Quick Summary
Want to boost your skills or start a new career-without paying a single rupee? You’re in luck! India has some of the best platforms offering free online courses with certificates across popular fields like coding, business, data science, digital marketing, and more.
In fact, you can find these free online courses on trusted, government-backed platforms like SWAYAM, NPTEL, and the Skill India Digital portal. Global leaders such as Coursera, upGrad, Udemy, and Great Learning also provide free programs in partnership with top universities and institutions. Even specialized fields like AI, ML, and Python are covered through initiatives by ISRO and Google’s “Grow with Google” program. This credibility ensures that your learning is both recognized and career-enhancing.
Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or working professional, these free courses in India can help you learn from top institutions and upgrade your resume at zero cost. In this guide, we’ll reveal the top websites offering high-quality, certified courses to help you grow both personally and professionally. Ready to start learning for free? Let’s dive in!
| Platform | Course | Field/Subject | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swayam | AI: Knowledge Representation & Reasoning | Artificial Intelligence | 8 weeks |
| NPTEL | Introduction to Machine Learning | Computer Science | 12 weeks |
| IIT Bombay (via SWAYAM) | Basic Electrical Circuits, | Electrical Engineering | 12 weeks |
| IIM Bangalore (via SWAYAM) | Strategic Management | Management | 6-8 weeks |
| IIRS (ISRO) | Remote Sensing and GIS Technology | Earth Sciences/Space | 4 weeks |
| AICTE-ELIS | Python Programming | Self-paced | |
| NASSCOM Future Skills Prime | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | Cybersecurity | 2-4 weeks |
| Courseera (Free Via Audit Mode) | The Science of Well-being | Psychology/Self-help | 6 weeks |
| edX (Free via Audit Mode) | CS50: Introduction to Computer Science | Computer Science | 10-12 weeks |
| IIM Kozhikode (Via SWAYAM) | Digital Marketing | Marketing | 6 weeks |
Many excellent platforms offer free online courses in India. These platforms partner with top universities and organizations worldwide, bringing high-quality education to your fingertips. Let’s explore some of the best places to find free online courses in India.
Coursera works with top universities and companies globally to provide free online computer courses with certificates in india (some offer paid certificates). They cover a huge range of subjects, like business, computer science, arts, and more. This makes it easy to find the online courses that match your interests.
Coursera is a great resource for anyone seeking a free Online course certificate in India.
edX, like Coursera, partners with top universities worldwide to offer free online courses in India. They are known for their university-level courses, including subjects like engineering, history, and languages. For those looking for serious academic learning, edX is a great place to find free courses in India.
If you’re looking for free online courses from well-known universities, check out edX.
NPTEL is an Indian government initiative that offers free online courses in India by the government, primarily in engineering, science, and humanities. It’s a fantastic resource for Indian students and professionals. NPTEL is a great source of free online courses focusing on technical subjects.
NPTEL provides excellent courses in India by government, especially for those interested in technical fields.
Udemy primarily operates on a paid course model, but it frequently offers free online courses in India as promotional offers or introductory courses. Keep an eye out for these free options, which can cover a wide range of practical skills. While not exclusively free, Udemy does provide opportunities for accessing free courses.
While most of Udemy’s content is paid, it’s worth checking for free online courses on their platform.
Udacity is known for its “Nanodegree” programs, which are usually paid. However, they also offer some free online courses in India, particularly in technology-related fields like programming and data science. These online courses in India can be a good starting point for learning these in-demand skills.
Check Udacity for a free online course focused on technology.
Skillshare operates on a subscription model, but it often offers free trials. During the trial period, you can access many of their courses for free, including those relevant to creative fields like design, photography, and writing. This can be a good way to explore free online courses in India related to creative skills.
Skillshare offers a chance to experience a free online course in India during their trial period.
LinkedIn Learning is also a subscription-based platform, but it sometimes offers free previews of courses and free learning paths. These can give you a taste of their content, which focuses on business, technology, and creative skills. While not fully free, they do offer limited access to free online courses in India.
LinkedIn Learning provides limited free access to some of its content for those seeking free online courses.
Khan Academy is a completely free, non-profit educational platform offering free online courses in India, primarily focused on academic subjects like math, science, and economics. It’s a great resource for students of all ages and a great place to find free online courses for academic support.
Khan Academy is an excellent resource for completely free for academic subjects.
