Amazon To Shut Online Learning Platform As Edtech Sector Struggles

Amazon India is shutting its online coaching platform as India’s edtech sector struggles after the pandemic-induced exuberance.

“Following an assessment, we have made the decision to discontinue Amazon Academy,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. He cited the company’s policy to continually evaluate the progress.

“Amazon will discontinue Amazon Academy’s operations in a phased manner, starting August 2023, when our existing batch completes its test preparation module,” the statement said.

The decision to shutter Amazon Academy marks the troubles of India’s online learning companies as schools reopened after the pandemic waned. That, coupled with a slowing global economy, made investors cautious and funding dried up.

Byju’s to Unacademy have resorted to layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.

Amazon said the decision to shut down its engineering and medical test prep academy will have no impact on services for existing users.

“Customers will have access to full course material online for extended period of an year, until October 2024,” the statement said. “In addition, Amazon Academy will refund the full fee to those enrolled in the current academic batch.”