IITM Pravartak and Emeritus Introduce Advanced Certificate in Agentic AI and RAG Engineering

Mumbai: The artificial intelligence landscape is shifting decisively from experimental implementations toward practical, production-scale deployments. Businesses increasingly require intelligent systems capable of autonomous action, analytical reasoning, and contextual decision-making. Agentic AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technologies are catalysing this transformation. Data from Deloitte's State of GenAI Report 2025 indicates that approximately 80% of enterprises are investigating Agentic AI applications to streamline intricate operational workflows. The RAG sector itself is projected to expand by more than 20 times, potentially reaching $40 billion in market value by 2035. Notably, specialists possessing RAG engineering expertise are commanding salary premiums reaching 50%, reflecting intense market demand for professionals capable of delivering production-ready AI solutions.

Responding to this professional skills gap, IITM Pravartak—the Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Madras—has joined forces with Emeritus to introduce the Advanced Certificate Programme in Agentic AI and RAG Engineering. Spanning seven months, this engineering-focused curriculum equips professionals to construct, implement, and expand AI systems suitable for enterprise deployment. The programme transcends conventional prompt-engineering approaches, emphasising genuine production-scale applications.

The curriculum distinguishes itself through its dual focus on contemporary AI capabilities. Learners will master the design of self-governing AI agents equipped to strategise, think critically, and perform assigned functions. Simultaneously, they will develop sophisticated RAG systems that integrate machine learning models with institutional data repositories. Training encompasses implementation strategies, infrastructure management, performance assessment, and regulatory compliance, enabling participants to construct dependable AI systems for operational use.

The pedagogical approach prioritises practical, experiential learning. Students will undertake more than 20 practical assignments and projects grounded in authentic business scenarios. The programme introduces over 15 industry-standard tools and frameworks that AI engineers routinely deploy in corporate settings. A culminating capstone exercise requires learners to architect and operationalise a sophisticated multi-agent AI system. Upon programme completion, graduates receive certification from IITM Pravartak alongside three professional certifications from IBM covering RAG, LangChain, and AI agent development.

An IITM Pravartak faculty member commented on the initiative: "The trajectory of AI development points toward systems exhibiting reasoning capacity, collaborative capability, and autonomous functionality. This curriculum builds the technical foundation necessary to engineer such advanced systems."

An Emeritus representative remarked, "The industry is witnessing a transition from exploratory AI initiatives to deployments that generate measurable commercial outcomes. This programme prepares professionals to participate meaningfully in agentic and enterprise-focused AI initiatives."

The programme targets AI and machine learning engineers, software developers, data specialists, and technology professionals in mid-career positions. It also welcomes those transitioning into AI engineering disciplines. The structure incorporates live online sessions held during weekends, instruction from industry practitioners, and an optional in-person component at IIT Madras Research Park, enabling working professionals to advance their qualifications without disrupting employment.

Programme Specifications:

• Duration: 7 months
• Delivery Format: Weekend-based live online classes with optional campus attendance
• Entry Requirements: Bachelor's degree or diploma with minimum 5 years of professional experience and programming competency
• Investment: INR 1,35,000 plus Goods and Services Tax
• Credentials Awarded: IITM Pravartak certificate and three IBM professional certifications
• Weekly Time Commitment: 10 to 12 hours