IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University

Credit Transfer Policy for SWAYAM Courses

The Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing

Pushpender Yadav

May 18, 2025 — 5 min read

SWAYAM

Introduction

The Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing accessible, equitable, and high-quality education through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Launched by the Ministry of Education, SWAYAM hosts courses from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, delivered by top educators across India. A key feature of SWAYAM is its credit transfer policy, which allows students to earn academic credits for online courses and integrate them into their university transcripts. This article outlines the credit transfer framework, recent updates, and procedural details for students and institutions, based on the latest guidelines from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other authoritative sources.

Background of SWAYAM

SWAYAM, developed with contributions from the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), IIT Madras, Google Inc., and Persistent Systems Ltd., offers over 7,000 courses, with 2.72 crore learners enrolled and 11.13 lakh certificates issued as of 2022 []. Courses are free to access, but certification requires registration for proctored exams at designated centers for a nominal fee. The platform is supported by nine National Coordinators, including AICTE, NPTEL, UGC, and others, ensuring diverse course offerings across disciplines [].

The credit transfer policy aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility in education. The UGC’s Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM Regulations (2016, updated 2021) provides the foundation for integrating SWAYAM credits into academic programs [,].

Credit Transfer Framework

The UGC and AICTE have issued regulations to facilitate credit transfer for SWAYAM courses. Key aspects include:

Credit Eligibility:
- Up to 40% of total credits in a semester can be earned through SWAYAM courses, as per UGC Regulations 2021 [,].
- Credits are transferable for courses approved by the student’s university, typically electives or courses where faculty expertise is unavailable [,].
- Each course’s credit value is specified on its SWAYAM course page, and successful completion results in a certificate with credits and grades [].
Evaluation and Certification:
- Assessment comprises 70% weightage for the end-term proctored exam and 30% for assignments/quizzes conducted by the course coordinator [].
- A minimum of 40% marks (12/30 in assignments and 28/70 in the final exam) is required to pass and earn certification [].
- Universities incorporate these marks/credits into the student’s transcript upon receiving the SWAYAM completion certificate [].
Institutional Responsibilities:
- Universities must appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee registration, examination, and credit transfer processes [].
- Institutions select courses for credit transfer, ensuring access to necessary facilities like labs and libraries [].
- A Course Coordinator/Facilitator guides students and conducts practical/lab components, if applicable [].
Recent Updates (2024):
- The UGC introduced a new framework allowing universities to conduct end-term examinations for SWAYAM courses, replacing the previous system managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and NPTEL [,].
- Students can re-attempt exams if they fail or miss the scheduled test, enhancing flexibility [].
- The UGC provides resources like the University Dashboard User Guide and Steps for Adopting SWAYAM MOOC Courses to assist institutions [,].

Procedure for Students

To earn and transfer credits through SWAYAM, students should follow these steps:

Explore and Enroll:
- Visit the SWAYAM portal or NPTEL website to browse courses [].
- Check the course page for credit details, eligibility, and syllabus.
- Enroll in desired courses (multiple courses are allowed) via the SWAYAM platform or through the university’s SWAYAM-NPTEL Local Chapter [,].
Participate and Complete Assessments:
- Engage in lectures, assignments, quizzes, and discussion forums.
- Register for the proctored exam (fee required) and attend at the university or designated center [].
Apply for Credit Transfer:
- Submit the SWAYAM/NPTEL completion certificate to the university’s academic office or Nodal Officer [].
- Ensure the course is pre-approved by the university for credit transfer [].
- The university evaluates practical/lab components (if any) and incorporates credits into the transcript [].
Check University Policy:
- Confirm the university’s credit transfer limit (up to 40%) and specific course approvals.
- Avoid scheduling conflicts between SWAYAM exams and university exams [].

Benefits of Credit Transfer

Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace and access courses from premier institutions like IITs and IIMs [].
Skill Enhancement: Courses align with industry needs, boosting employability [].
Cost-Effective: Courses are free, with only exam fees for certification [].
Academic Mobility: Credits earned are recognized across 149+ universities, including central, state, and private institutions [].

Challenges and Considerations

University Adoption: Not all universities fully implement the 40% credit transfer limit, and course approval varies [].
Exam Scheduling: Students must ensure no overlap between SWAYAM and university exams [].
Practical Components: Universities must evaluate lab/practical work, which may require additional resources [].
Awareness: Some students and institutions may lack awareness of the credit transfer process, necessitating better outreach [].

Institutional Examples

Gujarat University: Limits SWAYAM credits to 20% of a program’s courses per semester. A university-level CBCS Credit Transfer Committee identifies eligible courses biannually [].
IIT Madras: Converts one NPTEL credit to three IITM credits for BTech/DD students, with a maximum of 21 elective credits transferable [].
ITM University, Gwalior: Actively promotes SWAYAM courses and integrates credits as per UGC guidelines, with clear steps for enrollment and transfer [].

Recent Developments

Increased Adoption: Over 70% of students from 338 institutions expressed interest in SWAYAM credit transfers, per a Ministry of Education survey [].
COVID-19 Impact: The platform saw a surge in usage during the lockdown, with 50,000 additional learners accessing courses [].
Policy Advocacy: UGC’s 2022 notice urged universities to promote SWAYAM courses, reinforcing the 40% credit transfer provision [].

Conclusion

The SWAYAM credit transfer policy is a transformative step toward flexible and inclusive education in India. With the UGC’s 2024 framework enabling universities to conduct exams and the provision for re-attempts, students have greater opportunities to earn credits seamlessly. Universities play a critical role in adopting and promoting these courses, while students must proactively engage with their institutions to ensure smooth credit integration. By leveraging SWAYAM, learners can access world-class education, enhance skills, and advance their academic and professional journeys.

For further details, visit: