Manish Agarwal, Co-Founder of PrepInsta, on Transforming Employability for India’s Engineering Graduates In this insightful interview, Manish Agarwal, Co-Founder of PrepInsta, shares his journey from an engineering student at VIT to building one of India’s leading placement preparation platforms. From humble beginnings in a dorm room to a recent acquisition by Adda247, Agarwal discusses the inspiration behind PrepInsta, its innovative OTT-style subscription model, and its mission to make millions of graduates industry-ready.
Q. Could you share with us your personal journey from studying Electronics and Communication Engineering at VIT to starting your professional career at Accenture?
My journey from studying Electronics and Communication Engineering at VIT to joining Accenture was both transformative and grounding. At VIT, I developed not just technical skills but also an entrepreneurial mindset that encouraged problem-solving beyond the classroom. Working on real-time projects taught me the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, which later became the foundation for my approach at PrepInsta. My role as a Mainframe Developer at Accenture exposed me to structured corporate environments, client management, and large-scale technology systems. It was a valuable experience in understanding how technology drives business outcomes and how talent and process alignment shape success. However, witnessing the skill gap among fresh graduates made me realise how many capable students struggled to bridge academic learning with employability. That realisation became the seed for building PrepInsta, a platform designed to simplify this transition and help students unlock their full professional potential.
Q. What inspired you to leave a conventional corporate career and co-found PrepInsta?
The decision to move away from a conventional corporate path and co-found PrepInsta came from a deep sense of purpose rather than impulse. Back in our VIT dorm room, my co-founders and I realised how many talented engineers struggled to find suitable opportunities because their education did not fully prepare them for industry expectations. We saw peers facing fragmented information, inconsistent placement support, and a lack of direction. It became clear that the problem was not a shortage of talent but the absence of structured guidance. We wanted to create something that bridged this gap by combining learning, skill-building, and employability on a single platform. PrepInsta emerged from this belief that access to the right resources could change career trajectories for millions and make job readiness achievable for every aspiring engineer across India.
Q. PrepInsta started from a dorm room at VIT. Could you take us back to those early days and describe the initial challenges you and your co-founders faced?
Starting PrepInsta from our dorm room at VIT was an exciting yet daunting experience, filled with challenges that tested our resolve and creativity. We began with a bootstrap investment of just Rs 99 to acquire the domain from GoDaddy and had minimal resources, limited technical infrastructure, and the constant pressure of balancing academics alongside building a startup. One of the biggest hurdles was understanding how to structure a platform that could effectively address the fragmented placement support students were facing nationwide. We had to research, validate, and design content, courses, and tools from scratch while ensuring they were both practical and scalable. Reaching out to colleges and convincing them to trust a dorm-room initiative was another significant challenge. Despite these obstacles, every small milestone, whether onboarding our first students or receiving initial feedback, reinforced our belief that PrepInsta could transform employability for engineering graduates across India.
Q. PrepInsta’s mission is to bridge the gap between employability and industry requirements. How do you ensure that the company remains true to this mission as it expands?
PrepInsta stays committed to bridging the employability gap by combining technology, data, and community engagement in a seamless ecosystem. Our SaaS platform, Optimus, allows partner institutions to monitor student progress, identify skill gaps, and track placement readiness, ensuring alignment with industry expectations. PrepInsta Prime provides over 200 courses ranging from coding and aptitude to Generative AI and Cloud Computing, continuously refined based on recruiter feedback and emerging trends. Adaptive learning and AI-driven assessments personalise the journey for each learner, connecting theory with practical application. Collaborations with more than 100 colleges and regular consultation with industry experts validate curriculum relevance, while constant input from students and alumni shapes course updates.
Q. With only 16% of engineering graduates in India being employable, according to NASSCOM, how do you see PrepInsta making a measurable impact on this disparity?
PrepInsta addresses this disparity by creating an end-to-end ecosystem that transforms raw potential into industry-ready talent. Through PrepInsta Prime, students gain access to a wide range of courses in coding, placement preparation, and emerging technologies like Generative AI and Cloud Computing, ensuring their skills match real-world demands. Our proprietary platform, Optimus, helps partner institutions monitor progress, personalise learning, and track readiness for campus placements, closing the gap between academic knowledge and employability. Adaptive mock tests, AI-driven assessments, and project-based learning provide practical exposure while building confidence. Structured guidance and a focus on measurable outcomes ensure students are effectively prepared for industry expectations.
