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How to Become an AI Consultant: A Complete Guide for 2025

How to Become an AI Consultant: A Complete Guide for 2025

Updated on Oct 01, 2025 | 30 min read | 1.1K+ views

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How to Become an AI Consultant?
What Are the Key Responsibilities of an AI Consultant?
What Skills Are Required to Become an AI Consultant?
What Is the Educational Pathway for AI Consultants?
What Is the Average Annual Salary of an AI Consultant in India?
How upGrad Helps You Become an AI Consultant?

Do You Know? More than 50% of large enterprises now rely on AI consulting services to guide digital transformation and drive innovation. In fact, 84% of business leaders say AI technologies have improved their forecasting accuracy. This highlights the increasing strategic importance of AI consultants in 2025.

The world of business is rapidly shifting towards AI-driven solutions, making the role of an AI consultant one of the most sought-after careers today. Companies need experts who can translate complex AI technologies into actionable business strategies.

If you are wondering how to become an AI consultant, this guide will take you through the roadmap, skills, responsibilities, career opportunities, and the right training programs, including applied AI consultant roles.

If you want to design AI roadmaps, advise leadership teams, and drive real business outcomes through technology, check out our AI & Machine Learning Courses. You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like TensorFlow, Python, and AWS, while learning the strategic and business skills needed to succeed as an AI Consultant.

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How to Become an AI Consultant?

Becoming an AI consultant requires a combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, and practical experience. Following a clear roadmap ensures you develop the right skills and gain the necessary experience to succeed.

Step-by-Step Roadmap:

Step 1 – Build Strong Fundamentals: Learn the basics of AI, machine learning, data analytics, and programming.
Step 2 – Gain Hands-On Skills: Work on projects that allow you to apply AI concepts in real-world scenarios.
Step 3 – Enroll in AI Consultant Training: Join programs and certifications to learn applied AI consulting methods.
Step 4 – Work on Applied AI Projects: Gain experience by solving business problems using AI.
Step 5 – Develop Business and Consulting Skills: Learn to communicate insights, manage projects, and design AI strategies.
Step 6 – Network and Build a Personal Brand: Attend AI events, webinars, and engage with industry professionals.
Step 7 – Apply for AI Consultant Roles: Start your career in AI consulting or as an applied AI consultant.

To build the foundations for this role, here are some of upGrad’s most relevant programs:

What Are the Key Responsibilities of an AI Consultant?

An AI consultant plays a critical role in helping businesses adopt and leverage AI. Their responsibilities extend beyond technical knowledge and require strategic thinking and industry expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

Advise businesses on AI adoption and implementation strategies.
Design and implement AI-driven solutions for real-world business problems.
Lead applied AI consultant projects, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Evaluate AI tools, platforms, and vendors for suitability.
Ensure ethical practices and data compliance while implementing AI solutions.
Train teams on AI applications and best practices.

Also Read: AI Engineer Salary in India [For Beginners & Experienced] in 2025

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What Skills Are Required to Become an AI Consultant?

To excel as an AI consultant, you need a blend of technical expertise, business knowledge, and soft skills. Effective AI consultant training programs cover all these areas.

Skills Breakdown:

1. Technical Skills:

Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP
Data Analytics & Data Visualization
Programming: Python, R, SQL
Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google AI

2. Business Skills:

Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Project management
Stakeholder communication

3. Soft Skills:

Leadership and team collaboration
Adaptability and critical thinking
Effective presentation and negotiation skills

Must Read: AI Skills in Demand

What Is the Educational Pathway for AI Consultants?

There are multiple pathways to becoming an AI consultant, and both technical and non-technical graduates can enter this field with the right training.

Here are the educational pathways to become an AI Consultant:

Education Type	Description	Benefits
Bachelor’s Degree	CS, Data Science, AI, Engineering, or Business Analytics	Builds foundational knowledge in AI and business
Master’s / MBA	Specialized AI or Data Analytics focus	Adds advanced knowledge and management skills
AI Consultant Training	Online programs and certifications	Hands-on learning and applied AI consultant skills
Applied AI Projects	Industry projects, internships, freelance work	Real-world experience and portfolio development

What Is the Average Annual Salary of an AI Consultant in India?

The demand for AI consultants in India has surged as businesses across various sectors seek to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. As a result, AI consultants are commanding competitive salaries, reflecting their expertise in this specialized field.

According to the Ambition Box, the average annual salary of an AI Consultant in India is approximately INR 26.6L

AI Consultant Salaries in Top Indian Cities:

City	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Bengaluru	INR 21.1L
Gurgaon	INR 18L
Mumbai	INR 25.9L
Pune	INR 31.5L
Chennai	INR 22.8L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Industries Hiring AI Consultants:

Finance & Banking
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Retail & E-Commerce
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
IT & Software Services

Related Article: Top Job Opportunities in AI

Which Top Companies Are Hiring AI Consultants?

AI consultants are needed by both large corporations and innovative startups. Global companies are increasingly seeking professionals who can implement AI solutions strategically.

Top Companies are mentioned below:

Company	Role Examples
Deloitte, PwC, Accenture	AI Consultant, Applied AI Consultant
Google, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon	AI Consultant, Solutions Architect
Startups & AI SaaS companies	AI Consultant, AI Strategy Lead

How upGrad Helps You Become an AI Consultant?

