The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially announced the examination timetable for the upcoming January 2026 semester of the Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) platform. This major announcement provides crucial information for lakhs of candidates enrolled in the government's flagship online education initiative.
SWAYAM January 2026 Exam: Key Dates and Schedule
According to the official notification released by the NTA, the SWAYAM examinations for the January 2026 semester are scheduled to be conducted over five consecutive days. The primary exam dates are June 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. In a move to account for unforeseen circumstances, the agency has also designated June 22 and 23, 2026, as buffer dates. These reserve days may be utilized if technical glitches or administrative issues disrupt the original schedule.
The tests will be held in two shifts daily across all exam days. The first shift will commence at 9:30 AM and conclude at 12:30 PM. The afternoon session, or second shift, will run from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Aspirants must note that the standard medium for the question paper will be English. However, examinations for specific language courses will be conducted in their respective languages, as per course details.
Exam Pattern and Important Instructions
This examination cycle is significant as it will cover a vast array of 648 different courses offered on the SWAYAM portal. The NTA has confirmed that the tests will be conducted in a hybrid mode, incorporating both Computer-Based Tests (CBT) and traditional Pen and Paper formats. The specific mode for each course will be clearly indicated in the course-specific information available to students.
In a relief for test-takers, the agency has stated that there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) sections of the paper. This policy is designed to reduce exam stress and encourage candidates to attempt all questions.
How to Check and Download the Official Schedule
Students planning to appear for the SWAYAM January 2026 semester exams can access the complete schedule by following a simple process on the NTA's dedicated portal. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the official NTA SWAYAM website at exams.nta.nic.in/swayam/
- Look for and click on the link titled 'SWAYAM January 2026 Semester Exam Dates'.
- The exam schedule will open as a PDF document on your screen.
- Carefully review all the dates, shifts, and any course-specific instructions mentioned.
- Download the PDF file and save it on your device. It is highly advisable to keep a printed copy for easy future reference and to avoid last-minute confusion.
The SWAYAM program, supported by the Government of India, aims to provide high-quality education to students across the country through online courses. With the exam dates now public, enrolled candidates are advised to begin their preparations in earnest and regularly check the official website for any further updates or detailed advisories regarding admit cards and exam center information.
