125 Universities to Conduct SWAYAM Exams on Campus: UGC Expands Digital Education Outreach
New Delhi, April 21, 2025 — In a landmark move to enhance access to quality education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that 125 universities across India will now conduct SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) exams directly on their campuses. This decision marks a significant leap in India’s commitment to flexible, inclusive, and digitally-enabled education, reinforcing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
What is SWAYAM?
SWAYAM is a free online education platform launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education, aimed at bridging the digital divide and democratizing access to high-quality learning resources. It hosts courses from India’s premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, IGNOU, and central universities, spanning diverse disciplines including science, technology, humanities, social sciences, commerce, and vocational skills.
Courses on SWAYAM are available for school (Class 9-12), undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional learners, with the added advantage of credit transfer under UGC guidelines.
On-Campus Exams: A Boost for Learners
With the recent UGC initiative, 125 universities will serve as designated exam centers, enabling students to take their SWAYAM course assessments without the burden of traveling to distant locations. This strategic move enhances:
- Accessibility: Students in rural and semi-urban institutions can now appear for exams on their home campuses.
- Credibility: On-campus proctored exams ensure academic integrity and standardization.
- Integration: Universities can better align SWAYAM course outcomes with their academic credit systems.
This move not only streamlines logistics but also fosters greater trust in digital certification among stakeholders in higher education.
Benefits for Students and Institutions
For students, SWAYAM offers:
- Cost-effective learning: All courses are available free of charge, with nominal fees only for certification.
- Flexibility: Learners can study at their own pace and convenience.
- Skill Development: Many courses are industry-oriented, helping improve employability.
- Academic Credit Transfer: As per UGC norms, up to 40% of a degree program’s credits can now be earned through SWAYAM courses.
For universities, this initiative provides:
- Curriculum Enrichment: Integrating MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) supplements traditional syllabi.
- Faculty Support: Faculty can encourage blended learning and use SWAYAM materials in teaching.
- Increased Digital Literacy: The initiative fosters a tech-savvy academic culture.
Join the Initiative: Call to Action
The UGC has called upon all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to embrace this initiative actively. Universities not yet participating are encouraged to register and facilitate SWAYAM exams to empower their students.
Interested institutions and individuals can scan the QR code provided in the UGC notification or visit the official UGC website for further details and to access the formal letter.
SWAYAM and NEP 2020: A Vision Aligned
This initiative aligns perfectly with the NEP 2020, which promotes online and open education, flexible curriculum pathways, and the integration of technology in teaching and learning. SWAYAM serves as a cornerstone in achieving these goals by offering a robust digital learning infrastructure backed by public institutions.
How to Enroll in SWAYAM Courses
- Visit the official portal: https://swayam.gov.in
- Register using your email ID or through your Google/Microsoft account.
- Browse and select from the wide range of available courses.
- Enroll in the desired course(s).
- Learn through video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and assignments.
- Register for the proctored exam (optional for certification).
- Appear for the exam at your designated university campus.
Conclusion
With 125 universities now joining hands with SWAYAM, this is a pivotal moment in Indian higher education. The UGC’s push to conduct SWAYAM exams on campuses is not just a logistical update—it’s a transformative step toward educational inclusivity, digital empowerment, and academic excellence.
All stakeholders—students, faculty, and academic institutions—are invited to seize this opportunity and be a part of India’s digital learning revolution.
Would you like a version of this article customized for your website, college newsletter, or social media?
Post a Comment