-screening/qualifier test is mandatory to assess technical readiness. Topics covered are:
1. SQL Basics
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Logical Reasoning & Situation Handling
4. Python Programming Basics
5. Tech Awareness
6. FAQ answer for pending Question
What documents are typically required for the application?
The following documents are necessary to complete your application for the PGC Program:
1. Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.
2. Personal Record: Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)
3. Academic Records:
10th Standard Marksheet.
12th Standard Marksheet.
Graduation Marksheets/Degree Certificate (or the latest semester transcripts for final-year students).
4. Professional Summary: A comprehensive resume (CV)
5. Employment Verification (if any): Employment proofs (required only if applicable to your profile)
What is the curriculum structure?
The program is divided into four distinct phases:
Phase 1: Enterprise AI Foundations: AI vs. GenAI, data pipelines, and transformers.
Phase 2: GenAI & RAG Foundations: Prompt engineering and designing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures.
Phase 3: AI Limitations & Agentic AI: Red-teaming, LLMOps, and multi-agent orchestration.
Phase 4: Applied AI Strategy & Case Labs: Systems thinking, ethical governance, and building a professional portfolio.
What tools and platforms will I master?
Learners will work with a modern AI stack, including:
1. LLM Platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Mistral
2. RAG &Amp; Vector DBs: LangChain, LlamaIndex, Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB
3. Agent Frameworks: CrewAI, AutoGen, LangGraph, Flowise, n8n
4. Dev & Ops: Python, Git, Docker basics, API integration, Streamlit
5. Business & Analytics: Notion AI, Miro, Lucidchart, Mixpanel AI, Amplitude
6. Collaboration: Slack, Linear, Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace + AI
What is the "Futurense AI Clinic"?
It is a hands-on initiative where learners work on Live Enterprise Projects sourced from real industry networks.
Similar to a medical clinic, it allows you to develop real-world skills by solving business challenges and mastering over 30+ leading AI tools.
What are the "Portfolio Artefacts"?
Instead of just theoretical knowledge, you will build 15+ tangible artefacts, such as AI Opportunity Canvases, RAG Architecture Blueprints, and Red-team Test Reports, to showcase to employers.
What will I build during the program?
You will build 15+ portfolio-ready artefacts, including strategic AI documents, evaluation reports, technical designs, risk and governance frameworks, enterprise case solutions, and an end-to-end AI capstone implementation plan for a real business problem—ready to showcase in interviews and performance reviews.
What is the Futurense Bridge Course, and is it mandatory?
Yes, the Bridge Course is a mandatory, fully sponsored foundation module provided by Futurense. It ensures all learners, regardless of their background, are up to speed with Python and AI fundamentals before the main IIT Roorkee curriculum begins
Will a bridge course be provided for candidates who need to refresh basic fundamentals?
Yes, a bridge course is provided to solidify foundational knowledge. Modules include:
1. Programming Foundations
2. Databases with MySQL
3. GenAI, Agentic AI & Prompt Engineering
4. Cloud Foundations
Is there a campus visit included?
Yes, there is an optional 2-day campus immersion at IIT Roorkee.
It includes live masterclasses from faculty, networking with peers, and access to campus labs.
Is there an extra cost for the immersion?
Yes, a tentative additional fee of approximately ₹10,000 (subject to actuals) is charged separately for those who choose to attend.
What is the total program fee?
Program Fee: ₹45,000.
GST: 18% (Applicable on the program fee).
Registration Fee: ₹5,000 (Adjusted against the final fee; non-refundable)
Are there financing options?
Yes, EMI options are available through partner NBFCs.
What is the refund policy?
If a student drops out before the program starts, the course fee is refundable (excluding the registration fee, GST, and subvention charges).
No portion of the fee is refundable once the program has commenced.
Can I self-fund this program?
Yes, you can self-fund the program either partially or in full. The payment schedule providesflexibility for candidates who choose to self-fund.
What is the interest rate on the loans?
The interest rate depends on the financial institution providing the loan. The rates are described as reasonable and competitive considering the current market.
What are the documents I should keep handy to avail financing?
1. PAN
2. Aadhar
3. Last 3 months bank statements
What career assistance is provided?
1. Participants receive comprehensive support, including:
2. Resume and LinkedIn profile optimization.
3. Access to the Futurense Job Board for pre-vetted roles.
4. Mock interviews and "Interview Playbooks" with structured FAQs.
5. Access to the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC) for networking and mentorship.