Q. The OTT subscription model of PrepInsta Prime is unique in Ed-tech. What was the thought process behind adopting this model, and how has the response been so far?
The decision to adopt the OTT subscription model for PrepInsta Prime was driven by the need to make comprehensive, industry-aligned learning accessible anytime, anywhere, while offering flexibility and scalability. We recognised that students faced fragmented resources and inconsistent guidance, so a single subscription unlocking over 200 courses in coding, placement prep, and emerging technologies like Generative AI and Cloud Computing could simplify the learning journey. This approach allows learners to progress at their own pace, access personalised mentorship, and benefit from continuous updates without being restricted to rigid classroom schedules. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 90,000 paid subscribers actively engaging with the platform and over 1.4 million students trained through our ecosystem. The model has enabled PrepInsta to reach diverse geographies, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, democratising employability support while delivering measurable outcomes for students and partner institutions alike.
Q. Could you elaborate on how your SaaS product Optimus by PrepInsta Prime is transforming placements and assessments for colleges?
Optimus is transforming placements and assessments for colleges by creating a seamless, technology-driven ecosystem that connects students, institutions, and recruiters in a structured and measurable way. The platform allows colleges to monitor student progress, identify skill gaps, and personalise learning paths, ensuring every learner is aligned with industry requirements. Automated placement management simplifies scheduling, tracking, and reporting, reducing administrative overhead while improving transparency and accountability. Assessments and mock tests are adaptive and AI-driven, providing insights into performance trends, strengths, and areas that need reinforcement, which helps both students and faculty make informed decisions. Integrating real-world project simulations, company-specific tests, and predictive analytics enhances readiness and builds confidence for campus recruitment. This end-to-end approach ensures that institutions can deliver consistent, outcome-driven placement results while students gain tangible advantages in employability.
Q. PrepInsta competes with global and domestic players like Coursera, Superset, and Faceprep. What differentiates your platform from theirs?
What sets PrepInsta apart is that we don’t just offer courses; we’ve built an entire ecosystem that connects students, colleges, and recruiters in a way that actually drives employability. Unlike platforms that focus solely on content, we combine over 200 industry-relevant courses with adaptive mock tests, real-world projects, and AI-driven assessments to ensure students are truly prepared for campus placements and job requirements. Our SaaS platform, Optimus, lets colleges track student progress, personalise learning, and manage placements seamlessly, which creates a real bridge between academics and industry expectations. We also make sure our solutions are accessible and affordable for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities while providing mentorship and career guidance. Continuous updates, emerging tech courses like Generative AI and Cloud Computing, and company-specific simulations ensure students gain practical, in-demand skills that directly translate into employability, and that’s what really differentiates us.
Q. PrepInsta was recently acquired by Adda247. How has this acquisition influenced your growth strategy, and what synergies do you foresee?
The acquisition by Adda247 has opened up new avenues for growth and accelerated our ability to scale PrepInsta’s impact across India. It provides access to enhanced resources, technology infrastructure, and a broader network, which allows us to deepen our reach in both Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities while expanding partnerships with colleges and corporates. Strategically, the synergy lies in combining PrepInsta’s expertise in placement preparation and skill-building with Adda247’s established presence in the edtech space, creating a more comprehensive learning ecosystem.
Q. PrepInsta has helped lakhs of students secure their first job. Could you share a success story or an instance that personally made you feel proud of your work?
There are countless moments that make me proud, but one that stands out involves a batch of students from smaller towns who, despite limited exposure, leveraged PrepInsta Prime and Optimus to prepare rigorously for placements. Over time, they mastered coding challenges, aptitude tests, and real-world projects, and several of them secured roles in top-tier multinational companies. What made it especially rewarding was seeing their confidence grow alongside their skills—they went from uncertainty to believing in their own potential. Stories like these, repeated across hundreds of students, reinforce the impact of our mission. Every time a learner from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city lands their first job, it validates the ecosystem we’ve built, combining accessible learning, mentorship, and real-world readiness, and it personally reminds me why we started PrepInsta in that VIT dorm room in the first place.
Q. With PrepInsta’s presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, how do you address the unique challenges faced by students outside metropolitan regions?
