Rakesh Ranjan, former CEO of Zomato’s core food delivery business, has been appointed as the new CEO of Allen Online, the digital arm of India’s leading test preparation institute, Allen Career Institute. The announcement comes shortly after Abha Maheshwari, a former Meta executive who had been leading Allen Online since 2023, stepped down from the role.
Ranjan officially exited Zomato earlier this month after a two-year tenure heading its food delivery operations. During his time at Zomato, he was instrumental in driving the platform toward profitability while maintaining its position as a market leader. He also played a key role in launching and scaling Hyperpure, Zomato’s B2B supply chain vertical, into a substantial business within just two years.
Prior to his tenure at Zomato, Ranjan worked with the Boston Consulting Group, where he advised major Indian conglomerates on digital transformation and operational efficiency. His extensive experience in scaling technology-driven businesses and navigating complex operational challenges made him a natural fit for Allen Online’s growth ambitions.
Allen Online’s Next Chapter
Nitin Kukreja, CEO of Allen Career Institute, confirmed Ranjan’s appointment, highlighting his track record in leading new-age technology businesses. “With him leading Allen Online, we will continue to be the gold standard for educational outcomes nationwide, combining 37 years of pedagogical excellence with next-generation, AI-powered technology,” Kukreja said.
Founded in 1988 in Kota by Rajesh Maheshwari with just eight students, Allen has grown into one of India’s largest coaching networks. Today, it operates more than 300 centers across 66 cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Gwalior, Chandigarh, and Indore. Allen offers classroom learning, distance courses, online tests, and study materials for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE Main, and JEE Advanced.
Allen entered the edtech market with the launch of Allen Online in April 2022, shortly after raising $600 million from Bodhi Tree Systems, founded by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar. At the time, this was one of the largest investments in an Indian education services firm. Based in Bengaluru, Allen Online leverages AI-driven assessments, personalized content, and student support tools to expand its reach and improve learning outcomes.
Ranjan’s Vision for Allen Online
Commenting on his new role, Ranjan said, “At Allen, we are building on decades of proven pedagogy and success stories to bring personalized, reliable, and high-quality learning experiences to millions of learners. The goal is not just to widen access but to ensure every student, regardless of background or geography, has the opportunity to realise their potential.”
Ranjan’s appointment signals Allen Online’s commitment to combining traditional coaching excellence with cutting-edge technology. Under his leadership, the platform is expected to accelerate digital transformation, integrate AI more deeply into learning and assessment tools, and expand access to students across India and beyond.
The Rise of Allen Online
Allen Online has quickly emerged as a major player in India’s booming edtech sector. The platform focuses on delivering high-quality test preparation digitally, complementing Allen’s extensive offline network. Its offerings include AI-based performance tracking, personalized study plans, and interactive content designed to simulate classroom experiences.
The edtech industry in India has grown exponentially over the past few years, driven by increasing internet penetration, the rise of mobile learning, and demand for flexible education solutions. With Ranjan at the helm, Allen Online aims to leverage these trends while maintaining the institute’s reputation for academic excellence.
Impact on Students and the Edtech Landscape
Students preparing for highly competitive exams like NEET and JEE have long relied on Allen for guidance. The launch of Allen Online expanded access to students who cannot attend physical coaching centers due to geographic or financial constraints. Ranjan’s leadership is expected to enhance the digital experience further, with personalized learning pathways and data-driven insights helping students improve outcomes.
Industry experts believe that Allen Online’s combination of AI technology, personalized learning, and decades of pedagogical expertise positions it to become a leader not just in India, but globally in test preparation and online education.
Future Outlook
With the new leadership, Allen Online is expected to focus on:
- Expanding its digital footprint to reach students in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Integrating AI and machine learning to provide adaptive learning experiences.
- Strengthening student support and engagement through interactive tools and mentorship.
- Building partnerships with other educational platforms to enhance content offerings.
Ranjan’s experience in scaling high-growth tech businesses and navigating competitive markets will be critical in steering Allen Online through this next phase of expansion.
Rakesh Ranjan’s appointment as CEO of Allen Online marks a significant step for one of India’s most respected educational institutions. Combining his tech and operational expertise with Allen’s established pedagogical excellence, Ranjan is well-positioned to drive digital innovation, improve learning outcomes, and expand access for millions of students nationwide.
As Allen Online continues to grow, students, investors, and the broader edtech ecosystem will be watching closely to see how Ranjan’s leadership shapes the future of online test preparation in India.