AI Consultants sit at the intersection of data, strategy, and outcomes. From building AI roadmaps to advising on tools like SageMaker or Azure ML, your job is to turn AI hype into real results. You’ll work closely with product heads, CTOs, and operations teams to align machine learning with real business goals.

The role demands both tech and business fluency, something most professionals lack. That’s where upGrad helps. With expert-led programs, hands-on projects, and 1:1 mentorship, you gain the skills to succeed in AI consulting.

While we’ve highlighted several programs, here are a few more courses to sharpen your skills and fast-track your success:

If you're unsure which path aligns with your career goals, upGrad’s personalized career guidance can help you chart the right course. You can also visit your nearest upGrad center to start hands-on training today!

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FAQs

1. What does an AI consultant do?

An AI consultant helps businesses implement AI solutions that drive real results. If you’re learning how to become an AI consultant, you should understand that the role bridges technology and business, analyzing processes, designing AI strategies, and leading applied AI consultant projects.

2. How to become an AI consultant without coding?

You can become an AI consultant even without deep coding skills by focusing on strategy, business problem-solving, and AI tool selection. Completing AI consultant training that emphasizes applied AI consulting skills can help you contribute effectively without heavy programming.

3. Is applied AI consultant a different role from AI consultant?

Yes. While an AI consultant may focus on strategy and advising, an applied AI consultant implements AI solutions in practical business scenarios. Understanding this distinction is key if you want to learn how to become an AI consultant in applied settings.

4. What degree is required for AI consulting?

Most AI consultants hold degrees in computer science, data science, AI, or engineering. However, non-technical degrees paired with strong AI consultant training and applied AI experience can also lead to a successful career.

5. How much salary does an AI consultant earn in India?

If you’re exploring how to become an AI consultant, knowing the earning potential is important. In India, the average annual salary is around INR 26.6 lakh, with higher pay for applied AI consultant roles and leadership positions.

6. Which certifications are best for AI consultants?

Certifications in AI, machine learning, data science, and applied AI consultant training are valuable. Programs from platforms provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience that make you industry-ready.

7. What is the career growth for AI consultants?

AI consultants have strong career growth, moving from entry-level roles to senior positions like AI strategy consultant, AI transformation manager, or even freelance AI consultant roles. Applied AI experience accelerates progression significantly.

8. Can non-technical graduates become AI consultants?

Yes! Non-technical graduates can become AI consultants by acquiring AI consultant training and focusing on AI strategy, business consulting, and applied AI projects. Building a portfolio of real-world AI projects helps bridge the technical gap.

9. What industries hire AI consultants the most?

Finance, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and IT services are among the top industries hiring AI consultants. Companies in these sectors need experts to implement AI strategies, optimize processes, and enhance decision-making.

10. What is the difference between AI consultant and AI engineer?

An AI engineer primarily develops and programs AI models, while an AI consultant focuses on strategy, business implementation, and advising leadership teams. Consultants often work closely with engineers to apply AI effectively in real-world scenarios.

11. Do AI consultants work freelance or full-time?

AI consultants can work both full-time and freelance. Many start as full-time applied AI consultants in firms, while experienced consultants may take up freelance projects, advising multiple companies on AI strategy and deployment.

12. What challenges do AI consultants face?

AI consultants must stay updated with rapidly changing AI technologies, handle data privacy and ethics issues, and balance technical and business perspectives. Applied AI consultant roles also require translating complex AI models into actionable solutions.

13. How long does it take to become an AI consultant?

For anyone planning how to become an AI consultant, it typically takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on prior knowledge. Completing AI consultant training and working on applied AI projects can shorten this timeline.

14. What are the top AI consultant training programs?

Some of the best programs include upGrad’s AI & Machine Learning courses, IIIT-B Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI, and professional certifications from AWS or Google. These programs offer practical learning and applied AI consultant skills.

15. How do applied AI consultants help businesses?

Applied AI consultants implement AI solutions that solve specific business problems. They optimize processes, predict trends, and improve decision-making, ensuring AI investments provide tangible outcomes for the organization.

16. Can freshers become AI consultants?

Freshers can learn how to become an AI consultant by taking structured courses, building applied AI projects, and gaining hands-on experience. Starting early with internships or practical projects helps build a strong portfolio.

17. What tools do AI consultants commonly use?

AI consultants use tools like Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and data visualization tools like Tableau. Applied AI consultants also use workflow and analytics platforms to implement solutions efficiently.

18. Is AI consulting a future-proof career?

Absolutely. As AI adoption grows across industries, AI consulting remains in high demand. Professionals with AI consultant training and applied experience will continue to have lucrative and stable career opportunities.

19. What is the scope of AI consultant jobs globally?

AI consultant jobs are expanding worldwide, particularly in the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Companies across industries are hiring AI consultants to implement AI strategies, making it a globally transferable and high-demand career.

20. How can one build a portfolio as an AI consultant?

Building a portfolio is crucial to showcase applied AI skills. Include real-world projects, case studies, internships, and any AI solutions you’ve implemented. Completing AI consultant training with hands-on projects from platforms like upGrad can help create a strong portfolio that impresses employers.

Mukesh Kumar

310 articles published

Mukesh Kumar is a Senior Engineering Manager with over 10 years of experience in software development, product management, and product testing. He holds an MCA from ABES Engineering College and has l...

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