Online schooling is scalable and can provide a solution that’s both accessible and affordable: 21K School founder at TOI Summit

As digital schooling gains traction, reshaping traditional education by eliminating geographical barriers and expanding learning opportunities, critical questions remain—how can digital infrastructure be strengthened? What defines an effective virtual school? And what role do parents play in this evolving ecosystem? Addressing these concerns, The Times of India, in collaboration with 21K School, hosted the Right to Excellence Online School Summit in New Delhi today, February 12.
Discussions centered on improving digital infrastructure, strengthening online learning experiences, and ensuring meaningful parental involvement in virtual education. Experts highlighted the pressing need for structured reforms that prioritize accessibility, equity, and quality.
Delivering a special address on Decoding Online Schooling, Yeshwanth Raj Parasmal, Founder and CEO of 21K School, emphasized the transformative potential of personalized and skill-based learning models.
As part of the summit, Pathfinders, a book celebrating the achievements of exceptional students from 21K School, was launched. The publication highlights success stories of students excelling in diverse fields, reinforcing the impact of flexible and skill-oriented education.
“The stories in Pathfinders show how personalized, skill-based learning can help students excel beyond traditional academic standards,” Parasmal said.
The future of education: Moving beyond knowledge acquisition
Parasmal’s special address shed light on the future of education, underscoring the need for a shift in focus from memorizing facts to cultivating skills that are vital for success in the 21st century. He added, “It is crucial that we equip children with the tools to navigate a rapidly changing world. The future workforce will demand adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence.”
As part of his address, Parasmal highlighted the significant impact of 21K School’s approach, citing recent data that shows 93% of its students achieve academic success without relying on external tuition, whether physical or online. “This is a testament to the effectiveness of our model,” he remarked. “At 21K, we’re not just teaching students; we’re equipping them with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in life. Our model is about personalization, flexibility, and skill-based learning.”
The need for scalable online education in India
The online school, which serves students from over 78 countries, employs a data-driven approach to learning, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are addressed. “Our data-driven pedagogy enables us to understand exactly where a student is excelling and where they need extra help. It’s not just about grades, it’s about understanding the whole child,” Parasmal explained.
He also touched upon the increasing relevance of online education, particularly in the context of infrastructure challenges in India. Referring to a recent report in The Times of India, Parasmal highlighted that Tamil Nadu alone faces a demand for more than 2,000 new schools. He pointed out, “There simply isn’t enough land to build physical schools, and the costs are prohibitive. Online schooling, however, is scalable and can provide a solution that’s both accessible and affordable.”
The importance of emotional intelligence in education
Parasmal’s insights resonated with many at the summit, as he made a compelling case for the necessity of adapting to the evolving needs of students. “Today’s children are tech-savvy,” he said. “The tools and devices that once seemed like novelties are now second nature to them. What we need to focus on is how we can harness that natural affinity for technology and use it to foster creativity and emotional intelligence.”
In the course of his address, Parasmal also spoke about the importance of emotional intelligence in education. “Education is not just about facts and figures. It’s about understanding how to work with others, manage emotions, and approach problems with empathy and creativity,” he said.
As the summit concluded, Parasmal reiterated his belief that the future of education lies in personalization, flexibility, and emotional intelligence. “We’re just getting started,” he said. “The demand for online education is growing, and we want to ensure that every student has access to the personalized, high-quality education they deserve.”