Hey there! If you’ve been scrolling through LinkedIn lately, you’ve probably seen those posts saying “AI is the future”, How to Learn AI & ML in 2025? has become a big question as we are reaching the second half of this year.
Well, let me tell you something honest. AI and Machine Learning (ML) have a bright future, but only if you take the right steps. The biggest mistake I see people making is jumping into random free courses or expensive programs without checking if they add value to their portfolio or fall for fake promises.
So today, I thought I’d share my personal experience and some AI & ML courses that you can confidently pick in 2025. It’s not that i recommend picking up courses, but how things work is that it has a roadmap, a structured path to learn things… This is important when you jump into a big domain shift such as AI & ML.
Why AI & ML Are Still a Smart Career Choice in 2025
AI is no longer just a myth. Look around you, from college students to school kids use AI in one way or another. Organizations across the world are pouring in huge amounts of money for this purpose & hiring candidates for the same field.
According to reports, AI-related job openings in India have grown by over 30% in the last year, and it’s only going to rise. But here’s the catch: companies don’t just want degrees, they want skills. Which means it’s important to learn from the right source.
Which AI & ML Courses Work? (My Top Recommendations)
Now this is where people get confused. There are thousands of AI/ML courses out there, some free, some cheap, and some overpriced. I’ve seen friends wasting money on random bootcamps with no placement support or practical projects.
To save you from that, I’ve shortlisted a few genuinely good courses you can confidently pick in 2025. I’ve either done these personally or know people who have and have found results through it.
Advanced AI & ML Certification by IIT Kanpur (in collaboration with Edvancer)
This is one of the best beginner-friendly AI/ML programs out there. Taught by IIT Kanpur faculty and Edvancer, it covers everything from Python, ML algorithms, deep learning, to deployment.
Why I recommend it:
- Recognised IIT certificate
- Hands-on projects with real datasets
- Placement assistance included
[Check the course here: link]
PG Diploma in AI & ML by IIIT Bangalore with UpGrad
If you’re a working professional or someone who prefers a structured, long-term program, this is for you. It’s one of India’s highest-rated online AI/ML programs, which also includes live classes.
Why you’ll love it:
- Top faculty and industry mentors
- Case studies from companies like Flipkart, Zomato
- Job assistance & interview preparation for students
[Explore this course: link]
Simplilearn AI & ML Bootcamp
This is best for college final year students or for someone who wants to get a job as early as possible. This is structured just for 6 months & a fast-paced one for those who are looking for jobs!
What makes it good:
- Flexible batches
- Short duration
- Certification from Simplilearn
[See course details here: link]
Fast.ai’s Practical Deep Learning for Coders
I understand not all of you are willing to pay for learning, so you can go ahead with Fast.ai’s free course. It’s tough, but extremely structured if you stick to it.
Key highlights:
- Completely free
- Project-based learning
- Internationally respected in the AI/ML community
[Join for free here]
How to Build a Career in AI/ML the Right Way
Now that you know which courses to pick, here’s the career roadmap I’d suggest:
- Master Python & Maths Basics
Before anything else, get your basics right. You don’t need to be a maths expert, just focus on statistics, probability, and linear algebra. Don’t memorize rather, understand the concepts! - Pick a Structured AI/ML Course
Choose one program from the list above based on your budget and learning style. Don’t chase 10 free YouTube playlists. Stick to one solid course and go till the end. - Start Working on Projects
Use Kaggle, GitHub, or college projects. Build anything from a simple movie recommendation system to a traffic prediction model. Companies prefer hands-on experience. - Build an Online Portfolio
Upload your projects on GitHub, LinkedIn, and create a simple portfolio website. It makes a huge difference when applying for internships or jobs.
- Apply for Internships or Freelance Work
Even if it’s unpaid or part-time initially, try & get an AI/ML internship. It helps you learn real-world problem-solving and adds weight to your resume.
Ready to Start Your AI/ML Career in 2025?
The best time to begin is now. Whether you pick a pricy program or start with a free one, the key is consistency and practical learning.
I hope this guide helps you make a smart decision. If you’ve got questions, feel free to drop them in the comments or message me directly. I’m always happy to help!
