India’s PM e-Vidya initiative has become a cornerstone of the nation’s education system, reaching millions of learners through digital, broadcast, and offline platforms. Originally launched during the COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020 as an emergency measure, it has now matured into a comprehensive national education ecosystem, fully aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Designed to support over 24.8 crore school-going children and 4.33 crore higher education students, PM e-Vidya addresses challenges such as limited access to schools in remote areas, socio-economic constraints, and teacher shortages. Its integrated model combines multiple platforms—including DIKSHA, SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha channels, radio, podcasts, and community-based access—to deliver quality, equitable education “anywhere, anytime,” bridging the digital divide.
Multi-Platform Approach to Learning
At the heart of PM e-Vidya is SWAYAM, the national Massive Open Online Course platform, offering more than 4,400 courses developed by premier institutions, including IITs, AICTE, UGC, and IGNOU. As of January 2026, SWAYAM has registered 5.80 crore enrolments, awarding over 52.88 lakh certificates. Students can access video lectures, downloadable materials, quizzes, and discussion forums free of cost, while certified assessments are conducted in proctored exams at designated centres. UGC regulations allow universities to integrate up to 40 per cent of a programme’s courses through SWAYAM, enhancing academic flexibility and student convenience.
Complementing online learning, the SWAYAM Prabha network broadcasts educational content across 48 DTH channels, including the recently launched Channel 31 dedicated to Indian Sign Language for hearing-impaired learners and special educators. These channels deliver curriculum-aligned content 24 hours a day in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for students without internet connectivity.
SATHEE and DIKSHA: Personalised Support for Higher Education and Schools
The Self-Assessment, Test, and Help for Entrance Examination (SATHEE) portal, launched by the Ministry of Education with IIT Kanpur in November 2023, provides aspirants with recorded and live lectures, daily practice problems, mock tests, mentorship sessions, and AI-driven personalised study plans. Accessible through seven dedicated DTH channels and mobile applications for iOS and Android, SATHEE equips learners with data-backed preparation strategies for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, SSC, CUET, and IBPS.
DIKSHA, India’s flagship school-focused digital ecosystem, serves learners, teachers, and administrators with K–12 content across NCERT, CBSE, NIOS, and state boards. It offers interactive resources such as AR simulations, virtual labs, and sign language videos, alongside personalised assessments and teacher training modules under NISHTHA. Over 2 crore users are registered on DIKSHA as of March 2026.
Inclusive Education for All
PM e-Vidya prioritises education for Children with Special Needs. Tools such as DAISY audiobooks, Indian Sign Language dictionaries, tactile maps, and home-based e-learning modules ensure equitable access. Initiatives like Barkha: A Reading Series for All provide multilingual, accessible storybooklets with tactile visuals and audiovisual content, promoting literacy and inclusion from the foundational stage.
Complementing digital platforms, Mukta Vidya Vani and Shiksha Vani deliver educational web radio and podcasts, offering interactive learning to students in secondary, senior secondary, and vocational streams, including those with limited internet access. Doordarshan and All India Radio also broadcast curriculum-based virtual classes for primary to senior secondary levels, board exam preparation, and competitive exam guidance.
A Vision for the Future
From its inception as a pandemic response, PM e-Vidya has grown into a robust, scalable, and inclusive digital education infrastructure. By integrating online platforms, broadcast media, and tailored tools for diverse learners, it exemplifies NEP 2020’s vision for equitable, multidisciplinary, and future-ready learning. As India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047, PM e-Vidya stands as a global benchmark, demonstrating how technology, accessibility, and sustained investment can transform education nationwide.