SWAYAM
SWAYAM: A free academic learning platform with optional certification and credit-transfer support. Ranked #17 of 137 in Online Course Marketplaces by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for indian academic learning and credit transfer.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forIndian academic learning and credit transfer
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free access to courses with videos, readings, quizzes, forums, and assignments
- Optional proctored certification examinations with certificates
- Credit-transfer support for eligible courses
Where it doesn't
- Certification fees and eligibility vary by course and coordinator
- Offline downloads depend on the course faculty enabling access
- Credit transfer is limited to eligible courses and institutions
Our verdict on SWAYAM
SWAYAM is an online course marketplace initiated by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It serves learners from Class 9 through postgraduate education, with courses prepared by universities, institutions, and national coordinators. Its catalog covers academic, technical, management, school, and skill-based subjects. Course materials commonly combine video lectures, downloadable or printable reading material, self-assessment tests, online discussion forums, and assignment submission, making it suited to learners seeking structured academic study rather than informal video-only learning.
Course access is free. Learners who want certification can choose an optional, in-person proctored examination for eligible courses. The published starting fee is INR 750 one-time for an IIMB certification examination per course, rather than a general subscription price. Certification fees and eligibility vary by national coordinator and course. This model suits learners who want to study without paying upfront, then pay only when a certificate is relevant. It is less suitable for anyone expecting every course to include certification at no extra cost.
SWAYAM supports course discovery by keyword or category and offers web access plus an Android app. Offline learning is available when course faculty enable download access, while credit-transfer arrangements depend on the course and participating institution. Those features make it a practical choice for Indian academic learning, exam preparation, and selected formal study pathways. Learners should choose another marketplace if they need a consistent certification policy across all courses, guaranteed offline availability, or a broader listed platform range.
SWAYAM pricing
SWAYAM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Subscription access | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Android |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Course certificates | Yes |
| Business plans | Not verified |
| Course formats | Mixed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | swayam.gov.in |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SWAYAM
- CourseraA broad learning marketplace with courses, certificates, projects, labs, and team analytics.9.3
- edXA broad marketplace for learners and organizations seeking structured credentials.9.2
- DataCampA practical course marketplace for learning data, coding, and AI in the browser.8.9
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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