What changed in Indian EdTech in 2025
The Indian EdTech sector entered 2026 in a state of significant reset. The first generation of EdTech — characterised by subscription content, passive video learning, and aggressive sales tactics — had peaked and crashed. BYJU's was the most dramatic example, but the broader reckoning affected the entire category's reputation with Indian families.
What the market was asking for — and what the second generation of EdTech is attempting to answer — is personalisation. Not content for every student, but learning that adapts to this student, at this moment, with this specific gap in understanding.
Collapse of passive video-based EdTech
The BYJU's implosion was the most visible signal of a broader trend: Indian parents and students had lost confidence in subscription content models that delivered pre-recorded videos regardless of whether the child was learning. The promise of personalisation that BYJU's made in its marketing was never realised in the product.
Rise of conversational AI tutors
Where 2023 was the year of AI excitement in EdTech globally, 2026 is the year of AI consolidation in India. The tools that survived the initial hype cycle are those that use AI not as a feature but as the core interaction model — responding to the specific child, adapting in real time, and providing genuine dialogue rather than prompts into a generic chatbot.
Shift from batch content to personalisation
The defining question Indian EdTech is now attempting to answer is: can a digital product actually adapt to each child? The first generation answered no through their product design, even while claiming otherwise in marketing. The second generation is attempting to answer yes through AI — with varying degrees of success.
6 EdTech tools for Indian children in 2025: honest mini-reviews
Kyloen
Our top pick ages 5–15AI Companion + Academic Tutor
Best for: Ages 5–15, whole-child support with parent visibility
Strengths
- +Personalised AI companion that knows each child individually
- +CBSE/NCERT aligned for Class 5–10
- +Emotional support and crisis detection
- +Weekly parent reports with mood and academic insights
- +Natural Hinglish support
Limitations
- –Content depth for Class 11–12 currently developing
- –No pre-recorded video library
- –Newer product — content breadth growing
The most complete solution for younger children who need academic support alongside emotional wellbeing and parent visibility. Not yet the strongest choice for pure JEE/NEET preparation.
MeraTutor
AI Academic Tutor
Best for: Class 6–12 students needing CBSE academic support
Strengths
- +Strong CBSE content depth, especially Class 9–12
- +Affordable academic-only pricing
- +Hindi and English language support
- +NCERT aligned practice questions
Limitations
- –No emotional support or companion layer
- –No parent dashboard or crisis detection
- –Academic-only scope
A solid academic AI tutor for students who need focused CBSE preparation without the broader companion features. A reasonable choice for older students who are academically self-directed.
Khan Academy
Free Video Content Platform
Best for: Concept building in Maths and Science, free supplementary learning
Strengths
- +Completely free — genuinely, not freemium
- +World-class Maths and Science video explanations
- +Mastery-based practice exercises
- +Khanmigo available in the US (not India)
Limitations
- –Not aligned with CBSE/NCERT specifically
- –No parent dashboard beyond basic progress
- –Khanmigo AI tutor unavailable in India
- –Passive video content model
The best free resource for concept-building in Maths and Science. Excellent as a supplement to a primary tool, particularly for visual learners. Not a replacement for CBSE-specific tutoring.
Vedantu
Live Online Tuition
Best for: Students who benefit from live human teacher interaction
Strengths
- +Live classes with human teachers — interactive, not just video
- +Strong NCERT and board exam coverage
- +Doubt-clearing sessions
- +Community of students and peers
Limitations
- –Significantly higher cost than AI alternatives
- –Schedule-dependent — live classes at set times
- –Quality varies across subjects and teachers
- –No AI personalisation
The best option for children who genuinely benefit from live human interaction and whose family budget allows premium tutoring. Not competing directly with AI tools — serves a different need.
Unacademy
Competitive Exam Preparation
Best for: Class 10–12 students targeting JEE, NEET, or UPSC
Strengths
- +India's largest library of competitive exam preparation content
- +Structured live courses and test series for JEE and NEET
- +Faculty with competitive exam expertise
- +Large peer community for motivation and practice
Limitations
- –Not designed for primary or middle school (below Class 9)
- –Competitive exam focus — not for general school learning
- –Content quality varies across subjects
The strongest EdTech tool for students who have committed to competitive exam preparation. If your child is seriously targeting JEE or NEET, Unacademy's infrastructure is hard to match.
Toppr
CBSE Practice and Test Preparation
Best for: Practice questions, mock tests, and CBSE board preparation
Strengths
- +Large bank of CBSE practice questions across all subjects
- +Mock tests aligned with board exam format
- +Adaptive practice that adjusts difficulty
- +Reasonable pricing for content volume
Limitations
- –Content-based rather than interactive or conversational
- –No AI personalisation in the modern sense
- –No emotional support or parent dashboard
- –Less differentiated from free alternatives than before
Useful as a source of CBSE practice questions and mock tests, particularly in the lead-up to board exams. More of a practice tool than a learning tool — best used alongside a primary tutoring solution.
How to choose for your child
The best EdTech setup for most Indian families in 2025 is two tools, not one. A primary interactive tool (Kyloen or MeraTutor depending on age and need) handles the personalised learning relationship. A free content resource (Khan Academy) handles visual concept explanations and practice exercises when needed.
For families with children targeting competitive exams in Class 11–12, add Unacademy to this setup. For primary school children (Class 1–5), Kyloen's age-adaptive design and emotional companion layer make it the most appropriate single tool. For families on the tightest budgets, Khan Academy (free) plus Kyloen's free trial to evaluate the AI companion layer is the most accessible starting point.