Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal has stepped down as chief executive officer of the edtech company and moved into the role of executive chairman, with Chief Business Officer Akhilendra Kumar taking over as the new CEO. The leadership change was announced on November 11, 2026, just over two months after Ronnie Screwvala-led upGrad completed its acquisition of Unacademy in September.
Munjal has said he will remain closely involved in the company’s day-to-day operations, work alongside Kumar on business decisions and support upGrad’s proposed initial public offering (IPO). The transition comes earlier than initially expected under the acquisition arrangement, which had envisaged Munjal continuing as CEO for at least two years. The change marks another important development in Unacademy’s restructuring as it moves into its next phase under upGrad’s ownership.
Gaurav Munjal Moves to Executive Chairman Role
Munjal announced the leadership change through a social media post, confirming that he would transition from CEO to executive chairman while Kumar takes charge of the company’s operations.
He clarified that the move does not mean he is leaving the business.
Munjal said he would remain involved in daily operations, participate in business reviews and continue working with the leadership team on important decisions. He also identified profitable growth and upGrad’s proposed IPO as key areas of focus.
Munjal expressed confidence in Kumar’s ability to lead Unacademy, describing him as an experienced operator who understands the company’s business, employees and learners.
The executive chairman position will allow Munjal to remain involved in the company’s strategic direction while handing over the CEO responsibilities to Kumar.
The announcement also signals a change in the leadership arrangement that was outlined when upGrad acquired Unacademy in September.
Who Is Akhilendra Kumar, Unacademy’s New CEO?
Akhilendra Kumar previously served as Unacademy’s chief business officer and has been closely involved in its operations.
His appointment places an existing company executive in the top leadership position rather than bringing in an external CEO.
Munjal praised Kumar’s understanding of the business and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the organisation through its next phase.
Kumar thanked Munjal for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the contribution of Unacademy’s employees and educators.
He said the company’s progress had been driven by the people working with learners every day. He also outlined two priorities for his leadership: delivering better outcomes for learners and building a sustainable business.
The appointment comes at a time when Unacademy is focusing on operational discipline, profitability and integrating its businesses into the larger upGrad group.
Kumar’s experience within the organisation could provide continuity as the company works through these priorities.
Leadership Change Comes Two Months After upGrad Acquisition
The CEO transition follows upGrad’s acquisition of Unacademy, completed on September 1, 2026.
The all-stock transaction valued Unacademy at slightly more than $200 million, a significant decline from its peak valuation of approximately $3.44 billion in 2021.
Under the deal, Unacademy’s shareholders received shares in the combined entity. Its existing brands and businesses, including PrepLadder, Graphy and Airlearn, were retained within the transaction.
The acquisition expanded upGrad’s presence in the online test-preparation market while bringing Unacademy into a larger education business covering several segments.
The original arrangement had indicated that Munjal would continue leading Unacademy’s businesses under the upGrad umbrella for at least two years.
His move to executive chairman after just over two months therefore represents an earlier-than-expected leadership transition.
The change also comes as the combined business prepares for a potential stock market listing.
Unacademy and upGrad Aim to Build a More Profitable Education Business
The acquisition brought together two companies with different strengths in India’s education market.
Unacademy built its business around online learning and competitive examination preparation. Its major categories include:
- UPSC examination preparation
- JEE and engineering entrance preparation
- NEET and medical entrance preparation
- GATE and other competitive examinations
upGrad, meanwhile, has focused on higher education, professional upskilling, online certifications, universities and study-abroad services.
The combination gives the group exposure to multiple education categories rather than depending on a single segment.
The companies are also looking to improve operational efficiency and focus on businesses with sustainable economics.
For Unacademy, this involves continuing its shift towards a more disciplined cost structure and evaluating how its online and offline learning operations should develop.
The leadership transition places Kumar in charge of executing these priorities while Munjal remains involved in the broader business strategy.
Unacademy Lost More Than 90% of Its Peak Valuation
Unacademy’s acquisition by upGrad followed a difficult period for India’s edtech industry.
During the online education boom, Unacademy became one of the country’s most valuable privately held education technology companies. It reached a valuation of approximately $3.44 billion in 2021 after raising substantial funding from investors.
However, changing demand patterns, rising operating costs and increasing competition created challenges for the business.
The company’s valuation in the upGrad transaction, at slightly more than $200 million, represented a decline of more than 90% from its peak.
Its financial performance also reflected the pressure on the business.
According to figures reported by Financial Express, Unacademy recorded operating revenue of ₹826.2 crore in FY25, down 16% year over year, while its losses narrowed 31% to ₹435.4 crore.
The company subsequently focused on reducing costs and moving towards a more sustainable operating model.
The acquisition provided a route to combine its test-preparation business with upGrad’s broader education portfolio.
upGrad’s Proposed IPO Becomes a Key Priority
Munjal has specifically mentioned supporting upGrad’s proposed IPO as one of his priorities in the new executive chairman role.
The combined business is expected to use its broader presence across education categories as it works towards a potential public listing.
Bringing together online test preparation, professional education, upskilling and other learning services could give the group a wider business portfolio.
However, an IPO would require the company to demonstrate consistent financial performance, operational discipline and a credible path towards sustainable profitability.
The leadership transition comes as the group prepares for that next stage.
Munjal’s continued involvement could help maintain continuity during the integration process, while Kumar takes responsibility for Unacademy’s executive leadership.
The company has not announced a specific IPO date as part of the leadership change.
The Bigger Picture
Unacademy’s leadership reshuffle reflects the changing priorities of India’s edtech industry. The sector experienced rapid expansion during the pandemic, attracting significant investor funding and reaching high private-market valuations. However, the focus has increasingly shifted towards profitability, cost management and sustainable business models.
The upGrad acquisition and the appointment of Kumar as CEO represent another stage in Unacademy’s transition. Rather than operating as an independent, founder-led business, it is now part of a larger education group preparing for a potential public listing. The challenge will be to combine the strengths of both businesses while maintaining learner outcomes and improving financial performance.
Looking Ahead
Kumar will take charge of Unacademy as the company continues its integration under upGrad. His immediate priorities include building a sustainable business and maintaining the focus on learners and educators. Munjal, meanwhile, will remain involved in daily operations and work with the new CEO on business reviews, strategic decisions and the group’s proposed IPO.
The leadership change comes earlier than originally anticipated following the acquisition, but Munjal has made clear that he is not stepping away from the company. The next phase will be shaped by how effectively Unacademy executes its profitability plans, strengthens its position in test preparation and contributes to upGrad’s broader education business.
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