Thinking about upgrading your skills without burning a hole in your pocket? Then SWAYAM is probably already on your radar—and if it isn’t, it should be.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the exam dates for the SWAYAM January 2026 semester, and this is big news for thousands of learners across India (and beyond). Whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or just someone who loves learning, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—without the jargon.

Let’s get into it.

What exactly is SWAYAM?

SWAYAM stands for Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds. It’s a government-backed online learning platform that lets you take free courses from India’s top institutions like IITs, IIMs, central universities, and more.

Here’s how it works:
You watch video lectures, go through reading material, complete quizzes and assignments—all online, at your own pace. And if you take the final exam and pass, you get an official certificate. Many universities even allow these certificates to count toward your degree (up to 20% of your total credits).

Since launching in 2017, SWAYAM has grown massive:

  • 18,500+ courses
  • 57 million+ learners
  • 5.28 million certificates issued
  • Learners from 100+ countries

For the January 2026 semester, there are about 648 courses across science, arts, management, engineering, technology, and more.

SWAYAM 2026 Exam Dates Are Out

On January 8, 2026, NTA officially released the exam schedule for the January semester.

Here’s when the exams will happen:

Main Exam Dates: June 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2026

Buffer Days (just in case): June 22 and 23, 2026

Each day has two exam slots:

  • Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Exams will be conducted in hybrid mode:

  • Some will be computer-based (CBT)
  • Others will be paper-based (PBT)
    The exact format depends on your course, so double-check your course page.

Important: Some courses—especially NPTEL courses—follow a different exam calendar. Those exams may happen in March, April, or May 2026, so always check the official course schedule.

When Did Registration Happen?

For the January 2026 semester, registrations were open from:

  • October 8 to October 30, 2025
  • Fee payment deadline: October 31, 2025

If you missed it, don’t stress. The July 2026 session is coming up soon. Registrations are expected to open around April 2026, with exams likely in November or December.

When registrations open, here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Visit swayam.gov.in and enroll in your chosen course (it’s free).
  2. If you want a certificate, go to exams.nta.ac.in/swayam.
  3. Register for the exam, fill in your details, and pay the fee.
  4. Download your admit card when it’s released.

Tens of thousands of students register every semester—so you’ll be in good company.

Exam Fees & Who Can Apply

The courses themselves are completely free. You only pay if you want to appear for the exam and get a certificate.

For most SWAYAM courses:

  • General category: ₹750 for one course, ₹600 for each additional course
  • SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD: ₹500 for one course, ₹400 for each additional course

For NPTEL courses: Fees are usually ₹1,000 per exam, with discounts for certain categories.

And eligibility?
Honestly—anyone can join. There’s no age limit or educational restriction. If you’re curious and willing to learn, you’re welcome.

Why Students Love SWAYAM

There’s a reason millions of learners keep coming back:

  • Zero tuition cost
  • Learn anytime, anywhere
  • Credits count toward your degree
  • Great for career skills (coding, data, business, etc.)
  • Official certificates for your resume or LinkedIn

It’s one of the easiest ways to make your academic profile stand out without spending a fortune.

How to Do Well in the Exams

SWAYAM exams aren’t scary if you stay consistent. A few simple habits make a huge difference:

  • Don’t binge-watch—study a little every week
  • Complete all assignments
  • Use discussion forums
  • Try mock tests
  • Rest before exam day

Most exams are multiple-choice (MCQs), so focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing everything.

Some Cool SWAYAM Stats

Just to put things in perspective:

  • 570 million plus enrollments
  • 5.28 crore certificates issued
  • 9 national coordinators like UGC, AICTE, and NPTEL
  • Courses last 4 to 12 weeks
  • Up to 4 academic credits per course

What’s Coming Next in 2026?

After the January session, keep an eye on the July 2026 cycle. Registration is likely in April, with exams toward the end of the year.

SWAYAM and NTA are also expected to roll out better tech, smoother apps, and possibly AI-based learning tools.

Final Thoughts

SWAYAM isn’t just another online course platform-it’s a real opportunity to grow, learn, and earn credentials that actually matter. With exams happening from June 17 to 21, 2026, now’s the perfect time to get serious about your prep. Whether you’re chasing better grades, a stronger resume, or just new knowledge, SWAYAM has something for you.

For help:
Email: swayam@nta.ac.in
Phone: 011-40759000

Always check the official SWAYAM and NTA websites for the latest updates.

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