The Rich History and Culture of Lal Dighi in Chittagong
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10 Minute School, one of the most prominent e-learning platforms in Bangladesh, has made a mark in the educational technology (EdTech) space with its unwavering commitment to providing free online education. Since its inception, the platform has expanded its offerings significantly, catering to students across a range of subjects, including university test preparation, language learning, skill development, and job readiness. As of today, 10 Minute School has garnered over 15 million subscribers across various social media platforms and apps.
The platform’s expansive library of educational content includes over 20,000 video tutorials, 50,000 quizzes, and thousands of notes and blogs, which have been instrumental in reshaping education in Bangladesh. With a team of over 160 employees, 10 Minute School is well on its way to becoming a dominant player in the EdTech market in Bangladesh.
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History of 10 Minute School
At the heart of 10 Minute School’s success is Ayman Sadiq, the founder and CEO, whose journey began in Comilla on 2nd September 1992. Ayman’s path to creating this e-learning platform started at Adamjee Cantonment School & College in Dhaka, followed by his time at IBA. While teaching at Mentors' Coaching Center, Ayman realized that there was a significant gap in the education system, particularly for meritorious students in rural areas who lacked access to quality coaching. This led him to think about how technology could provide education to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.
Inspired by his own challenges in finding solutions for academic problems while studying at IBA, Ayman turned to YouTube to look for accounting tutorials. He was struck by the potential of online education and thought of creating a platform that would deliver free, high-quality lessons. He shared his mockup with friends, which gave him the confidence to invest in building the website for 10 Minute School.
However, the journey was not easy. Despite facing technical difficulties during the website's launch in May 2015, Ayman and his team persisted, eventually launching the YouTube channel on 12th August 2015 with the video “One Formula To Rule Them All!”
The Rise of the Largest Online Classroom in Bangladesh
The real rise of 10 Minute School began in 2016, when they partnered with the ICT Division of Bangladesh to provide online lessons to schools across the country. Despite bootstrapping the venture without external funding, 10 Minute School quickly became recognized for its quality content. In fact, it was during this period that Robi Axiata, one of the largest mobile operators in Bangladesh, became a key sponsor.
By 2017, the company had grown to the point where it needed an office, and they set up their first office in Janata Tower, Karwan Bazar. This was also the year when 10 Minute School won the prestigious Asia-Pacific ICT Award in the e-learning category. Additionally, Ayman Sadiq received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award from Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding contributions to education.
The company’s progress was further accelerated with the widespread availability of 4G internet and mobile broadband in Bangladesh. As mobile internet access became more affordable and common, more students in remote areas gained access to the platform. In 2018, 10 Minute School launched its app on the Google Play Store and started teaching students in 2,900 schools with digital lab facilities provided by the Bangladesh ICT Division.
Innovation During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for many businesses, including EdTech companies like 10 Minute School. Initially, the platform’s revenue model, which relied heavily on business-to-business (B2B) contracts, faced disruptions. However, Ayman Sadiq and his team innovated quickly, launching Spoken English books in PDF format to meet the growing demand for affordable education resources during the lockdown. The success of the “Spoken English” book, which sold 16,000 copies in just one day, marked a turning point in the company's product diversification.
Following this success, the company launched additional books, including Physics PDFs and even ventured into hardcover publications. By 2021, 10 Minute School became one of the leading players in the Bangladeshi EdTech sector, with a diverse range of products and services, including over 20,000 video tutorials and 50,000 quizzes.
Business Model: Grow Fast, Then Monetize
While many EdTech startups in Bangladesh rely on subscription-based models, 10 Minute School has taken a different approach. From the very beginning, the platform adopted a “Grow Fast, Then Monetize” strategy. Initially, they operated on a business-to-business (B2B) model, offering content to companies like Unilever, IDLC, and BRAC for employee training.
Over time, the company has diversified its revenue streams and is now focusing on expanding its paid courses. This includes a robust library of paid courses on various subjects, catering to over 270,000 students.
Future Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, 10 Minute School has ambitious plans to further expand its services across Bangladesh and beyond. One of their key strategies involves creating more interactive and engaging learning platforms for students of all ages. There are plans to develop children’s platforms and expand into language learning schools. Moreover, the company is exploring opportunities to create more printed educational materials and build out its publishing business.
While 10 Minute School continues to focus on partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, including other startups in the EdTech space, they are not actively seeking acquisition, as Ayman Sadiq has indicated that they are more focused on fundraising and expanding their impact.
Conclusion
With its strong foundation, innovative approach, and commitment to making quality education accessible to all, 10 Minute School is well-positioned to continue leading the EdTech market in Bangladesh. The platform’s diverse content library, growing number of instructors, and innovative products have made it a trusted name for millions of students. As new players enter the market, 10 Minute School's focus on maintaining its quality and expanding its offerings will ensure that it remains a dominant force in the Bangladeshi EdTech space.
External Links:
- ICT Division - Government of Bangladesh
- Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance
- Google Play Store - 10 Minute School
Internal Links:
