NICSI donates 75 refurbished computers to boost digital learning in Baghpat schools

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November 17, 2025

The Ministry of Education on Saturday announced the distribution of 75 high-grade refurbished computers provided by the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) to 15 government schools in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.

Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary highlighted that the initiative was facilitated through the Vidyanjali portal, which has emerged as a major enabler of community engagement in education. To date, over 8.33 lakh schools, 5.55 lakh individual volunteers, and more than 2,300 CSR and NGO organisations have joined the platform, benefiting nearly 1.8 crore students across the country.

Vidyanjali, an initiative of the Department of School Education, embodies the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ethos of Jan Bhagidari (public participation). Under its CSR framework, districts propose and submit projects across key focus areas such as digital infrastructure, sports, health, and environmental development.

As part of this mechanism, NICSI registered on the portal and adopted the “Digital Infrastructure Development in Schools” project for the Baghpat district. The deployment of refurbished computers will cover schools across blocks including Pilana, Khekra, Chhaprauli, Binoli, Baraut, and Baghpat.

Also Read: The Importance of Inclusivity and Project-Based Learning

This contribution is expected to expand access to technology, support e-learning, and empower both teachers and students to seamlessly integrate digital tools into the teaching-learning process reinforcing the objectives of Digital India and NEP 2020 at the grassroots level.

The Importance of Inclusivity and Project-Based Learning

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 12, 2025

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the importance of inclusivity and practical, project-based learning cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to supporting foreign trainees living and working in new cultural environments. For over two decades, I have worked in the field of managing foreign technical intern trainees in Japan, focusing on areas such as disaster preparedness education, traffic safety, and daily life guidance. Throughout these years, I have witnessed how inclusivity, when combined with hands-on learning methods, can empower individuals, promote mutual understanding, and build safer and more cohesive communities.

Foreign technical intern trainees often face challenges not only in the workplace, but also in their daily lives. Language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar rules can lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and even dangerous situations particularly during emergencies like earthquakes or typhoons, which are common in Japan. That is why our educational efforts go far beyond simple rule-teaching. We aim to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels respected, understood, and equipped to thrive both at work and in society.

Inclusivity begins with communication. It is essential to provide multilingual resources and culturally sensitive teaching methods that reflect the backgrounds of the trainees. But beyond materials, what truly matters is the attitude of mutual respect and empathy. When trainers and community members approach foreign trainees with openness and patience, it builds trust, a foundation for any successful educational initiative.

One of the most effective methods we have found for promoting both inclusivity and skill acquisition is project-based learning. Instead of relying solely on lectures or written materials, we engage trainees in real-life scenarios and collaborative activities. For example, during disaster preparedness training, trainees do not just memorize evacuation routes. They participate in simulation drills, learn to use fire extinguishers, and role-play emergency communication. These experiences not only deepen their understanding but also build confidence and cooperation among team members.

Similarly, in traffic safety education, we take trainees to actual intersections, crosswalks, and train stations to demonstrate proper behavior. By interacting with the real environment, they are more likely to retain the information and apply it correctly. More importantly, when they learn together in groups, they help one another regardless of nationality or language which strengthens community ties and reduces the sense of isolation.

Project-based learning also nurtures problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills. These are qualities that benefit not only the trainees themselves but also the companies and communities that welcome them. For instance, in lifestyle education, we have developed group projects where trainees create videos or posters on topics like waste separation or emergency contacts. This not only reinforces their own understanding, but also allows them to teach others in their community, turning learners into leaders.

Also Read: Redefining Learning: How Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence are Transforming Education

Over the years, I have seen many success stories. Trainees who once struggled to adapt became confident, responsible, and active members of society. They not only improved their technical skills but also became role models for newer trainees. I firmly believe that this transformation was made possible because they were welcomed, included, and given the chance to learn through meaningful, practical experiences.

In conclusion, inclusivity and project-based learning are not just educational strategies, they are human-centered approaches that recognize the value and potential of every individual. In a multicultural society, especially one facing labor shortages and demographic shifts, it is essential to build systems that support mutual understanding and practical cooperation. By enhancing inclusive learning environments and providing real-world, hands-on training, we can create stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities for all.

Article By: Wang Chung Li, Deputy General Manager, Liberty Co. Ltd.

upGrad names Deepesh Dhakad as Chief Product & Technology Officer

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Kaanchi Chawla

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November 12, 2025

upGrad has announced the appointment of Deepesh Dhakad as its Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO), effective October 2025. In this pivotal role, he will spearhead the company’s product, design, and technology divisions across both learner and enterprise solutions—strengthening upGrad’s commitment to delivering impactful, data-driven, and globally scalable learning experiences.

