Career: Scored low marks in Class 12? Build a career in AI using these 5 methods..

AI Courses After 12th with Low Marks: In today's times, if students receive low marks in their 12th-grade examinations, many become disheartened and feel as though their careers have come to an end. However, the truth is that times have changed. Particularly in rapidly growing fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), skills and practical knowledge hold far greater importance than mere academic scores. Companies now prioritize your projects, experience, and capabilities over your academic mark sheets. The good news is that India offers numerous AI courses that are easily accessible even to students who have secured lower marks.

**Entry into AI through Undergraduate Programs**

If you have completed your 12th grade, you can enroll in undergraduate courses related to AI. Examples include a BCA in AI and Data Analytics, a B.Sc in AI and Machine Learning, a B.Voc in AI, and a BBA in AI-Driven Management. These programs typically span three years and place a strong emphasis on developing practical skills. A key advantage of these courses is that they are open to students from any academic stream—be it Arts, Commerce, or Science. In many colleges, Mathematics is not a mandatory prerequisite, and students with scores ranging from 45% to 50% are eligible to apply.

**Diploma Courses: An Excellent Option for Students with Lower Marks**

If you have secured lower marks but wish to acquire skills quickly, diploma courses present an excellent option. Unlike degree programs, these courses are grounded in practical training rather than theoretical instruction. India offers several high-quality diploma programs in AI and Machine Learning, such as those provided by the E&ICT Academy at IIT Guwahati, IIIT Bangalore, and Amity University Online. Admission to these courses typically requires the completion of the 12th grade and a foundational understanding of mathematics.

**Free AI Courses: Learn Artificial Intelligence at Minimal Cost**

If you are working with a limited budget, you can kickstart your journey with free AI courses. Both government bodies and major technology companies offer a wide array of such courses. Notable examples include NIELIT’s 'Certified AI Associate (AI 300)' course and Google’s various AI and Cloud computing courses. These courses teach Python, data handling, and basic AI tools, allowing you to gradually strengthen your skills.

**Short-Term Certificate Courses: Get Job-Ready Quickly**

For students who wish to learn AI in a short span of time, short-term certificate courses are highly beneficial. These courses can be completed within a few months and cover Python, the basics of machine learning, and various AI tools. Through these courses, students can quickly become industry-ready and build their portfolios by working on small-scale projects.

**Data Science and AI Bootcamps**

Bootcamps are courses that are entirely skill- and project-oriented. They typically span 6 to 12 months and involve working on real-world projects. In these courses, emphasis is placed on your hard work and practical skills rather than on academic grades. This is precisely why the likelihood of securing a job increases significantly after completing a bootcamp.

**Fees and Career Scope**

In India, the fees for AI courses can range from approximately ₹500 to ₹2.5 lakhs, depending on the specific course and the institute offering it. In today's landscape, AI has emerged as a field where your skills, projects, and portfolio carry far more weight than your Class 12 academic scores. If you channel your efforts in the right direction, you can build a brilliant career in this field, even if you have secured lower grades in your schooling.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.