UGC introduces new framework for universities to conduct examinations for SWAYAM courses

The University Scholarship Commission (User Generated Content) has introduced a new framework that allows universities to run exams for courses available on the Active Learning Study Networks for Aspiring Young Minds (SWAYAM) platform. This initiative aims to make it easier for students to earn academic credits through online learning. The UGC is improving accessibility and flexibility in education by allowing universities to assess and award credits for courses taken through SWAYAM.

So far, the supervised final exams for SWAYAM Courses were managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Programme for Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL).

However, under the new framework, students who complete SWAYAM courses can now opt to take their exams at their universities, the UGC said in a statement.

According to the ANI report, “The new framework for conducting SWAYAM examinations in universities offers greater support to students and will increase participation. Students can register through their universities, complete course activities and take the examinations conducted by the university. This is in addition to the existing examination facilities provided by NTA and NPTEL.

“The credits earned can be transferred to the academic records of the students. UGC invites all higher education institutions to adopt SWAYAM courses and make use of the framework for conducting examinations to make them more user-friendly for students,” UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said in the statement.

This is expected to make it easier for students to integrate online learning with their regular academic programs.

The framework also introduces provisions for re-examinations, allowing students who failed to pass or attend the initial SWAYAM examinations to retake them in subsequent semesters.

This additional flexibility is expected to increase student participation in SWAYAM courses and encourage more universities to adopt the UGC Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM.

The recent decision by the UGC follows a series of state-level awareness sessions and online discussions with higher education institutions (HEIs) over the past year. These interactions have highlighted the growing interest of universities in using SWAYAM courses for credit transfer and the need for a more student-friendly examination procedure.

To help universities implement the new framework, the UGC offers two additional documents: ‘Steps to adopt SWAYAM MOOC courses’ and the ‘University Dashboard User Guide’. Universities are also required to appoint a nodal officer to oversee enrolment, examinations and credit transfers for SWAYAM courses.

(Reported by ANI)