Deepesh brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience from some of India’s most prominent digital brands, including Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy, and Games24x7. Over the years, he has built and scaled digital ecosystems that have served millions of users worldwide driving innovation through AI-led product development, experimentation, and data-backed decision-making.

Speaking about his new role, Deepesh Dhakad said, “upGrad is at an inflection point where technology is not just an enabler but the driving force behind our growth story. As learning evolves into a more borderless, intelligent, and outcomes-driven experience, our focus will be on building AI-native systems that personalise learner journeys while empowering our teams to innovate and scale globally. It’s an exciting opportunity to redefine how professionals learn, evolve, and remain employable across the world.”

His expertise spans growth strategy, scalable product architecture, and consumer platform design all aimed at driving engagement, innovation, and profitability at scale.

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Amit Mehta, CHRO, upGrad, commented, “This is an exciting time for upGrad as we deepen our footprint in international markets. Product and technology continue to be at the heart of our ability to deliver quality and measurable learning outcomes. Deepesh’s proven track record in building high-performance tech ecosystems aligns perfectly with our vision of driving innovation and workforce readiness at scale.”

Also Read: Epson empowers engineering students with hands-on robotics training

An alumnus of IIIT Allahabad and IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Deepesh will be based out of upGrad’s Bengaluru office, leading the company’s global product and technology roadmap as it advances into its next phase of digital growth and global expansion.

Epson empowers engineering students with hands-on robotics training

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Kaanchi Chawla

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November 11, 2025

Epson has launched an initiative to equip engineering students in India with practical robotics skills aligned with modern manufacturing needs. The program bridges academic learning with real-world applications through advanced training and internships.

As part of the initiative, Epson is partnering with top engineering institutions to establish Epson Robotics Labs and provide immersive internship opportunities. The first lab has been set up at Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru, featuring Epson’s advanced SCARA and 6-Axis Robots known for their precision, speed, and reliability. A second lab will soon be established at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai.

Epson also launched an internship at its Solution Center in Bengaluru, where 22 students from four leading institutes completed a 19-day training program focused on real-world robotics applications and manufacturing processes.

“At Epson, our goal is to empower the next generation of engineers with the tools and training they need to excel in an evolving technology landscape,” said Siva Kumar, Sr. General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Epson India. “Through our partnerships and internships, we are helping students gain the confidence and skills to succeed in the industry.”

Also Read: National Education Day Celebrating the Vision of Maulana Azad

With over 100 students expected to benefit in FY25, Epson continues to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, fostering innovation and preparing future-ready engineers across India.

National Education Day Celebrating the Vision of Maulana Azad

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Kaanchi Chawla, Elets News Network

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November 11, 2025

When was the last time you realised education isn’t just about grades, it’s about changing lives? Ever wondered what people in 1947 imagined when they built the first schools of a free India?

Those questions take us to why we celebrate National Education Day every November 11. It’s not just another date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of a promise, one made by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, who believed that true freedom could exist only when every citizen could think, question, and learn.

Back then, the dream was simple but massive: build schools, print books, open minds. Education was a revolution of its own, a fight against ignorance and inequality.

Fast forward to 2025, and everything around us has changed. Classrooms are no longer confined to walls. AI tutors explain complex equations, virtual labs recreate experiments, and students in remote villages can learn from teachers across the globe. Education has become faster, smarter, and more connected than Azad could have ever imagined.

But here’s the twist: the same technology that empowers us can also divide us. AI in education is powerful but is it accessible to all? Does it include every child, every background, every dream? Or are we building a system where only the connected can keep up?

That’s what National Education Day is really about today, not just celebrating progress, but questioning it. Azad’s vision wasn’t about producing workers; it was about creating thinkers, citizens, and changemakers. And as AI reshapes learning, we need to remember that education’s true goal isn’t just efficiency — it’s humanity.

This Year’s Theme: AI and Education – Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation

The 2025 theme brings that truth into sharp focus. It reminds us that while AI can make learning smarter, it should never make it smaller. Machines can teach facts, but they can’t teach values. They can process data, but not dreams. Preserving human agency means ensuring that every learner still has the power to think freely, question deeply, and choose their own path without being defined by an algorithm.

