In a bold move that’s sending shockwaves through India’s edtech industry, Unacademy has appointed Sumit Jain, co-founder and CEO of its subsidiary Graphy, as the new CEO of its flagship Test Prep business. The announcement comes just weeks after Abha Maheshwari, a former Meta executive, stepped down from the role.
Jain, a seasoned entrepreneur, first made waves in the startup ecosystem by co-founding CommonFloor and later Graphy, a platform that empowers creators to launch and monetize online courses. Since joining Unacademy in 2020, he has been credited with tightening financial discipline, improving unit economics, and enhancing learner experience—all within the company’s most critical vertical.
A Long-Standing Partnership
Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal praised Jain’s track record and highlighted their decade-long professional relationship. “I have known Sumit for 12 years, back when he was the CEO of CommonFloor and acquired my first company, Flatchat. Since joining Unacademy as co-founder in 2020, he has been instrumental in significantly improving the Unit Economics of our Test Prep Business and, more importantly, the Learner Experience,” Munjal said.
Their collaboration, rooted in past ventures, sets the stage for what many see as a game-changing era for Unacademy’s Test Prep business.
Why This Appointment Matters
The Test Preparation vertical is Unacademy’s core business and main revenue driver, catering to millions of students preparing for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and UPSC. By placing Jain at the helm, the company is signaling a renewed focus on profitability, operational efficiency, and technology-driven learning.
Under Jain, Unacademy has already implemented strategic improvements such as:
- Streamlining operations for better efficiency
- Enhancing AI-driven content and assessments
- Strengthening learner engagement and support
- Boosting financial sustainability and unit economics
Graphy Experience Meets Test Prep
Before this new role, Jain ran Graphy, Unacademy’s creator-focused platform that helps educators build and monetize online courses. Under his leadership, Graphy expanded rapidly, empowering hundreds of creators across India.
Now, he’s bringing this innovative mindset to Unacademy’s Test Prep business, combining AI tools, digital-first learning, and operational excellence to elevate the platform’s offerings.
What It Means for Students
For students, Jain’s leadership could be transformative. Expect:
- More personalized, adaptive learning experiences
- Better insights into performance through AI and analytics
- Enhanced online engagement and interactive learning tools
- Improved accessibility for learners across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities
With millions of students relying on Unacademy for exam preparation, these improvements could reshape the way India learns online.
Edtech Industry Implications
The edtech space in India is fiercely competitive, with players like Byju’s, Vedantu, and Toppr constantly innovating. Jain’s appointment signals that Unacademy is doubling down on its most critical segment, ensuring it stays ahead in a market where student experience and technological innovation are key differentiators.
Jain’s Vision for the Future
Commenting on his new role, Sumit Jain said, “Our goal is to deliver high-quality, personalized learning experiences that empower students to achieve their full potential. We want to make learning accessible, effective, and engaging, regardless of a student’s background or geography.”
Industry experts believe that under Jain, Unacademy’s Test Prep vertical will not only strengthen its market leadership but also redefine online exam preparation in India.
Sumit Jain’s appointment as CEO marks a major turning point for Unacademy. With his experience scaling tech-driven businesses and improving financial performance, combined with Unacademy’s vast educational expertise, the Test Prep business is poised for innovation, growth, and market domination.
For students, educators, and investors, this leadership change could signal the beginning of a new era in India’s online learning revolution.
