2 weeks ago
Aakash CEO Says Government's Free Coaching Plan Won't Hurt Business
The government of India wants to give free online coaching to students who are preparing for big exams.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced this plan on August 15.
Some people worried that this would hurt private coaching companies.
The head of a big coaching company called Aakash said the plan will not hurt them.
He said serious students will still want private coaching to give themselves the best chance.
He welcomed the government's plan and said his company is happy to help.
Aakash gives scholarships to many students, including children of soldiers and police officers.
Last year, the company gave scholarships worth Rs 750 crore.
The government's plan came after students protested about a leaked exam paper.
The education minister had to resign because of that leak.
Aakash Educational Services CEO Sekhar Garisa said the government's free online coaching plan will not displace private test preparation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced from the Red Fort on August 15 that the government will provide free online coaching for competitive examinations.
Garisa welcomed the proposal and offered to work with the government to make education more affordable.
Aakash extended scholarships worth Rs 750 crore last year, including for more than 11,000 students from armed forces, police and defence families.
The announcement followed nationwide student protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which led to education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
- Who
- Sekhar Garisa, MD and CEO of Aakash Educational Services, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement.
- What
- The government will provide free online coaching for competitive examinations; Garisa said it will not displace private test preparation.
- Where
- India; the announcement was made from the Red Fort.
- When
- Announced on August 15; Garisa's comments were made on Monday.
- Why
- To make education more affordable and democratise access to test preparation, following protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Key facts
- Company
- Aakash Educational Services (AESL)
- CEO
- Sekhar Garisa
- Announcement
- Free online coaching for competitive examinations
- Announcement date
- August 15
- Scholarships last year
- Rs 750 crore
- Special scholarships
- More than 11,000 students from armed forces, police and defence families
- ANTHE 2026 prizes
- Rs 2.5 crore in cash prizes and scholarships up to 100%
- ANTHE 2026 registrations
- About 1.8 million last year
Quotes
Sekhar Garisa
MD and CEO of Aakash Educational Services, a leading Indian test‑preparation company
“Good schools, colleges, and test prep centres will never go out of work in a country like ours where competition is very high and quality education and a college degree is the route for many folks in the country to achieve success in life.”
financialexpress.com