Voices That Inspire

Siddharth Rajgarhia, Co-Founder, Equanimity Learning; Chief Learner and Director, Delhi Public School – Varanasi, Nashik, Lava Nagpur & Hinjawadi Pune

“On this National Education Day, we honour the visionaries who laid the foundation of modern India through education. Today, as we prepare our students for a rapidly evolving world, it is imperative that we embrace Artificial Intelligence as a core part of school learning. AI is not just a tool, it is a new language of thinking, creating, and solving. Integrating it thoughtfully into our classrooms will empower Gen-Z and GenAlpha to become ethical innovators and compassionate leaders. The future belongs to those who can blend values with technology. Let our schools be the crucibles where this future is forged – with courage, curiosity, and care.”

Geeta Jayanth, Head of School, Chaman Bhartiya School

“We honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s enduring conviction that education must awaken the mind and liberate the spirit. I am strongly of the opinion that learning moves beyond instruction, it inspires transformation. The future belongs to those who think deeply, act ethically, and lead with empathy. Classrooms must not be confined by walls but defined by possibilities, where curiosity fuels innovation and reflection shapes purpose. Education must cultivate agency, not compliance; collaboration, not competition. At Chaman Bhartiya School, we harness technology and experiential learning to create leaders of tomorrow and innovators who combine intellect with integrity. True education does not prepare students merely for the world; it empowers them to reimagine and improve it.”

Satish NarahariMurthy, Founder and CEO, Roombr Technologies

“The rapid evolution of AI is redefining the future of education. Schools and institutions worldwide are shifting from standardized instruction to personalized learning, where AI adapts lessons, assessments and pacing to the needs of every student. AI-powered automation is significantly reducing teacher workload—from grading and content creation to administrative coordination—allowing educators to focus on mentoring and deeper engagement. Real-time insights now help identify learning gaps early, improving student outcomes and classroom efficiency. AI also enables collaboration, communication, and project-based learning, equipping students with the skills needed for a digital-first world. The next phase of education is clear: human-led, AI-augmented learning environments that are more interactive, inclusive, and impactful.”

Shri Naresh Jadeja, Executive Registrar, Marwadi University

“Schools are entering a new era of technology with the help of AI, data analysis, and immersive learning tools. In honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s vision, we celebrate National Education Day. Also, think about how technology is changing jobs and schools in India. The 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report from UNESCO says that almost 47% of colleges and universities around the world now use AI to help them teach and test. Over 70% of Indian teachers now use a digital platform to teach. NASSCOM says that the EdTech market will be worth more than $10 billion by 2026, growing at a rate of 28% every year. The World Economic Forum says that AI-powered adaptive systems are making learning more personal than ever and helping people remember what they learned by up to 30%. Science and engineering are coming to life thanks to virtual and augmented reality. It is expected that AR/VR education will cost more than $20 billion around the world by 2030. This means that teachers are no longer just teachers; they are also digital advisers. But as we move forward, we need to think about things like data privacy, using AI responsibly, and the digital divide, which affects 25% of children in rural areas. The future of education will be shaped by schools that combine human sensitivity with technological skill to make learning more fair, effective, and open to everyone.”

Also Read: Delhi Government launches ‘School Web App’ to digitally transform education ecosystem

Professor Aindril De, Chief Academic Officer, Univo Education

“For education to truly empower, access and outcomes must progress together. As NEP 2020 targets a 50% GER by 2035, India cannot rely solely on traditional models; flexibility has to be a right, not a privilege. Online degree programs make quality higher education available anywhere, grounded in UGC-recognized curricula, taught by university faculty, delivered mobile-first, AI-enabled, vernacular-supported, and connected to industry through applied projects, portfolios, micro-credentials, and internships. They enable uninterrupted careers, reduce cost burdens, expand participation, and convert learning into employability. India’s next leap will be powered by digital public infrastructure, interoperable credentials, and scalable online learning-and UNIVO is committed to enabling this next frontier with purposeful university-industry collaboration.”

Bhuwaneshwari B, Executive Vice President, Tally Education Pvt Ltd (TEPL)

“On this National Education Day, we focus on turning lessons into live-world opportunities. Our mission is to build confidence, teach practical business skills and guide young learners toward careers where they can grow and make a difference. By partnering with educational institutes, government skilling initiatives, corporate CSR and training centers across rural and urban India, we bring hands-on learning in areas industry values most- managing accounts, understanding finance and operating daily business functions. As AI and digital tools become integral to every workplace, we ensure our learners not only use technology, but use it thoughtfully, purposefully and as a bridge into lasting careers. Education is the key that connects potential with impact. On this day, we pledge to keep that key meaningful for every learner.”

