Edtech Startups launching hybrid learning centers

Vedantu, the edtech unicorn, has opened its first hybrid learning center in Muzaffarpur, following in the footsteps of other edtech firms such as Byju’s, Unacademy, and PhysicsWallah, among others.

This is happening as online education platforms shed pandemic-induced expansion and offline institutions open with limitations eased.

Vedantu’s offline learning incursion is primarily aimed at bolstering its prominence in the test preparation area.

“The courses will cover preparation for IIT Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a two-year course for students of Grade 11 and a one-year course for dropper batch,” the edtech firm said in a prepared statement on Thursday.

Vedantu’s offline classrooms will have interactive classrooms and immersive 3D content at an affordable price point, it said.

“These are not typical offline centers, but hybrid centers well equipped with hi-tech technology…it will offer best-in-class live and interactive features in tier 3 and tier 4 cities,” said Vamsi Krishna co-founder and chief executive of Vedantu.

Vedantu students will also have access to over 1500 Tatva smartbooks, which will provide round-the-clock support. Vedantu’s Tatva smartbooks provide students with access to curated notes, examinations, and topic-specific videos, supporting them in their learning journey.

Vedantu’s plans for offline learning come as the company has fired off 624 full-time and contractual staff in recent weeks to slash costs and improve its runway as the funding environment for Indian startups tightens. For the previous three months, the organization has been considering an offline venture.

Unacademy, a competitor, has opened its first physical campus in Kota, Rajasthan. According to a release, the company hoped to enroll up to 15,000 learners in the first batch across Unacademy Centres.

In February of this year, arch-rival Byju’s announced ambitions to expand its offline presence with the introduction of ‘Byju’s Tuition Centre.’

Last year, the company announced the opening of 80 offline locations in 23 cities, with plans to expand to 500 locations in 200 cities this year. It has also set aside $200 million to expand its offline learning strategy.

PhysicsWallah, which recently become a unicorn, has also announced the opening of its first offline center in Kota.