Archive · 13 Nov 2025
upGrad Expands Offline Centers to 40, Focusing on High-Ticket AI/ML Courses
Imagine a company that helps grown-ups learn new job skills, like how to use really smart computer programs.
Right now, they mostly teach online, like watching videos on a computer.
But they found that some people learn better when they can talk to teachers in person, especially for expensive and important courses.
So, they are opening more physical classrooms, like little schools, all over the country.
They started with 11 and want to have 40 by next year.
These classrooms will focus on teaching about artificial intelligence and computer 'brains.'
People who go there are usually young adults looking for good jobs and want extra help and advice.
This is similar to what other learning companies are doing too.
They believe having a physical place helps people learn better and feel more confident about their future jobs.
upGrad plans to increase its offline learning centers from 11 to 40 by the end of the financial year.
The expansion will focus on high-priced courses, ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh, primarily in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
These offline centers offer face-to-face counseling for high-involvement products, which the company believes leads to higher conversions and better efficiency.
Other edtech companies like Unacademy and PhysicsWallah are also increasing their offline presence.
upGrad's target audience includes early career professionals and recent graduates (ages 21-26) seeking to upskill for in-demand job domains.
- Who
- Edtech company upGrad
- What
- Expanding its offline learning centers and focusing on high-priced courses in AI and Machine Learning.
- When
- By the end of the current financial year.
- Where
- Across India, with an initial focus on South and West India.
- Why
- To provide face-to-face counseling for high-involvement products, assure outcomes, improve retention, and build trust with learners and parents.
Edtech Companies Going Offline
Potential Downsides of Offline Expansion
Customer Engagement and Outcomes
Edtech Companies Going Offline
Offline centers provide high-involvement products requiring face-to-face counseling, assuring outcomes through structured learning, and personalized feedback, leading to better retention and trust.
Potential Downsides of Offline Expansion
The article does not present a direct opposing view to the benefits of offline expansion, but implies a shift from a purely online model that offered flexibility for learners balancing existing jobs.
Target Audience and Course Focus
Edtech Companies Going Offline
Offline centers are targeting early career professionals and new graduates (21-26 years old) unsure about job prospects or seeking to upskill, focusing on high-demand domains like AI and ML with courses priced between ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh.
Potential Downsides of Offline Expansion
The article does not provide an opposing view on the target audience or course focus, but mentions the company started with a purely online play for flexibility.
- Current Offline Centers
- 11
- Planned Offline Centers
- 40 by end of fiscal year
- Course Price Range
- ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh
- Top Course Domains
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science
- Target Age Group
- 21-26 years old
- Geographic Focus for Expansion
- South India, followed by West India