Online education in India is booming, but smart shoppers know better than to pay full price. With numerous deals, coupons, and cashback offers available, it's easier than ever to save. At SavePlus India, we help learners across the country find verified offers and discounts. Whether you're buying on Udemy, Coursera, or Indian platforms, these savings tips will transform your learning experience.
Use First-Time User Coupons
Most e-learning platforms reward first-time users with attractive discounts. These offers are triggered when you sign up with a new email ID or phone number. In India, platforms like upGrad and Udemy promote welcome deals through app installs and referrals. It’s an easy way to start saving from the beginning. These coupons are best used on higher-priced or combo courses. Even Indian students can stack this with other bank offers.
- Udemy often gives up to 90% off for new users signing up from a mobile device or app during flash sales
- Internshala’s ₹500 first-time offer can be availed by verifying your email and applying the coupon at checkout
- upGrad gives new users discounts during onboarding, along with EMI options and learning credit vouchers
Pro Tip: Reuse first-time coupons by registering using a family member’s number and a new Gmail account.
Tap Into Festive Sale Offers
Festivals are not just for shopping on Flipkart or Amazon—they’re a goldmine for online learning discounts too. Every major Indian festival—Diwali, Republic Day, Independence Day—brings massive price slashes across Indian and global course platforms. These discounts often last for a week or less, so timing is everything. Some offers are exclusive to Indian banks and wallets during this period. Festival sales also align with cashback promos and free trials.
- upGrad's Diwali Dhamaka offers 35% off plus ₹2000 cashback through SBI or HDFC credit card transactions
- Simplilearn runs Republic Day flash sales, giving a flat ₹2500 off on their most popular IT certifications
- Coursera India launches Holi offers with free courses when you enroll in bundles using the Paytm wallet
Pro Tip: Subscribe to SavePlus India alerts during October–January to never miss a festive deal drop.
Apply Verified Promo Codes
Promo codes are the backbone of smart savings for online courses in India. These codes are released during sales, as part of email newsletters, or via affiliate coupon platforms. Verified codes prevent failed checkouts and expired offers. Using trusted Indian sites like SavePlus ensures the coupons work. Some coupons are stackable with wallet and EMI offers, making them especially powerful.
- SavePlus India lists real-time verified codes that offer ₹300–₹1000 off on Udemy, Coursera, and upGrad
- Exclusive sitewide coupon codes are often shared during Flipkart Big Billion Days and Amazon Great Indian Festival
- Indian banks also distribute special codes via SMS for online course platforms during cardholder promotions
Pro Tip: Before you buy any course, quickly visit SavePlus India’s education category and search by course name.
Use Wallet Payments for Cashback
Digital wallets in India are now deeply integrated with most course platforms. By paying through PhonePe, Paytm, or Amazon Pay, users can unlock instant cashback. These cashback rewards are usually credited within 24–48 hours and can be reused for phone recharges, bill payments, or future course purchases. Wallet offers are often specific to mobile purchases. Combining wallet offers with coupon codes maximizes the value.
- Use PhonePe on Udemy or Unacademy to receive ₹100–₹200 cashback when spending over ₹499 in one transaction
- Paytm offers cashback vouchers that can be redeemed on future purchases when you pay for Skillshare or Internshala
- Amazon Pay is accepted on Coursera and offers a consistent 5% cashback for Prime members during specific sales
Pro Tip: Wallet apps like Paytm and PhonePe run hidden promotions—check their "Offers" tab before each purchase.
Opt for No-Cost EMI Offers
Many Indian learners hesitate to buy expensive certifications due to high upfront costs. That’s where No-Cost EMI shines—it allows spreading the cost over time with zero interest. Most platforms offer EMI through cards and loan partners like ZestMoney. EMI is especially helpful for working professionals taking data science or MBA-level courses. Bank-specific EMI offers also come with cashback and reward points.
- HDFC and ICICI credit cardholders can opt for 3 or 6-month EMI with no interest on platforms like upGrad and edX
- Simplilearn partners with EarlySalary and ZestMoney for quick approval on educational EMIs without documentation
- Great Learning offers 0% EMI on premium career tracks and professional certifications with full placement support
Pro Tip: Always calculate the total cost before choosing EMI—some providers add platform fees despite no interest.
Refer Friends to Earn Discounts
Referral bonuses are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to save. Just share your referral link with friends or classmates. When they enroll, you get instant credit, cashback, or free course time. Many Indian platforms allow unlimited referrals. It’s a powerful tactic for students looking to build passive rewards. Popular sites even gamify the referral experience with badges and milestones.
- upGrad pays ₹2000 directly to your Paytm wallet when a friend signs up through your referral code and makes a purchase
- Unacademy rewards you with ₹400 worth of wallet credit usable for live class subscriptions or test series
- Skillshare offers a free 1-month membership for every friend who registers using your referral link
Pro Tip: Join Indian Telegram groups and share your link along with a screenshot of your reward to increase trust.
Combine Coupon Codes with Bank Offers
Smart Indian learners know that combining a promo code with a credit/debit card offer is the ultimate savings formula. Banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI run exclusive e-learning deals throughout the year. When stacked with site-wide coupons, you can unlock unbeatable discounts. These combos are especially valuable during festival periods. Always read T&Cs to ensure compatibility.
