How Some Online Education Platforms Are Misleading You — My Honest Opinion

Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal opinions and observations. I am not making any definitive legal claims against any organization. As guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the freedom of speech and expression, and this piece is written entirely in that spirit.

Introduction

The EdTech boom in India has been nothing short of explosive. Platforms promising high-paying jobs, guaranteed placements, and industry-ready skills have mushroomed across the country, aggressively targeting millions of college students and job seekers. While some of these platforms do provide a degree of value, I have personally observed several practices that I believe are misleading and worth discussing openly.

This is my honest opinion — take it, evaluate it, and make your own informed decision.

1. Unrealistic Placement Promises

Platforms like NxtWave and Scaler, in my personal observation, make placement claims that sound almost too good to be true — packages of 12 LPA, 24 LPA, and guaranteed internships from your second year of college. These promises are dangled in front of students who are anxious about their future, and understandably, many fall for them.

In reality, the actual placements many students end up receiving are far below what was advertised — often in the range of 2–4 LPA, if at all. It feels remarkably similar to politicians making grand promises before elections — exciting to hear, but rarely delivered in full.

2. Targeted Cold Calling

These platforms don’t wait for students to come to them. I have personally received cold calls from platforms like NxtWave, and many of my peers have reported the same experience with Scaler and similar platforms. They actively collect phone numbers — sometimes through questionable means — and cold-call students, particularly those in their first or second year of B.Tech or those actively searching for jobs.

The calls are scripted, high-pressure, and designed to create urgency and excitement before you’ve had the chance to do your own research.

3. Misleading Placement Statistics

In my opinion, not every placement showcase is outright fabricated — but the way statistics are presented can be deeply misleading. Highlighting a handful of top-paying placements in marketing material while the majority of students receive far lower packages — or no placement assistance at all — creates a distorted picture of what you can realistically expect.

Platforms like these prominently feature their highest packages in advertisements, which in my view does not represent the average student’s outcome.

4. Paid Promotions Disguised as Genuine Reviews

A significant amount of promotional content about platforms like NxtWave and Scaler circulates on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit — posted by influencers and community members who are financially compensated for their endorsements. What appears to be an organic, genuine review is very often a paid promotion, making it extremely difficult for prospective students to find unbiased, honest opinions.

5. Suppression of Negative Reviews

In my observation, when honest negative reviews appear on public platforms, efforts are sometimes made to have them removed or buried. This means that by the time you search for reviews of NxtWave or Scaler, you are mostly seeing a curated, positive picture — not the full reality that many students have experienced.

6. The Loan Trap — The Most Dangerous Part

In my opinion, this is the most concerning practice of all. Rather than accepting direct payment, platforms like NxtWave tie their fee structure to third-party financing companies like Bajaj Finance. Once you sign that loan agreement, you are legally bound to repay the full amount — typically around 2 lakhs or more — even if you are deeply unsatisfied with the course or wish to discontinue midway.

This effectively removes your ability to exit. You are no longer a dissatisfied customer who can simply walk away — you are a loan borrower with a legal repayment obligation. In my view, this financing structure is deliberately designed to lock students in.

If you are considering joining any such platform, read every financial document extremely carefully before signing anything. Understand who you are borrowing from, what the repayment terms are, and what happens if you drop out.

My Advice Before You Enroll

• Do not be swayed by polished promotions or influencer endorsements alone — most of them are paid.
• Ask for verifiable placement data — median salary across all students, not just the highest package.
• Speak to actual alumni beyond the success stories the platform puts forward. Look for candid Reddit threads and Quora answers.
• Read every line of any loan or financing agreement before signing.
• Honestly compare the course content against what is freely and openly available on YouTube — you may be surprised.

Spending 2–3 lakhs is a serious financial decision. Treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

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Final Note Before being removed by their team

Everything shared here is my personal opinion, formed through direct experience and conversations with peers across the country. It may align with your experience or it may not — and that’s completely fine. My only hope is that this gives someone pause, encourages them to research thoroughly, and helps them make a more informed decision before committing their hard-earned money.

If this resonated with you, please share it as widely as possible. These conversations need to be louder before the institution team removes this blog.