EnglishYaari: From Bihar Hostel Dreams to National Impact

Vikas Gupta didn’t launch EnglishYaari because he mastered English—he launched it because he couldn’t. Growing up in the Hindi-medium belt of Lakhisarai, Bihar, and later cracking the JEE, Vikas thought he was ready for the world. But in college, he encountered a challenge he hadn’t anticipated: the inability to speak English fluently. This language barrier impacted his confidence and aspirations.

In search of fluency, he cycled through grammar books, apps, and videos but found real growth only through conversation and feedback. That discovery led to EnglishYaari—a platform designed to make English learning personal, practical, and confidence-driven.

Building from the Ground Up

EnglishYaari was co-founded in 2021 by Vikas Gupta, Piyush Shekhar, and Sandeep Kumar Singh during their second year at MIT Muzaffarpur. What began with ₹ 1,300 for a domain name quickly evolved into a purpose-driven venture. The team blended engineering discipline with personal insights to create a solution rooted in empathy and user need.

The name "EnglishYaari" captures the ethos perfectly: "English" for the core skill, and "Yaari," Hindi for friendship, emphasising a friendly, supportive approach to learning. Officially registered as Apni Yaari Education Pvt. Ltd. in October 2021, the company now operates with a team of 15 and a growing network of 100+ certified tutors.

A Team Shaped by Purpose

The team comprises young professionals aged 23–28, each bringing domain expertise. Vikas Gupta, CEO, focuses on purpose-driven leadership and people-centric growth. Piyush Shekhar, CMO, leads marketing and tech, effectively blending his IT background to scale outreach and user engagement.

Sandeep Kumar Singh, CFO, brings strategic acumen to financial planning and operational efficiency. Shruti Sharma, COO, leverages over six years of experience to manage tutor acquisition, content, and user experience. 

Harshit Raj, CRO, plays a key role in driving revenue and sales strategy. Aman Pathak, CTO, ensures robust technical infrastructure and continuous platform evolution, drawing from his global development experience. Their collective mission is to make spoken English accessible, human, and empowering.

The Problem They’re Solving

Millions of Indian professionals struggle to communicate in English despite having domain expertise. Traditional education treats English as a subject, not a skill, leading to rote memorisation rather than conversational fluency.

EnglishYaari changes that with:

• 1-on-1 Live Sessions
• Personalised Feedback and Progress Tracking
• Industry-Specific Modules (e.g., IT, sales, finance, healthcare)

Instead of grammar drills, users engage in real-world conversations tailored to their goals, from interviews to presentations and public speaking.

Target Market & Growth Strategy

EnglishYaari targets working professionals (ages 24–45) in metros like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Secondary segments include students and entrepreneurs. With English learners estimated at 250 million in India alone, the market potential stands at $10.3 billion domestically and $55.34 billion globally.

The platform uses a subscription model ranging from Rs 2679/month to Rs 58406/year, ensuring accessibility across income groups. With 10% of revenue already coming from international learners, EnglishYaari plans to scale that to 25% through influencer partnerships and digital campaigns in markets like the UAE, UK, Canada, and the US.

Milestones & Recognition

In just 18 months, EnglishYaari experienced a remarkable surge in monthly revenue, growing from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. The financial year 2024 closed at Rs 2.3 crore in revenue, a significant jump from Rs 55 lakh in the previous year. The team expanded its tutor network to over 100 professionals, 75% of whom are women, supporting a flexible work model that empowers educators across India.

Recognition followed their achievements, with a Rs 10 lakh seed grant awarded by the Bihar government under its Startup Bihar Policy. Further validation came when EnglishYaari was featured at the Techstars Startup Weekend Patna in 2024.

Competitive Edge

EnglishYaari differentiates itself in a crowded edtech market by offering highly adaptable and learner-centric solutions. Unlike global platforms, it allows scheduling from early morning to late night, catering to busy professionals. Tutors maintain learner continuity through shared feedback, while personalised study materials and level-based progression ensure effective learning.

With a pricing model designed for affordability and a pedagogy rooted in the Indian cultural context, EnglishYaari delivers a unique, inclusive, and scalable English learning experience.

Looking Ahead

EnglishYaari is now eyeing B2B partnerships with colleges and service-sector companies to expand its impact. The team also plans to introduce gamification and AI-driven features for deeper personalisation and engagement.

Their story proves that innovation doesn’t require a Silicon Valley backdrop—it needs clarity, resilience, and relentless focus on user needs. EnglishYaari began as a hostel-room dream; today, it’s reshaping how India speaks English.