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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed higher education institutions across the country to integrate approved SWAYAM Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) into their academic curriculum beginning with the July 2026 semester. The initiative aims to provide students with greater academic flexibility while expanding access to high-quality digital education.
Under the new directive, universities and colleges have been asked to identify SWAYAM courses that align with their existing degree programmes and facilitate student registration within the prescribed timelines. Institutions are expected to actively incorporate these online courses into regular teaching rather than treating them as optional learning resources.
A significant feature of the initiative is that colleges can now conduct SWAYAM examinations on their own campuses, making assessment more convenient for students and encouraging wider participation. The move is expected to reduce logistical challenges while improving access to nationally developed courses offered by leading institutions.
SWAYAM hosts hundreds of courses across engineering, sciences, humanities, management, teacher education and skill development. Students can earn academic credits through these courses, supporting the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes multidisciplinary learning and flexible education pathways.
Education experts believe the integration of SWAYAM into mainstream university education will strengthen digital learning, improve access to quality content and help students acquire industry-relevant skills beyond traditional classroom instruction.