- IIT Dharwad is offering a one-year residential Artificial Intelligence Technocrat Course under the PM VIKAS Scheme 2026-27. Eligible candidates can receive free training, accommodation, certification and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000. Applications close on August 31.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad is inviting applications for a one-year residential Artificial Intelligence Technocrat course under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme 2026-27 of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The programme is being offered as part of the institute’s Skill Development Project.
Applications are to be submitted on the PM VIKAS website till 31st August 2026 for eligible candidates. The Course aims to equip those who are eligible to develop industry-oriented and practical skills related to AI.
Eligibility, The programme is for young adults aged 18-45 belonging to notified minority communities, such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains. Eligibility criteria for the programme: Basic knowledge of AI applications, ITI candidate, and Final year undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
Course Benefits, The selected candidates will learn free for 1 year at IIT Dharwad, Artificial Intelligence Technocrat. The residential programme also offers boarding facilities and lodging facilities and hostel facilities if applicable.
At the end of the programme, participants will get a certification from Government recognised Sector Skill Council (SSC). Selected candidates will also be paid ₹1,000 per month as stipend, which will be directly credited into their bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System.
The programme also includes a two months post placement support. The successfully placed candidates are eligible for financial assistance of ₹4000.
Documents Required: Applicants need to submit documents including their Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, Class 10 certificate, graduation certificate, bank passbook and minority community certificate. An EWS certificate is required wherever applicable.
The programme also provides for 33% reservation for female candidates, while up to 15% of seats are reserved for non-minority candidates belonging to the EWS category.
The initiative provides eligible candidates with an opportunity to gain specialised AI skills at an IIT while receiving training, residential support and financial assistance under a government skill-development programme.
