Zoho has introduced Classes 2.0, an upgraded learning management system that embeds artificial intelligence across the student learning journey and is being released first in India with a global rollout to follow.
What the new platform offers
The company says Classes 2.0 brings three main capabilities: AI integrated through the academic workflow, tools to boost student engagement, and student lifecycle management coupled with institutional intelligence. Those features are intended to help institutions move from delivering content to shaping learning experiences and improving outcomes without adding administrative burden for teachers.
“Traditional LMS platforms were built to deliver academic content, not experiences. But today’s students, raised on short-form video and instant feedback, expect learning to be interactive and immersive,” said Dev Anand Ramasamy, Zoho’s vice-president of product management.
Zoho describes the new version as using an embedded AI layer to automate time-consuming tasks such as lesson planning, grading and reporting, freeing teachers to focus more on instruction and engagement.
Availability and pricing
Classes 2.0 is immediately available in India and will be rolled out worldwide over the coming months. Zoho has positioned access to the platform in a tiered model aimed at educators, government institutions and private organisations.
- Free: for teachers instructing up to 100 students, and for central and state government educational institutions in India.
- Standard: priced at US$7 per instructor per month.
- Pro: priced at US$20 per instructor per month.
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | Free for teachers (up to 100 students) and Indian government institutions |
| Standard | US$7 per instructor per month |
| Pro | US$20 per instructor per month |
Potential uses and constraints
Zoho pitches Classes 2.0 as suitable for government schools, universities, colleges and individual teachers, and says the platform can support accreditation processes and larger academic organisations. The company argues that combining AI-powered automation with engagement features can help institutions focus on outcomes while reducing teacher workload.
For school and district leaders, the launch signals another entrant into the competitive LMS market, particularly as jurisdictions weigh digital learning investments and privacy and procurement considerations. Institutions evaluating new systems will need to compare feature sets, data practices, integration with existing tools, and total cost of ownership before adopting any platform.
More details on the global rollout timetable and specific integration or privacy arrangements were not disclosed in the company announcement.
