ITC Classmate builds omnichannel reach and QR-led digital engagement

Classmate is expanding across general trade, modern retail, e-commerce, quick commerce, D2C and school channels, while using QR-linked eduGAMES Infinity to keep paper stationery relevant for digital-first students.

— FiledWed, 5 Aug, 2026, 10:03 IST·First seen Wed, 5 Aug, 2026, 10:03 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

ITC Classmate · ITC’s Classmate is pursuing omnichannel stationery growth and digital engagement through QR-linked eduGAMES, while leveraging ITC’s integrated

Key facts

  • Classmate launched in 2003
  • Indian paper-based stationery market valued at Rs 16,500 crore
  • ITC FMCG FY25 revenue stated as Rs 219,81 crore
  • Classmate consumer spends exceeded Rs 1,000 crore
  • eduGAMES Infinity offers 11 interactive challenges

Why this matters

Potential partners or targets should add school access, edtech content, last-mile commerce capabilities or digital engagement that expands Classmate’s paper-plus-learning ecosystem.

What to watch

  • Growth in Classmate's quick-commerce and e-commerce availability, assortment depth and back-to-school search visibility.
  • QR scan rates, repeat scans, monthly active users and conversion from QR users to repeat stationery purchases.
  • Evidence of price premiums or improved mix for QR-enabled products versus comparable non-digital SKUs.
  • School-channel wins, institutional order volumes and inclusion in recommended supply lists.
  • General-trade retailer feedback on online discounting, margin pressure and stock reallocation.
  • Competitor launches involving QR learning content, licensed digital experiences, school partnerships or aggressive online bundles.
  • ITC paper input costs and any signs that integrated sourcing is being used to defend price points or expand margins.
  • Bundle QR-led learning content with core notebook SKUs and launch limited-edition school-season packs to test whether engagement can support premium pricing.
  • Use D2C and QR registrations to build first-party student and parent cohorts, then target replenishment, exam-season and school-list purchase campaigns.
  • Secure school, tuition-centre and bookstore partnerships that convert digital engagement into institutional recommendation and recurring bulk orders.
  • Prioritize quick-commerce assortments around high-velocity notebooks, writing instruments and last-minute project supplies rather than replicating the full general-trade catalog.
  • Deploy channel-specific packs and price architecture to limit marketplace discount leakage into general trade and modern retail.
  • Extend the QR platform into measurable learning utilities, contests, rewards and parent-facing progress content to create a reason to scan repeatedly.