The Indian government has developed free e-learning programs to make education more available to students from disadvantaged communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the India-based news outlet Times Now News. The government has created these initiatives through the nation’s Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission (UGC).

The digital platforms consist of a broad range of courses that include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), with content that comes in various formats, including video, audio, PDFs, tests, and more. Specifically, the digital platforms include:

  1. e-PG Pathshala: Offers interactive e-content in 70 subjects in a range of fields, including natural & mathematical sciences, social sciences, arts, fine arts, and humanities.
  2. NPTEL: Provides open online courses in engineering and core science subjects. 
  3. Swayam: Offers a learning platform for all students, including the most disadvantaged, and provides almost every course taught in Class 9 through post-graduation.
  4. Diksha: Provides various courses of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) throughout India. 
  5. e-ShodhSindhu: Offers current and archival access to over 10,000 peer-reviewed journals and a range of bibliographic, citation and factual databases from institutional members.
  6. Swayam Prabha: Provides access to 34 direct-to-home (DTH) TV channels that feature quality educational programmes all day and night.

Read more about these programs here. Also, check out IEEE TryEngineering’s teacher resources.