Build AI Systems. Become an AI Forward Deployed Engineer.
India's only Claude-first AI Forward Deployed Engineer Fellowship — a 12-week AI engineering course. Build RAG, AI agents and MCP servers on six real Indian cases, deploy them to production, and defend each one to an industry panel.
A Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) embeds with a client, understands their problem, builds the AI system and owns it in production. The Menler AI FDE Fellowship trains this role over 12 weeks in three phases: LLM foundations, Claude Code and RAG (Weeks 1–4); AI agents, MCP, evals and AI security (Weeks 5–8); and production deployment, ROI and a client capstone (Weeks 9–12). It runs live on Saturdays and Sundays — 24 sessions, 48 hours — in pods of five with one mentor for every two pods, costs ₹75,000 including taxes with EMI from ₹4,999 a month, and ends with six deployed builds, six Case Defences, Demo Day and the Menler AI FDE Certification.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)?
An engineer who embeds with a client, understands their problem, builds the AI system and owns it in production. It combines software engineering with the judgment of a consultant.
What is the difference between an AI engineer and a Forward Deployed Engineer?
An AI engineer is measured mainly on the system and its code. An FDE is measured on the client outcome, so they also own discovery, deployment, adoption and the business case. This fellowship trains both.
Do I need to know how to code?
Basic programming helps. If you're newer to code, the Builder track uses Claude Code and a guided code walkthrough in Week 1 to bring you up to speed.
Is the AI FDE Fellowship only about Claude?
Claude is the primary stack: Claude API, Claude Code, Claude Agent SDK and MCP. You also compare models, use vector databases, eval tools and integration platforms, and learn model routing. You use your own Claude API key, so every build stays in your own account.
What will I build during the Fellowship?
Six builds across six real cases: a bank grievance triage engine, a cited farm-advisory RAG copilot, a GST reconciliation agent behind a public MCP server, a certified health pre-authorisation assistant, a production failed-delivery recovery system, and a client capstone you choose.
How much time should I commit each week?
Four live hours on weekends plus around 7–8 hours of build time, about 12 hours a week.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, the Menler AI FDE Certification, graded against 100 engineering and delivery competencies.
How does interview preparation and career support work?
Career support is integrated throughout the Fellowship. Fellows get mock FDE interview loops, portfolio and LinkedIn reviews, hiring-readiness guidance, and referrals through Menler's hiring network.
What is the program fee and are there payment options?
The 12-week AI FDE Fellowship costs ₹75,000 including all taxes, with EMI from ₹4,999 a month. Scholarship options are shared during the application process and counselling session.
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Refunds are only applicable if program access has not been provided. Once access to the Fellowship platform, curriculum, or learning resources has been granted, fees become non-refundable and cancellations are not eligible for a refund.