Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has launched 121 credit-ready INI-SWAYAM courses for the upcoming January-April 2026 session. Students and learners can register for these online programmes through the official website,swayam.gov.in. The registration deadline is February 28 .
BHU holds the role of national coordinator for INI-SWAYAM, which stands for Institute of National Importance – Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds. This initiative, under the Ministry of Education, brings together three major universities: Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on a unified digital learning platform.
Course Offerings and Schedule
The collective platform features 121 distinct programmes. BHU contributes 71 courses, spanning diverse fields such as science, engineering, management, medicine, education, humanities, social science, law, and interdisciplinary studies. Instruction for these BHU courses is scheduled from January 26 to February 16, 2026 .
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will provide 48 programmes. These offerings include specialized courses in Arabic and Zoology. All AMU programmes are set to commence on January 26, 2026 .
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) introduces two specialized courses. These programmes focus on defence and strategic studies, alongside forensic accounting. Both RRU courses are also slated to begin on January 26, 2026 .
Platform Features and Educational Framework
The INI-SWAYAM platform incorporates several features aimed at enhancing the learning experience. These include robust learner support systems, weekly analytics to track student progress, and established university credit pathways. These components are designed to facilitate academic recognition and professional advancement for participants.
The courses are structured to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This alignment emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, skill development, and broad accessibility for all motivated students. Participants can transfer earned credits, supporting flexible academic progression across institutions.
Ashutosh Mohan, National Coordinator for INI-SWAYAM under the Ministry of Education and associated with BHU’s Institute of Management Studies, highlighted the program’s significance. Mohan stated, “This is a big step forward in terms of access, flexibility, and quality.” He confirmed BHU’s commitment to ensuring all INI-SWAYAM courses uphold the principles of NEP 2020.
International Collaborations and Future Developments
The INI-SWAYAM course catalogue will also integrate two internationally co-developed programmes. BHU collaborated with the SEPT Competence Centre, University of Leipzig, Germany, to create these unique courses.
- Digital Marketing and Branding for Start-ups: This practical course focuses on customer discovery, media mix optimization, performance measurement, and growth strategies within the digital landscape.
- Foundation of Digital Entrepreneurship: This programme guides first-time founders through idea validation, fundamental digital product development, regulatory compliance, and effective go-to-market strategies.
Further courses are currently in development to support institutional boards of studies in mapping credits under NEP 2020. These upcoming offerings include Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC), Value Added Courses (VAC), Multi-Disciplinary (MD) programmes, and major discipline-specific courses.
To enhance accessibility, some courses are available in Hindi or offered in a bilingual format where pedagogically appropriate. All courses feature outcome-based rubrics and include proctored assessments to ensure academic integrity and consistent evaluation.