In a world where education is rapidly evolving, Counseling Shortcuts is redefining what it means to learn. Founded in the heart of Prayagraj, this innovative ed-tech startup has grown into a global platform transforming student journeys through personalized 1:1 mentorship, immersive VR classrooms, and AI-driven career guidance. Recognized as India’s first Virtual Reality-based ed-tech startup, Counseling Shortcuts is not just teaching—it’s shaping the future of education. Here’s a closer look at its inspiring journey from a local vision to an international movement.
Counseling Shortcuts is an Indian educational technology (ed-tech) company operating under the legal entity Eguruzy Learning Shortcuts Private Limited. Founded in 2022 by Pranav Sharma and Urvashi Ranjan, the company is headquartered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. It specializes in personalized educational guidance, offering services such as one-on-one live tutoring, expert counseling, career guidance, new age skills, and competitive exam preparation. Notably, Counseling Shortcuts is recognized as India’s first Virtual Reality (VR)-based ed-tech startup, aiming to enhance learning experiences by integrating immersive technology into education.
History
Counseling Shortcuts was founded on November 24, 2022, under the legal entity Eguruzy Learning Shortcuts Private Limited. The company was established with a vision to bridge the gap between students and quality educational support through personalized mentorship. Initially, it focused on individual career counseling and guidance, but over time, it expanded its offerings to include live tutoring, skill-based learning, and AI-driven academic mentorship.
Founders and Leadership
Counseling Shortcuts was founded by Pranav Sharma and Urvashi Ranjan, both of whom have extensive experience in the ed-tech and career counseling sectors. Under their leadership, the company has grown into a leading platform for personalized education and mentorship. The leadership team includes industry experts in education, technology, and business management who work collectively to drive innovation and growth.
Services
Counseling Shortcuts is unique in offering all its programs—including tutoring, coaching, new age skills, and competitive exam training—exclusively in a one-on-one live learning approach, ensuring personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs.
Counseling Shortcuts provides a range of educational services, including:
- Personalized Mentorship: Offering customized academic and career guidance for students and professionals to help them make informed decisions.
- 1:1 Live Tuition: Private tutoring sessions tailored to address individual learning needs and improve academic performance.
- Expert Counseling: Assisting students and working professionals in selecting appropriate career paths based on their skills and interests.
- Competitive Exam Preparation: Specialized training programs designed to help students excel in engineering, medical, banking, and other competitive exams.
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance: Guidance for students seeking financial aid, helping them access scholarships and grants to support their education.
- Skill Development Programs: Courses focused on communication skills, technical training, and industry-specific certifications to enhance employability.
Technological Innovations
Counseling Shortcuts differentiates itself by leveraging cutting-edge technology, including Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Analytics:
- Virtual Reality Learning: VR-based classrooms and simulations provide an immersive experience for students, making complex subjects easier to understand. Students using VR modules have reported a 30% higher retention rate compared to traditional methods.
- AI-Powered Learning Pathways: The company employs AI-driven analytics to assess student performance and offer tailored learning plans.
- Data-Driven Career Counseling: AI tools analyze students’ skills, strengths, and market trends to recommend suitable career paths.
- Interactive E-Learning Modules: The platform includes gamified and interactive learning modules to enhance engagement and retention.
Corporate Structure and Funding
Eguruzy Learning Shortcuts Private Limited is registered under the Registrar of Companies, Kanpur. The company is self-funded and operates profitably, achieving a 40% year-over-year growth rate. With a strong revenue model, it continues to expand its services and technological innovations.
Recognitions and Awards
- Startup India Recognition: Counseling Shortcuts is officially recognized under the Startup India initiative and has collaborated with various state education departments for skill development programs.
- Founders’ Achievements:
- Pranav Sharma and Urvashi Ranjan have received multiple prestigious awards, including Exemplary Youth Icon of the Year by Iconic Book of Records for their contributions to educational technology and career guidance.
- Featured in Top 10 Emerging Ed-Tech Entrepreneurs by various business magazines.
- Government and Industry Recognition:
- The company has received accolades from education ministries and national innovation councils for its role in integrating VR and AI into career counseling.
Impact and Growth Metrics
- Over 10,000 students have benefited from Counseling Shortcuts’ mentorship and learning programs.
- Expanding rapidly, Counseling Shortcuts now operates in 13+ countries, including the United States, Canada, UAE, and Australia, with a growing network of educators and students worldwide.
- More than 1,200 expert educators and counselors are associated with the platform.
- Achieved 90%+ student satisfaction rate, with 90% of students securing placements in top universities after mentorship.
Competitive Landscape
Counseling Shortcuts operates in the highly competitive Indian ed-tech market, which includes major players such as Byju’s, Unacademy, Vedantu, Physics Wallah, and UpGrad. However, it differentiates itself through:
- VR-Powered Learning: Unlike most ed-tech companies that focus on pre-recorded video content, Counseling Shortcuts integrates Virtual Reality simulations for an immersive learning experience.
- AI-Driven Career Guidance: Personalized AI-based student analytics and success dashboards help students make data-backed career decisions.
- 1:1 Learning & Career Counseling Model: Unlike mass education platforms, Counseling Shortcuts focuses on individualized mentorship, making it a student-centric alternative to traditional ed-tech solutions.
Recent Developments
- Brand Revamp (February 2024): Counseling Shortcuts introduced a new logo symbolizing honesty, empathy, and respect for learners, reinforcing the company’s commitment to education.
- International Expansion: The company has expanded operations, now serving students across 13+ countries, including the United States, Canada, UAE, and Australia.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Counseling Shortcuts has collaborated with schools/universities, ed-tech platforms/marketplaces, and government agencies to enhance access to quality education.
- Launch of VR-Based Classrooms: In early 2025, the company introduced VR-enabled virtual classrooms, allowing students to interact with educators in a simulated environment.
- AI-Based Student Success Dashboard: A new AI-driven dashboard helps students track progress, set goals, and receive real-time performance insights.
Media Coverage
Counseling Shortcuts has been featured in various news publications and media outlets for its innovative approach to education:
- Livemint: Highlighted Counseling Shortcuts as India’s first VR-based ed-tech startup, emphasizing its impact on immersive learning.
- ANI News: Covered the company’s role in providing data-driven career counseling and skill-based learning programs.
- Asia Biz Today: Featured Counseling Shortcuts in a segment on emerging startups leveraging AI and VR in education.
- The Times of India: Discussed the company’s initiatives in providing scholarships and financial aid assistance to underprivileged students.
- Counseling Today Magazine: Explored how Counseling Shortcuts is integrating psychological counseling with AI-driven career planning.