MeritNation Kick Starts Six New Offline Digital Learning Centres

The Delhi-based MeritNation, an elearning platform which targets school students (Class 1-12) across various educational boards like CBSE and ICSE among others in India is launching six new offline digital learning centres, starting with Chandigarh and Lucknow.

The model behind these centres was tested by the startup 2 years back by launching a centre in Gurgaon in 2012, and subsequently launching four more centres in Jaipur in 2014. The company is also looking to launch franchisee deals in cities in Punjab and Rajasthan.

Initially, Franchisees will have to shell out a minimum signup fee, post which Meritnation will share 30% of the revenue earned at these centers. Location and infrastructure is provided by the franchisees, following which, the startup gives specifications on the set up of the centre and guidelines for daily operational procedures.

The centres will run a highly modified version of the online course which is regimented differently. Students are first tested to check their understanding, followed by topical study through animated videos and other content. They are also provided with interactive exercises to help develop interest in the subject and are given worksheets to practise at home. Every class ends with a test.

Each student in a batch is provided with a computer, with batches no more than 30 students in size. Additionally, a mentor is available at each center to clarify any doubts and problems students might have. As per the company, it will offer modular courses of various durations, crash courses as well as summer refreshers, while the costs for courses will vary based on city and course type.

Earlier in last year, Meritnation had launched its online program Meritnation LIVE which targeted CBSE students between the classes of 6-10 in India in November 2014. In April 2013, the company had launched complete study material from class 6 to 10 for Maharashtra board.

Meritnation has also, recently, rolled out Meritnation Junior, a fresh product exclusively  catering to students from class I to V which focuses on concept based learning, with practice as the bedrock of all learning. At the same time, the company had also launched 4 offline centres in Jaipur.

The company had raised INR 10 Cr. investment from Info Edge (India) in December 2013. The company said that it would use the funding to create and update content, brand building and to strengthen its sales team.

Meritnation was Founded in 2009 by Pavan Chauhan. Currently, it has over 6.4 Mn registered students; it caters to CBSE, ICSE and State Boards such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The platform can be accessed on iOS and Android platforms, recently it  has also launched study related apps like Tables App, IIT JEEnius Mobile Apps.