Introduction
Artificial Intelligence is growing rapidly and it is changing the way we live and work. This is the best time for a 12th grade student to become an AI engineer soon after school. All you need is a good AI engineering course after 12th, a good base and some hands-on experience. We will guide you through the entire process to create a future-ready career in AI for students. We will discuss on the degree needed to pursue, the skills required, top colleges for AI, best career opportunities in AI and a lot more.
In order to become an AI engineer after Class 12, a student will first require to do a BTech or B.E. in Computer Science with a specialisation in either of the two i.e. in AI or ML. Then the student needs to pursue a MTech or MS in the same stream of study i.e. in AI or ML. In addition to that, student will require to learn requisite programming languages and mathematical skills to become a successful AI engineer. Participation in projects and also internships would also help a student to make his dream come true.
Overview / Key Concepts
Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineering is the application of engineering principles and methods to design and build systems that learn like a human. It employs computer science, mathematics, and data science methods and techniques and includes many applications including virtual assistants, personalisation, autonomous vehicles, health diagnostics, smart customer service, machine vision, predictive maintenance, financial modeling, and pattern recognition.
What are the best artificial intelligence courses was the first question after we shared the post at 12:30 pm. Since the number of engineering degree courses in India focused on AI is only going to increase in the future, one can actually start after 12 instead of investing 4-5 years.
AI Career Path for Students
Here’s a clear roadmap on how to become AI engineer after 12:
Step 1: Choose the Right Stream in Class 12
- Opt for Science stream (PCM – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
- Mathematics is essential for AI and machine learning concepts
Step 2: Pursue an AI Engineering Degree in India
- Enroll in a BTech/BE in Computer Science with AI/ML specialisation
- Alternatively, choose Data Science or AI-focused programs
Step 3: Learn Key Skills
- Programming (Python, Java)
- Machine Learning & Deep Learning
- Statistics and Probability
- Data Structures & Algorithms
Step 4: Work on Projects & Internships
- Build real-world AI models
- Participate in hackathons
- Gain industry exposure
Step 5: Explore Advanced Learning (Optional)
- M.Tech, certifications, or global AI programs
- Skills / Subjects / What Students Learn
In a typical AI engineering course after 12, students study:
Core Subjects:
- Programming Languages (Python, C++, Java)
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
- Machine Learning & Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
Additional Skills:
- Big Data Analytics
- Cloud Computing
- Mathematics (Linear Algebra, Probability)
Practical Learning:
- Hands-on labs
- Industry projects
- Internships
Best Courses for AI Engineer
If you’re wondering which course is best to become AI engineer, here are the top options:
- B.E. Computer Science Engineering in AI and Future Technologies
- B.E. Computer Science Engineering in AI & Machine Learning with Microsoft
- BSc in Artificial Intelligence/Data Science
- Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours)
- Diploma or certification courses (for additional skills)
Among these, a BTech AI engineering degree in India is the most preferred and industry-recognized pathway.
BTech AI Engineering Colleges in India
Choosing the right college plays a major role in your career. Some of the top BTech AI engineering colleges in India include:
- IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)
- IIIT
- NITs
- Chitkara University
When selecting a college, consider:
- Industry exposure
- Internship opportunities
- Updated AI curriculum
- Placement record
What is the Eligibility Criteria for BTech in Artificial Intelligence?
To be eligible for pursuing a BTech Computer Science and Engineering, the candidates should qualify for one of the below mentioned criterias for securing admission.
The candidate should have passed XII with a minimum of 60% marks or they should have secured 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. They should have appeared in JEE Main-2026 (January/April); and passed the 10+2 examination in the year 2025 or appearing in 2026. This admission should be made on the All India Rank (AIR) of JEE Main-2026.
The candidate should have passed XII with a minimum aggregate of 70% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and also passed the 10+2 examination in the year 2025 or appearing in 2026.
Does Chitkara University Offer Global Transfer in Artificial Intelligence Programs?
Yes, the Chitkara University in partnership with the Deakin University, Australia has ranked in the top 1% of the Universities worldwide. It offers an International Pathway Transfer Program in Artificial Intelligence with a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours) with Deakin University. This is a 2+2 or a 4-year undergraduate pathway degree option where the students can transfer to Deakin University with 100% credit transfer after two years of study at Chitkara University in India.
After the completion of your degree in Australia at Deakin University, students graduate with a Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (Honours) from Deakin? This transfer is subject to some transfer conditions which are academic and statutory. The first two years of education are co-taught by the faculty from both these institutions with a blended learning mode including in-person classes, online classes from Australia, and projects.
Career Opportunities
After completing an AI engineering degree in India, students can explore roles such as:
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- NLP Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Researcher
AI professionals are in demand across industries like healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and automotive.
Salary Insights
AI is one of the highest-paying fields in tech.
- Freshers: ₹6–12 LPA
- Mid-Level: ₹12–25 LPA
- Experienced: ₹25–50+ LPA
With experience and specialization, salaries grow significantly, especially in top tech firms and startups.
Future Scope
Future of AI in India looks extremely promising with rapid digital transformation & increasing adoption of AI in every industry vertical along with government initiatives which will enhance the demand for AI experts in coming years.
We tend to forget that AI isn’t just a future career path, there are already a ton of long-term opportunities in this growing field for innovation and leadership.
Conclusion
Technology is evolving with rapid pace. AI and IoT are couple of prime examples which have growing immense potential. Technology enthusiast after 12th can grab this opportunity and become a successful AI Engineer with appropriate course after 12th on AI engineering. With the skills and experience earned from such a course, one can reap prosperity to the best of career that tomorrow’s world has to offer.
Choose a good college, gain a solid grasp of fundamental technical skills required for the job, and do projects on real-world AI problems.
Jump straight into the world of AI and see where it’s headed. See the best AI engineering programs to enter a very competitive field with explosive technological growth.
Chitkara University offer students Artificial Intelligence engineering programs with majority of these programs offered under B.E. in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) stream with some specialized areas of study. These programs are designed to equip students with industry relevant knowledge and address the burgeoning needs of AI & its applications. The programs are offered in partnership with Microsoft and L&T EduTech and will expose students to industry relevant latest platforms, simulations and tools.
The 4-year B.E. CSE in AI & Future Technologies program offers students the choice to select courses which would equip them with the capability to apply AI as well as emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and Internet of Things in solving real-world problems. Chitkara University also offers the B.E. CSE (AI) program which is offered in collaboration with Microsoft and focuses on applications of AI on Microsoft platforms including Azure. Chitkara University Global Engineering in Artificial Intelligence program is offered in collaboration with Deakin University, Australia. This is offered under a 2+2 model. This means that students can study for 2 years at Chitkara University and then move to Deakin University, Australia for the remaining 2 years of the program. Chitkara University also offers the 4-year B.E. Civil Engineering with AI & ML program in collaboration with L&T EduTech. This program would apply AI & leverage latest developments in AI and Machine Learning for designing modern infrastructure and buildings. For admission to any of the undergraduate programs at Antara, a candidate must have completed his/her 10+2 level of study from a recognized board/ school with a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and also possess a valid JEE Main score.