- SBI Cards offer a flat ₹500 off on Simplilearn with a minimum spend of ₹2999 when using SavePlus India’s partner code
- HDFC SmartBuy portal features cashback rewards on Coursera and upGrad purchases using the HDFC Regalia card
- Kotak Mahindra occasionally runs time-bound offers for select course providers with a 10% instant discount for cardholders
Pro Tip: Use browser extensions like Card Insider or CashKaro for instant alerts on compatible card offers.
Compare Course Prices Across Platforms
The same course can have different prices depending on the site, device, or payment method. Comparing across platforms is essential to avoid overpaying. Some Indian resellers or partnered portals offer discounted access to premium certifications. Flash pricing differences on mobile vs. desktop are also common. Use comparison tools or track prices manually to spot savings.
- A Udemy course listed for ₹349 on desktop might drop to ₹299 on the mobile app during flash deals
- Coursera courses via Flipkart Axis credit cards sometimes show exclusive rates lower than direct website pricing
- Sites like Internshala and Skill-Lync bundle course packages that cost less per course than individual enrollments
Pro Tip: Use incognito mode or clear your cache to avoid seeing inflated prices based on browsing history.
Explore Government Subsidized Courses
India’s Ministry of Education supports free and subsidized online learning via SWAYAM, NPTEL, and AICTE platforms. These MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are offered by top institutions and certified by the UGC. Course content is often in Hindi and regional languages, making it inclusive. Ideal for students preparing for exams or seeking additional credentials at a low cost.
- SWAYAM offers foundational and advanced courses across disciplines with optional paid certification for ₹1000–₹1500
- NPTEL engineering courses come with assignments, weekly tests, and government-certified final exams
- AICTE's NEAT portal curates affordable skill development programs and short-term industry courses
Pro Tip: These courses are especially useful for government exam aspirants and budget learners in tier-2 cities.
Use Mobile App-Only Offers
Course platforms incentivize mobile downloads by offering app-only discounts. These deals aren’t available on the desktop version. In India, mobile-first users enjoy exclusive codes, lower pricing, and early access to flash sales. Some apps even have loyalty programs that reward regular purchases. It’s a simple switch that can lead to big savings.
- Udemy’s Android app often lists courses 5–10% cheaper than the website during first-time app usage
- Coursera’s app offers free extended trials and priority access to new certificate bundles
- BYJU’S app launches limited-time coupons like ₹100 off for the first 500 Android users during Back-to-School campaigns
Pro Tip: Install the app, claim the offer, then pay using wallet or EMI to combine multiple savings in one go.
Take Advantage of Student Discount Programs
If you’re an Indian student with a valid college ID or institutional email, you can claim deep discounts or free access to premium content. These student pricing plans are designed to be budget-friendly. Many platforms collaborate with colleges or launch student ambassador programs. Verifying your status unlocks hidden discounts not shown to regular users.
- Coursera allows student verification via SheerID for free course enrollments and discounts on professional tracks
- Amazon India Prime Student membership comes with bundled discounts on partnered e-learning platforms
- Internshala and upGrad offer referral bonuses, internship credits, and reduced pricing for verified student accounts
Pro Tip: Use your college email (.ac.in) to verify eligibility faster and unlock student-only savings options.
Bundle Courses for Extra Savings
Buying multiple courses in a bundle often reduces the per-course cost significantly. This tactic is ideal for learners planning a long-term upskilling path. Course providers package related subjects into masterclasses or bootcamps. Indian platforms also offer combo packs with access to live doubt-solving and placement help. Always evaluate the value of each included module.
- Udemy Masterclass bundles combine 5–7 courses for less than the price of 2, with lifetime access and updates
- Great Learning’s bundles combine Data Science, AI, and ML into structured learning paths with mentorship
- Skillshare’s yearly membership grants access to all 30,000+ courses across art, tech, and business niches
Pro Tip: Avoid bundling if you won’t complete all the courses—it’s only a saving if you actually use them.
Shop via Cashback Websites
Cashback platforms like CashKaro and CouponDunia reward users for redirecting purchases through their links. These sites collaborate with top e-learning providers to offer additional cashback after course purchase. It’s a great bonus alongside discounts and wallet offers. The process is easy—just search, click, and complete the transaction without switching tabs.
- CashKaro gives ₹200–₹1000 cashback on upGrad, Skill-Lync, and Coursera purchases made via its redirection
- CouponDunia adds wallet cashback for users transacting through its education section
- GrabOn India curates exclusive limited-time codes that also qualify for cashback bonuses on top of the offer
Pro Tip: Ensure your browser doesn’t block tracking cookies—cashback is only paid if the transaction is verified correctly.
Conclusion
Investing in education doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. Indian learners can save massively on online courses using these 13 actionable hacks—from stacking coupons with wallet offers to exploring government-backed platforms. With SavePlus India as your savings partner, you can level up your skills affordably and confidently. Smart learning starts with smart spending—so start saving today.
FAQ
What’s the most effective way to save on online courses in India?
Combine verified coupon codes with wallet cashback or EMI offers during festive sales.
Which Indian wallets offer the best cashback on courses?
PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay frequently offer ₹100–₹200 cashback for education payments.
Can I use two discount methods on one purchase?
Yes. You can often combine coupon codes with bank offers or wallet cashback.
Are there government platforms for affordable courses?
Yes. SWAYAM and NPTEL offer top-tier courses at a low cost or even for free.
Do mobile apps offer better deals than websites?
Often, yes—mobile-only offers provide exclusive flash sales and coupon codes.