In today’s digital age, the Government of India has made learning easier and more affordable through free online courses. These platforms help students, professionals, and lifelong learners gain valuable skills — all without any cost.
Let’s explore the top free government e-learning portals in 2025, their features, and how you can enroll.
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active–Learning for Young Aspiring Minds)
Website: https://swayam.gov.in/
SWAYAM is the most popular online education platform launched by the Ministry of Education.
It offers AICTE, UGC, NPTEL, IGNOU, and other government-approved courses for students of all levels.
Key Highlights:
- 2000+ Free Courses by Top Indian Universities
- Free Video Lectures + Assignments
- Certificates available (optional fee for exam)
- Subjects: Engineering, Management, Humanities, Law, Science, etc.
NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning)
Website: https://nptel.ac.in/
NPTEL offers technical and engineering courses developed by the IITs and IISc Bangalore.
It’s perfect for engineering students and professionals seeking upskilling in fields like AI, ML, and Data Science.
Benefits:
- Free access to IIT-level education
- Course completion certificates available
- Flexible learning schedule
e-PG Pathshala
Website: https://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/
Launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC), e-PG Pathshala provides Postgraduate-level learning materials.
It’s an open access initiative with structured e-content across 70+ subjects.
Highlights:
- Specially designed for PG students
- Modules include text, videos, quizzes, and references
- Free access – no registration required
DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing)
Website: https://diksha.gov.in/
DIKSHA is designed for school teachers and students. It offers digital content aligned with the NCERT curriculum.
Best For:
- Teachers’ professional training
- School students (Class 1–12)
- Parents supporting home-based learning
IGNOU Online Courses (SWAYAM + eGyankosh)
Website: https://egyankosh.ac.in/
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers hundreds of free self-learning materials through eGyankosh.
It’s a national repository of open educational resources.
Benefits:
- Free digital books and study materials
- Online course access for distance learners
- Useful for competitive exams and higher education
AICTE ELIS (Enhancement in Learning with Improvement in Skills)
Website: https://internship.aicte-india.org/elis/
AICTE ELIS provides free skill development courses in collaboration with industry leaders like IBM, AWS, and NASSCOM.
Courses Include:
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- IoT & Cybersecurity
National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
Website: https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/
NDLI is a virtual knowledge repository developed by IIT Kharagpur under the Ministry of Education.
It provides access to over 5 crore digital resources — books, theses, journals, and more.
How to Choose the Best Free Course for You
When selecting a free course, consider:
- Your field of interest (e.g., tech, business, or humanities)
- The platform’s credibility (IIT, UGC, AICTE, etc.)
- Certification requirements (some charge small exam fees)
- Duration and learning flexibility
Conclusion
The Government of India’s free online courses in 2025 are a golden opportunity for learners of all ages.
From school students to working professionals, these initiatives promote Digital India’s vision — education for all, anywhere, anytime.
Start today — your next skill upgrade is just one click away, Saral
