BYJU's Removed from Google Play: What Went Wrong & What's The Way Back?

Once the shining beacon of India’s edtech revolution, BYJU’S is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. From investor battles to insolvency to now getting delisted from the Google Play Store, the story of BYJU’S is no longer just about a startup’s fall—it’s becoming a cautionary tale for the entire Indian startup ecosystem. But amid the crisis, a new chapter may be emerging—a possible comeback, led by a re-energized founder.

The Latest Blow: BYJU’S Learning App Delisted from Google Play Store

In a fresh jolt to its already troubled existence, BYJU’S Learning App has been delisted from the Google Play Store. The reason, as per a media reports, is non-payment of dues to Amazon Web Services (AWS)—a vendor providing backend infrastructure support for the app.

Sources reveal that the standoff between BYJU’S parent company Think and Learn Pvt Ltd and AWS has been simmering since April 2024. With no resolution yet and the company under the management of an Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP), Google took the drastic step to delist the app. However, it remains available on Apple’s App Store for now.

This move significantly impacts BYJU’S reach and access, especially considering India’s large Android user base.

A Unicorn in Freefall

The delisting is just the latest in a series of events that have shaken the foundation of India’s most valued edtech startup. Once valued at $22 billion, BYJU’S today finds itself fighting to survive, saddled with legal troubles, investor disputes, and brand erosion.

From acquiring multiple global edtech companies during the pandemic to now being under insolvency proceedings, the scale of decline has been staggering.

In a rare and emotional interview recently, Byju Raveendran laid bare the depth of the crisis:

“Two years ago, we were sitting on thousands of crores. Today, we have nothing.”

What Went Wrong With BYJU's

A closer look reveals a blend of strategic missteps and external shocks:

• Over-expansion: BYJU’S went on a global acquisition spree during the pandemic boom, stretching finances and operational bandwidth.

• Investor Fallout: Rising interest rates and capital delays led to a liquidity crunch. A ₹1,000 crore term loan accepted under duress worsened the situation.

• Regulatory Heat: The company faced ED scrutiny, and although no criminal charges have been filed, public trust took a hit.

• Governance Crisis: As lawsuits, boardroom disputes, and unpaid vendor dues mounted, the company was eventually placed under the control of a court-appointed IRP.

A Ray of Hope: The Founder Is Back in the Arena

Despite the chaos, there’s a visible change in narrative in recent weeks—Byju Raveendran is showing up again.

From breaking his silence in media interviews to writing posts on LinkedIn, Raveendran is now taking charge of the storytelling. The tone has shifted from defensive to hopeful.

In his latest LinkedIn posts, he speaks of resilience, rebuilding, and a return to core values. He calls it BYJU’S 3.0—a leaner, purpose-driven avatar that aims to be less about valuations and more about value.

“We belong in classrooms. That’s where we’re going back,” he shared in a recent interview.

This new visibility is not just PR—it’s a strategic move to rebuild trust with customers, investors, and employees. For a company that once thrived on brand visibility, the founder stepping forward again signals a willingness to engage, explain, and evolve.

Impact of Google Delisting

While the delisting is a reputational dent, it also creates urgency for turnaround:

• Android users can't access new downloads or updates.

• Revenue from app users will likely dip further.

• For students relying on the app for JEE, NEET, and school subjects, continuity becomes uncertain.

AWS, for its part, confirmed it has been working with BYJU’S since April 2024 to resolve dues. It remains "hopeful" of a resolution.

BYJU’S 3.0: A Possible Redemption Arc?

In the founder’s own words, BYJU’S 3.0 will:

• Refocus on core Indian operations.

• Use AI as an enabler, not a replacement.

• Prioritize teacher-led and personalized learning.

• Operate without chasing external capital, aiming for sustainability over scale.

It’s a back-to-basics strategy. One that aligns with what made BYJU’S a household name to begin with—quality education, emotional storytelling, and classroom empathy.

Lessons for the Ecosystem

BYJU’S journey, both rise and fall, offers key takeaways:

• Governance is non-negotiable—even for founder-led unicorns.

• Scaling fast is only good if supported by backend capabilities.

• Investor-founder alignment must be maintained during boom and bust cycles.

• Vendor dues and platform compliance can’t be neglected, no matter how big you become.

Not Written Off Yet

Yes, BYJU’S is battling delisting, insolvency, lawsuits, layoffs, and trust issues. But the recent signs—especially the founder’s return to public conversations—hint at a rebuilding effort that’s just beginning.

Is it enough to bring BYJU’S back into the top league of edtech? The odds are steep. But Indian startup history has shown that comebacks are always possible—especially when the mission is clear and the founder isn’t ready to give up.

As Byju puts it, “I’m broke, not broken.”