NPTEL survey proposing ‘charge’ for access to free learning modules creates discontent
NPTEL later clarified that it had gone ahead with the survey for taking learners’ feedback
The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a Ministry of Education body, initiated a survey aimed at collecting feedback regarding the possibility of charging for its free e-learning modules. NPTEL clarified that the survey was conducted solely to gather learner feedback and did not imply any imminent cessation of Ministry funding.
The consortium, comprising seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science, offers over 70,000 hours of online lecture videos across 22 disciplines, with close to 600 courses available every semester through the SWAYAM platform. NPTEL stated that the funding supports free course enrollment and subsidized examination fees.
In the survey, NPTEL posed two options: charging a nominal additional fee for learners if government funding is withdrawn or discontinuing course offerings altogether. Social media users expressed concerns about the potential impact on rural and low-income students. Currently, NPTEL charges ₹1,000 per course for a student to take a physical proctored certification exam, with up to 15.25 lakh candidates registering for the July 2026 semester.
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