In a significant push for accessible digital education, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has announced the launch of a massive suite of 121 online courses for the upcoming academic session. These credit-ready programs, offered under the prestigious Institutes of National Importance (INI) umbrella on the SWAYAM platform, will be available for the January to April 2026 term, providing free quality education to learners across India and beyond.
Wide Array of Disciplines Offered
Out of the total 121 courses, a substantial block of 71 will be spearheaded by BHU itself, commencing on two key dates: 26 January 2026 and 16 February 2026. The university's portfolio is remarkably diverse, covering an extensive range of academic fields. Students can explore offerings in Sciences, Engineering, Management, Medicine, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and interdisciplinary studies.
This initiative is part of the broader SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) project, a flagship program by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The platform's core mission is to deliver high-caliber educational content online at zero cost, effectively breaking down barriers to learning.
Collaborative and International Offerings
The January-April 2026 session is not limited to BHU's contributions. Other renowned institutions are also rolling out their expertise. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is introducing 48 courses spanning subjects from Arabic to Zoology, starting from 26 January. Furthermore, the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) will provide two specialized courses in Defence & Strategic Studies and Forensic Accounting.
Highlighting the global and innovative nature of this push, BHU, in collaboration with the SEPT Competence Centre at the University of Leipzig, Germany, has developed two international courses. These are Digital Marketing and Branding for Start-ups and Foundation of Digital Entrepreneurship, designed to equip new founders with essential skills. Dr. Ashutosh Mohan, National Coordinator for INI-SWAYAM, emphasized that these efforts align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision of interdisciplinary, skill-oriented, and inclusive education.
How to Enroll and Course Details
Prospective learners interested in enrolling in any of these free courses can visit the official portal: swayam.gov.in/INI. The courses are structured to be flexible, with durations typically spanning 4, 8, or 12 weeks. In a move to enhance accessibility, several courses will be offered in Hindi or in bilingual formats, ensuring a wider reach across the country.
This launch builds on BHU's strong track record in digital education; in 2025 alone, its faculty developed 63 SWAYAM programs. The current expansion to 121 courses marks a substantial step forward in fulfilling the promise of democratizing education and fostering a skilled workforce for the future.
