Without a doubt, it was actually after the whole COVID-19 thing that we saw the significant rise in online education and all that, right? That’s when a lot of edu-tech companies thrived in India, which was the need of the hour so to say. And look at the online education or edu-tech scene as a whole in the country, it is one of the biggest industries right now. Today, we are here to look at the top 10 edu-tech companies in India as of 2024 that are practically ruling this particular segment in the country. So, let’s just get to the list right away, shall we?
1. Unacademy
Started just as a regular education YouTube channel back in 2015, Unacademy is now an Edu-Tech company valued at Rs 26,000 crore, and that’s literally unbelievable if you think about it for a sec. Three people were behind all this: Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh, and with their great efforts, for sure, Unacademy has now grown quickly to become India’s biggest online learning platform, like literally! Taking advantage of the rise in online education, Unacademy made a lot of noise during the pandemic. And yes, with a $440 million Series H funding round in 2021, they improved their technology and added more products, which raised their value to $3.44 billion, and from there, they are not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon.
2. Vedantu
Fun fact: Vedantu was the first company in India to offer live online education, did you know that already? Back in 2014, Vedantu was created by Vamsi Krishna, Pulkit Jain, Saurabh Saxena, and Anand Prakash. Though, at first it was just for the education of kids in grades 6 through 12, but it sure is more than that ten years later, in 2024. And just like any other education platform out there, it was actually during the pandemic when a huge number of people signed up for their interactive lessons and personalized learning experiences. Now, Vedantu is growing into extracurricular activities and foreign markets with the goal of making $200 million a year by 2024.
3. upGrad
upGrad is more than just online classes, you know, it’s more about leveling up students’ careers and making them aim for high-paying jobs. upGrad was started in 2015 by Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and Ravijot Chugh, that’s just for the introduction part of this Edu-Tech company. And yes, upGrad’s main focus is on higher education and career development. They’re making a real difference in the job market, with 55,000 jobs filled and an impressive ₹1,200 crore annual income run rate in 2024.
4. Simplilearn
Did you know that Simplilearn began as just a simple education-related blog in 2010? Back then though, it was started by Krishna Kumar and is now the best online school for learning computer skills. In FY23, Simplilearn’s sales grew by 50%, reaching ₹684 crore, that’s just crazy if you think about it. Right now though, the company specializes in professional certifications in areas like cybersecurity and data science. Simplilearn is growing its business around the world and releasing new products thanks to Blackstone funding and smart acquisitions like Fullstack Academy, you know?
5. PhysicsWallah
Just like the story of Unacademy, PhysicsWallah was also just a YouTube channel back in 2015, but look at them now, they are one of the fastest growing and top-of-the-line Edu-Tech companies in India. Alakh Pandey started PW in 2016 with cheap educational lessons for people who wanted to get into JEE and NEET. When we got to FY23, their sales went up by 234% to ₹779.3 crore. Right now though, offer both online and offline learning through our 72 Vidyapeeth centers and 28 Pathshala centers.
6. BYJU’S
Now, BYJU’S may be facing a lot of trouble right now, but they sure were one of the biggest Edu-Tech companies in India, and they still deserve to be on this list. This edtech giant was started by Byju Raveendran in 2011 and began with test prep courses. Even though their sales went up by a huge 118% in FY22, they’ve had to deal with tight budgets and operating problems. Though, when they bought Aakash Educational Services, it changed everything and made their real presence stronger.
7. Toppr
If you have any studies-related question in your mind, just search it up on Google and you’ll probably find Toppr with the most accurate answer there. You see, Toppr was started by Zishaan Hayath and Hemanth Goteti in 2013. At first, it was just for studying for tests, but now it’s a full-fledged educational tool. Their AI-based School Operating System combines learning that happens in school and learning that happens after school, making the whole process smooth.
8. Adda247
Right now, people or students who are aiming for government jobs, well, their first choice is Adda247 for the preparation of exams for those jobs. It was started by Anil Nagar and Saurabh Bansal in 2016 and has prep courses for more than 500 tests, such as those for banking, SSC, and UPSC, you know? Talking about the financial side of things, well, Adda247’s sales went up by 88% in FY24, to ₹243.39 crore. They sure are putting a lot of effort into using everyday languages, which has helped them reach 40 million daily users.
9. iQuanta
Indrajeet Singh started iQuanta in 2015, and through social media, it has grown into a strong group of people who want to get an MBA. iQuanta promises to clear up any doubts within 15 minutes and is known for doing so in real time, that’s what has made them super popular in India. With AI-based analysis and a lot of resources for the CAT, GMAT, and other tests, they are the best pick.
10. Next Education
Last on the list is Next Education, this Hyderabad-based company was started by Beas Dev Ralhan and R. Madhumohan Rao in 2007. Right now though, it works with more than 12,000 schools and 10 million kids. They have digital material, interactive classroom solutions, and personalized learning powered by AI to meet a wide range of educational needs.
Conclusion
All in all, when it comes to online education in India, these are by far the most preferred edu-tech companies or platforms. And why shouldn’t it be like that? These companies have literally used the technology we have in the best way possible to make education accessible to all.
