ITC Classmate adds QR-led learning tools to keep stationery relevant in digital India

ITC’s Classmate is widening stationery distribution and rolling out eduGAMES Infinity QR-led learning content as it pursues growth in India’s Rs 16,500 crore paper-stationery market. The strategy combines ITC’s paper supply chain, omnichannel reach and education-aligned product innovation.

— FiledTue, 15 Sept, 2026, 16:20 IST·First seen Tue, 15 Sept, 2026, 16:19 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

ITC Classmate · ITC’s Classmate is expanding stationery distribution and adding QR-led eduGAMES Infinity tools to defend relevance as digital learning grows.

Key facts

  • 2003
  • Rs 16,500 crore
  • FY25
  • Rs 219,81 crore
  • Rs 1,000 crore
  • 11
  • NEP 2020

Why this matters

ITC could accelerate the proposition through partnerships or acquisitions in edtech content, classroom gamification, and learning analytics rather than building every digital capability internally.

What to watch

  • QR scan-to-purchase conversion rates and repeat engagement after initial activation.
  • Teacher and school adoption, especially inclusion in classroom or homework workflows.
  • Availability of regional-language and board-aligned content.
  • Competitor launches from stationery brands, publishers and edtech platforms.
  • Price premium acceptance versus conventional notebooks.
  • Back-to-school sales growth and distribution expansion in tier-2 and tier-3 markets.
  • Consumer concerns around child data, device access or screen-time exposure.
  • Bundle QR learning modules across notebooks, writing instruments and back-to-school kits.
  • Build grade-, subject- and language-specific content aligned with major Indian school boards.
  • Use retailer, school and parent outreach to demonstrate QR activation and drive first use.
  • Pursue partnerships with educators, publishers or tutoring platforms to increase content credibility.
  • Capture anonymized engagement data to refine content, cross-sell products and identify high-potential regions.
  • Defend paper-and-print economics by leveraging ITC's supply chain while selectively premiumizing digitally enabled SKUs.