India’s online education and certification industry is poised for explosive growth, expected to nearly triple from ₹3 lakh crore in FY 2023 to ₹8.5 lakh crore by FY 2028, according to a report by Technopak Advisors. The sector is growing at a CAGR of 23.1%, fuelled by increasing disposable incomes, a digitally savvy youth, progressive policy reforms, and expanding digital infrastructure.

With a median age of 29.5 years and over 68% of the population between the ages of 15 and 65, India’s workforce is one of the youngest globally. Notably, nearly 70% of online education enrolments in FY 2021 came from professionals with less than three years of experience. Demand is surging for certifications in high-growth domains such as artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and digital marketing.

Skilling and Certification Take Centre Stage

In FY 2023, skilling and certification programmes made up 30% of the online education market, and this share is projected to grow to 34% by FY 2028. This rise is driven by increased employer recognition and flexible learning options. Platforms like Jaro Education, which partners with top-tier institutions such as IIMs, IITs, and global universities, are leading the charge by offering outcome-oriented executive programmes tailored to industry needs.

A major policy boost came in 2022 when the University Grants Commission (UGC) granted equivalence to degrees earned via online and distance learning (ODL) with traditional degrees. This has encouraged more universities to offer fully online undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Policy Push and Budgetary Support

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been instrumental in legitimising online learning, advocating for flexibility, lifelong learning, and digital integration in higher education. Government initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, and Samagra Shiksha continue to improve digital infrastructure and vocational training access.

In the Union Budget FY 2025, education received an allocation of ₹1.206 lakh crore, including ₹47,619.8 crore for higher education alone. The higher education market is projected to rise from ₹49 lakh crore in FY 2023 to ₹90 lakh crore by FY 2028.

Services Sector Fuelling Skill Demand

India’s services-driven economy is demanding digital-first, job-ready skills. The skilling and certification market, currently worth ₹11.5 lakh crore, is set to reach ₹14 lakh crore by FY 2028. While the majority of this market remains offline, the share of online skilling is expected to grow from 9% to 20% in the same period. Institutes like IITs and IIMs are increasingly offering online executive education, further enhancing credibility.

Driving Inclusion: Women and Small-Town Learners

Online education is enabling broader access and inclusion. Learners from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns are enrolling in high-quality programmes from top institutions. With female labour force participation rising to 37% in FY 2023, flexible online learning is emerging as a powerful enabler for women balancing work and family responsibilities.

Challenges Ahead, but Momentum Builds

Despite rapid growth, challenges persist — including patchy internet access in rural areas, lack of awareness about credible programmes, and the need for standardisation. As more players enter the market, ensuring quality and regulatory oversight will be essential.

Nonetheless, the trajectory is clear. With robust policy backing, economic momentum, and institutional innovation, India’s online education sector is shifting from a supplementary model to a central pillar of the country’s learning and employment ecosystem. The next five years will be pivotal in defining its role in shaping the future workforce.

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