iProf Learning Solutions, a tablet-based education content provider, is taking the concept of e-learning a step ahead with the new Digi Library.
The Digi Library will provide preparation material for competitive exams such as engineering, medical, CAT and Civil Services, along with course packs for class XI and XII.
The company also plans to add course material for all classes starting from nursery to high school within the next few weeks.
iProf has secured Rs 22 crore from investment company Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) and technology venture capital fund IDG Ventures India.
The content is free for use by students.
Sanjay Purohit, Chief Executive Officer, iProf, said that revenues would be generated from two streams — services and home-delivery of digital content for offline access.
He added that the paid services would include live chat with teachers, virtual classes, drop-box for questions and clarifications and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
“There is something schools, hospitals and retail shops have in common in India. There would never be enough of any of them. That is why leveraging technology for these sectors is so important,” said Sudhir Sethi, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, IDG Ventures India.
Sethi added that there was no question of charging for content as that is not a scalable model, especially since content is available free of cost across the world.
Forty schools across India have already subscribed to the Digi Library, which can be availed by institutions as well as individuals.
Purohit said they have seen more demand coming from tier-II and III cities and smaller towns as compared to metros such as Delhi.
He said by mid-2013 they would add higher education content on the Library and are in talks with international universities for content sharing . They are also in talks with Indira Gandhi National Open University for study material for college-level education.
aesha.datta@thehindu.co.in