Students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities often face limited exposure to structured placement support, inconsistent access to quality learning resources, and infrastructure constraints, and addressing these challenges has been central to our approach. PrepInsta Prime is mobile-first and optimised for low-bandwidth environments, giving learners access to over 200 courses in coding, aptitude, and emerging technologies from anywhere. Optimus enables partner colleges to monitor progress, personalise learning paths, and conduct real-world assessments, providing guidance that was previously unavailable. Mentorship, adaptive learning, and hands-on project modules help build both skills and confidence, while pricing is kept affordable to remove financial barriers. Engagement on social platforms with 600k followers across Instagram and over 500k YouTube subscribers allows us to connect, motivate, and support students at scale, ensuring learners outside metropolitan areas receive outcome-driven preparation and can compete successfully for top roles.
Q. Currently, AI/ML, Data Science, and Analytics are among the most popular courses. Which new skills or technologies do you foresee becoming crucial for employability in the next five years?
Emerging technologies like Generative AI, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain will become increasingly critical as industries rely more on automation, data-driven decision-making, and secure digital infrastructures. Proficiency in AI-driven problem-solving, machine learning operations, and ethical AI implementation will be highly sought after, alongside expertise in cloud platforms and cybersecurity protocols across both startups and large enterprises. Soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration in virtual environments will complement technical knowledge, creating well-rounded professionals. PrepInsta is already incorporating these areas into PrepInsta Prime with hands-on projects, adaptive learning, and industry-aligned assessments, ensuring students gain practical, future-ready skills. This proactive approach equips learners to compete effectively for emerging roles, stay ahead of technological shifts, and translate their knowledge into tangible career opportunities in rapidly evolving global and domestic job markets.
Q. PrepInsta has rapidly grown its workforce. What leadership principles do you follow to manage such growth effectively?
At PrepInsta, managing growth effectively comes down to clarity, ownership, and creating an environment where people feel empowered. I make sure the team understands our mission and how their work directly impacts bridging employability gaps, so everyone feels invested in the outcomes. Open communication and transparency are critical; when people know what’s happening and why decisions are made, they take initiative rather than wait for instructions. We focus on measurable goals and data-driven decisions, which helps us scale without compromising quality. Mentorship and continuous learning are key because as the company grows, the team needs to grow alongside it. Encouraging collaboration while recognising individual contributions builds trust and keeps innovation alive. This approach ensures that even with rapid expansion, PrepInsta remains agile, cohesive, and deeply committed to delivering real, measurable results for students and partner institutions.
Q. How do your hobbies contribute to maintaining balance amidst the demands of running a fast-growing Ed-tech company?
It’s not easy running any fast-growing company, so hobbies like playing billiards and going on long rides with family and friends really help me recharge and keep perspective. Billiards sharpens focus and strategic thinking, which comes in handy when making decisions at work. Long rides give me space to disconnect, reflect, and have conversations that spark new ideas. Spending time outside the office prevents burnout and helps me approach challenges with a clearer mind and renewed energy. It also reminds me that relationships and experiences beyond work are important, keeping me grounded as a leader. Balancing work with these personal interests allows me to stay motivated and energised while continuing to grow PrepInsta and create real impact for students.
Q. What is your ultimate vision for PrepInsta in the next decade, and how do you see it shaping the future of India’s employability landscape?
Over the next decade, I see PrepInsta becoming India’s go-to career readiness ecosystem, seamlessly connecting students, colleges, and recruiters. We aim to equip learners with practical, industry-aligned skills through courses in Generative AI, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Analytics, alongside personalised guidance via Optimus. Expanding access to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and joining hands with more institutions across the country will ensure every student can compete confidently. The ultimate goal is to transform India’s employability landscape by bridging the gap between education and industry, enabling more graduates to secure meaningful jobs while creating a scalable, outcome-driven model that sets new standards for career preparation.
Manish Agarwal’s vision for PrepInsta reflects a passionate commitment to democratising access to quality placement preparation and upskilling. From its dorm-room origins to powering placements for over a million students, PrepInsta continues to prove that structured, affordable, and technology-driven guidance can empower India’s youth to thrive in a competitive job market. As the platform evolves under Adda247, its impact on the nation’s employability landscape promises to grow even stronger.
