What is the IIT Kanpur CDAO Programme?
The Chief Digital & AI Officer (CDAO) Programme from IIT Kanpur is available through two entities — the EICTA Consortium (a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT and leading IITs, NITs and IIITs) and the EICT Academy (Electronics & ICT Academy, also anchored at IIT Kanpur). Both programs cover identical curriculum at the same fee.
Why two programs?
The EICTA and EICT Academy are distinct entities under the same MeitY initiative but with different batch schedules. EICTA consortium intake for 2026: September. EICT Academy intake: August 2026. If you want to start sooner, choose EICT Academy. The credential and curriculum are equivalent.
Program details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | ~9 months |
| Fee | ₹4.2L + 18% GST (3 × ₹1.4L) |
| Instalment 1 | ₹1.4L + GST (on admission) |
| Instalment 2 | ₹1.4L + GST (Aug/Sep 2026) |
| Instalment 3 | ₹1.4L + GST (Nov/Dec 2026) |
| Eligibility | Graduate, minimum 10 years work experience, C-suite / senior digital leadership |
| Attendance required | 75% minimum |
| Score required | 65% for completion certificate |
Who is the CDAO Program for?
Specifically designed for C-level executives — CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, Chief Architects and Heads of Digital Transformation. The program covers digital strategy frameworks, AI and ML integration into enterprise decision-making, IoT and blockchain implementation, agile digital governance and building intelligent organisations.
Is ₹4.2L justified?
This is the most expensive IIT certificate program in our list (alongside IIT Bombay's CTO at ₹4–5L). For professionals genuinely targeting Chief Digital Officer or Chief AI Officer roles — it is strong value. The MeitY government backing, IIT Kanpur institutional credibility, and 10-year minimum experience cohort make this a serious executive credential.
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