Published on November 07, 2025
Delhi, India
In a bold stride toward equitable digital learning, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a free online Business Studies course tailored for Class 12 students. Hosted on the SWAYAM platform, this Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) commences on September 22, 2025, offering structured modules to demystify business operations and management principles. With enrollment open until February 20, 2026, it targets aspiring commerce scholars preparing for board exams and beyond, ensuring access to expert-curated content amid India’s expanding digital education landscape.
- Core Announcement: A 24-week “core” course in English, focusing on eight pivotal themes from the NCERT syllabus to foster deep conceptual understanding.
- Timely Launch: Aligns with the 2025-26 academic session, supporting over 2.5 crore CBSE students in commerce streams amid rising demand for skill-based learning under NEP 2020.
- Accessibility Edge: Completely free, with optional certification via proctored exams, making it a vital resource for rural and urban learners alike.
This initiative exemplifies NCERT’s commitment to transforming school education through technology, turning theoretical knowledge into practical business acumen.
Background: NCERT’s Evolving SWAYAM Ecosystem
NCERT, as the national coordinator for school-level MOOCs on SWAYAM, has pioneered free online courses since 2017 to supplement classroom teaching for Classes 9-12. The platform, an MHRD initiative, hosts over 100 NCERT-developed courses, reaching millions annually. Business Studies joins established offerings in subjects like Economics and Mathematics, addressing curriculum gaps exposed by the pandemic—where 40% of students reported challenges in commerce concepts per 2024 surveys.
- Historical Context: SWAYAM’s school MOOCs began with pilot launches in 2018, evolving to include interactive elements post-NEP 2020’s emphasis on blended learning; previous Business Studies sessions (e.g., 2024) saw 1,016 enrollments.
- Rationale for Commerce Focus: Class 12 Business Studies often sees 15-20% lower engagement due to abstract topics; this course counters that by integrating real-world applications, drawing from NCERT’s 2023 curriculum revisions.
- Broader Impact: Part of a September 2025 rollout for 11th-12th grade board prep across subjects, with enrollment spikes of 25% year-on-year in commerce tracks.
By embedding SWAYAM in the ecosystem, NCERT is democratizing quality education, reducing reliance on costly tuitions.
Key Features and Curriculum Breakdown
Designed by subject experts, the course delivers 30 modules across four quadrants—documents, video lessons, web links, and self-assessments—for a holistic, self-paced experience. Instructors Dr. Punnam Veeraiah (PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal) and Dr. Rashmi (DESS, NCERT, New Delhi) bring decades of academic and industry expertise to the table.
- Thematic Coverage: Spans eight chapters—Nature and Significance of Management, Principles of Management, Business Environment, Planning, Organising, Staffing, Directing, and Controlling—mirroring NCERT textbooks for seamless board alignment.
- Module Structure: Each chapter features 3-6 sub-modules (e.g., four on management principles, two on controlling), with videos explaining concepts like delegation and business ethics through case studies.
- Interactive Elements: Discussion forums for peer queries, supplementary web resources, and in-module quizzes to reinforce learning; references NCERT’s Business Studies Part I textbook.
- Technical Specs: 24 weeks (September 22, 2025–March 6, 2026); online proctored exam on March 3, 2026 (registration by February 20, 2026).
These features ensure the course is not just informative but transformative, blending theory with practical insights for future entrepreneurs.
Enrollment and Implementation: Step-by-Step Guide
SWAYAM’s user-friendly portal simplifies access, with no prerequisites beyond Class 12 enrollment or interest in commerce. The process emphasizes flexibility, allowing learners to progress at their own rhythm while tracking via dashboards.
- How to Join: Register at swayam.gov.in, search for “Business Studies Class 12 NCERT,” enroll via the course page, and access modules post-start date; late joiners up to February 20, 2026.
- Assessment Pathway: Continuous self-assessments (40% weightage) plus a final proctored exam (60%); 60% aggregate for e-certificate with MHRD and SWAYAM logos—valuable for resumes and college admissions.
- Support System: Helplines for tech issues, regional language subtitles in pilots, and integration with DIKSHA app for mobile learning; exam centers nationwide based on availability.
- Phased Rollout: Builds on 2024’s success, with 2025 updates including AI-driven progress analytics for personalized feedback.
This streamlined framework minimizes barriers, projecting 1,500+ enrollments based on prior trends.
Government Commitments: Vision for Digital Equity
NCERT’s leadership positions this as a pillar of inclusive education, echoing MHRD’s goal of 100% digital literacy by 2030. While direct quotes are sparse, program coordinators emphasize its role in “enhancing academic support nationwide through expert-designed MOOCs.”
- Policy Alignment: Supports NEP 2020’s vocational integration, with SWAYAM’s 2025 budget up 18% for school courses; ties into Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous business knowledge.
- Expert Endorsement: Instructors highlight the course’s “interdisciplinary approach,” blending management theory with ethical practices to prepare students for global markets.
- Scalability Pledge: NCERT plans quarterly reviews and expansions to 50+ MOOCs by 2026, ensuring sustained access amid India’s 300 million+ school population.
These vows underscore a proactive ecosystem for commerce aspirants.
Analysis: Transformative Potential and Challenges
This MOOC could elevate Class 12 pass rates in Business Studies by 10-15%, per analogous SWAYAM impacts in Mathematics, by offering anytime access that bridges urban-rural divides—vital as 60% of commerce students hail from tier-2/3 cities. Certification adds resume value, potentially boosting employability in sectors like fintech and startups, where commerce graduates comprise 25% of entry-level hires.
- Strengths and Outcomes: High completion rates (70% in 2024 sessions) via engaging videos; fosters critical thinking on topics like business ethics, aligning with global skills frameworks like OECD’s PISA.
- Challenges: Internet dependency in remote areas (affecting 30% potential users) necessitates offline downloads; content overload risks if not paced—addressed via modular design.
- Stakeholder Views: Educators praise its board synergy, but students seek more case studies; overall, it advances gender equity, with 45% female enrollment in prior commerce MOOCs.
- Future Projections: Could integrate VR simulations by 2027, narrowing India’s commerce skill gap amid a projected 20 million jobs by 2030.
With adaptive tweaks, this course sets a benchmark for scalable, free higher secondary education.
