AI Leadership Programme

IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals - Leadership for an AI-First World

A Professional Certificate Programme in AI by IIM Kozhikode, designed to help business leaders apply AI in their domain, make strategic decisions, and drive measurable business outcomes - without coding.

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AI is already reshaping decisions across functions

The question is - are you leading it or catching up?

AI is already reshaping {decisions across functions}

IIM Kozhikode : Legacy That Nurtures Excellence

A Premier IIM Institution

Established in 1996, IIM Kozhikode is one of India’s leading management institutes, known for academic excellence, innovation, and its strong focus on developing future-ready professionals.

Top-Ranked in India & Globally Recognized

Ranked 3rd in India’s top B-schools by NIRF, IIM Kozhikode is consistently recognized for its academic rigor, industry relevance, and global outlook.

Driving Real-World Business Impact

With a strong emphasis on practical learning, leadership development, and industry integration, IIM Kozhikode prepares professionals to solve complex business challenges and drive meaningful impact.

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Designed for Business Leaders Using AI to Drive Decisions and Outcomes

No coding required. Built for business leaders.

Most AI programmes teach concepts. This one prepares leaders how to act on them.

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90 hrs Blended & Flexible learning

Learn from IIMK faculty & active CXOs

IIMK AI Immersion & Networking

Senior leadership cohort

GenAI & Agentic AI integrated

Enterprise AI Strategy & Execution

Certification: IIM Kozhikode

Credential from India's # 3 ranked IIM, NIRF 2026

Assessment Approach

Participants are evaluated through continuous assessments, including quizzes, course-level evaluations, and applied projects designed to reinforce learning and real-world application.

Weightage Distribution

Capstone Project and Graded course-level assessments

Certification

IIM Kozhikode will award a Certificate of Successful Completion to participants who will successfully complete all the programme modules and assesments.

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Your 26-Week Journey to Leading AI - From Opportunity to Impact

01

Identify AI Impact (W1–4)

Define a high-value business problem and prioritise AI opportunities

02

Build AI Judgment (W5–8)

Understand GenAI & Agentic AI and evaluate what works for your context

03

Define AI Business Strategy (W9–12)

Create a roadmap aligned to business goals, outcomes, and priorities

04

Build AI Business Case (W13–16)

Establish ROI, feasibility, and success metrics for your initiative

05

Apply Strategy in Function (W17–22)

Translate strategy into workflows and real business scenarios

06

Validate,Scale & Present (W23–26)

Refine through immersion and present a strategy ready for rollout

The Complete Curriculum

What you will lead - not just learn AI

AI & Machine Learning Foundations - What every leader must know about AI

Module 1

4 weeks


Topics covered

Course 1: The AI Landscape - From Rules to Intelligence

Course 2: Machine Learning in Business - Proven Applications

Course 3: Data as the Foundation

Workshops: AI Use Case Identification Workshop: Mapping business problems to AI solution types

Workshops: Data Readiness Reality Check: Assessing your organization's data maturity

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 1 - AI Opportunity Scan): Wk1 -AI Technology Decision Tree · Wk 2 → ML Use Case Mapping (your org) · Wk 3 → Data Readiness Scorecard · Wk 4 → Integrated Opportunity Scan

Skills

AI-Literacy

Forecasting

Data Strategy

Feature Engineering

Decision-Making

Data Governance

Data Privacy

Generative AI and Agentic AI - Understand the shift and stay ahead of it

Module 2

4 Weeks

Topics covered

Course 1: Large Language Models - How They Work and Why It Matters

Course 2: Multimodal AI - Beyond Text

Course 3: Agentic AI - From Copilots to Autonomous Systems

Course 4: Vendor Landscape and Risk Management

Workshops: GenAI Security Deep-Dive: Key security considerations and risk management approaches in GenAI systems

Workshops: Vendor Evaluation Workshop: Structured approaches for evaluating AI vendors and making informed selection decisions

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 2 - Technology Assessment): Wk 5 → LLM Evaluation Matrix (your use cases) · Wk 6 → Multimodal AI Applicability Map · Wk 7 → Agentic AI Use Case Identification · Wk 8 → Vendor Evaluation Scorecard

Skills

Generative AI

Agentic AI

Prompting

Automation

LLM

Vendor Assessment

Data Rights

IP Ownership

Risk Management

AI Across Business Functions: Opportunity Discovery - Find the AI opportunities in your function

Module 3

4 Weeks

Topics covered

Course 1: Organizational AI Maturity Assessment

Course 2: Find the highest-value AI opportunities across function - Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, etc.- 20+ Use Cases That Drive Value

