By Nishant Chandra
Ten years ago, the concept of learning anything, anywhere, at any time was a distant dream for most Indians. Today, it’s a reality thanks to the edtech boom.
India has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the field of educational technology in the last decade, making it the global edtech capital. With the private sector taking the lead and the public sector acting as a facilitator, the edtech boom started during the pandemic. Since then, it has garnered the investor spotlight. According to the ‘EdTech India – Feed Geo Report’, the second quarter of 2023 witnessed a staggering $713 million in funding, constituting 73.43% of the total funds raised.
As the second-largest market for e-learning worldwide, next only to the US, India boasts a market size of $6 billion, poised to reach $10 billion by 2025. The pre-college test-prep segment leads the market, closely followed by college and upskilling programs. With growing digitization, for tech talent to remain relevant, they will have to acquire new skills by unlocking the potential of online learning. This will further bolster the demand for edtech companies. Moreover, with edtech platforms, learning is more inclusive, flexible, and personalized, which is a significant USP for a developing nation that needs to ensure education for all.
However, this exponential growth has not been without challenges. To address malpractices, the Ministry of Education recently introduced new guidelines for coaching institutes. These measures are crucial for establishing a legal framework and managing the unbridled expansion of private coaching centers. The impetus behind these regulations stems from various concerns, including student suicides, fire mishaps, insufficient facilities in coaching centers, and compromised teaching methods.
Among the key provisions of the guidelines is the prohibition of coaching centers from enrolling students below the age of 16. Additionally, coaching centers are barred from making misleading promises, guaranteeing ranks or high marks, and engaging in the publication of deceptive advertisements regarding the quality of coaching or facilities offered.
These regulations are important to prevent the unchecked growth of centers that exploit demand and deliver substandard coaching. Moreover, the regulations serve as a safeguard, preventing compromises on the health and safety of young learners. As the edtech landscape in India evolves, it becomes evident that a balance must be struck between industry growth and ensuring the quality of education offered.
By curbing unethical practices, the government aims to foster an environment where educational technology contributes meaningfully to the enhancement of learning experiences. For edtech companies, navigating through these regulatory checks presents both challenges and opportunities.
Quality assurance is essential for edtech companies even as they strive to ensure sustainable business models. The prohibition on misleading claims is a step in the right direction for a transparent communication strategy. Edtech companies should prioritize the accuracy of their advertising to build trust among students and parents.
Further, the restrictions on enrolling students below the age of 16 emphasize the importance of age-appropriate content and learning materials. Edtech platforms must align their offerings with the prescribed age groups and ensure that the content is suitable for the intended audience.
To navigate through regulatory compliances, edtech companies can actively engage with educational authorities and contribute to the formulation of industry standards. By participating in such dialogues, these companies can help shape regulations that are realistic, effective, and supportive of innovation.
Collaboration within the industry will help edtech companies enhance quality assurance. Sharing best practices, experiences, and insights can elevate the overall standard of education technology in the country. Creating a community that prioritizes quality and ethical practices will not only benefit individual companies but also contribute to the credibility and reputation of the edtech sector, widening its global appeal.
Looking to the future, the integration of AI, VR, and personalized learning could further democratize education in ways we can’t even imagine yet. But by embracing transparency, age-appropriate content, and collaboration, edtech companies can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.
The author is the co-founder, Newton School. Views expressed are personal.