Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

GradSkillUp ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, web applications, learning platforms, assessment tools, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

This policy applies to all users of our Platform, including students, job seekers, working professionals, employers, recruiters, educational institutions, and enterprise clients. By accessing or using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.

2. Definitions

• "Personal Information" means any information that identifies or can be used to identify you, including but not limited to your name, email address, phone number, and educational background.
• "Sensitive Personal Data" includes financial information, passwords, and any other information as defined under the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.
• "User" refers to any individual or entity accessing or using our Platform.
• "Services" includes our skilling programs, assessments, training, placement assistance, and recruitment facilitation services.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Full name and contact details (email address, phone number, address)
• Date of birth and gender
• Government-issued identification numbers (where required for verification)
• Photographs and profile pictures
• Account credentials and authentication information

3.2 Professional & Educational Information

• Educational qualifications, degrees, certifications, and transcripts
• Institution names, graduation years, and academic performance
• Work experience, employment history, and current employer details
• Skills, competencies, and areas of expertise
• Resume, portfolio, and project work samples
• Assessment scores, test results, and performance data
• Career preferences and job expectations

3.3 Technical & Usage Data

• IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Cookies, session identifiers, and similar tracking technologies
• Log files and diagnostic data
• Referral source and exit pages

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

4.1 Service Delivery

• Providing and administering aptitude tests, coding assessments, and technical evaluations
• Delivering training programs, bootcamps, and learning content
• Tracking your progress, performance, and course completion
• Issuing certificates and credentials upon program completion

4.2 Placement Assistance

• Sharing your profile with potential employers and hiring partners (with your consent)
• Matching your skills and preferences with relevant job opportunities
• Facilitating interview scheduling and recruitment processes
• Providing career guidance and mentorship

Important: GradSkillUp provides placement assistance and facilitation services. We do not guarantee employment or job placement outcomes. Employment decisions are made solely by hiring employers.

4.3 Communication

• Sending service-related notifications, updates, and reminders
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Sharing information about new programs, features, and opportunities (with your consent)

4.4 Legal & Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Enforcing our terms of service and protecting our rights
• Preventing fraud, security threats, and unauthorized activities

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent for specific processing activities.
• Contractual Necessity: Where processing is necessary to perform our services and fulfill our obligations to you.
• Legal Obligation: Where processing is required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided such interests do not override your rights and freedoms.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Platform. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences, analyze usage patterns, and improve our services.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic Platform functionality and security.
• Analytical Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Platform.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect your ability to use some features of our Platform.

7. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may share your information with the following categories of recipients:

7.1 Employers & Hiring Partners

With your explicit consent, we share your profile, assessment scores, and relevant information with employers and hiring partners for recruitment purposes. You have the right to control which information is shared and can withdraw your consent at any time.

7.2 Educational Institutions & Partners

We may share progress reports and performance data with educational institutions if you are enrolled through an institutional program.

7.3 Service Providers

We engage third-party service providers to assist with hosting, analytics, payment processing, email delivery, and other operational functions. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

7.4 Legal Authorities

We may disclose your information to law enforcement agencies, government authorities, or other parties when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

8. Data Storage & Security

We implement reasonable security practices and procedures, as mandated under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the SPDI Rules, 2011, to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Our security measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection practices

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Retention periods vary based on the type of information and the services you use.

When your information is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies and applicable laws.

10. Your Rights

Subject to applicable laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent for processing activities based on consent.
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request restriction of certain processing activities.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable laws.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 without parental or guardian consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor without appropriate consent, we will take steps to delete such information.

13. Cross-Border Data Transfer

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than India, where our service providers or partners may be located. When we transfer your information internationally, we take appropriate measures to ensure that your information receives an adequate level of protection.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will notify you by posting the updated policy on our Platform with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Platform after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India. By using our Platform, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this policy.