Course 3: Competitive Intelligence and Workforce Strategy

Workshops: AI Maturity Self-Assessment Workshop: Structured approach to assess organizational AI readiness and identify key improvement areas

Workshops: Opportunity Portfolio and Workforce Mapping: Framework to identify, prioritize, and align AI opportunities with business goals and workforce impact

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 3 - Opportunity Portfolio): Wk 9 → AI Readiness Self-Assessment · Wk 10 → Functional Use Case Portfolio · Wk 11 → Competitive AI Landscape Scan · Wk 12 → Opportunity Prioritization Matrix

Skills

Data Readiness

Governance Readiness

Opportunity Prioritization

Workforce-Planning

AI Strategy

Change-Readiness

AI Business Transformation

AI Strategy Design and Governance - Design your AI strategy. Set the rules. Own the risk.

Module 4

4 Weeks

Topics covered

Course 1: Strategic Planning and Business Case Development

Course 2: Governance and Responsible AI

Course 3: Regulatory Compliance and Architecture Decisions

Workshops: Business Case Development Lab: Structured approach to build and validate a robust business case for AI initiatives

Workshops: Governance Framework Design: Designing governance structures and responsible AI practices for effective oversight

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 4 - Strategy & Governance Framework): Wk 13 → AI Business Case (financial model) · Wk 14 → Governance Operating Model · Wk 15 → Regulatory Risk Assessment & Compliance Checklist · Wk 16 → Integrated Strategy & Governance Plan

Skills

Strategic Thinking

ROI Modelling

Agentic AI Governance

AI Ethics

AI regulatory Compliance

Risk Mitigation

Decision Making

Industry Specific Regulations

AI Implementation and Pilot Execution - Pilot-to-scale playbook

Module 5

4 Weeks

Deliverables

Course 1: Pilot Design and Execution

Course 2: Prompt Engineering and RAG

Course 3: Agentic Implementation and AI Product Management

Workshops: Pilot Kickoff Workshop: Guidance on planning, scoping, and initiating AI pilot projects effectively

Workshops: Prompt Engineering Lab: Practical introduction to designing and refining prompts for real-world AI applications

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 5 - Pilot Results & Lessons Learned): Wk 17 → Pilot Scope & Tool Selection · Wk 18 → Core Build & Implementation · Wk 19 → Testing, Feedback & Iteration · Wk 20 → Pilot Results Documentation

Skills

AI Pilot Design

AI MVP

Resource Planning

Prompt Engineering

RAG

Multimodal Prompting

Workflow Automation

Tool Integration

AI Product Management

Platform Selection

Measuring Impact, Scaling AI, and Organizational Transformation

Module 6

4 weeks

Topics covered

Course 1: Performance Measurement and Value Demonstration

Course 2: Stakeholder Communication and Scaling Decisions

Course 3: Production Scaling and Organizational Transformation

Workshops: ROI Presentation Lab: Document outcomes and communicate the value of AI initiatives effectively

Workshops: Scaling Strategy Workshop: Framework for planning the scale-up of AI initiatives with the right operating model and adoption approach

Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 6 - Scaling Strategy) Wk 21 → ROI Analysis & Metrics Framework · Wk 22 → Executive Stakeholder Deck · Wk 23 → Production Scaling Plan (incl. FinOps) · Wk 24 → Change Mgmt & Adoption Playbook

Skills

ROI-Measurement

Data-Storytelling

Stakeholder Communication

Scaling Strategy

Performance Management

Change Management

Operating Model Design

FinOps

Scaling AI Agents

AI Project : Leadership Capstone - Walk out with an AI plan for your organisation. Not just a certificate.

2 weeks

Topics covered

Capstone Kickoff and Structure Review

Strategy Document Workshop

Presentation Dry Run with Executive Panel

Final Preparation and Submission

Deliverables: AI Strategy Document and Executive Presentation

Skills

Business Storytelling

Problem Solving

Stakeholder-Alignment

Executive-Presentation

Persuasion

Strategic Recommendation

The tools reshaping business. Understand the landscape. Direct the choices.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity Ai

DALL-E 3

Gemini Vision

Notebook

Miro

Notion AI

Excel

Anthropic

Make

Make

N8n

Flowise

Dify

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot Studio

Midjourney

Eleven Labs

Hugging Face

Zapier AI

Mistral

PromptBase

Vertex AI

Azure OpenAI

Power BI

Tableau

Google Analytics 4

Meta Llama

OpenAI Whisper

runway

Kling AI

LangChain

CrewAI

OpenAI

Obviously AI

Microsoft Purview

OneTrust

IBM OpenScale

CloudZero

AWS Bedrock Console

AgentGPT

DataRobot

AutoGPT

Gemini

AutoML

THE LEADERSHIP CAPSTONE: AI PROJECT DOSSIER

Leave with an AI strategy for your organisation. Not just a certificate.

