UGC invites VCs for discussion over adoption of SWAYAM courses

Courses delivered through SWAYAM are available free of cost to the learners, however learners wanting a SWAYAM certificate should register for the final proctored exams that come at a fee and attend in-person at designated centres on specified dates.

The University Grants Commision (UGC) is inviting vice-chancellors of universities and principals of affiliating colleges, SWAYAM Local Chapter, and  and National Eeducation Policy SAARTHIS (Student Ambassador for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India) for a discussion over adoption of SWAYAM courses.

As the SWAYAM programme is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE), a series of state-wise online meetings chaired by Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (TEL) of the Ministry of Education, have been scheduled to facilitate thorough discussions for informed decision making to obtain feedback from higher educational institutions (HEls) as well as to foster the exchange of ideas, best practices, and insights related to SWAYAM initiatives.

“The universities that have not yet adopted SWAYAM Courses may note that adopting SWAYAM Courses by universities in accordance with the UGC SWAYAM regutations 2021 gives flexibility to students who wish to explore interdisciplinary subjects or require innovative and inclusive educational practices,” the notice by UGC said.

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“The presence of Vice-Chancellors of Universities and Principals of affiliating colleges, SWAYAM Local Chapters, and NEP SAARTHIS is of utmost importance to ensure a comprehensive and fruitful discussion on SWAYAM Programme. You are welcome to share your experiences, challenges, and success stories related to SWAYAM. I look foMard to your positive response and your presence in the meeting,” the notice added.

In February 2024, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the SWAYAM Plus platform, which will offer employability and professional development-focused programmes through collaboration with leading industry players such as L&T, Microsoft and CISCO.

The platform will be operated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras. "Working professionals to participate in the SWAYAM platform using it as a vehicle and take advantage of the multiple-entry-multiple-exit of NEP 2020. The platform will widen the scope of the classroom, adding 43 million students of higher education and working professionals," Pradhan said.