Launched in February 2024, SWAYAM Plus is an upgraded version of SWAYAM under the Ministry of Education and IIT Madras focussing more on employability and professional development‐focused programs to its learners in collaboration with top MNCs and ed‐tech companies. With over 1.5 million learners registered by mid-2025 and partnerships with 70+ universities and 100+ industry leaders, SWAYAM Plus offers a wide range of online courses across technology, management, finance, and emerging fields like AI and Data Sciences. More than 150 SWAYAM Plus courses are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), making them credit-eligible and directly relevant to university curricula and student employability.
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Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Program Level | Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma, Certificate |
Target Learners | Students, working professionals, upskilling candidates, educators |
Key Disciplines | Emerging Areas: AI & Data Science, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Public Policy, Business Administration, FinTech, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management. |
Leading Providers | IITs, IIMs, Central Universities, Private Institutions and Top Companies Microsoft, TimesPro, CISCO, and others |
SWAYAM Plus course duration | Varies from ~25 to 70+ hours, depending on subject and intensity |
SWAYAM Plus course Fees | Free to More than Rs. 15,000 |
Eligibility | Varies: Typically, a relevant Bachelor's degree for PG programs; 10+2 for some UG certificates/diplomas. |
Learning Mode | Online, Hybrid and In-person courses |
1. IIT Madras / IITM Pravartak Foundation
Central academic anchor for SWAYAM Plus; leads course design, ecosystem development, and partnerships.
“AI For All” initiative: courses such as AI/ML using Python, AI in Physics, Cricket Analytics with AI, ranging from 25 to 45 hours, credit-eligible, open to learners with basic digital literacy.
MoUs signed with industry and other universities to co-deliver employability-oriented credentials.
2. Academic Institutions and Universities: Multiple universities and institutes partner as SWAYAM Plus course providers or coordinators. SWAYAM Plus partner directory includes academic and strategic institutions.
Example: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is actively involved in course development for SWAYAM MOOCs and has been appointed the National Coordinator for Institutions of National Importance within the SWAYAM ecosystem.
3. Industry and Strategic Partners: Partnerships aim to enhance the employment relevance of courses and ensure practical skill transferability into the workplace.
Candidates can check the best SWAYAM Plus courses in the table below. Learners can apply to both the paid and free SWAYAM Plus courses.
Course Name | Provider / Partner | Duration | Credit-eligible |
---|---|---|---|
AI/ML using Python | IIT Madras / Pravartak | ~36 hours | |
AI in Physics | IIT Madras / Pravartak | 25-45 hours | Yes |
AI in Chemistry | IIT Madras / Pravartak | 25-45 hours | Yes |
AI in Accounting | IIT Madras / Pravartak | 25-45 hours | Yes |
Cricket Analytics with AI | IIT Madras / Pravartak | 25-45 hours | Yes |
AI for Educators | IIT Madras / Pravartak | - | Yes (new 2025) |
Ignite for Entrepreneurs – A Foundational Course | SWAYAM Plus | Yes | |
Mastering Gen AI – A Foundation Course | SWAYAM Plus (UGC-validated skills track) | — | Yes, NCrF credit track |
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | SWAYAM Plus (“Artificial Intelligence” course entry) | — | Not explicitly credited |
Deep Learning with TensorFlow | SWAYAM Plus (“Artificial Intelligence” course cluster) | — | Not explicitly credited |
Genetic Algorithms: From Theory to Application | — | Likely yes | |
Introduction to Python | SWAYAM Plus (“Artificial Intelligence” course cluster) | — | Not explicitly credited |
Machine Learning Using Python | IIT Madras-Pravartak, “AI for All” | ~36 hours | Yes |
Campus to Career courses (various skill-oriented modules) | SWAYAM Plus partners | Varies | Some are credit-aligned |
UGC-Validated Skills: Life Skills / Soft Skills | SWAYAM Plus |
SWAYAM Plus offers different types of courses that learners can choose according to their study goals and benefits. Check the types of SWAYAM Plus courses below.
Skill-oriented electives: AI for All, Data Analytics using Excel, Python Fundamentals, Soft Skills & Employability, Cyber Security, etc.
Credit-earning credentials: Several courses are NCrF-aligned, meaning students can earn university-recognised academic credit or include them in their curriculum.
Flexible delivery: Fully online, asynchronous MOOCs allow students to learn alongside formal degree programmes, and working professionals to upskill.
Low-cost certification: Course access is free; proctored exam certification carries a small fee, opening affordable credentialing opportunities.
Industry-readiness: With IIT Madras and industry partners driving course design, many offerings emphasise employability, real-world projects, and data-driven skills.
Choosing the right SWAYAM Plus courses that align with your study goals is very important. Make sure you choose the course that boosts your career growth. Check the tips to choose the right SWAYAM Plus courses below.
Check credit eligibility – If you want the course to count toward your university degree or certificate, look for NCrF-aligned offerings.
Match to your skill gap or interest – Browse by trending skill areas (For example. AI, data science, soft skills, cyber security) to choose a course that fills the learning gap or complements your major.
Assess time commitment – Courses vary from 25 hours to 70+ hours. Pick one that fits your semester workload or free time.
Look up university or institutional partners – If your university has a formal agreement with the course provider, you may be eligible for credit transfer or integrated assessment.
Plan for integration – Try to integrate SWAYAM Plus credentials with your formal academic programme or internship plan, to make them work for both learning and future opportunities.
SWAYAM Plus is rapidly becoming a valuable bridge between academic learning and career-oriented skill development in India. With its flexible, credit-eligible courses developed by leading institutions such as IIT Madras and a growing network of academic and industry partners, students can leverage SWAYAM Plus to supplement their formal education, acquire in-demand skills, and boost their employability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, most courses last 4–12 weeks, depending on the level and subject.
Students, professionals, and job-seekers can apply, with eligibility varying by course.
No, while learning content may be free, certification and industry-linked courses may require a fee.
Yes, many courses are job-oriented and enhance employability in IT, management, and digital fields.
Yes, courses are co-certified by IITs, IIMs, UGC-recognised universities, and global industry partners.
Top choices include AI, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing.
SWAYAM Plus offers hundreds of industry and university-certified courses across technology, management, and skill domains.