FutureLearn offers free online courses in India from leading UK and international universities and organizations. They focus on social learning, making it a great place to connect with other learners. FutureLearn provides access to unique free online courses.
FutureLearn is a great resource for free online courses with a strong focus on community.
Alison provides free online courses in India with a strong focus on workplace skills and practical training. They offer many certificates and diploma programs. Alison is a good option for free online courses in India focused on career development.
If you are looking for free certificate courses online to boost your career, Alison is a good choice.
Simplilearn offers some free online courses in India, although their primary focus is on paid certification courses. They specialize in professional certifications in areas like project management, data science, and cybersecurity. While they have fewer free offerings, it’s worth checking for free introductory courses in India.
While not exclusively free, Simplilearn provides some opportunities for free online courses in India, particularly introductory courses in high-demand fields.
Several Indian universities and government initiatives offer free online courses with certificates in India by government, making quality education accessible to everyone. These are some of the best platforms to find free courses from local institutions.
Swayam is another Indian government initiative that hosts free best online courses in India from various Indian universities and institutions. It covers a wide range of subjects, making it easy to find relevant online courses in India.
Swayam is a valuable resource for finding government free online courses with certificates in India, specifically from Indian institutions.
IITBombayX offers free online courses in India from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. These courses cover various engineering, science, and humanities subjects, providing high-quality learning experiences. These are excellent online courses for those seeking a rigorous academic experience.
IITBombayX is a great platform for accessing free online courses from one of India’s top engineering institutions.
Similar to IITBombayX, IITMx offers free online courses in India from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. These courses often focus on technical subjects but also include management and humanities. These free online courses are a valuable resource for students and professionals.
IITMx provides excellent opportunities for free online learning in India from another leading Indian Institute of Technology.
CEC, under the University Grants Commission (UGC), offers free online courses in India through its various programs. These courses cover a wide range of subjects relevant to higher education in India. CEC provides valuable courses for students and educators.
CEC is a valuable resource for finding free online courses that align with the Indian higher education system.
IGNOU, a well-known open university in India, offers various free online resources and courses. While some of their programs require fees, they also provide free study materials and some introductory courses online, making them a valuable resource for those seeking free online courses in India.
IGNOU provides valuable resources and some government free online courses with certificates in India by government, making education accessible to a wider audience.
| Platform | Certification Type | Popular Subjects | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWAYAM | Free with govt certificate | Engineering, arts, science | College students, learners seeking official recognition |
| Coursera | Free (paid certificate optional) | Data science, business, technology | Professionals, freshers, upskillers |
| Udemy | Free courses (certificate varies) | Tech skills, personal development | Hobbyists, beginners exploring new topics |
| Alison | Free certificate | Business, health, language | Career switchers, job seekers |
Here are the top free online courses in India with certificates in India for students who have completed their 12th.
| Course | Platform | Duration | Commitment | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Marketing | Swayam | 16 weeks | 8 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT | NIELIT | 3 weeks | 4 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Inbound Sales | HubSpot Academy | 3.12 hours | Flexible | Paid Certification |
| Enhancing Soft Skills and Personality | NPTEL | 4 weeks | 2 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Fundamentals of Market Structure | EdX Learning | 1 week | 1 hr/week | Paid Certification |
| Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life | EdX Learning | 16 weeks | 8 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
Here are the top free online courses for adults who have completed their graduation.
| Course | Platform | Duration | Commitment | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managerial Economics | NPTEL | 12 weeks | 6 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Financial Analysis | Lynda | 17 hours | Flexible | Paid Certification |
| Principles and Practices of Management | Skill India | 84 hours | Flexible | Paid Certification |
| Economics of IPR | NPTEL | 4 weeks | 2 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Software Developer | Lynda | 30 hours | Flexible | Paid Certification |
| Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering | Swayam | 12 weeks | 6 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Brief Course on Superconductivity | Swayam | 4 weeks | 2 hrs/week | Paid Certification |
| Conversational AI | Startup India | 29 minutes | Flexible | Paid Certification |
| Digital Marketing | Google Digital Garage | 40 hours | Flexible | Certification Provided |
Free online courses in India can greatly enhance your career. Earning a certificate from a reputable organization boosts your resume and is recognized by employers, showcasing your skills and knowledge. The credibility of the course provider adds value, making these qualifications a strong asset in improving your job prospects.
