By Dr. Kamal Chhabra
For decades, India followed a familiar formula. You earned a degree, found a stable job, and stayed on that path for most of your working life. Education was front-loaded. Careers were linear. Entrepreneurship was the exception and not the rule. However that script has changed quietly & completely as well. Today, young Indians are questioning if degrees alone are enough. They are asking tougher questions about skills, relevance, and real-world outcomes. At the same time, entrepreneurship is emerging with many of the founders building companies in education itself. These EdTech startups are challenging what learning should look like in a quick moving, global economy. This shift has reshaped both: education & India’s entrepreneurial mindset.
The Limits of the Degree-Only Model
Degrees still matter. They provide structure alongside credibility as well as foundational knowledge. But the market has made one thing clear. A degree without skills, exposure, or adaptability struggles to keep pace with modern careers. Employers nowadays hire for problem-solving ability alongside clarity of thought and the willingness to learn continuously. Technology has shortened skill cycles. The thing that was relevant five years ago may no longer hold value today. Degrees, by design, move slower than markets. Students sense this gap early. Many graduate with strong academic records and yet feel unprepared for real roles. This disconnect created the space for EdTech startups to step in – thereby acting as an extension of formal education.
EdTech’s Shift From Content to Capability
The earliest wave of EdTech focused heavily on content. Video lectures besides recorded classes, and digital notes dominated the scene. Over time, learners realised that access to content alone did not guarantee progress. The next phase brought structure. Study plans along with mock tests, progress tracking, and mentorship became central. Startups began designing learning journeys instead of isolated courses. The focus shifted from what students watched to how they applied knowledge.
Infact in the last couple of years – the strongest EdTech platforms think in terms of capability. They analyse whether learners can perform, analyse & adapt. Technology supports this shift by personalising the learning path plus identifying gaps, and offering targeted feedback. This evolution mirrors how entrepreneurship itself has changed. Success now depends less on ideas and more on execution, adaptability, and timing.
Why Are Entrepreneurs Choosing Education In The First Place?
Education was once seen as a slow but regulated sector. Many entrepreneurs avoided it. That perception has changed. Education in 2026 sits at the intersection of technology, employment, and economic mobility. Entrepreneurs are drawn to EdTech because the impact is tangible. A student who gains the right skill set often changes the trajectory of their career and, in many cases, their family’s future. Few sectors offer that level of direct, measurable influence. India’s demographic advantage also plays a role. A young population coupled with rising internet access and increasing global exposure create sustained demand for learning. Entrepreneurs see education as a long-term opportunity rather than a short-term trend.
The Rise of Skill-First Learning
One of the most important changes driven by EdTech startups is the move toward skill-first education. Learners now prioritise outcomes. They want to know where a course leads, what roles it prepares them for, and how long the journey takes. Professional certifications, short-term programs, and modular learning paths have gained popularity because they offer clarity. Students can map effort to outcome. This transparency builds trust and keeps learners engaged. The entrepreneurial playbook has adapted accordingly. Startups measure success not by enrolment numbers alone, but by completion rates alongside learner progress & career movement.
Technology as an Enabler & Not the Centrepiece
There is a tendency to talk about EdTech only through the lens of artificial intelligence and automation. Technology matters, but it is not the story. The real shift lies in how technology supports human learning. Smart platforms observe behaviour, identify patterns, and reduce friction. They help learners focus on what needs attention instead of overwhelming them with information. When used well, technology gives learners confidence rather than confusion. Entrepreneurs who succeed in this space understand that education remains deeply human. Motivation, doubt, ambition, and fear cannot be automated. Technology supports the process, but guidance, mentorship, and empathy complete it.
Redefining What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur
EdTech founders today come from varied backgrounds. Some are former educators. Others are finance professionals, engineers, or consultants who experienced the skill gap firsthand. What connects them is a shared frustration with outdated systems and a desire to build better pathways. This era of entrepreneurs values sustainability over speed. Many focus on building trust, refining offerings, and listening closely to learners. Growth follows when outcomes improve. In this sense, EdTech is reshaping India’s entrepreneurial culture. It encourages patience, responsibility, and long-term thinking. Success depends on credibility rather than hype.
The Impact on Students and Careers
For students, the rise of EdTech means choice. They are no longer restricted to just one path. Degrees, certifications, and skill-based programs now coexist. Learners can combine them based on interest and career goals. Also, this flexibility supports experimentation. A student may begin with a degree, add a professional certification, gain work experience, and return to learning later. Careers become dynamic rather than fixed. Entrepreneurs designing these systems must account for this reality. Learning is no longer a phase. It is a lifelong process.
Challenges That Come With Responsibility
The growth of EdTech also brings responsibility. Not every course delivers value. Not every platform prioritises learner outcomes. As the sector matures, transparency and accountability become critical. Entrepreneurs must resist the temptation to oversell results. Education requires effort. Honest communication builds credibility and protects learners from unrealistic expectations. Regulation will also evolve. Platforms that focus on quality other than outcomes will adapt easily. Those driven only by scale may struggle.
End Note
India stands at an important intersection. Its young population demands opportunity. Its economy demands skills. EdTech startups bridge this gap by translating education into employability and long-term impact. The shift from degrees to disruption holds a lot of significance for obvious reasons. After all, it is about complementing traditional education and its structure with relevance, speed, and clarity. Entrepreneurs who understand this balance are rewriting how India learns, works & builds the future. Education has moved beyond classrooms. Entrepreneurship has moved beyond profit. Where they meet, a new playbook is being written, one learner, one skill, and one idea at a time.
(The above article is authored by By Dr. Kamal Chhabra, Founder & CEO of KC GlobEd and GCC School. Views are his personal.)
Last Updated on Thursday, February 12, 2026 7:10 am by Startup Chronicle Team
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