India, Aug. 28 -- Registrations for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur's free online coaching platform Self-Assessment, Test and Help for Entrance Exams (SATHEE) have surged since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's August 15 announcement of a national network for free online coaching.

The institute is working with the Union education ministry to develop a new platform building on SATHEE's experience, with upgraded content, user interface, artificial intelligence (AI) and infrastructure. Officials said the new platform is expected to be launched as early as October 2.

SATHEE recorded 154,000 new registrations between August 15 and 22, compared with 200-300 daily before Modi's announcement. Registrations peaked at 41,600 on Augus...