Jaro Education has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s online higher education and executive learning landscape. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, the company has consistently redefined professional upskilling while sustaining profitable, self-funded growth. Over the years, it has built a formidable portfolio of 250+ programs in collaboration with seven IIMs, six IITs, Ivy League institutions, and top NIRF-ranked universities.
The numbers speak volumes. More than 350,000 learners from ambitious professionals taking their first steps to seasoned C-suite executives have relied on Jaro to sharpen their competitive edge. The company’s presence extends across 20+ learning centres in India, Singapore, and the USA, reinforcing its global footprint. Recognition from Outlook Business and the Times Business Awards further cements Jaro’s credibility, scale, and role as a catalyst in shaping the future of transformative education.
Against this backdrop, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, Chairman and Managing Director of Jaro Education. He offered a penetrating view of the rapid expansion of online higher education and upskilling. He outlined the key drivers behind the swift adoption of online learning in India, detailed the diverse programs Jaro offers, and explained how these courses remain closely aligned with the evolving demands of the job market.
Moreover, he highlighted the accessibility and affordability of online education and emphasized the growing acceptance of online degrees and certifications by employers, now seen on par with traditional qualifications.
What follows are the essential takeaways from this insightful exchange.
Q: A recent report indicates that online higher education and upskilling are witnessing rapid adoption in India. Could you elaborate on the scale of this growth?
A: Absolutely. India’s online higher education and upskilling market stood at ₹1.32 lakh crore in FY23. According to Technopak Advisors, it is set to expand at a striking CAGR of 25.7% over the next five years, reaching ₹4.15 lakh crore by FY28. This trajectory signals more than just growth. It underscores a fundamental shift. Online education is not merely catching up. It is steadily outpacing traditional, offline learning in both scale and adoption.
Q: What are the key factors propelling the rapid adoption of online higher education in India?
A: The driving forces are clear: flexibility, affordability, and direct relevance to the job market. Today’s learners demand the freedom to study at their own pace without disrupting professional or personal commitments. At the same time, organisations urgently seek talent equipped with skills in emerging domains. Online education bridges this divide with precision, delivering programs that remain structured yet adaptable to individual needs.
Q: What types of courses and career advancement opportunities does Jaro Education offer to learners and professionals?
A: The offerings are remarkably diverse. At Jaro Education, we deliver executive education, postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and specialised skilling programs in partnership with leading IITs, IIMs, and other premier institutions across India. Each program is crafted with intent, equipping working professionals with advanced expertise while enabling students to build future-ready competencies.
Q: Given the importance of industry relevance today, how do online programs ensure their courses stay aligned with evolving job market demands?
A: One of online education’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to stay relevant. At Jaro Education, we actively collaborate with premier institutes and industry leaders to keep the curriculum current. As a result, learners acquire not just academic knowledge but also practical skills they can immediately apply in the workplace. This direct industry alignment sets our programs apart. More importantly, it is the very reason online education continues to gain credibility and trust among professionals and employers alike.
Q: Since cost is often a decisive factor for students, how does online education compare with traditional models in terms of affordability and value?
A: Online education breaks barriers of cost and access. Learners can pursue advanced programs without pausing their careers, eliminating the financial strain of stepping away from the workforce. At the same time, the absence of heavy infrastructure expenses allows platforms like Jaro to scale seamlessly. Consequently, professionals across India gain access to high-quality, future-ready programs at a fraction of traditional costs.
Q: To what extent are employers today recognizing online degrees and certifications as being on par with traditional qualifications?
A: Absolutely. Employers now recognize these credentials as powerful indicators of a professional’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. At Jaro Education, we see this impact firsthand. Many of our learners have advanced their careers significantly after completing online programs. Their success underscores not only the growing acceptance of such qualifications but also their tangible influence in today’s competitive job market.
