Roman Saini has reflected on his journey with Unacademy, especially after the company was acquired by upGrad. Saini noted that a phone call with Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal while he was training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) was a pivotal moment that led him to resign from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and venture into online education.

In a post on X, Saini expressed how that conversation sparked the idea of creating an online learning platform. He emphasised that switching from a civil service career to entrepreneurship was a significant transition. The vision was to make education accessible to a wider audience through technology.

Saini’s decision not only transformed his own career but also contributed to the evolution of online education in India. After leaving IAS, he collaborated closely with Munjal to develop what would become a major player in the edtech sector.

Challenges and Milestones in Early Days

During the initial phase of Unacademy, Saini faced considerable challenges as online education was still a new concept in India. He remarked on the scepticism surrounding teaching in an online format, stating that it was not viewed as a respectable profession at that time. He noted that only a handful of qualified educators were willing to teach via the internet.

He personally reached out to around 200 educators within the first month of launching the platform, showcasing his dedication to building a robust online teaching community. This effort paid off as the platform gained traction, leading to a significant rise in viewership, eventually reaching billions of views.

Saini highlighted how Unacademy has had a profound effect on the educational landscape, with many of India’s premier educators having at some point contributed to its platform. The immense growth was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where Unacademy saw a spike in engagement, with over 100,000 live classes conducted monthly.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

Beyond the impressive metrics, Saini shared personal anecdotes that illustrate the platform’s impact. He recounted an encounter with a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer who thanked him for enabling his online studies while balancing a job. This interaction underscored the life-changing advantages that Unacademy provided to numerous learners in similar situations.

Saini also exposed the less glamorous side of entrepreneurship, describing the sleepless nights spent creating content and the emotional burdens that accompanied unforeseen setbacks. He recalled moments where he and Munjal travelled abroad to meet potential investors, only to find the meetings falling through. These experiences were part of a tumultuous yet rewarding journey of building Unacademy.

Looking back, Saini expressed pride in the fact that the venture had a substantial impact on many lives. He acknowledged the rarity of creating such far-reaching effects, stating that the opportunity to influence so many people is unique.

Future Prospects with upGrad

As Unacademy integrates into upGrad, Saini is focused on the opportunities that lie ahead. He indicated excitement about collaborating with Ronnie Screwvala, the founder of upGrad, to drive further innovation in education. The goal remains to deepen the platform’s influence and expand its reach.

In conclusion, Saini expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout the journey, particularly his wife, Spriha Choubey, and co-founder Gaurav Munjal. He acknowledged that their contributions were integral to Unacademy’s success and envisioned an even brighter future in the realm of online education.

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