In September 2021, edtech decacorn Byju’s signed a pact with an unusual partner. For once, it wasn’t going to
take over
The Ken
How world’s largest edtech Byju’s makes rivals an offer they can’t refuse
Read more
The partnership taps into two of Byju’s programmes. Through ‘Education for All’, Byju’s will provide free “scholastic material” to students in grades 6-12. And through ‘Career Plus’, it will run a coaching programme for a select group of students to prepare them for competitive selection exams such as
NEET
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
NEET is an all India pre-medical entrance test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS) and AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, etc.) courses in government and private institutions in India and also, for those intending to pursue primary medical qualification abroad
On paper, it’s a win-win deal. “Byju’s has a reputation problem. They want to give material away for free to state governments, and they don’t want to go through a tendering process,” says an edtech founder who works closely with state governments to design solutions. They and others quoted in the story requested anonymity as they wished not to be seen publicly commenting on Byju’s.
NITI Aayog, for its part, has a mandate to ensure that its Aspirational Districts improve their economic indicators. “You just have to convince [Amitabh] Kant, and states will be given the directive to follow,” says the founder, referring to the CEO and public face of NITI Aayog.
Credits
Written by Arpit Arora, Olina Banerji
Share this article with your network
Send the article link to friends or colleagues who might find this story interesting or insightful.
Send the article link to friends or colleagues who might find this story interesting or insightful.