How Rishit Agarwal & Kritika Jain turned a local training gap into Skillstride Academy—a global movement in practical, purpose-driven education.
In 2017, Rishit Agarwal & Kritika Jain found himself on stage at a felicitation ceremony alone, at least as far as representation from Hyderabad was concerned. As students from across India were being recognized for their achievements in CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), Rishit noticed something that would later spark a transformative idea.
“I was the only one from Hyderabad receiving a rank,” he recalls. “That moment made me realize the lack of proper CIMA training in the city. That’s where it all began.”
Fast forward to today, and Rishit is the founder and CEO of Skillstride Academy Pvt. Ltd, a Hyderabad-based education startup that now serves students globally. With a CGMA qualification in hand and an unwavering mission to bridge educational and employability gaps, Rishit has built more than just an academy—he’s built a movement.
While his initial goal was to create a reliable CIMA coaching center for Hyderabad, Rishit's mission evolved as he began interacting with more students and institutions. By 2021, after conducting numerous workshops across colleges, he identified a deeper problem.
“Despite so many skill development institutes and placement agencies, students still struggled to acquire practical skills or land jobs,” he explains. “That’s when I realized the gap was much larger than I’d initially thought.”
This insight drove the expansion of Skillstride’s offerings to include high-demand, career-focused courses in Digital Marketing, Graphic Designing, Video Editing, and even Reel Making—a forward-thinking program designed to help students earn from social media, using just their phones.
While many players offer similar courses, Rishit’s approach is far from standard. His academy blends offline, online, and recorded learning into a cohesive and personalized educational experience. His CIMA course, in particular, is recognized for its affordability and global reach—something few institutes can claim.
In Graphic Designing and Video Editing, Skillstride uses Adobe-certified syllabi, offers textbooks for revision, and boasts trainers with 25+ years of experience. Add a dedicated placement cell and highly competitive pricing, and it’s clear why students are drawn to the academy.
“Our Reel Making course is truly one of a kind,” he notes. “It teaches you everything from planning and shooting to editing, all on mobile. You don’t need a DSLR or a long photography course. It’s designed to help students start earning from home.”
The journey, however, hasn’t been without its share of challenges. From struggling to gain initial traction for the CIMA course in Hyderabad to battling operational inefficiencies, Rishit has seen the inside of every entrepreneurial storm.
“I hired agencies, freelancers, and in-house marketers, nothing worked. Eventually, I taught myself digital marketing and even built a course around it. That not only saved us but helped us grow.”
Financial pressures during COVID-19 added more weight. Yet, through strategic cost-cutting, process optimization, and self-funding, he managed to keep Skillstride afloat and eventually profitable.
“I thought having a 12-member team would help me scale, but it created chaos. There were HR issues, no accountability, and inefficiencies everywhere. I downsized and now only keep high-performing individuals. The difference is night and day.”
Among the game-changers in Skillstride’s journey was the launch of the CIMA Learning Portal—an affordable, self-paced training platform that has helped students in India, South Africa, Dubai, and Europe.
“It was a breakthrough moment. It improved cash flow and expanded our global footprint.”
The decision to roll out skill development courses not only diversified revenue streams but also enhanced brand visibility and community trust—particularly through collaborations with colleges and businesses.
Over the next five years, Rishit envisions Skillstride Academy becoming a household name across both metro and rural areas in India. His upcoming roadmap includes:
“Rural India is still untapped when it comes to quality skill development. That’s our next frontier.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Rishit’s advice is clear and heartfelt:
“Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Start with what you have and grow from there. Learn, adapt, and stay true to your mission. Every problem you solve brings you one step closer to success.”
It’s this blend of grit, adaptability, and mission-first thinking that makes Rishit Agarwal & Kritika Jain and Skillstride Academy a story worth watching and learning from.
To explore Skillstride Academy’s offerings or connect with Rishit Agarwal & Kritika Jain directly, check out the following links:
🌐 Website: www.skillstrideacademy.com
💼 LinkedIn: Rishit Agarwal ACMA, CGMA
📸 Instagram: @skillstrideacademy
Want to level up your skills or bring world-class training to your institution or team? Visit Skillstride Academy and start your journey today.
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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