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Synopsis
GEMS Education will invest up to $30 million in India over the next five years, launching more than 30 schools, expanding partnerships, and supporting education infrastructure development.
Dubai-based GEMS Education has announced plans to invest up to $30 million in India over the next three to five years as it looks to expand its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing education markets.
The investment will support the launch of more than 30 schools, the development of a large partner-school network, and the creation of an education-focused infrastructure fund aimed at strengthening the country's education ecosystem.
The company said it has already identified 21 projects for GEMS-operated schools across India. The first five campuses are expected to begin operations from the 2026 academic year in Greater Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan. Another 16 schools are scheduled to open over the following two years across eight states.
Once fully operational, the planned network is expected to serve more than 100,000 students and generate over 10,000 teaching jobs nationwide.
GEMS Education, part of the Varkey Group, currently educates more than 200,000 students across over 10 countries. In India, the company plans to expand through a combination of new campuses, school transformation initiatives, and partnerships with existing educational institutions.
Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, said quality education remains one of the most powerful drivers of social and economic progress. He said. “Our commitment in India is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of geography or background, deserves access to world-class learning opportunities”.
As part of its long-term strategy, GEMS has also launched 'Mission 1000', an asset-light initiative aimed at building a network of more than 1,000 GEMS Partner Schools across India. The program will enable entrepreneurs, investors, and existing school operators to benefit from the group's academic expertise, operational systems, and educational practices.
The company believes this model can help improve access to quality education while supporting rapid expansion without requiring direct ownership of every institution.
To support future growth, GEMS India is also establishing a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under SEBI regulations. The proposed fund will focus on acquiring and developing school infrastructure in regions where demand for quality education exceeds existing capacity.
The company said the fund will help accelerate the creation of modern educational facilities and improve access to quality schooling in underserved markets.
Francis Joseph, India CEO of GEMS Education, said India is entering a transformative phase in its education journey. He said, “Rising aspirations, urbanisation and demand for globally benchmarked learning experiences are creating opportunities to expand quality education at scale".
Industry observers believe the expansion reflects growing investor confidence in India's education sector, driven by rising incomes, increasing urbanization, and greater demand for international-standard learning experiences.
With its planned investments, school network expansion, and infrastructure initiatives, GEMS Education aims to play a larger role in shaping the future of education in India while creating employment opportunities and improving access to high-quality learning across the country.