The programme has supported 5,600+ recorded career transitions over 10+ years, with graduates moving into roles at leading global companies, consumer brands and advertising networks. The 100th batch begins on 15 November 2026.
Mumbai, 14th October 2026: upGrad and MICA today announced the launch of the 100th batch of the AI-Powered Digital Marketing programme – a milestone few professional programmes in India live to see, and one of upGrad’s longest-running.
When the first batch began over a decade ago, “digital marketing” in itself was in its formative years. In the years since, the programme has trained 21,000+ marketers and supported 5,600+ recorded career transitions – and, cohort after cohort, it has grown and changed alongside the craft it teaches. In the 12 months to September 2026, more than 600 learners publicly shared their programme completion or capstone brands across social platforms. Its graduates have gone on to roles at multinational firms like Accenture, Deloitte, EY and Cognizant; at consumer and internet brands such as Amazon, Google, Flipkart and Zomato; and across the major advertising and media networks such as GroupM, Publicis, Dentsu and Ogilvy, to name a few.
“When we launched this programme with MICA, digital marketing was mostly a channel skill. Across 100 batches, it has reinvented itself with the industry, from the social and creator era to today’s D2C and AI-native marketing – and it’s more relevant now than ever,” said Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO, Higher Education, upGrad. “What has stayed constant is the premium on judgment and taste, which is exactly what MICA brings and what still decides great marketing.”
Each generation of the programme has carried the marks of its time. The programme grew through the rise of social and the creator economy, and has since moved to today’s D2C, AI-native practice. Its Build Your Own Brand capstone – a constant across the years – still asks learners to apply everything they’ve learned by building a real consumer brand, with recent projects spanning sustainability, skincare and lifestyle.
“For 100 batches, this programme has reflected MICA’s belief that marketing is equal parts art and science. As the industry evolves, our focus remains on helping marketers build the strategic and creative capabilities to stay ahead,” said Prof Anita Basalingappa, Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean – Executive Education, MICA.
The milestone comes at a moment when the marketer’s role is being reshaped again – this time by AI. In its latest avatar, the programme folds Generative AI and brand communication specialisations into its core curriculum, training a new generation of AI-first marketers. This is proof that, 100 batches on, the programme remains as current as the field it has grown up with.
The 100th batch begins on 15 November 2026. Enrolment is currently open.
About upGrad:
Started in 2015, upGrad — Asia’s leading integrated skilling and workforce development company, powering the complete learning cycle of individuals. It offers a range of online and hybrid skilling programs and certifications under its B2C portfolio and facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s, and Executive Doctorates, with all degrees awarded solely by the respective universities, supporting every career stage of individuals – from first job to boardroom. Additionally, selected programs are tailored for Enterprise clients under the corporate skilling division, along with other recruitment and staffing services. More details at (https://www.upgrad.com).
About MICA (School of Ideas)
MICA is a leading institution in strategic marketing and communication, known for developing talent at the intersection of brand, creativity and data. The MICA × upGrad Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing & Communication extends that expertise to working professionals online.