New UGC guidelines mandate that educational and professional institutions accept online courses from recognized institutions, giving them the same validity as traditional education. This ensures that online qualifications are accepted by schools and employers, making it easier for students to use them for further studies or job opportunities.
Online courses not only build skills but also enhance your qualifications, making you more appealing to employers. With certificates from reputable institutions, these courses can boost your resume and career prospects, offering a flexible way to advance professionally and achieve your goals.
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Chegg offers a variety of free courses and resources to help you enhance your skills and knowledge. Here are some options that you might find interesting:
Here are eight free certificate courses offered by Chegg:
Free online courses in India, including government-sponsored options, help improve job prospects by providing valuable skills and certifications to enhance your resume. These courses, available at no cost, offer a high return on investment, making it easier to advance your career without financial barriers. Completing such courses boosts your qualifications, increases job opportunities, and even opens doors to freelancing for additional income. Accessible to students and professionals alike, these online courses allow you to gain new skills and certifications conveniently from home, helping you achieve your career goals.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of free online courses:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Learn from anywhere | Requires constant self-motivation |
| Study on your schedule | Can create a sense of isolation |
| Access recorded classes if live sessions are missed | Demands good time-management skills |
| Highly flexible | No guaranteed internships |
| Individual attention through email communication | Prone to technical issues |
| Gain real-world skills and lifelong learning | Limited teacher feedback |
| Economical | Involves long screen-time exposure |
| Opportunity to meet international learners | Quality assurance concerns |
Free online courses in India open up incredible opportunities for learners of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a student preparing for competitive exams, a professional upgrading your career skills, or a lifelong learner exploring new interests, these platforms provide high-quality education at no cost. With government-backed initiatives like SWAYAM, NPTEL, and Skill India, along with global platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Google, you can be confident about the credibility and recognition of these certificates.
To make the most of these courses, stay consistent, set clear learning goals, and regularly track your progress. Many learners in India have successfully transitioned to better jobs, gained promotions, or built new careers by leveraging free courses-proving their real-world value.
With fresh courses being added frequently, now is the best time to start. Explore, enroll, and invest in your growth-the skills you build today will shape your future opportunities.
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Some of the best courses you can take to get a quick job are:
1. Digital Marketing
2. Content Writing
3. Business Analytics Certification Program
4. Data Science
5. Web Designing
6. Software Development
7. Web Designer
8. Nutritionist
With digitization, you can now easily complete your education and acquire new skills online, that too with zero investment. There are many job-oriented courses after completing them, and you can also find exciting jobs in your chosen field. Apart from this, you can also improve your soft skills like communication, confidence building, personality development, English vocabulary, etc, by taking such courses.
Yes, you can include your completed online courses in your resume. Many free certification courses online today provide you with the means to hone your skills, thereby boosting your career. But remember to put only those courses that you have completed and have a proper certificate for them.
Free online courses and certificates from IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, NPTEL, and other top universities in India. Learn Philosophy, Mathematics, Marketing, and other popular topics.
Some of the best free online courses include Python for Data Science by IBM on Coursera, comprehensive K-12 subjects on Khan Academy, CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard on edX, Learning How to Learn on Class Central, and various free courses on Udemy. These platforms offer valuable learning opportunities at no cost.
edX offers the most trending engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and business courses for students, professionals, and educators to study online for free. This means that the edX free course registrations are open to anyone.
Eligibility Criteria for TCS 15-Days Free Digital Certification Course. TCS Offering 15-Day Free Courses with Certificate Online for UG, PG, Graduate & Fresher students.
Several platforms offer free online teacher training courses with certificates in India, especially supported by government initiatives and top universities.
1. SWAYAM (Government of India)
2. NISHTHA (by NCERT)
3. IGNOU & DIKSHA platform
Yes, most courses are free to access, but some platforms may charge a small fee for certificates or proctored exams. Government platforms like SWAYAM and NPTEL often provide certificates at minimal cost.
Authored by, Sakshi Arora
Digital Content Writer
Sakshi is a Content Creator and Strategist who specializes in crafting well-researched content across diverse topics including economics, finance, health, and more. She brings a fresh perspective to every piece she writes, always aiming to offer real value to her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her curled up with a book—she’s a proud bookworm—or sipping on endless cups of chai, her favorite obsession.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
