Entrepreneurs and side-project builders in India now have access to a new learning opportunity. Y Combinator announced in March 2026 that it has launched its free Startup School program in the country.
The initiative is designed for anyone building a startup or even experimenting with a side project. It aims to provide guidance and practical tools to help early-stage founders move their ideas forward.
A flexible online learning program
Startup School is an online program that offers self-paced lessons over 7 weeks. Participants will learn from YC partners while spending just 1–2 hours per week on the course.
The platform also includes tools that allow users to track progress, stay accountable, and connect with potential collaborators. One of its key features is a co-founder matching system that already supports more than 100,000 connections.
Sessions with startup leaders
The program will include sessions with well-known startup leaders and investors. Among them is Ankit Gupta.
Participants will also hear insights from the founders of companies such as Razorpay, Meesho, and Groww.
To inspire founders, the program also provides a publicly browseable list of 157 YC-backed startups in India that users can explore.
Preparing startups for YC accelerator
Startup School is also designed to help founders prepare for future Y Combinator accelerator batches. The program focuses on helping startups build traction, refine their ideas, and become ready for funding opportunities.
By offering structured guidance and access to experienced founders, the initiative aims to give Indian entrepreneurs the chance to receive Silicon Valley-level startup advice without moving abroad.
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