Every module feeds into a real deliverable - an AI leadership plan built around your function, your organisation, and your domain. Reviewed by IIM Kozhikode faculty. Ready to execute.

Built Across

6 Months

Domain-Specific

AI Strategy

Enterprise Ready

AI Plan

Choose the business problem that matters most to you - Work on a real problem from your function

Build your AI strategy - module by module - Translate each module into a concrete business deliverable

Design and execute an end-to-end AI solution - From use cases and AI selection (GenAI, Agentic) to execution

Test it against enterprise reality - with peers who've seen it fail - Refine your approach through peer and expert scrutiny

Present to IIM Kozhikode faculty as you would to leadership - Leave with a strategy that is ready to execute in your organization

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AI in Action: Enterprise Case Studies That Define AI-First Transformation

*Case studies are indicative and may change. All product and company names are trademarks of their owners; use does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

Experts Shaping the Programme

5

Faculty and Industry Experts

2-day IIM Kozhikode Campus Immersion: Where strategy meets the people who execute it

1

Immersion Highlights

Leadership cohort networking - The relationships built across industries, functions and organisations

Faculty & Industry Masterclasses - Learn from top experts

Leadership Capstone Presentation - Present your AI solution to an industry panel

AI Strategy Case Competition - Solve a live business challenge in teams

Governance Crisis Simulation - Respond to a live AI incident under time pressure

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AI Leadership outcomes: What you will be able to do as a leader

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Own AI strategy for your function or business

Lead AI transformation initiatives from pilot to scale

Evaluate and challenge vendor AI claims

Make smarter & faster decisions using right AI tools

Build and lead AI-ready talent your organization needs

Govern AI ethically and responsibly and build board-level trust

We will be there right through your learning journey

Hands-on learning

    Videos from top faculty and world-class industry experts

    Industry-oriented projects for real AI & ML exposure

    Live interventions from experts

    Real time doubt clearing sessions

PCP in AI for Business Professionals Course Fee

6 Months
Starting at
INR 6,825/month
Totally INR 1,99,000*

Reserve your seat

Pay INR 10,000/- to block your seat
View Plans
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Who Can Apply

Eligibility

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

AI Has Already Changed Business. Most Professionals and Most Courses Haven’t Caught Up.

Too Technical to Apply

Too Theoretical to Use

Tool Overload Without Clarity

No Domain Relevance

No Clear Outcome

IIM Kozhikode Programme

Built for business professionals - no coding, practical and accessible

Hands-on, application-driven learning in real business contexts

Structured approach - learn what to use, when, and how

Domain-specific learning across Marketing, Finance, Ops, HR, etc.

Apply and deploy AI in your own role or domain to drive measurable business impact

Other Courses

Built for engineers - heavy coding, ML, and technical depth

Concepts and frameworks without real application

Exposure to multiple tools without knowing when or why to use them

Generic content not aligned to your function or role

Ends with knowledge, not real capability

What is the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?

The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is an executive certification designed for professionals who want to lead AI-driven business transformation using Generative AI and Agentic AI strategies. Offered by Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode in collaboration with upGrad, this programme helps working professionals understand how AI can improve business strategy, decision-making, innovation, and operational efficiency across industries.

The programme focuses on practical AI adoption for business environments, enabling learners to combine strategic leadership with modern AI capabilities such as Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI automation, and Agentic AI systems.

Through industry-focused learning modules, case studies, hands-on exercises, and business applications, participants learn how to integrate AI into real-world organizational workflows and lead enterprise AI initiatives confidently.

Program Highlights

  • Duration: 6 Months
  • Certification: Professional Certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
  • Learning Mode: Online with live sessions and industry-led learning
  • AI Focus Areas: Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI Strategy, Business Transformation
  • Tools Covered: ChatGPT, Claude, LangChain Multimodal AI, Autonomous agents, AI productivity tools, LLM applications, and enterprise AI frameworks
  • Business Applications: AI strategy across Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Sales, and Technology
  • Capstone Learning: Real-world business AI projects and strategic case studies
  • Executive Learning Experience: Learn from leading academic experts and AI practitioners

Who Should Enroll in the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?

