Tutoring lessons of success

With 250+ franchise centres, Gurukul Universal is now planning to take the brand to almost every state in India. In a candid conversation, Saleem Nooruddin chairman, Crescent Gurukul Limited, revealed the brand’s expansion plans and the scope for aspiring franchisees in this business. Read on to know.

Share with us the inception, success and journey of Gurukul Universal. How has been your entrepreneurial journey?

In early 2008, there were many institutes in the computer training field. They charged very high fees and provided not much in return. So, I decided to start an affordable computer training institute, which provided up-to-the-minute and innovative methods of learning. Gurukul universal provides its courses not only online but also through mobile application. Our Android app is user friendly and it makes learning easy and enjoyable.

When and what motivated you to adopt the franchise route for your brand?

I realised that though the smaller centres, especially in rural and semi-rural areas, provided good quality training to students, they did not have any standard system of delivery. They also lacked quality control and standardised learning material. So, we provided these centres an option to upgrade themselves as Gurukul franchisee and benefit from our leaning system, brand recognition and innovative teaching methodologies. This idea was well taken by existing computer institutes in eastern UP, and some 50 centres became our franchisees in the first year of operation.

What is the success mantra of your brand?

Steve Jobs once said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. Innovative and quality education at affordable fee is our basic philosophy, which has also proved to be our success mantra.

Share the USP of your brand.

Our franchisee has to pay a very small amount as registration charge per student to Gurukul. And we provide the students with mobile and website login, mobile app login, audio-visual learning tools, session wise solutions on videos, online exam, job search, certification verification and much more.

Where do you see the brand in five years time?

We plan to take Crescent Gurukul Ltd. to Taluka/ block level in every state of India.

What, according to you, is the scope for aspiring franchisees in this business? Is the future bright in the years to come?

The growth of economy and falling price of computers will make them reach every home, office and business in the coming years. A pool of trained personnel who can handle financial transactions, office management, basic programming or desk top publishing will be much in demand.

What are the qualities you seek in a prospective franchisee?

We look for a person who believes not only in upgrading technology but thinking as well. They should preferably have some computer knowledge and a commitment to serve the society and most importantly, have the motivation to be successful.

Share your expansion plans. Which cities are you tapping for expansion?

In the next 3-5 years, we plan to serve every village, block, tehsil and city of India. So, we have made things simple and affordable. Anyone with a little or no previous knowledge can join Gurukul and be a part of this fast growing company.

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