The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the SWAYAM course on “Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment”, aimed at creating awareness among undergraduate students about sustainable living, environmental protection and responsible consumption.
The 10-week online course carries 2 academic credits and focuses on practical environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, sustainable consumption, energy and water conservation, waste management and circular economy.
According to the course information provided by UGC, the registration deadline has been extended to September 15, 2026. The course started on August 21, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on October 30, 2026.
The UGC has also been working on integrating Mission LiFE into undergraduate education. Its Commission meeting records show that the Mission LiFE course was approved as a 2-credit course and SWAYAM MOOC, with preparatory work undertaken in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.
Mission LiFE SWAYAM Course 2026 – Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Course Name | Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment |
| Platform | SWAYAM |
| Course Type | Online MOOC |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 10 Weeks |
| Course Start Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Course End Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Credits | 2 Credits |
| Certificate | SWAYAM Certificate |
| Examination | NTA-proctored examination |
What is the Mission LiFE Course?
Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, promotes environmentally responsible behaviour and encourages individuals to make sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
The SWAYAM course is designed to help undergraduate students understand how individual and community-level actions can contribute towards addressing major environmental challenges.
The course covers issues connected with climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, resource depletion and sustainable development.
UGC’s recent work also reflects the increasing emphasis on environmental education in higher education. The Commission published a notice in August 2026 inviting comments and suggestions on a Draft Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Mission LiFE at the Undergraduate level.
Topics Covered in the Mission LiFE Course
The course covers a range of important environmental and sustainability topics.
1. Climate Change & Environmental Pollution
Students will learn about climate change, environmental pollution and their impact on ecosystems and society.
The topic helps learners understand why reducing pollution and adopting sustainable practices are important for protecting the environment.
2. Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
This part of the course focuses on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services, helping students understand the importance of protecting natural resources and ecological systems.
3. Sustainable Consumption & Behaviour Change
The course also looks at how individual consumption patterns affect the environment.
Students can learn about sustainable consumption and behavioural changes that can reduce unnecessary use of natural resources.
4. Energy, Water & Waste Audits
Efficient use of natural resources is another important component.
The course includes energy, water and waste audits, encouraging learners to identify opportunities for conservation and more efficient resource management.
5. Circular Economy & E-Waste Management
The course introduces concepts related to the circular economy and responsible management of electronic waste.
Students can understand how reuse, recycling and better resource management can reduce waste generation.
6. Sustainable Food Systems
Food production and consumption have significant environmental implications.
The course therefore includes sustainable food systems, helping learners understand the relationship between food, resources and environmental sustainability.
7. Community Engagement for Environmental Action
Environmental protection requires participation beyond the individual level.
This module focuses on community engagement and environmental action, encouraging students to participate in activities that promote sustainable living.
8. Solid Waste Management
The course also covers solid waste management, an important issue for cities, institutions and communities.
Students can gain an understanding of responsible waste handling and practices that can contribute to cleaner and more sustainable communities.
Course Duration and Important Dates
The Mission LiFE SWAYAM course is a 10-week undergraduate course.
According to the course information provided:
- Course started: 21 August 2026
- Course ends: 30 October 2026
- Registration extended up to: 15 September 2026
- Course duration: 10 weeks
- Academic credit: 2 credits
Students who are interested in enrolling should complete the registration process before the extended deadline.
Who Can Enrol?
The course is identified as an Undergraduate-level course. It can therefore be particularly useful for students pursuing undergraduate programmes who want to develop knowledge of:
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate change
- Sustainable development
- Waste management
- Biodiversity
- Resource conservation
- Sustainable consumption
- Circular economy
- Environmental responsibility
Students should check the course page and applicable SWAYAM/UGC instructions for the latest eligibility and examination requirements before registering.
SWAYAM Certificate and Examination
Successful completion of the course can provide a SWAYAM certificate, subject to meeting the applicable course requirements and successfully passing the NTA-proctored examination.
Students who require the course for academic credit should also check with their respective college or university regarding the procedure for credit transfer or academic recognition, as applicable.
UGC regulations recognize SWAYAM as a Government of India online learning platform and provide for SWAYAM-based online credit courses within the higher-education framework.
Why Students Should Consider the Mission LiFE Course
Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important across education, business, government and industry.
This course can help students:
- Develop awareness about environmental challenges
- Understand sustainable lifestyle practices
- Learn about climate change and pollution
- Improve knowledge of waste and e-waste management
- Understand biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Learn about circular economy principles
- Develop responsible consumption habits
- Participate in community-based environmental initiatives
- Earn 2 academic credits, subject to applicable institutional rules
- Obtain a SWAYAM certificate after fulfilling course and examination requirements
How to Enrol in the SWAYAM Mission LiFE Course
Interested students should visit the official SWAYAM platform and search for the course titled “Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment.”
The registration deadline mentioned in the course announcement is September 15, 2026.
Step-by-step process
- Visit the official SWAYAM portal.
- Log in or create a SWAYAM account.
- Search for Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment.
- Open the course details.
- Check the eligibility and course schedule.
- Complete the enrolment/registration process.
- Follow the weekly course material and assignments.
- Check the examination requirements.
- Appear for the applicable NTA-proctored examination.
- Complete all requirements for the SWAYAM certificate.
Important: Students should rely on the official SWAYAM course page for the latest registration, examination and certification instructions.
UGC’s Focus on Mission LiFE in Higher Education
The Mission LiFE course forms part of a wider effort to bring environmental sustainability into higher education.
UGC has previously emphasized the role of higher education institutions in developing a culture of sustainability and promoting environmentally responsible lifestyles on campuses.
The Commission’s 2026 activities also include work relating to the Mission LiFE undergraduate curriculum, showing the growing importance of environmental education in India’s higher-education system.
Final Words
The UGC SWAYAM Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment Course 2026 provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to study environmental sustainability through a structured 10-week online course carrying 2 credits.
With registration extended until September 15, 2026, eligible and interested students should complete their enrolment within the prescribed deadline.
The course can be particularly valuable for students interested in environmental studies, sustainability, climate change, waste management, biodiversity and sustainable development.
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