About Mr. Aakash Chaudhry

Mr Aakash Chaudhry is the Co-founder of Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL). With his extensive experience in business management, where he led the senior management team of AESL until 2023 as the Managing Director & CEO of the company. In his role, he was responsible for the overall business, management and direction of the company.

Before commencing his journey at AESL, he worked with top IT companies of India such as Infosys Technologies and Cognizant Technology Solutions. Passionate about addressing the needs of deserving students, he worked towards providing focused and quality education across the nation with the help of talented team under his wing, through effective delivery channels. 

Mr Aakash transformed Aakash into an established national brand well-known for providing high quality, cutting-edge and niche educational services. By putting new-age systems for efficient operations, talent management, technological advancements, automation and effective marketing processes, he ensured that Aakash’s classroom, hybrid & digital services continue to evolve as the best offering in the country. Mr Chaudhry was the driving force behind expanding the company’s educational services portfolio to include IIT-JEE test preparatory services, Foundation coaching services as well as Hybrid & Digital learning programs.

Currently, Mr. Chaudhry is leading the healthcare, beauty & wellness retail business, Aakash Life [aakashlife.in] as its CEO and his new education venture for online tutoring, Sparkl Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. does investments in private & public markets though his family office Aakash Emprise [aakashemprise.com].

AWARDS, ACCLOADES, MEMBERSHIPS 

• In 2018, Mr Aakash was recognised as one of the disruptive leaders by Business World and was listed among the coveted “40 Under 40” young leaders list.
• Member Governing Body, The National Innovation Foundation (NIF), under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
• Board Member, IndiaMart Intermesh Ltd.
• Board Member, VLCC Health Care Ltd.
• Board Member, SequelOne Solutions Pvt Ltd (HONO)
• Board Member, Dextres Trainers Pvt Ltd
• Member, Young President Organisation (YPO) Delhi Chapter
• Member, Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) Delhi Chapter
• Charter Member, The Indus Entrepreneur (TiE)

BUSINESS MILESTONES

1. AESL [Aakash Institute] (www.aakash.ac.in) has over 300 branches in India and over 400,000 students study under the Aakash Brand across 180+ cities in India. Since its inception, AESL has produced thousands of Doctors and Engineers (IITians) for the country. Generated over USD280Mn in revenue in FY2023.
2. Built Aakash Hybrid & Digital as the largest EdTech platform and business in Test Prep segment, churning over ~USD 20Mn in online education business itself.
3. Onboarded world’s largest and most reputed private equity fund, The Blackstone Group, as a strategic investor in AESL. Blackstone invested ~USD 180Mn in AESL in 2019
4. As a promoter of the company, he grew the company despite Covid-19 pandemic and executed exit from the current running business by merging it with Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd. (BYJU’s: www.byjus.com) for ~USD 950mn in 2021, making it the largest deal in education sector globally.

PHILANTHROPY:

1. Mr Aakash is also the Founder and Trustee at the Plaksha University (www.plaksha.org). Plaksha is a new model of technology education and research in India. This is a collective philanthropic effort supported by over 100+ business leaders and by top institutions in the US including UC Berkeley, Purdue, IIT Kanpur (amongst others).
2. Mr. Aakash also supports the Ashoka University (www.ashoka.edu.in) as an Ashoka Founder and Advisor. Ashoka University is a pioneer in its focus on providing a liberal education at par with the best in the world. The aim at Ashoka is to help students become well-rounded individuals who can think critically about issues from multiple perspectives, communicate effectively and become leaders with a commitment to public service.

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering from MD University, Rohtak, India.
• He did his MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, India.
• He completed his OPM Program at the Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA