Here is a well-arranged list of top AI courses you can do for free with certificates, categorized by level and benefit — especially suitable for Indian learners:
🧩 1. For Absolute Beginners (No Coding Required)
✅ Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)
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Topics: What is AI, societal impact, ethics
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Duration: 6 weeks (Self-paced)
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Certificate: Free digital certificate
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Language: English & other languages
🟢 Best for complete beginners.
✅ IBM SkillsBuild – AI Foundations
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Topics: AI basics, ethical AI, AI applications
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Duration: 8–10 hours
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Certificate: IBM digital badge
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Extras: Career paths included
🟢 Great for resume building.
✅ Google AI Essentials
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Topics: Generative AI, responsible AI
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Duration: ~1 hour
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Certificate: Free with Google account
🟢 Fast course with Google badge.
👨💻 2. For Technical/Intermediate Learners
✅ Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course
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Topics: ML models, TensorFlow, real-world projects
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Duration: ~15 hours
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Certificate: Free on completion
🟢 Practical and coding-oriented.
✅ Fast.ai – Practical Deep Learning for Coders
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Topics: Deep learning, NLP, vision, PyTorch
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Duration: ~12–15 hours
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Certificate: Community-based
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Prerequisite: Python & coding experience
🟢 Highly practical for developers.
🇮🇳 3. Government-Recognized & India-Specific
✅ SWAYAM AI Courses by IIT Madras
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Topics: AI & ML using Python, AI in science and analytics
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Duration: ~25–45 hours each
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Certificate: Govt. of India–recognized (paid exam optional)
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Instructor: IIT Madras Professors
🟢 Trusted for government & academic jobs.
✅ India AI Mission (via CSCs)
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Program: Free AI training to 5.5 lakh village entrepreneurs
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Partners: Govt of India + Intel
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Certificate: On completion via CSC e-Governance portal
🟢 Rural learners and students in India can access locally.
🚀 4. Skill-Based Short Courses with Free Certificates
| Course | Platform | Duration | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Generative AI | Microsoft Learn | 1 hour | Free badge |
| AI for Everyone | Coursera (by Andrew Ng) | 4–6 hours | Free audit, paid cert |
| Getting Started with AI & ML | LinkedIn Learning | 3–4 hours | Free in trial |
📘 Suggested Learning Path (Step-by-Step)
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Start here
🔹 Elements of AI or IBM SkillsBuild
✅ Get foundational understanding -
Level up
🔹 Google ML Crash Course or Microsoft Generative AI
✅ Learn hands-on tools and use cases -
Go deep (if technical)
🔹 Fast.ai or SWAYAM – AI with Python
✅ Build real models and prepare for jobs -
Earn credibility
🔹 SWAYAM or CSC Government Programs
✅ Get recognized certificates for Indian job market