Collaborations have enabled the learning company to offer diverse content and skills training to a large base of learners, thus enhancing their employability, says Pearson India’s head Vinay Kumar Swamy.

In an article for London Business School, the former CEO of global learning company Pearson, John Fallon, recalls being asked the same question at company town halls. The question centred around Pearson’s ‘transformation’ and if it was done with it.

I would regularly be asked a variation of the same question: Are we finished transforming yet?” writes Fallon.

Digital transformation, which is frequently talked about in various organisations, is a journey. And it’s certainly not an overnight one–especially for an organisation with 177 years of legacy.

Digital transformations take longer than the tenure of most CEOs,” Fallon writes.

“The pace of digital shift can be uneven, uncertain, sometimes unmanageable,” he reflects, capturing the challenges in driving a monumental shift in a large organisation spread across the world. 

Founded in 1844, UK-headquartered Pearson is a multinational corporation focused on educational publishing and services.

Fallon led Pearson from 2013 to 2020, steering the company through a complex journey—from being a traditional educational publisher to a digital-first organisation. Following his retirement, Fallon was succeeded by Andy Bird, who was followed by Omar Abbosh, the current CEO of the company.

Pearson’s transformation journey continues till date, under the new leadership–as it leverages cutting-edge technologies to personalise education and forges partnerships to expand its offerings and global reach.

The company is keen to drive the shift and keep the momentum going across all key markets, including India.

The opportunity in India

As its digital transformation journey gets underway in India, Pearson is recognising the distinct demands and challenges of the market.

As its digital transformation journey gets underway in India, Pearson is recognising the distinct demands and challenges of the market.

The company is sharply focused on the needs of students and educators in the country and the tenets of the revamped National Education Policy and seeks to leverage the power of partnerships to support its efforts.

India may not currently be among Pearson’s top-three markets globally, but it views the country as a strategic market primed for future growth. 

Vinay Kumar Swamy, Country Head of Pearson India, asserts that India is a focus area for Pearson and “investment plans” are in the pipeline.

With 420 million young people, representing 29% of the country’s population, India’s youth market is a goldmine for education innovation. And Pearson is eager to seize the opportunities in digital education in the world’s largest population.

Pearson ventured into India over 25 years ago offering textbooks and printed course materials. Over time, it expanded its offerings to comprehensive curriculum support for schools and higher education institutions and digital learning solutions. It also offers test preparation content for competitive exams like JEE (engineering), NEET (medicine), and UPSC (civil services).

The company’s content is available in both the printed and digital formats, including online resources and mobile apps.

Ludhiana, 12 June 2024: Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company and CT University (CTU), a multi-disciplinary, student-centric and research-focused university, announced the memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide Pearson Test of English (PTE) learning resources to the students of CT University, equipping them for English proficiency assessments and helping them achieve their dreams for studying abroad. 

Through this association, Pearson and CTU will offer a range of benefits to students, including applicable student discounts on PTE, access to offline practice materials, PTE Train (the trainer session for faculties), informative seminar/webinar sessions and access to B2B partner portals. Additionally, students will have access to Pearson PTE's cutting-edge educational resources, including official guides and score practice tests, further assisting their study abroad journey. 

CT University (CTU), stated, “At CT University, we are driven by a steadfast commitment to innovation, transformation, and excellence in education. Our vision is to nurture the next generation of global leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through our partnership with Pearson PTE, we continue to pave the way for our students' success, empowering them to realize their dreams and make a positive impact on society.”

Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning at Pearson India said, “It is a delight to partner with CT University. Our mission is to empower students at CT University by enhancing their English language skills. We are committed to equipping these students to pursue global opportunities and achieve their academic and professional goals.”

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is gaining and growing fast as the preferred test of English proficiency in the state. Earlier this year, Pearson announced the bookings open for PTE Core, its newest English language proficiency test for Canada Economic Migration. Alongside this, PTE Academic was accepted from August 2023 by IRCC as an approved English proficiency test for all Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa applications – it is already recognised by more than 97 per cent of universities and 95 per cent of colleges in Canada. The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications. PTE Academic is also accepted by 100 per cent of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99 per cent of UK universities.  

