ITC Classmate bets on premiumisation and QR-coded eduGAMES to stay relevant in digital-first India

ITC's Classmate is pushing digital tools like eduGAMES Infinity QR codes and NEP 2020-aligned content via omni-channel retail, navigating a price-sensitive Rs 16,500 crore stationery market amid a structural shift toward screen-based learning.

— FiledWed, 8 Jul, 2026, 04:18 IST·First seen Wed, 8 Jul, 2026, 04:17 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

ITC Classmate · ITC's Classmate stationery brand pushes premiumisation and digital tools (eduGAMES Infinity QR codes, NEP 2020-aligned) via omni-channel retail,

Key facts

  • Rs 16,500 crore stationery market
  • Rs 21,981 crore FMCG revenue FY25
  • Rs 1,000 crore+ consumer spends
  • launched 2003
  • 11 interactive challenges

Why this matters

Classmate's omni-channel, digital-first pivot positions ITC to acquire or partner with edtech content players, creating optionality to bundle interactive learning with its consumer stationery scale.

What to watch

  • Quarterly stationery segment revenue and margin disclosures from ITC
  • eduGAMES QR scan/engagement metrics or app download disclosures
  • Competitor (Navneet, Nataraj, regional players) pricing and digital responses
  • NEP 2020 implementation pace at state-board level driving content demand
  • Raw material (paper/pulp) cost trends squeezing value-tier economics
  • Expand school and edtech partnerships to embed eduGAMES content into curricula and lock institutional demand
  • Segment SKUs into value vs premium tiers to protect volume base while scaling higher-margin lines
  • Deepen e-commerce and quick-commerce presence to capture urban premium buyers directly
  • Bundle digital content subscriptions or app engagement to build recurring touchpoints beyond one-time purchase