UGC directs universities to integrate SWAYAM MOOCs into July 2026 semester; students can earn credits through online courses

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India to integrate SWAYAM Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) into their academic programmes for the July 2026 semester, marking another step towards mainstreaming digital and flexible learning in higher education.

In its latest communication, the Commission has asked universities, colleges and affiliated institutions to identify SWAYAM courses that align with their existing curriculum, facilitate student registration before the prescribed deadlines, and implement academic credit transfer mechanisms. The move aims to make online learning an integral component of degree programmes while advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is SWAYAM?

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is the Government of India's national online learning platform developed under the Ministry of Education. It offers thousands of free and affordable online courses across disciplines including engineering, science, commerce, humanities, social sciences, management, teacher education and skill development.

The platform hosts courses developed by leading national institutions and coordinators such as UGC, AICTE, NPTEL, IGNOU, CEC, IIM Bangalore, NITTTR and other Institutions of National Importance, enabling students across the country to access quality education irrespective of location.

What universities have been asked to do

Under the latest directive, Higher Education Institutions have been instructed to:

• Identify SWAYAM courses relevant to their academic programmes.
• Map online courses with the existing curriculum.
• Complete the required academic credit transfer process.
• Ensure eligible students register before the deadlines set by national coordinators.
• Share approved course lists with Deans, Heads of Departments and SWAYAM Nodal Officers.
• Encourage greater student participation in online learning.

Up to 40% credits through SWAYAM

The directive is based on the UGC Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM Regulations, 2021, which allows eligible institutions to enable students to earn up to 40% of the total credits in a semester through approved SWAYAM courses, subject to institutional adoption of the framework.

UGC also noted that institutions implementing the prescribed examination framework may conduct SWAYAM end-term examinations on their own campuses. This is expected to improve accessibility, reduce travel for students and simplify the certification process, while examinations conducted by national agencies will continue where applicable.

Benefits for students

The integration of SWAYAM MOOCs offers students greater flexibility in course selection, access to high-quality learning resources from premier institutions, multidisciplinary learning opportunities and additional skill development that can improve employability. It also enables learners to explore emerging fields that may not be offered by their home institutions while earning recognised academic credits.

The initiative aligns with NEP 2020's vision of creating a learner-centric higher education system through technology-enabled teaching, academic mobility, flexible learning pathways and competency-based education. The UGC has urged universities and faculty members to actively guide students, facilitate seamless credit mapping and raise awareness about available courses and registration timelines to ensure successful implementation.