About CT University

 CT University, part of the CT Group of Institutions, is dedicated to innovation and discovery, offering a diverse range of educational programs designed to meet the needs of today's learners. With a mission to undertake impactful research, develop global professionals, and prepare graduates to make a difference in society, CT University is committed to shaping the future of education.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. For more information, please visit www.pearsonplc.com.

Visit us at: www.pearsonplc.com

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs,

Media Contact 

Bhavya Suri -  Bhavya.Suri@pearson.com

Read More/ YourStory

Hyderabad, 10 June 2023: Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s learning company, and Hyderabad School of Business, a premier educational institution in Hyderabad affiliated to Osmania University, have joined hands to offer Pearson’s BTEC Higher Nationals courses in Business Management, Leadership and Strategic Management. Pearson BTECs are Vocational Skill Qualification programs, developed and validated in partnership with industry, universities and professional bodies, offering a diverse range of qualifications enabling learners a pathway to UK universities. 

The Pearson BTEC Higher National undergraduate program qualification is generally considered equivalent to the first two years of a three-year honours degree in the UK and offers students a unique learning experience, through real-world scenario-based assessments and assignments. The qualifications have seen tremendous success globally, reaching over 1.05 million learners in more than 50 countries. 90% of BTEC students are likely to be employed after graduating. 

“Our partnership with Hyderabad School of Business will strengthen our efforts in providing an immersive learning experience to students, equipping them with the confidence and expertise to thrive in the global workplace. Together, we aim to invest in the future of India's workforce, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation's economic growth.” said, Jane Baker, Vice President, Pearson Workforce Skills.

Announcing the partnership, Sanjeeva Reddy, Chairman of Hyderabad School of Business (HSB), said, “The education sector in India has undergone a significant transformation in the last three decades, with vocational education driving the current shift. Our partnership with Pearson will offer customized courses to meet student needs, providing invaluable exposure to the job market. We believe this collaboration will empower our students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in today's dynamic workforce.”

Aishwarya Reddy, Head of Pearson BTEC programs at Hyderabad School of Business (HSB), said, “Our ongoing commitment is to deliver top-notch education to our students. We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Pearson to introduce Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business programs. This course is designed to foster the holistic development of our students and unveil lesser known yet highly rewarding avenues, including the option for top-up degrees at the program's conclusion.”

Pearson is working with the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI) to promote Pearson BTEC qualifications across India. Globally, Pearson BTEC has collaborated with industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services, BMW Group, and Schneider Electric to design industry-specific customized qualifications for learners across sectors. In India, the courses are offered across key institutions such as Solitaire Business School (Hyderabad), Jetking Institutes (Mumbai), Buddha Group of Institutes (Karnal), amongst others. 

 About Hyderabad School of Business: 

At the Hyderabad School of Business (HSB), our core mission is to inspire and empower individuals through transformative education. With a management team boasting extensive experience in the education industry since 1992, HSB is steadfast in its dedication to cultivating a dynamic and enriching learning environment, establishing itself as a beacon of academic excellence. Over the years, HSB has witnessed numerous successful batches graduate from its campus, a testament to our unwavering commitment to real-world impact. Our faculty and staff, comprised of seasoned industry experts from around the world, are passionate educators and professionals dedicated to fostering a holistic educational experience. As a premier institution, HSB offers a diverse range of programs and resources, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today's ever-evolving world. HSB serves as the ultimate destination for individuals aspiring to become holistic, well-rounded individuals. Explore more at https://hsbind.com/ 

 About Pearson: 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. 

Visit us at: www.pearsonplc.com

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs,

Media Contact  

Bhavya Suri -  Bhavya.Suri@pearson.com

Read More/ YourStory

Globally, its volume grew by approximately 50% in 2023, administering over 1 million tests per year as per Pearson’s annual report 2023

Proficiency in the English language plays a crucial role for overseas aspirants who need to mandatorily take English proficiency tests in their pursuit of higher education abroad, better job opportunities, higher salaries and a better social life. In the context of colleges worldwide, these tests ensure that students can understand lectures, read academic materials, participate in classroom discussions, and write research papers.

