Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal steps down, Akhilendra Kumar takes charge
Synopsis
Gaurav Munjal is stepping aside as Unacademy’s CEO just two months after Ronnie Screwvala’s upGrad absorbed the platform in an all-stock deal that valued it at over $200 million — down 94% from its $3.4 billion peak. The handover to Akhilendra Kumar, with Munjal staying on as Executive Chairman, is as much about steadying the ship before an upGrad IPO as it is about a routine leadership refresh.
Key Takeaways
Gaurav Munjal announced on 11 November 2026 that he is stepping down as CEO of Unacademy .
Akhilendra Kumar will take over as the new CEO ; Munjal moves to Executive Chairman .
Munjal said he will remain fully involved in operations and assist with the proposed upGrad IPO . upGrad , led by Ronnie Screwvala , completed its acquisition of Unacademy in September 2026 via an all-stock deal valuing Unacademy at over $200 million .
That valuation represents a decline of nearly 94% from Unacademy’s peak of approximately $3.4 billion in 2021 .
Unacademy co-founder Gaurav Munjal on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, announced he is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the edtech platform, handing over leadership to Akhilendra Kumar as the company enters what Munjal described as its next chapter. The transition was announced by Munjal in a post on X, making it one of the most significant leadership changes in Indian edtech this year.
What Changes and What Stays the Same
Munjal will move to the role of Executive Chairman, while Kumar steps in as the new CEO. Crucially, Munjal was emphatic that the move does not mark his departure from day-to-day operations. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said in his post, adding that he would remain fully involved, work closely alongside Kumar, and assist with the proposed upGrad IPO.
In the same post, Munjal praised his successor: “Akhilendra is one of the sharpest operators I know, and I’m proud to have him lead us into this next chapter. The best is still ahead.”
The upGrad Acquisition Backdrop
The leadership reshuffle comes roughly two months after Ronnie Screwvala-led upGrad completed its acquisition of Unacademy in September 2026. The all-stock deal valued Unacademy at over $200 million — a steep decline of nearly 94 per cent from the company’s peak valuation of approximately $3.4 billion in 2021. Under the deal terms, Unacademy shareholders received shares in upGrad, while Unacademy’s existing brands and business lines were retained.
A Dramatic Valuation Fall in Indian Edtech
The numbers underline how sharply fortunes have turned for India’s once-booming edtech sector. At its peak, Unacademy was among a handful of Indian startups valued above $3 billion, buoyed by pandemic-era demand for online learning. That wave receded as classrooms reopened and investor sentiment cooled, triggering a prolonged valuation correction across the sector. Unacademy’s absorption into upGrad mirrors a broader consolidation trend, with larger platforms absorbing distressed assets at a fraction of their former worth.
What Happens Next
With the upGrad IPO reportedly in the pipeline, Kumar’s appointment signals a push toward operational stability and investor readiness. Munjal’s retained involvement as Executive Chairman suggests the transition is designed to reassure stakeholders rather than represent a clean break. How Kumar navigates the integration with upGrad’s wider portfolio — while keeping Unacademy’s brand identity intact — will be closely watched by edtech investors and learners alike.
Point of View
And installing a new operational CEO is part of integrating Unacademy into a larger group eyeing a public listing. The 94% valuation collapse from $3.4 billion to $200 million is a stark data point about the limits of pandemic-era edtech euphoria, and Unacademy’s story is a cautionary tale for India’s startup ecosystem about the gap between peak funding rounds and durable business models. The real test for Kumar will be whether Unacademy can hold its brand identity and learner base within upGrad’s fold, or whether it fades into a subsidiary footnote. With an IPO on the horizon, the pressure to show consolidated numbers — fast — is real.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gaurav Munjal stepping down as Unacademy CEO?
Gaurav Munjal announced the transition as Unacademy enters its ‘next phase’ following upGrad’s acquisition of the company in September 2026. He is moving to the role of Executive Chairman and has stressed he will remain actively involved in day-to-day operations and the upGrad IPO process.
Who is the new CEO of Unacademy?
Akhilendra Kumar has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Unacademy. Munjal described Kumar as ‘one of the sharpest operators I know’ in his announcement post on X.
When did upGrad acquire Unacademy?
Ronnie Screwvala-led upGrad completed its acquisition of Unacademy in September 2026, roughly two months before this leadership change. The all-stock deal valued Unacademy at over $200 million.
How much did Unacademy’s valuation fall?
Unacademy’s valuation at the time of the upGrad acquisition was over $200 million, a decline of nearly 94% from its peak valuation of approximately $3.4 billion in 2021. Shareholders received upGrad shares in exchange under the all-stock deal.
What is the upGrad IPO that Munjal mentioned?
Munjal indicated in his announcement that he would assist with a proposed upGrad IPO as part of his continuing role as Executive Chairman. Specific details of the IPO timeline and size have not been disclosed yet.
