GyanDhan
Overview
GyanDhan is a pioneering education financing platform based in New Delhi, India, that facilitates education loans for students aiming to study both in India and abroad. Founded in 2015 by IIT alumni Ankit Mehra and Jainesh Sinha, GyanDhan aims to make higher education accessible by bridging the financial gap that many students face. As of 2025, the company has raised approximately USD 6 million in a recent funding round, led by Classplus and Pravega Ventures. GyanDhan operates a hybrid model combining a loan marketplace with its NBFC lending arm, helping to secure over INR 7,000 crore in education loans to date.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: GyanDhan raised INR 50 crore in a Series A funding round from Classplus and Pravega Ventures. This investment will support further expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, increase its network of partnered financial institutions from 15 to 30, enhance technology, and scale its consultant partnership network.
- May 2025: Plans to originate loans worth INR 18,000 crore by 2028 were unveiled, demonstrating their ambition to triple their current cumulative loan originations. This aligns with their strategic goals of bridging the education financing gap in India.
- March 2025: GyanDhan introduced an innovative Loan-Based University Selector tool aimed at making the loan application process more efficient for students by allowing them to assess loan eligibility for specific universities in advance.
- April 2025: Launched a scholarship program awarding INR 5 Lakh each to four deserving students, aiming to support Indian students' overseas education without GPA or essay requirements.
- 2024: GyanDhan achieved an operating revenue of INR 21.4 crore and net profit of INR 1.36 crore for FY24.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2015 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Founders | Ankit Mehra, Jainesh Sinha |
| Revenue (FY24) | INR 21.4 crore |
| Profits (FY24) | INR 1.36 crore |
| Key Investors | Classplus, Pravega Ventures |
| Industry | Financial Services / EdTech |
| Number of Employees | 200+ |
Early History
GyanDhan was founded in 2015 by Ankit Mehra and Jainesh Sinha, both IIT alumni, with the goal of addressing the financial barriers students face in pursuing higher education. Initially focusing on loans for studying abroad, they quickly identified the inefficiencies and lack of options in the education financing market in India. By developing an in-house evaluation model known as the GyanDhan Score, they aimed to make loan processes transparent and fair, thereby democratizing access to educational loans. GyanDhan introduced its marketplace to link students with lenders while launching its NBFC arm to fulfill unmet market needs.
Company Profile and Achievements
GyanDhan operates as a comprehensive education financing marketplace, uniquely combining its NBFC capabilities with a technology-backed platform to provide tailored financial solutions to students.
- Achievements:
- Facilitated education loans worth over INR 7,000 crore for thousands of students.
- Recognized for its innovative Loan-Based University Selector tool, which aids in assessing loan prospects early in the application process.
- Expanded operations to over 30 cities across India, with plans to extend this reach significantly.
- Recently secured significant funding to enhance its platform capabilities further and increase its market presence.
- Milestones:
- Established partnerships with over 30 financial institutions and education consultants, leading to robust service delivery models.
- Developed proprietary solutions like the GyanDhan Score for unbiased credit assessments.
Current Operations and Market Position
Presently, GyanDhan stands as a key player in the Indian education financing space, providing crucial services for students pursuing overseas education. Its dual model of direct lending and marketplace services allows it to cater to diverse student needs while addressing systemic gaps in education financing.
- Market Position:
- GyanDhan holds a significant share in the education loan market with innovative solutions integrating technology and financial services.
- The company is well-positioned to take advantage of India’s growing ed-finance market, which remains underpenetrated compared to developed economies.
- By leveraging technology, GyanDhan has improved access to educational finance for students across economic backgrounds, particularly focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Strategic Initiatives:
- Continuing to scale its technology and partnerships to enhance service delivery and expand geographic reach.
Conclusion
As of 2025, GyanDhan has solidified its reputation as a transformative force in education financing in India. By prioritizing accessibility and leveraging advanced technology, it has managed to disrupt the traditional loan processes, providing significant value to students and educational institutions alike. With substantial recent funding, GyanDhan is poised to continue its trajectory towards becoming a leading facilitator in the global education financing ecosystem, promoting increased access to higher education for Indian youth.