By Sabyasachi Acharyya – General Manager | Founding Member & GM – School Dekho | Community Member – World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers
Kolkata,India
In India’s fast-evolving education sector, the demand for transparent, reliable, and efficient admission processes has never been greater. Parents expect quick responses and schools need assurance that every inquiry is handled with accuracy and professionalism. As General Manager and former Project Head at School Dekho, I worked on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the digital admission system to address these growing needs and reshape how institutions interact with prospective parents.
The core challenge was managing high volumes of inquiries without losing the personal touch that builds trust. Traditional methods often led to delays, missed follow-ups, and a lack of visibility into counselor performance. Schools were struggling to identify which parents were genuinely engaged, which ones were losing interest, and how to allocate their resources most effectively. What was needed was a system that could not only automate routine tasks but also provide actionable insights to guide human decisions.
The solution came in the form of a robust AI-driven framework. At its foundation was real-time lead tracking that ensured no inquiry went unnoticed. Automated follow-ups, intelligently timed and delivered through channels like WhatsApp, SMS, and email, kept communication consistent without overwhelming counselors. Behavior analytics offered deep insights into how parents were engaging, while performance dashboards gave institutional leaders visibility into counselor activity and overall conversion health. The system could even recognize disengagement patterns, flag cold leads, and suggest the best intervention strategies.
The results were transformative. Conversion rates increased significantly, response times dropped dramatically, and transparency improved across every touchpoint. Counselors were better equipped to manage workloads, school leaders gained a clear view of admission operations, and parents experienced faster, more reliable communication.
Beyond the measurable improvements, what truly stood out was how the integration shifted the perception of digital admissions. It was no longer seen as a mechanical process but as a trusted, intelligent system that balanced automation with personalization. This balance between technology and human touch positioned School Dekho as a pioneer in AI-powered admissions, setting a new benchmark for institutions across the country.
The significance of this innovation extends far beyond schools. Any organization that relies on lead management, timely communication, and conversion accountability can adopt similar frameworks. The principles of AI integration—automated tracking, predictive insights, multi-channel communication, and transparent reporting—are universally applicable. Whether in education, training, or other industries, the model demonstrates how artificial intelligence can transform operations by making them faster, smarter, and more trustworthy.
AI in admissions is not just about efficiency; it is about building credibility. By ensuring that every inquiry is handled promptly, every lead is nurtured intelligently, and every decision is backed by data, institutions can foster stronger relationships with their stakeholders. This approach creates a sustainable system that is not only effective today but scalable for the future.
Sabyasachi Acharyya
General Manager, School Dekho