Globally, the English assessment market is £1 billion. “In India, over 1.8 million English proficiency tests were conducted in 2023 specifically for opportunities to study, immigrate, or work abroad,” says Özhan Toktas, senior vice president, Pearson English Language Learning (ELL), who is in India for the launch of two products: Versant English Certificate and MondlyWORKS, which are targeted at corporate employees' learning and development (L&D). “The newly launched products integrate AI as the key component in language learning and assessment, enabling the streamlining of recruitment and the accurate evaluation of candidates' language proficiency,” he says.

AI is a key enabler of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) as well, which is a part of the company’s global mobility initiative and witnessing growth in India. “The two-hour assessment, being AI-enabled, is unbiased,” emphasises Toktas highlighting the exam’s recognition in destinations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK. Total 99% of Canadian universities, 100% of Australian universities, and over 3,300 universities worldwide including Oxford University, Harvard Business School, Yale, Stanford University, University of British Columbia, among others, accept PTE Academic scores. “The popularity of the test has increased, with PTE’s acceptance by the Canadian government for economic migration and student visas. Globally, its volume grew by around 50% in 2023, administering over 1 million tests per year as reported in our annual report 2023,” Toktas says.

As to its demand across various programmes for overseas study, he explains, “The United States offers numerous opportunities for STEM courses, while countries like France and Switzerland are preferable for hospitality programmes. PTE is used by a diverse range of learners for their study abroad plans, not limited to any specific field or course.” Talking about the effectiveness of the exam’s format, Toktas explains test takers can book online up to 24 hours in advance, take advantage of the year-round worldwide test centre slots and receive their results on average within 1.3 days. This seems to make it the fastest among the other proficiency tests that release the results anywhere between 7-13 days.

While the two other assessment tests – IELTS and TOEFL – are in both pen and paper, and online formats, PTE, however, is a fully computerised AI-based test. “This makes the exam stress-free for the test taker, without the need for human intervention,” Toktas adds. Highlighting the difficulty levels of the assessment exams, he says different tests have different scores, but they are all mapped to a single score (which is the standard) as laid down by the regulatory authorities of a particular country where the tests are recognised. “We do have a suite of preparation materials, from books to question banks and practice papers but ultimately it is the skill and practice which will help candidates do better in the exams,” he adds.

Evidently, Punjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are the leading areas for study-abroad opportunities in India. Moreover, India sends the maximum students abroad followed by China.

English is a strong employability skill, Toktas says, further adding, the use of AI or ChatGPT has increased the need for English language proficiency in recent years. “The demand for English language learning has consistently risen globally, driven by increasing globalisation, cross-border trade, and communication. Our recent report highlights this trend, with 85% of respondents stating that English is important for their work life and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. Additionally, 79% believe that English is important today, with this number rising to 81% for personal life importance in five years,” he elaborates. “While we see AI as an enabler, a language skill developed with English makes a learner more resilient and adaptive. Combining both AI and English proficiency, learners can become globally competitive,” he adds.

Key differentiators

Based on the purposes and catering to distinct audiences depending on the countries’ requirements, PTE can either be PTE Academic or PTE Core. Both tests assess the four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. However, the content and structure of the tests differ.

PTE Academic primarily targets academic test takers, such as students applying to universities or colleges, focusing on evaluating language skills within academic contexts. In contrast, PTE Core is specifically designed for vocational test takers, emphasising real-life, non-academic scenarios relevant to professions and daily interactions. Additionally, the scoring criteria and test format may vary between the two tests to accommodate their respective target audiences.

Further, PTE Core is for Canadian economic visa purposes only at present. People wanting to study in Canada for both Student Direct Stream (SDS) visas or worldwide and to live or work in the UK, Australia or New Zealand need to take PTE Academic as usual. Test takers should consider their specific objectives and linguistic competencies when choosing between the two tests.