Mayank Kumar Steps Down as Edtech Consortium Chair, Replaced by PhysicsWallah's Maheshwari

Mayank Kumar, the co-founder and managing director of upGrad, has decided to step down from his role as the chairperson of the India Edtech Consortium (IEC), a self-regulatory organization established in 2022 to address consumer complaints within the edtech industry. This decision was conveyed to consortium members via email. Kumar's departure is attributed to his desire to refocus his efforts on upGrad's operational activities.

Replacing Mayank Kumar as the chairperson of the IEC is Prateek Maheshwari, co-founder of PhysicsWallah, who has confirmed his appointment along with Kumar.

The India Edtech Consortium (IEC) was founded in January 2022 and boasts representation from a broad spectrum of edtech companies in India. It functions as a self-regulatory body under the umbrella of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and claims to represent approximately 95 percent of the Indian learner community.

In November 2022, Rohit Kumar Singh, the consumer affairs secretary, convened a closed-door meeting with consortium members in New Delhi to assess the progress made by this self-regulatory body. Earlier, in July, Singh had cautioned edtech companies about potential "stringent actions" if self-regulation was not effectively executed.

The Independent Grievance Review Board (IGRB), which includes independent members like former Supreme Court judge Justice BS Chauhan, played a role in addressing complaints, including those related to Unacademy's Relevel (now Next Level). Chauhan has previously advised edtech companies to refrain from using vague language in their advertising efforts. Additionally, the IEC and the IGRB have introduced a code of conduct for advertising and marketing that edtech firms are expected to adhere to.