In a heartwarming step toward democratizing education, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is opening its doors wider than ever before. The prestigious institution has just launched an impressive collection of 121 credit-ready online courses through the SWAYAM platform, offering free, high-quality education to learners everywhere starting this January.

This exciting initiative showcases the very best of what modern education can be—accessible, diverse, and completely free of charge. BHU is bringing 71 thoughtfully designed courses to eager learners, spanning an incredible range of subjects including Sciences, Engineering, Management, Medicine, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and interdisciplinary studies. The courses will begin rolling out on January 26 and February 16, 2026, giving students plenty of opportunities to find their perfect fit.

What makes this launch particularly special is the spirit of inclusion and innovation behind it. Dr. Ashutosh Mohan, National Coordinator for INI–SWAYAM, beautifully captured this sentiment, calling it "a big step forward in terms of access, flexibility, and quality." He emphasized that these courses align perfectly with the National Education Policy 2020's vision of interdisciplinary learning and skill development that's open to all motivated students.

The initiative extends beyond BHU's own offerings. Aligarh Muslim University is contributing 48 diverse courses ranging from Arabic to Zoology, while Rashtriya Raksha University adds specialized courses in Defence & Strategic Studies and Forensic Accounting. Together, these institutions are creating a rich tapestry of learning opportunities.

In an inspiring display of global collaboration, BHU has partnered with the University of Leipzig in Germany to offer two internationally co-developed courses: Digital Marketing and Branding for Start-ups, and Foundation of Digital Entrepreneurship. These courses bring world-class expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs, covering everything from customer discovery to growth strategies and go-to-market approaches for first-time founders.

Recognizing India's linguistic diversity, several courses are thoughtfully offered in Hindi or bilingual formats, ensuring that language is never a barrier to learning. This inclusive approach reflects a deep understanding that knowledge should flow freely to everyone, regardless of their preferred language.

The courses vary in duration from four to twelve weeks, making them flexible enough to fit into different schedules and learning paces. Whether you're interested in commerce, psychology, Ayurveda, or engineering, there's something for everyone in this generous educational offering.

This launch builds on BHU's impressive track record—in 2025 alone, faculty members developed 63 SWAYAM programs, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to educational innovation and access.

SWAYAM, which stands for Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds, is a beautiful initiative by India's Ministry of Education that embodies the belief that quality education should be a right, not a privilege. Interested learners can visit swayam.gov.in/INI to explore the full course catalog and enroll in their chosen programs.

This launch represents more than just new courses—it's a celebration of learning, opportunity, and the transformative power of education reaching every corner of the nation.