The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is ideal for professionals who want to understand and apply AI strategically within business environments. The programme is designed for leaders, managers, consultants, and professionals looking to drive AI-powered innovation without needing deep coding expertise.

Whether you are leading digital transformation initiatives, managing products, optimizing operations, or building AI-led strategies, this programme equips you with practical business-focused AI knowledge.

Ideal Learners

  • Business Leaders & Executives: Learn how to align AI adoption with organizational growth and innovation.
  • Product Managers: Use Generative AI and Agentic AI frameworks to improve product strategy and customer experience.
  • Consultants & Strategy Professionals: Develop AI-driven business solutions for modern enterprises.
  • Marketing & Operations Managers: Automate workflows and improve decision-making using AI tools.
  • Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders: Build AI-first business models and scalable automation systems.
  • Technology Professionals: Understand the strategic implementation of AI across enterprise ecosystems.

What Will You Learn in the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?

The Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme helps learners understand how modern AI technologies can solve business challenges, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages. The curriculum combines business strategy with practical AI implementation, enabling professionals to confidently lead AI initiatives across industries.

Participants gain hands-on exposure to Generative AI applications, Agentic AI systems, AI-powered automation, and strategic frameworks that support enterprise transformation.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI.
  • Learn how Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming business operations and decision-making.
  • Use Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and AI copilots for productivity, communication, and workflow automation.
  • Explore Agentic AI systems that can reason, plan, and execute tasks autonomously.
  • Develop AI-led business strategies for innovation, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.
  • Build frameworks for responsible AI governance, compliance, and ethical AI adoption.
  • Analyze AI use cases across industries such as Finance, Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, and Technology.
  • Apply AI concepts through case studies, strategic simulations, and capstone projects.

Why Choose the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program?

The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is different from other executive education programs. Unlike other programs that focus mainly on the technical aspects of AI, the IIM Kozhikode programme provides business professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to leverage AI to create strategic value for their organisations.

This program will provide participants with the tools necessary to lead an organisation's AI transformation initiative, improve their organisation's decision-making processes, and build AI-based business models utilising contemporary Generative and Agentic AI technologies.

Program Benefits

  • Strategic AI Leadership: Learn how to lead AI adoption across departments and business functions.
  • Business-Focused AI Learning: Understand AI applications from a management and decision-making perspective.
  • Generative AI & Agentic AI Exposure: Explore the latest advancements shaping the future of enterprise AI.
  • Practical Case Studies: Solve real-world business problems using AI-powered approaches.
  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Learn AI concepts that align with current enterprise and market needs.
  • Executive Credential: Earn a professional certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced professionals, business leaders, and AI practitioners.
  • Future-Ready Skills: Build expertise in AI strategy, automation, and digital transformation.

Certification & Recognition: Earn a Prestigious AI Leadership Credential

The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme provides learners with a respected executive certification that validates their understanding of AI strategy, Generative AI, and business transformation.

The certification demonstrates your ability to apply AI concepts strategically in real-world business environments and lead AI-powered innovation initiatives.

You’ll Receive

  • Professional Certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
  • Executive learning experience from one of India’s leading management institutions
  • Recognition for strategic AI and Generative AI expertise
  • Industry-relevant knowledge in AI for Business Professionals and enterprise AI leadership

Is the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program Worth It?

The Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme is highly valuable for professionals looking to stay competitive in an AI-driven business landscape. As organizations increasingly adopt Generative AI and intelligent automation, leaders with AI strategy expertise are becoming essential across industries.

This programme helps professionals move beyond theoretical AI concepts and understand how to implement AI effectively for business growth, innovation, and operational transformation.

Here’s Why the Program is Worth It

  • Learn practical AI applications tailored for business leaders and professionals.
  • Gain exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI strategies shaping modern enterprises.
  • Build future-ready leadership skills in AI-driven decision-making and innovation.
  • Learn directly from academic experts and industry practitioners.
  • Understand how to integrate AI into business strategy, operations, and customer experience.
  • Earn a recognized credential from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.

What Are the Career Opportunities After the Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program?

Once you have completed the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program, then professionals can take on leadership and strategy-focused roles where AI expertise is very important.

The programme makes learners ready to lead AI initiatives, manage digital transformation projects, and guide organizations through AI adoption strategies across multiple industries.

