CL Educate Ltd

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

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The past year has been one of significant transformation and progress not only for CL Educate but also for the business landscape relevant to us. It was marked by remarkable progress or changes in realms such as policies and technologies that help in our growth and strategic advancements in both our EdTech and MarTech segments. As we move forward, several key drivers are propelling our growth trajectory, creating a robust landscape for sustained success.

SAAS + VAS : The Future of Education

The landscape of education is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements in India including JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile), Digilocker, onset of ONDC, etc. These innovations are laying the foundation for a significant SAASification of education across the country, including inside schools and colleges. The integration of these technologies is streamlining student applications, admissions, entrance tests, administrative processes; and providing a seamless educational experience for students and educators alike. Our focus on leveraging these technological advancements positions us at the forefront of the education sector, enabling us to deliver high-quality, scalable educational solutions. The hybrid model of education, in our view, is here to stay for a long time. The physical plus digital (Phygital) mix will be available in various combinations to help students or learners make the choice that is best suited to their needs.

Assessments and Learning

Assessments or examinations are a very critical component of any learner's journey. It takes various forms, including entrance exams, recruitment exams for organisations, semester exams in colleges and schools, promotional exams, and so on. This is recognised as an area of specialisation globally; and India too is moving in that direction as per the NEP 2020 and with the establishment of NTA and NRA for testing and recruitments, respectively. Considering that assessments is an integral part of CL's expertise in test-preparation, we are tracking the opportunities that are visible in the realm of assessments too.

Deeper Network Penetration

Our strategic focus on network expansion is central to our growth strategy. We aim to establish a presence in all 683 districts across India within the next 3-5 years. This ambitious goal underscores our commitment to making high-quality education accessible to students nationwide. Furthermore, our international network expansion plans encompass West Asia, Africa, and SAARC countries. By extending our reach beyond domestic boundaries, we are tapping into new markets and catering to a diverse student population, thereby driving our global growth.

Rising MBA Test Takers and UG Segment Expansion

The MBA test-prep segment has witnessed a significant surge, breaking a 15-year plateau and surpassing 300,000 test takers in 2023. This growth reflects the increasing demand for management education and the efficacy of our test-prep programs. Simultaneously, the UG segment is poised for potential upheaval due to the CBSE Board exams becoming a bi-annual affair from the academic year 2024-25. This change presents both challenges and opportunities, and we are well-prepared to adapt our strategies to meet the evolving needs of students in this segment.

MarTech Business Expansion

Our MarTech business has experienced remarkable growth, with international revenues increasing by 50% over the past year. New locations, such as Indonesia and the US, have shown good traction over the past year. Additionally, the deployment of key leadership team members, Nikhil Mahajan (in the US) and Sreeni (focused on Africa) gives us the belief that we can expect a robust boost in our international revenues. We continue to invest in the technology arm of our MarTech business, anticipating significant returns in the years ahead. Our commitment to innovation and excellence in customer engagement platforms positions us for continued success in the global MarTech landscape.

Commitment to Corporate Governance and NexGen leadership

At CL Educate, we believe that exceptional levels of corporate governance and all-round goodwill are just a hygiene for the long-term health of the company. Our independent board members and their active participation ensure that we adhere to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. Activities such as statutory and internal audits are conducted with utmost rigour, reflecting our commitment to ethical business practices. We would always like to be seen as a beacon of integrity and professionalism. Our unwavering dedication to corporate governance not only strengthens stakeholder trust but also underpins our long-term sustainability and success. The other long-term aspect that we are very focused on is the development of corporate leadership as a strategy. Over the next five years, we are focused on identifying and grooming the next generation of leaders within our organization through an institutionalised process.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, we are filled with a sense of optimism and excitement. The strategic initiatives, investments, and innovations we undertake today will pave the way for long-term growth and profitability. Our mission to shape the leaders of tomorrow, not just in India but across the globe, remains our guiding light.

Thank you for your unwavering faith in CL Educate. Together, we will navigate the future and achieve new heights of success.