IITs Are Expanding AI Programmes: New Courses and Specialisations Emerging in 2026

IIT Madras and IIT Delhi have introduced or expanded programmes in 2026 that bring AI into different academic and industry-focused areas. IIT Madras announced a range of new undergraduate, postgraduate, online and web-enabled programmes for the 2026-27 academic year, while IIT Delhi has introduced programmes covering Agentic AI, AI in Healthcare and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

IIT Madras Adds AI-Linked Programmes Across Multiple Domains

IIT Madras announced a wide range of new academic programmes for the 2026-27 academic year on May 14, 2026. The programmes cover areas including Mathematics, Robotics, Semiconductor Materials Technology, Sustainable Engineering, Sports Analytics and AI, among others.

One of the notable additions is the new four-year B.S. Programme in Mathematics, which also gives students the option to continue for an additional year and graduate with a dual B.S.-M.S. degree.

The programme includes elective areas such as:

• Cryptography

• Computational Mathematics

• Quantitative Finance

• Financial Engineering

• Data Analytics

• AI-enabled Manufacturing

• Quality Engineering

IIT Madras has also introduced an M.Sc. in Sports Analytics and AI and a B.S. in Management and Data Science. Other new programmes include M.Tech in Robotics, M.Tech in Computational Engineering for Mechanical Systems, M.Sc. in Materials and Manufacturing and M.Sc. in Sustainable Engineering.

These programmes show how AI and data skills are increasingly being combined with domain knowledge instead of being treated as a separate technology area. 

Students looking to build foundational skills in AI and machine learning can also explore programmes such as the AI and ML programme by IIT Patna. 

IIT Delhi Introduces a Programme Focused on Agentic AI

IIT Delhi has also expanded its focus on newer areas of artificial intelligence.

IIT Delhi announced its Executive Certificate in Agentic AI Systems (Foundation to Deployment) in September 2026. The programme is designed around the development and deployment of autonomous AI systems for enterprise applications.

The programme covers areas including:

• Large Language Models (LLMs)

• Autonomous AI agents

• Multi-agent orchestration

• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

• AI TRiSM

• Production-ready AI deployment

• Enterprise AI applications

The growing focus on Agentic AI reflects how AI education is moving towards systems that can perform tasks and work through multi-step processes, rather than only generating responses. This shift is also increasing the relevance of Generative AI and Machine Learning skills across emerging AI applications. 

IIT Delhi Expands AI Learning Into Healthcare

AI is also being explored through specialised programmes at IIT Delhi.

IIT Delhi announced the Executive Programme for AI in Healthcare (Batch 3) on September 28, 2026. The programme is part of the institute’s continuing education offerings focused on applying AI to specialised domains.

The institute's current programme listings also show AI-focused offerings across different areas, including AI in healthcare, Generative AI and AI-linked deep-tech programmes.

This reflects a wider shift towards domain-specific AI learning, where artificial intelligence is combined with knowledge of a particular industry or application area.

IIT Delhi Also Connects AI With AR, VR and Gaming

IIT Delhi is also offering programmes that combine emerging technologies with AI.

The Executive Programme in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (Batch 3) covers AR, VR, XR and gaming along with AI, analytics and immersive technology development. The six-month programme includes hands-on learning, practical exercises and a capstone project.

The combination of AI with AR, VR and gaming shows how emerging technologies are increasingly being taught together instead of as isolated technical fields.

IITs Are Connecting AI With Industry-Specific Skills

The new and expanded programmes from IIT Madras and IIT Delhi cover different stages of AI learning, from undergraduate education and interdisciplinary specialisations to executive programmes for professionals.

At IIT Madras, AI is being connected with areas such as data science, mathematics, robotics, manufacturing and sports analytics. At IIT Delhi, recent programmes extend into Agentic AI, healthcare, AR, VR and gaming.

This means that building an AI career can involve more than understanding machine learning models. Depending on the role, learners may also need knowledge of data analytics, programming, AI systems, domain applications and deployment.

What the New AI Programmes Mean for Learners?

The expansion of AI-related programmes across IITs shows how artificial intelligence is being integrated into multiple academic and professional fields. The programmes announced or offered by IIT Madras and IIT Delhi connect AI with data science, robotics, healthcare, manufacturing, mathematics and immersive technologies.

For students and working professionals, this creates different routes into AI depending on their academic background and career goals. Some programmes focus on foundational learning, while others target specialised applications or emerging technologies such as Agentic AI.

As AI continues to move into different industries, understanding both the technology and its domain-specific applications can become increasingly relevant for learners planning careers in AI.