Popular Career Paths After the Program

  • AI Strategy Consultant
  • AI Product Manager
  • Business Transformation Leader
  • Innovation Manager
  • Digital Strategy Consultant

Industries Hiring AI for Business Professionals

Professionals with expertise in Strategic AI for Business Professionals are increasingly in demand across industries adopting AI-led transformation initiatives.

Top Industries Using AI Leadership Skills

  • BFSI: AI-driven risk analysis, fraud prevention, and intelligent automation.
  • Retail & E-commerce: Personalization, customer analytics, and AI-powered recommendations.
  • Healthcare: Predictive analytics, operational optimization, and patient engagement systems.
  • Technology & SaaS: AI product innovation and intelligent workflow automation.
  • Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance and AI-powered supply chain optimization.
  • Consulting: AI transformation strategy and enterprise AI implementation.
  • Media & Marketing: Generative AI content systems and audience intelligence.

Which Top Companies Hire Professionals with Strategic AI Skills?

Organizations across the globe are actively seeking professionals who can combine business leadership with AI expertise. Professionals skilled in AI for Business Professionals and enterprise AI strategy are highly valued in consulting firms, technology companies, financial institutions, and global enterprises.

Top Companies Hiring AI Strategy Professionals

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Accenture
  • Deloitte
  • Infosys
  • IBM
  • TCS
  • Wipro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need prior coding experience to join the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?

No, prior coding expertise is not mandatory. The programme is designed primarily for working professionals, managers, and decision-makers who want to understand AI applications from a strategic business perspective. While technical concepts are introduced, the focus remains on practical implementation, business transformation, and AI-led decision-making rather than deep software development.

2How is this program different from a traditional AI or data science course?

Traditional AI programs mainly focus on programming, algorithms, and model development. The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme focuses on business strategy, enterprise AI adoption, Generative AI use cases, and Agentic AI implementation. It helps professionals understand how AI can improve operations, customer experience, innovation, and leadership decisions across industries.

3Will the programme cover real-world business use cases of Generative AI?

Yes, learners will explore multiple real-world applications of Generative AI across functions such as marketing, operations, finance, customer service, and strategy. The programme emphasizes practical business scenarios so participants can understand how AI tools are used to automate workflows, generate insights, and improve productivity in enterprise environments.

4What is Agentic AI, and why is it important for business professionals?

Agentic AI refers to intelligent AI systems that can independently plan, reason, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention. For AI for Business Professionals, understanding Agentic AI is important because organizations are increasingly adopting autonomous AI systems to improve efficiency, decision-making, and operational scalability.

5Can non-technical managers benefit from this Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme?

Absolutely. The programme is specifically structured for professionals from management, consulting, operations, product, and leadership backgrounds. It helps non-technical professionals understand AI concepts in a business-friendly way and teaches them how to lead AI-driven initiatives confidently within their organizations.

6How does the programme help professionals adapt to AI-driven business transformation?

The programme helps professionals develop strategic thinking around AI adoption, digital transformation, and organizational innovation. Learners gain practical insights into how businesses can integrate Generative AI and intelligent automation into everyday operations while maintaining governance, ethics, and business alignment.

7Will I learn about ethical AI and responsible AI practices in this programme?

Yes, the curriculum includes discussions around responsible AI usage, governance frameworks, ethical considerations, bias reduction, and compliance. These topics are increasingly important for professionals leading enterprise AI projects and managing AI adoption at scale.

8How can this programme support entrepreneurs and startup founders?

Entrepreneurs and startup founders can use the knowledge gained from this Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme to identify AI-powered business opportunities, automate operational tasks, improve customer engagement, and build scalable AI-driven business models using modern Generative AI technologies.

9What industries can benefit the most from professionals trained in AI strategy?

Industries such as Banking, Healthcare, Retail, Consulting, Manufacturing, E-commerce, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications are actively adopting AI-led transformation strategies. Professionals with expertise in AI for Business Professionals are becoming valuable assets across sectors that rely on innovation and intelligent automation.

10Does the programme focus only on Generative AI tools like ChatGPT?

No, the programme goes beyond individual tools and focuses on broader AI strategy and implementation. While learners may explore tools such as ChatGPT and enterprise AI copilots, the curriculum also covers AI frameworks, Agentic AI systems, AI-driven business transformation, and strategic AI integration for organizations.

11Why should professionals choose an AI programme from IIM Kozhikode?

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is recognized for its strong executive education ecosystem and industry-focused learning approach. The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme combines academic expertise with practical business applications, helping professionals build future-ready AI leadership capabilities relevant to modern enterprises.

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Disclaimer

  1. The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

  2. The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, & related costs. upGrad does not .