Page 428 - Compendium of UGC Regulations 1957-2023

Regulations pertaining to Credits, Academic Programmes and Award of Degrees:

University Grants Commission
(Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM)
Regulation, 2016.

New Delhi, the 19th July, 2016
No. F.1-100/2016 (MOOCs/e-content)

1. Preamble.—

1.1 Whereas Education has to widen the access to higher education and bring down its cost
by using technological advances,

1.2 Whereas Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have emerged as a viable model for
imparting education, involving conventional and online education,
1.3 Whereas the Indian version of online learning is being launched on an indigenous
platform of learning, named as SWAYAM (Study Web of Active Learning by Young
and Aspiring Minds),
1.4 Whereas there is a need to create synergies between the salient features of anytime-
anywhere format of eLearning and the traditional classroom-based chalk and talk method
to develop a unique content delivery mechanism, which is responsive to learners’ needs
and ensures seamless transfer of knowledge across geographical boundaries,

1.5 Whereas there is a need to put in place a regulatory mechanism that would allow
seamless connect between the online learning and the regular class room learning, Now
therefore;

University Grants Commission in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (f) and
(g) of sub-section (1) of Section 26 of the UGC Act 1956 (No. 3 of 1956), makes the
following Regulations, namely;

2. Short title, Application and Commencement:
2.1 These Regulations shall be called the UGC (Credit Framework for Online Learning
Courses through SWAYAM) Regulation 2016.
2.2 These shall apply to all universities established or incorporated by or under a Central
Act, a Provincial Act, or a State/Union Territory Act and all institutions recognized by
or affiliated to such Universities and all institutions deemed to be universities under
Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
2.3 These shall further apply to the transfer of credits of such students who are enrolled as
regular/part-time students in any educational institution in India.
2.4 These shall come into force from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.
3. Definitions:

3.1 ‘Academic Council’ is the body empowered to take decisions regarding all academic
matters in an institution including the decision regarding permitting online learning
courses through SWAYAM.

3.2 ‘Course’ shall mean a paper which is taught for at least one semester as a part of a subject

3.3 ‘Four quadrant approach’: the four Quadrant approach means e-learning system that
has the following components:
• Quadrant-I is e-Tutorial: that shall contain: Video and Audio Contentinan
organised form, Animation, Simulations, Virtual Labs.

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University Grants Commission