The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new framework allowing universities to conduct examinations for courses offered through the Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) platform. This move aims to enhance the accessibility and flexibility of earning academic credits via online learning.
Previously, end-term proctored exams for SWAYAM courses were conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL). Under the new guidelines, students who complete SWAYAM courses can now take their exams at their respective universities, the UGC stated.
“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 course activities, and take exams conducted by the university, in addition to the existing facilities provided by NTA and NPTEL. The credits earned can be transferred to the students’ transcripts,” UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said in a statement.
This initiative is expected to streamline the integration of online learning with regular academic programs, making it more convenient for students. The framework also introduces provisions for re-examinations, enabling students who could not pass or attend the initial SWAYAM exams to retake them in subsequent semesters.
The UGC’s decision follows a series of awareness meetings and discussions with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) over the past year. These meetings underscored the growing interest among universities in adopting SWAYAM courses for credit transfer and the need for a more student-friendly examination process.
To assist universities in implementing the new framework, the UGC is providing additional resources, including the ‘Steps for Adopting SWAYAM MOOC Courses’ and the ‘University Dashboard User Guide.’ Universities are also required to appoint a Nodal Officer to manage registration, examination, and credit transfer processes for SWAYAM courses.
The new framework is expected to boost student participation in SWAYAM courses and encourage more universities to adopt the UGC Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM.