upGrad, an India-based edtech company, has appointed Amitabh Kant to its board as the firm looks to broaden its presence in the digital skilling and education market. The move coincides with upGrad’s strategic plans to pursue acquisitions and potential public listing opportunities.

Amitabh Kant’s addition to the board comes at a pivotal time. upGrad is reportedly exploring acquisitions including Unacademy and selected BYJU’S assets to strengthen its portfolio and enhance delivery across professional learning and higher education segments.

The firm aims to leverage Kant’s experience in public policy and strategic initiatives to navigate the evolving skilling landscape and scale operations both in India and globally. Kant’s insights are expected to guide growth strategies and support expansion in emerging technology-enabled education sectors.

upGrad continues to focus on offering industry-relevant courses and certifications, blending digital learning with experiential modules that enhance career outcomes. The company’s expansion strategy includes increasing its student base, integrating additional services, and forging partnerships with corporates and universities.

In a statement, Kant said, “I am delighted to join upGrad’s board at this crucial stage. The company’s commitment to building scalable, high-quality education and skilling programmes aligns closely with the needs of India’s workforce and its evolving global aspirations.”

The appointment signals upGrad’s readiness to strengthen governance, enhance strategic decision-making, and accelerate its growth trajectory in a competitive edtech market. With Kant on board, upGrad is positioned to optimise acquisitions, increase investor confidence, and potentially move toward a public listing in the near future.

The company plans to continue developing innovative learning solutions while expanding its influence across professional education and corporate skilling initiatives.

Discover how upGrad is using strategic leadership to scale its education and skilling programmes in the full story.