ARPIT 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching

Everything you need to know about NRCs, SWAYAM enrollment, and the NTA Certification Exam.

Updated: 2 days ago

Categories: Higher Education, Teaching Exams, Professional Development
Tags: ARPIT 2026, SWAYAM ARPIT, National Resource Centres, NTA ARPIT Exam, Faculty Development
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What is ARPIT?
Launched by the Ministry of Education, the Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) is a major initiative for the online professional development of 1.5 million higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM.
It serves as a modern alternative to traditional refresher courses, allowing faculty to stay updated with the latest developments in their disciplines without leaving their workstations.
ARPIT 2026 Important Timeline
The ARPIT cycle generally follows the academic calendar. Below are the tentative dates for the 2026 certification cycle as managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Event
Tentative Date (2026)
Course Enrollment on SWAYAM
January - March 2026
Registration for NTA Exam
August 2026
ARPIT Examination Date
September 2026
Result & Certification
October 2026
Who Creates the Courses?
ARPIT courses are developed by National Resource Centres (NRCs)—identified institutions such as IITs, IISERs, NITs, and Central Universities. Each NRC is responsible for a specific discipline.
• Content Creation: NRCs prepare high-quality e-content, including video lectures and reading material.
• Disciplines Covered: Over 40 disciplines ranging from Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, and Law to Pedagogical improvements.
The Certification Exam Structure
While the course is free on SWAYAM, faculty must pass the NTA-conducted proctored exam to receive a certificate valid for Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions.
Feature
Details
Mode of Exam
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total Marks
100 Marks
Question Type
MCQs (100 Questions)
Duration
3 Hours
Why Enroll in ARPIT?
1. CAS Promotions: UGC has notified that ARPIT certification is equivalent to a regular Refresher Course for Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).
2. Flexibility: Being an online course, faculty can complete the 40-hour module at their own pace.
3. Cost-Effective: No TA/DA or registration fees for the training; only a nominal fee for the final certification exam.
4. Networking: Gain insights from top-tier NRCs and peer interaction through SWAYAM discussion forums.
Step-by-Step Registration
Follow these steps to ensure your certification is successful:
1. Register on the SWAYAM portal using your professional email.
2. Search for "ARPIT" in the course catalog and join the discipline relevant to your teaching area.
3. Complete the weekly assignments (these usually carry a weightage in the final score).
4. Apply for the proctored exam on the NTA ARPIT website when the notification is released.