Global Rankings Leader U.S. News & World Report Enters India with Investment in The Red Pen

With a growing appetite for international education among Indian students, this new partnership is set to reshape how families approach global admissions.

For years, The Red Pen has helped shape the study-abroad dreams of thousands of Indian students, leading to admissions to leading boarding schools, undergraduate universities, master’s, and MBA programmes worldwide. However, this education consultancy that began as a start-up 13 years ago is now stepping onto a bigger stage.

In a move that signals confidence and ambition, U.S. News & World Report, the American media giant best known for its unbiased journalism, data, and college rankings, has strategically partnered with The Red Pen. The investment cements The Red Pen’s position as a globally recognised player in the education advisory space. 

So why is U.S. News investing in The Red Pen, and what does this mean for the future of global admissions?

Data meets deep mentorship

U.S. News brings decades of rankings, education data, and an international digital reach. The Red Pen, on the other hand, offers one-on-one insights, personal storytelling, nuanced guidance, and a two-counsellor-per-student model that has become its trademark.

What unites them is a shared belief that students deserve access to high-quality, unbiased, informed admissions advice backed by data and mentorship.

 “The Red Pen’s expertise in providing tailored support to students and families aligns with U.S. News’ mission,” said Eric Gertler, Executive Chairman and CEO of U.S. News. “This partnership will deepen our global engagement, particularly with educators, students, and families interested in international education.”

India’s study-abroad surge 

Outbound education from India is booming. From undergraduate and MBA dreams in the US to master’s programmes in Europe and boarding schools in the UK and Switzerland, Indian families now invest more in global education than ever. But with more choices come more questions: Where to go? What to study? Is the ROI worth it?

That’s where this partnership gets interesting.

For The Red Pen, the partnership unlocks access to proprietary tools, research, and the credibility boost that few education brands in India have ever landed. “This partnership is a milestone for The Red Pen and the students we serve,” said Dr. Kim Dixit, co-founder and CEO. “U.S. News’ investment validates our commitment to providing high-quality, personalised counselling and enhances our ability to support students with deeper insights.”

For U.S. News, it offers a direct line into one of the world’s fastest-growing student markets. “Each year, nearly 40 million students and families visit USNews.com to access data on tuition, financial aid, academic programs and admissions trends,” added Neil Maheshwari, CFO and COO of U.S. News, who will join The Red Pen’s Board of Directors. “This strategic investment will further consolidate our position as a global authority in education far beyond the American borders.”

Evolving without compromise

It’s worth noting that The Red Pen will continue to operate under Kim Dixit and Namita Mehta, who hold majority ownership.  

Despite this exciting new chapter, The Red Pen will continue doing what it does best — helping students find universities that align with their academic goals, career plans, learning styles, and personal aspirations. Rankings will not drive its advice. The team’s commitment to personalised, high-quality counselling will remain intact, without disrupting client experience or the ethical approach that has long defined the brand.

What changes is the scale. With U.S. News now backing The Red Pen, the consultancy can double down on digital tools, expand its reach in global markets, and delve deeper into content and research—all while continuing to work closely with students, schools, and institutions.

Namita Mehta, President of The Red Pen, noted, “This partnership will elevate The Red Pen’s profile in the global market, expand our digital footprint, and reinforce our credibility as a trusted education consultancy.”

The bigger picture

This isn’t U.S. News’ first move in student advising—it previously acquired CollegeAdvisor.com—but it is its first formal investment in India’s education services space.

This partnership marks a significant shift for the Indian admissions ecosystem, which is often cluttered with unregulated players and consultants who prioritise promises over results. It signifies that admissions to global institutions aren’t just about personalised counselling, rankings, or raw data in isolation, but rather a combination of credible insight, ethical mentorship, and informed decision-making. By joining forces with U.S. News & World Report, The Red Pen has just raised the bar for what guidance should look like.

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