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going…

So, as we celebrate National Education Day this year, let’s pause for a moment, not to look back with nostalgia, but to look forward with purpose. We’ve come a long way from chalkboards to chatbots. But the real win will be when every learner, everywhere, gets a future that’s powered by AI, yet guided by humanity.

Think Investments pumps ₹136 crore into PhysicsWallah ahead of IPO

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Kaanchi Chawla

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November 10, 2025

Think Investments has invested ₹136 crore in PhysicsWallah (PW) through a secondary share transaction, highlighting strong investor confidence in the edtech unicorn ahead of its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO).

The transaction was executed at ₹127 per share, representing a 17% premium over the IPO’s upper price band of ₹109. As per a PTI report, Think Investments acquired 1.07 crore shares, equating to a 0.37% stake in the company. Significantly, none of the founders divested their holdings, reinforcing their commitment to PW’s long-term vision and growth journey.

Earlier this year, between January and July 2025, PW had witnessed a surge in investor interest through multiple ESOP liquidations managed by Funds India, a subsidiary of WestBridge Capital. These shares were traded at prices ranging between ₹127 and ₹137, with several family offices participating in the rounds — collectively infusing around ₹100 crore.

PhysicsWallah is now gearing up for its ₹3,480 crore IPO, opening on November 11. The offering comprises a fresh issue of ₹3,100 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of ₹380 crore by co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Boob. Priced between ₹103 and ₹109 per share, the issue values the company at over ₹31,500 crore at the upper end of the band.

Post-listing, promoter shareholding is expected to decline from 80.62% to around 72%, while early investors will maintain their positions. The anchor book opens on November 10, and the public issue will close on November 13.

Also Read: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lays foundation for Assam’s first skill university

Funds raised through the IPO will be directed towards expansion and strategic growth initiatives, marking yet another significant milestone in PhysicsWallah’s evolution, from a YouTube-based learning platform to one of India’s most valued edtech enterprises.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lays foundation for Assam’s first skill university

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Kaanchi Chawla

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November 10, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Central Government has invested over ₹21,000 crore in strengthening the education ecosystem of Northeast India over the past 11 years. She highlighted that the region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in connectivity and infrastructure, with new states joining the railway network and the construction of several greenfield airports.

During her two-day visit to Assam, Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone of the Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University at Bholaguri in Gohpur, Biswanath district, the state’s first university dedicated to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The institution, named after the young freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua, will be established at a cost of ₹415 crore over 241 acres, featuring a built-up area of 7 lakh sq. ft.

Sharing the achievements of the Centre, she said, “Since 2014, over 850 new schools have been set up in the Northeast. The first AIIMS in the region is now operational, and more than 200 skill development institutes have been launched. The country’s first sports university is also being established in the region.”

In Assam, the state has seen the creation of 15 new medical colleges, and work is underway on South Asia’s largest cancer care centre. The state will also soon host the second Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the Northeast.

The Finance Minister underlined the government’s commitment to collaborating with state administrations to elevate the education and skill ecosystem, while also boosting connectivity. “In the last 11 years, 10 new greenfield airports have come up in the region, and states like Manipur and Meghalaya have been added to India’s railway map for the first time,” she said.

Paying homage to Kanaklata Barua, she reflected on her legacy: “At just 17, when she could have been entering a university, she chose to sacrifice her life for the nation. A university in her memory is a tribute long overdue.” Barua, part of the Mrityu Bahini during the Quit India Movement, was martyred in 1942 while leading a procession to hoist the national flag at Gohpur police station.

The upcoming university will house academic blocks for 2,000 students, hostels for 1,620, along with faculty residences, a guest house, and student facilities. It will offer advanced courses in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Drone and Navigation Technologies, Brain-Computer Interfaces, and Smart City Systems.

Also Read: Delhi Government launches ‘School Web App’ to digitally transform education ecosystem

Nirmala Sitharaman hailed the project as a fitting tribute to Kanaklata Barua’s patriotism and urged the youth to carry forward her indomitable spirit through innovation, skill, and service to the nation.

Delhi Government launches ‘School Web App’ to digitally transform education ecosystem

By

Kaanchi Chawla

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November 10, 2025

The Delhi government launched the ‘School Web App’ on November 7, aimed at modernizing both academic and administrative processes across schools.

The newly introduced digital platform unifies students, teachers, and parents under a single interface, offering seamless access to school-related services such as timetables, homework, attendance, study materials, and results.

Speaking at the launch event, Education Minister Ashish Sood highlighted that the initiative echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that the app would not only streamline operations but also make education smarter, more transparent, and accessible to all.

