Zoho, the global technology company headquartered in Chennai, India, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Zoho Schools of Learning (ZSL), with the expansion of the program to two new locations in Tamil Nadu–Tharuvai and Kumbakonam. With this strategic expansion, the program strengthens its efforts to bridge the skill gap by providing practical and hands-on training to young students in India's towns.
Zoho Schools of Learning, formerly Zoho University, started in 2005 with just six students and two teachers as an alternative to a college education. It provides a two-year training program for high school graduates, which includes a one-year internship at Zoho. The program does not charge a fee, but instead offers a stipend to the students, enabling them to focus on their education without financial stress. Currently, the programme receives around 20,000 applications annually from around India. To date, ZSL has produced over 2,000 graduates who now make up over 10% of Zoho Corporation's workforce.
<>"We started Zoho Schools of Learning with a belief: traditional college education was not preparing the students for the workforce. What began as a modest experiment with just a few students has now evolved into a sought-after alternative to college for students across the country. We are seeing results of this effort, as our alumni contribute meaningfully in various roles at Zoho<>—<>from taking up leadership positions to getting involved in deep-tech R&D projects and leading product development. Our commitment to valuing merit over credentials continues to prove that genuine talent flourishes when given opportunity, regardless of formal qualifications. The past 20 years have taught us valuable lessons on how we should engage with our students contextually, teaching them relevant skills in an experiential environment. At Zoho, we continue to learn with ZSL," said Rajendran Dandapani, Director of Technology at Zoho and President of Zoho Schools of Learning.
Schools of Learning
Two decades ago, ZSL launched with just one specialization—the School of Technology—to train for software engineering. The program has expanded over the years to include Schools of Design, Business, Graduate Studies, and Advanced Study. Currently, ZSL has two campuses: the Chennai campus trains around 200 students and has all the schools, while the Tenkasi campus, which trains 80 students, has the Schools of Technology and Business. The Tharuvai campus will host the Technology and Business Schools, and the Kumbakonam campus will start with the School of Technology. The new campuses will start with a batch of 15-20 students each.
ZSL also runs the Marupadi programme to train women who have had to leave work for a variety of reasons and now want to rejoin the workforce. Marupadi currently offers three courses: software development, software testing, and technical writing. Since its launch in 2022, a total of 60 women have completed training through this program, of which 50 have found job placements within Zoho.
Each school is designed to equip students with the practical skills required in today’s job market, including keeping pace with the latest industry trends. The program continuously updates its curriculum to ensure alignment with industry needs. For example, initially, theoretical foundations and traditional programming for standalone applications and basic web development were the focus. However, as engineers now need multi-disciplinary skills that bridge hardware, software, and data-driven problem-solving, Zoho School of Technology has modernized its approach by embracing contemporary programming languages such as Go, Swift and Kotlin. It has also incorporated open-source tools, and aims at fostering interdisciplinary learning, focusing on design thinking and user experience. This comprehensive strategy aims to nurture graduates to not only be technically proficient, but also adapt to the evolving technological landscape, ensuring they are truly industry-ready.
<>"As AI is reshaping the way we work, we are once again adapting ourselves," said Rajendran Dandapani. "AI technology is advancing at such a fast pace that we can neither be proactive nor reactive. Instead, we are focussing on developing critical skills such as learning to ask the right questions and assessing the quality and validity of the answers AI generates. These skills will be needed regardless of the direction in which AI evolves.”
Fostering a culture of self-learning
ZSL follows a hybrid teaching approach. While lectures with faculty remain a core element, the program also incorporates group discussions and a flipped classroom environment, wherein students are encouraged to self-learn or learn with help from peers while being guided by teaching assistants. Students can choose an exam-free evaluation category, if they prefer. In recent years, alumni have started offering personalised, one-on-one mentorship to graduates.
With its unique blend of practical experience, skill-based learning, and a focus on industry relevance, Zoho Schools of Learning remains committed to shaping the next generation of professionals ready to thrive in today’s ever-evolving workplace.
Student Quotes
"I grew up in a small town. As the son of a daily wage worker, supporting our family of three—my father, sister, and myself—was our primary concern. After graduating from the Government Higher Secondary School in Pullukattuvalasai, I enrolled in Zoho Schools in 2015, and that became a turning point for me. During the training, I not only learned programming and logical thinking, but also realized the immense possibilities that existed for me. What might have been a future in local jobs transformed into a career at Zoho Desk that has sustained me since 2016. Through the mentorship of teachers, managers, and colleagues, I have gained not just technical skills, but also the confidence to reimagine my life. Today, I own a home, support my family financially, and fund my sister's education. Zoho Schools didn't just change my career trajectory; it gave me financial stability, a capacity for self-learning, and a belief that I could accomplish anything," said Kumaresan M., Member Technical Staff, Zoho Desk (ZSL Batch: 2015-2017)
"Being a weaver's daughter, pursuing higher education seemed financially out of reach for our family. I hesitated given that it would have added another burden on my parents' shoulders. Zoho Schools opened an unexpected door for me. Beyond the financial support, which was certainly meaningful, the program gave me space to develop both technical skills and personal confidence. During training, I gradually overcame my shyness and discovered abilities I had not recognized in myself. Without this opportunity, I would have likely taken a conventional undergraduate path and accepted whatever employment came my way to help support my family. Most probably would have chosen something non-technical. Instead, Zoho Schools provided an alternative that allowed me to build specialised skills while still fulfilling my family responsibilities. The professional growth and learning opportunities I have experienced since joining have helped me develop a career I would not have imagined possible. This journey has shown me that with the right support and education, even someone from modest beginnings can find their way into the technology field," said Nivetha Ganeshan, Member Technical Staff, Zoho Desk (ZSL Batch: 2016-2018)
"The path that led me to becoming a Visual Designer at Zoho was nothing short of ordinary. I hail from a village near Madurai, Kulamangalam. After completing 12th grade, I found myself at a crossroads. Due to financial constraints, pursuing a college education was simply not an option. Like many others in my situation, I was preparing to take up painting work on construction sites just to make ends meet. At 19, I took a chance and applied for Zoho School of Design, driven by my passion for drawing and some basic design skills. It was not just about gaining skills; it was about transforming my mindset, lifestyle, and future. Today, I look back with immense gratitude. What started as a small opportunity turned into a stepping stone toward a career I love," said Yogeshwara Pandian, Visual Designer, Zoho Payments (ZSL Batch: 2022-2024)
About Zoho
With over 55 apps across nearly every major business category, Zoho Corporation is one of the world’s most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable, employing more than 18,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit: zoho.com
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