Edtech giant upGrad is ramping up its physical presence, announcing that it aims to open 40 offline centres by the end of FY26. This strategic move signals a major shift in its growth strategy, blending online and offline modalities to capture a broader learner base.
What the plan is: upGrad offline centres expansion
- upGrad has publicly stated its ambition to open 40 offline centres (learning and support hubs) across India by the end of fiscal 2026.
- These centres will complement its existing online programmes and serve as physical touchpoints for learners who prefer in-person support, mentoring, peer interaction and blended learning.
- The offline network will likely focus heavily on non-metro cities and smaller towns, in line with the company’s push to deepen penetration beyond major urban centres.
Why this matters: Implications of the offline push
Broadening market reach
By adding 40 offline centres, upGrad is tapping into demand from learners who need face-to-face interaction or prefer blended formats. This can help reach underserved markets and expand its footprint beyond purely digital delivery.
Hybrid/Blended learning becoming key
The shift signals that upGrad sees significant value in the “offline + online” model—not just purely online courses—and is aligning to a future where physical presence adds credibility, interaction and potentially higher learner engagement.
Competitive positioning
Many edtech players are moving back toward offline or hybrid models, responding to learner demand for human-taught, in-person experience. upGrad’s move to open 40 centres gives it a stronger competitive edge in blended education.
Background context
upGrad was founded in 2015 and has established itself as a major player in online education, skilling and professional up-gradation. It has built partnerships with universities, offers certificate and degree-programmes, and has a strong online learner base.
Historically:
- In 2022, upGrad announced investment of about US $30 million to open new campuses/offline institutes under its initiative, including 10 campuses in 2023.
- Also in earlier signalling, upGrad had outlined intention to set up about 100 offline counselling & learning centres across India (with an allocation of ~₹100 crore) focusing on touch-points and smaller towns.
This latest target of 40 offline centres by end FY26 builds on these prior efforts and reflects escalating commitment.
Key factors & what to watch
- Location selection: Which cities and towns will host the new centres? Non-metro regions could yield high growth but present infrastructure and operational challenges.
- Cost and investment: Establishing offline centres involves lease/rental costs, staffing, infrastructure, operations. upGrad’s ability to scale profitably will be critical.
- Integration with online programmes: Ensuring seamless blending of offline and online will determine whether the hybrid model delivers value (e.g., better outcomes, higher enrolments, stronger engagement).
- Learner outcomes & business metrics: Metrics such as enrolment growth from centres, conversion rate, learner satisfaction, placement outcomes will matter.
- Competitive response: Other edtech players may ramp offline/hybrid models; upGrad’s speed and execution could define its lead.
Opportunities and challenges
Opportunities:
- Access to a large pool of learners who prefer hybrid/offline formats, especially in tier-2/tier-3 cities.
- Differentiation from purely online players: physical presence can build trust, community, hands-on labs, mentoring.
- Cross-selling of courses: offline centres could become campuses for bootcamps, workshops, career counselling, thereby boosting ecosystem.
Challenges:
- High fixed costs: real-estate, staffing, infrastructure may make break-even slower.
- Management of quality and consistency across centres.
- Ensuring that offline centres truly complement online offerings, rather than cannibalise them or add complexity.
- Economic environment: learners’ willingness to travel to centres, retention of interest, and competition may impact success.
What it means for learners
For prospective students and working professionals:
- Greater access: If a centre opens near your city, you may get in-person mentoring, peer interaction and hands-on learning not available only online.
- Hybrid flexibility: You might benefit from blended schedules—online modules + offline labs/workshops—giving you flexibility and structure.
- Localised access: Non-metro learners may get easier access to premium programmes without relocating.
- Need to evaluate: As always, compare offline-centre-based offerings on cost, schedule, course quality, and actual outcomes.
Conclusion
The “upGrad offline centres” strategy to open 40 new physical centres by the end of FY26 marks a substantial push into blended education and offline presence for one of India’s leading edtech firms. The move underscores a broader trend in education: learners want hybrid flexibility, and companies are responding with physical footprints. The success of this initiative will depend heavily on execution, cost management, and learner outcomes. For students in smaller cities, this could be a major benefit. For upGrad, it presents both opportunity and risk