“The true spirit of digital empowerment lies in ensuring that information reaches students directly — without delay or dependence,” said Sood. He added that the platform would also foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students by giving them direct access to knowledge and resources.

The minister noted that the app would reduce teachers’ administrative burden, enabling them to dedicate more time to effective teaching and mentorship. Meanwhile, parents can now track their child’s academic journey in real time, strengthening communication between schools and families.

Aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative encourages skill-based learning, integrates Fit India activities, and promotes creativity, physical well-being, and digital literacy.

Also Read: DGT and Autodesk partner to strengthen digital design & AI-driven skills

Expressing gratitude to the developers, educators, and administrators behind the project, Sood remarked, “When determination is strong, the results are equally powerful. This app is a milestone toward shaping a digitally empowered and progressive future for the students of Delhi.”

DGT and Autodesk partner to strengthen digital design & AI-driven skills

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By

Kaanchi Chawla

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November 7, 2025

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has entered into a strategic partnership with Autodesk, a global leader in design and make technology. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to upskill trainers and educators at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country.

The initiative focuses on integrating advanced digital design tools and AI-powered learning into vocational training, helping align India’s workforce with the evolving needs of industries such as architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE; Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director General, DGT; along with Andrew Anagnost, President and CEO, Autodesk; Steve Blum, Executive Vice President and COO, Autodesk; Haresh Khoobchandani, VP, APAC & Japan; and Kamolika Gupta Peres, VP, India & SAARC, Autodesk.

According to Autodesk’s State of Design and Make Report 2025, 52% of Indian organizations consider AI-related skills their top hiring priority. Over the next three years, this collaboration will bridge the gap between training and technology by combining Autodesk’s global design expertise with DGT’s national reach in vocational education.

As part of the agreement, Autodesk will provide its professional-grade software to educators and students in over 14,500 ITIs and 33 NSTIs, enabling large-scale adoption of digital design and manufacturing technologies.

“Autodesk is proud to support India’s vision of developing a future-ready skilled workforce. Through this partnership with DGT, we aim to empower educators and students with advanced digital tools that prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Andrew Anagnost, President and CEO, Autodesk.

Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, added, “Integrating Autodesk’s technology into our training framework will enhance the capabilities of our educators and bring global industry practices to India’s skill ecosystem.”

The collaboration will include joint curriculum development, faculty training, and hands-on learning programs, advancing India’s Skill India Mission. Autodesk will continue offering free access to its technologies, comprehensive curricula, and globally recognized certification programs to students and educators.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah targets ₹3,480 crore IPO

With a global network of over 1,600 Autodesk Learning Partners, the initiative ensures that Indian trainers and students can access world-class learning resources, helping shape a digitally skilled, AI-ready workforce equipped for the industries of the future.

PhysicsWallah targets ₹3,480 crore IPO

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By

Kaanchi Chawla

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November 7, 2025

PhysicsWallah (PW) has unveiled the price range for its much-awaited ₹3,480 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), setting it between ₹103 and ₹109 per share. At the upper band, the issue values the company at around ₹28,426 crore (approximately $3.2 billion). The IPO will open for public subscription on November 11 and conclude on November 13, while the anchor investor portion will open a day earlier, on November 10.

The offering includes a fresh share issue worth ₹3,100 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) component of ₹380 crore by existing shareholders. In a noteworthy decision, co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari have trimmed their OFS share, underscoring their long-term commitment to the company’s growth trajectory.

According to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP), the funds raised from the fresh issue will be utilised to expand PW’s offline network, upgrade its technology infrastructure, and pursue strategic acquisitions in the test preparation and skilling domains.

Founded in 2020, PhysicsWallah stands out as one of the few profitable players in India’s edtech landscape, which has faced funding challenges over the past couple of years. The company operates over 500 physical learning centres under its ‘PW Vidyapeeth’ and ‘Pathshala’ brands, catering to more than 1 crore monthly active users across digital platforms.

Financially, the firm reported ₹2,887 crore in operating revenue with a loss of ₹243 crore in FY25. In the first quarter of FY26, PW posted ₹847 crore in revenue and a loss of ₹127 crore.

Also Read: IIM Ahmedabad launches India’s First Blended MBA in Business Analytics & AI

The upcoming IPO will serve as a litmus test for investor sentiment towards India’s new-age education ventures, which have seen limited public listings recently. A successful debut could potentially open the door for other edtech players like Unacademy and Vedantu to consider similar routes. All eyes are now on whether PhysicsWallah’s blend of scale, profitability, and brand loyalty can capture the confidence of public market investors.

This Year’s Theme: AI and Education – Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation

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