SAS Academy for Data & AI Excellence is Training India’s Wor…

India’s AI market is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025. Yet, the country faces a shortage of more than one million skilled professionals in data and AI, according to IBEF’s 2025 report titled Future of Data Science and AI in India. As enterprises accelerate the adoption of generative and agentic AI, certified and job-ready talent has become a critical gap in their capabilities.

SAS, a global leader in analytics, is addressing this demand by equipping India’s workforce with the skills required for modern AI-driven roles. The SAS Academy for Data & AI Excellence curriculum is designed to help learners move from foundational analytics to advanced AI and automation, guided by SAS-certified instructors through flexible weekend online programs.

Bridging India’s AI Skills Gap

The academy combines conceptual grounding with practical application, ensuring that learners develop job-ready capabilities aligned with industry standards. Training includes globally recognised SAS certifications, hands-on labs, mentorship and enterprise-grade tools such as SAS Viya and Python.

Learners can specialise across four tracks:

• Foundation in Data and AI
  This course is designed for beginners and those looking to make a career switch. It aims to build analytics fundamentals, coding basics and core AI awareness. 
• Applied AI and ML with GenAI and Agentic AI
  The course covers machine learning, generative AI models, model deployment and agentic AI systems. 
• Applied Data Engineering for GenAI and Agentic AI Systems
  The curriculum focuses on data pipelines, cloud data management, real-time data and scalable architectures. 
• Decision Intelligence and Business Analytics for the GenAI Era
  Through this course, learners are trained to drive analytics-led decisions, performance monitoring and AI-assisted insights. 

Enterprise-Recognised Certification and Outcomes

Graduates earn globally recognised SAS certifications that demonstrate technical excellence and enterprise readiness across analytics, machine learning, AI development, data engineering and decision science roles.

Learners have transitioned into high-growth roles across banking, healthcare, telecom and manufacturing, applying analytical and AI-driven problem-solving to business priorities.

Leadership Perspective

“The SAS Academy for Data and AI Excellence is a testament to our commitment to fostering a future-ready workforce in India. True mastery in AI and analytics comes from hands-on application and a deep understanding of ethical considerations,” said Bhuvan Nijhawan, senior director education of SAS Asia Pacific. “Our programmes ensure learners gain both the technical depth and strategic insight required to excel in the GenAI landscape,” he added. 

Responsible, Practical and Industry-Aligned Learning

The academy places a strong emphasis on responsible AI, data ethics and practical applications in the real world. Instead of theory-heavy modules, learners work through case-based projects and interactive labs designed to mirror enterprise environments. This approach, the academy says, ensures that participants are “job-ready from day one” as India accelerates AI adoption across sectors.

​​The academy’s learning framework goes beyond technical instruction, positioning itself as a bridge between academic knowledge and real enterprise demands. As organisations across India accelerate digital transformation, the need for professionals who can interpret data responsibly, build reliable models and deploy AI solutions at scale has grown sharply. 

The modular design, spanning analytics fundamentals, machine learning, responsible AI and advanced modelling, allows learners to build depth at their own pace. This flexibility is particularly relevant for working professionals who need upskilling without disrupting their careers. With India witnessing a surge in AI-driven roles across industries, such structured pathways are becoming essential in preparing the workforce for the next phase of GenAI-led transformation.

Preparing India for the Next Wave of AI Careers

As India deepens its AI footprint, from manufacturing and BFSI to healthcare and public services, the need for a robust talent pipeline is becoming increasingly urgent. Through enterprise-grade learning, an ethical AI framework and globally recognised certifications, the SAS Academy for Data and AI Excellence curriculum positions itself as a key enabler of this transition.

For professionals seeking future-ready opportunities, the academy serves not just as a learning hub but as a structured launchpad into the GenAI workforce of tomorrow.

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