The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a new framework enabling universities to conduct examinations for courses offered through the Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) platform. This initiative is part of the UGC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the accessibility and flexibility of earning academic credits via online platforms.
Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) administered end-term proctored examinations for SWAYAM courses. However, according to a statement by the UGC, under the new framework, students who complete SWAYAM courses can now choose to take their exams at their respective universities.
According to the report, “The new framework for conducting SWAYAM examinations at universities offers enhanced support to students and will increase participation. Students can register through their universities, complete the course activities, and take exams conducted by the university. This is in addition to the existing exam facilities provided by NTA and NPTEL.
In a statement, UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said that “the credits earned can be transferred to the student’s transcripts. UGC invites all HEIs to adopt SWAYAM courses and use the framework to conduct examinations for better learner-friendliness.”
This initiative aims to simplify the integration of online learning with students’ regular academic programmes. The model also includes re-examination provisions, allowing students who did not pass or attend the initial SWAYAM tests to retake them in the following semesters.
This increased flexibility is anticipated to boost student participation in SWAYAM courses and encourage more universities to adopt the UGC Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM.
The UGC’s decision comes after a year of state-level awareness meetings and online discussions with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These meetings underscored the rising interest among universities in adopting SWAYAM courses for credit transfer and the need for a more student-friendly examination process.
The UGC offers two additional documents to support universities in implementing the new framework: ‘Steps for Adopting SWAYAM MOOC Courses’ and the ‘University Dashboard User Guide.’ Universities must also appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee registration, examinations, and credit transfers for SWAYAM courses.
