NPTEL survey proposing ‘charge’ for access to free learning modules creates discontent

After a survey instituted by the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), a Ministry of Education body, for a potential “charge” to be levied for its e-learning material that is currently running free, the agency clarified that the purpose of the exercise was “to collect feedback from learners”. NPTEL also said that it did not indicate “any imminent stoppage of funding” from the Ministry to the organisation.

NPTEL stated this after learners who had received the survey email raised questions on whether the Union government was halting funding in the coming year and if NPTEL was moving towards a self-sustaining model with a potential of hike in fees for conducting its certification exams as well as charging for accessing its free content.