SWAYAM July 2026 exam registration opens for 662 courses; apply by October 31

The National Testing Agency (NTA) opened registration on 9 October 2026 for the SWAYAM July 2026 semester exams, which cover 662 online courses. Students who have studied a course on SWAYAM, the government's free online learning platform, can apply on the NTA's SWAYAM exam portal until 11:50 pm on 31 October 2026 and must pay the fee by 1 November. The exams will be held as computer-based tests from 8 to 12 December 2026, with 13 and 14 December kept as buffer days.

SWAYAM courses are free to study, but the certificate that counts comes from passing the proctored exam. For many college students, that certificate is what turns an online course into academic credit. Under UGC rules, colleges and universities can accept SWAYAM credits toward a degree, but each institution decides which courses it will recognise. Students who plan to use a course for credit should check with their college before they register, not after the result.

The timing matters for students juggling semester exams. The SWAYAM tests fall in the second week of December, when many universities are also holding end-semester papers. Choosing an exam city and shift early, and keeping the buffer dates of 13 and 14 December free, reduces the risk of a clash.

The fee structure rewards planning too. A General candidate taking three courses would pay Rs 750 for the first and Rs 600 each for the other two, a total of Rs 1,950. A candidate in a reserved category would pay Rs 500 plus Rs 400 twice, a total of Rs 1,300. Students should only register for courses they have actually completed on the platform, including the assignments, since the exam is tied to the course.

For learners outside regular colleges, such as working young people or those preparing for jobs, a SWAYAM certificate can also be a low-cost way to show a new skill on a resume. The growing number of courses, now 662 for this cycle, gives more choice across subjects.

Short-term: Students enrolled in July-semester SWAYAM courses have three weeks to register and pay. Missing the 31 October deadline means waiting for the next cycle to earn a certificate.

Long-term: Wider use of SWAYAM credits gives students more flexibility in what they study, and lets colleges offer subjects they may not have teachers for.

Who is affected: College students earning credits through SWAYAM, learners seeking free certified courses, and universities that map SWAYAM courses to their degree programmes.

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