The Education Technology space is abuzz with the recent launch of Digivarsity, an innovative platform from TeamLease EdTech that integrates academic learning with real-world experience for higher education learners. By partnering with the country’s top 10 universities and more than 150 leading employers, this tech-first platform is set to revolutionise the higher education landscape in India.
Digivarsity is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students the opportunity to make informed choices about their education and gain practical work experience alongside their college studies. This aligns with the vision outlined by the National Education Policy (NEP2020), which advocates for a future of higher education in India that is more job-oriented and focused on equipping students with the skills required for long-term career success.
TeamLease EdTech has also collaborated with several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to further the cause of Work Integrated Degree Programmes. These include Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT-WR), CSC Academy, Assam Electronics Development Corporation (AMTRON), the government of Telangana, and APSCHE (AP State Council of Higher Education).
Commenting on the launch of Digivarsity, Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO of TeamLease EdTech, said: “Digivarsity is set to herald a transformational change in the higher education landscape in India. Over the next five years, we will invest Rs 100 crore to scale the platform and reach over 10 lakh students. We recognise that the skills employers demand today can be best acquired in situated learning environments in partnership with employers. The goal is to equip students with the skills the job market requires and shape the future workforce.”
The platform addresses critical challenges faced by employers and universities alike. Most employers are unable to hire and retain skilled talent, while universities struggle to offer academic excellence and skill-building to their students. By creating a partnership between the University and the Employer, Digivarsity catalyses change by enabling work-integrated degree programs, creating a talent supply chain for the future, and helping universities expand their reach and impact.
Digivarsity offers a unique blend of earning while learning, learning by doing, and learning with higher signalling value. Every student enrolling on the Work-Integrated Degree Programs of the partnering Universities shall be provided with an On-job internship/apprenticeship opportunity with an employer, and receive a monthly stipend to support their education and other costs.
In addition, employers have pledged Rs 25 crore in sponsorships for the current academic year for deserving and eligible students. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and are open to all students.
Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business at TeamLease EdTech, said: “At Digivarsity, we believe in leveraging technology to personalise education. Our AI-driven platform is designed to meet the specific needs of students and employers, matching higher education programs with relevant employer opportunities and helping to provide targeted guidance. Additionally, the platform utilises progressive Aptitude Tests, Visual Cues, and Digital Video CVs to enhance the candidate assessment process. This sets us apart from traditional education platforms.”
TeamLease EdTech is dedicated to helping universities launch, run and manage their own Online/ODL Programs, improve the employability of their students through its apprenticeship programs and help corporations build talent supply chains and improve employee productivity. Through its cloud-hosted, mobile-first, managed services platform, the company provides a wide range of services – enrollment, learning, upskilling, apprenticeships, student support and assessment – to improve access and learning outcomes.
The launch of Digivarsity is a game-changer for the education technology space, and a huge step towards the future of higher education in India. The platform is set to expand further, with plans to onboard more universities and expects to reach 3,000 to 5,000 participating employers in the next two years. With Digivarsity, TeamLease EdTech is helping to create the next generation of skilled and employable graduates.
