In an era where quality education has often been equated with high cost, one man has changed the narrative for millions of Indian students. Alakh Pandey, the visionary founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, has emerged as a beacon of hope for learners aspiring to crack competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE, NEET, UPSC, and numerous state-level tests. His journey from a passionate teacher in a modest classroom to leading one of the fastest-growing edtech companies in India is a testament to his relentless drive, empathy for students, and commitment to accessible education.
Humble Beginnings with a Bold Vision
Alakh Pandey’s story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Born and raised in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he showed a deep inclination for teaching from an early age. While pursuing his own education, he developed an innate ability to simplify complex concepts and connect with students in a manner that earned him immense respect. What set Pandey apart was not only his teaching skill but also his genuine empathy for the struggles of learners, many of whom come from rural and middle-class backgrounds.
In 2016, driven by a vision to create a level playing field, Pandey began uploading free classes on YouTube under the name Physics Wallah. His engaging style, relatable examples, and command over Physics and Mathematics quickly resonated with lakhs of students across India. What started as a single channel soon transformed into a lifeline for aspiring engineers and doctors who were otherwise unable to afford expensive coaching institutes.
From YouTube to India’s Most Valued EdTech Startup
Physics Wallah’s rise has been unprecedented. In 2020, recognizing the limitations of providing structured content solely via YouTube, Pandey, along with co-founder Prateek Maheshwari, officially launched the Physics Wallah app. The platform offered a holistic system of learning with recorded lectures, live classes, doubt-solving sessions, assignments, and test series — all at a fraction of the cost charged by mainstream coaching giants.
By 2022, PW achieved a rare feat in India’s startup ecosystem by becoming a unicorn with a valuation of $1.1 billion after securing $100 million in its maiden funding round led by WestBridge and GSV Ventures. This landmark moment underscored not just the company’s commercial success but also its enduring mission: democratizing high-quality education for millions.
Today, Physics Wallah has expanded beyond online teaching. The company runs over 60 offline centers (PW Vidyapeeth and Pathshala) across the country, offering hybrid models of education. It caters to over 20 million students, employs thousands of educators, and spans disciplines ranging from school curriculum support to competitive examinations and even skill development courses.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy
What makes Alakh Pandey’s leadership style unique is his unshakable connection with students. While many leaders in edtech operate behind the scenes, Pandey remains the face and soul of PW. He continues to teach, interact with students directly, and prioritize their feedback in shaping company strategies. His insistence on keeping courses accessible has often compelled the company to adopt disruptive pricing models, causing a ripple effect in the coaching industry at large.
Commenting on his journey, Pandey has often reiterated: “I understand the dreams of every student from a modest background because I have walked the same path. Education should not be a privilege; it is a fundamental right.”
Transforming the EdTech Ecosystem
Physics Wallah’s model is not only bridging gaps in accessibility but also challenging the very fabric of India’s coaching ecosystem. While traditional institutes have often been concentrated in a few metropolitan hubs such as Kota, Delhi, and Hyderabad, PW has localized its presence nationwide. With affordable course offerings starting as low as a few hundred rupees, the platform addresses academic inequalities and ensures that no student is left behind merely because of financial constraints.
Furthermore, the company has leveraged technology in innovative ways. Its AI-powered tools for personalized learning, analytics-driven assessments, and language-friendly modules aim to break barriers for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Physics Wallah has proven that education, when powered by empathy and innovation, can uplift entire communities.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Alakh Pandey’s contributions have been widely recognized. He has been celebrated in multiple business and education forums as one of the youngest entrepreneurs to create a sustainable unicorn while retaining profitability — a rare achievement in today’s startup climate. Business Today included him in its Top 40 Under 40 list, while students across India see him as a modern-day mentor who truly understands their struggles.
Looking ahead, Physics Wallah aims to expand its offerings into global markets, skill development programs, and tech-driven personalized education. The company is also investing in partnerships with institutions to provide hybrid models of learning that blend the best of online scalability with offline mentorship.
Founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, Physics Wallah has grown from a free YouTube channel into a full-fledged education ecosystem. With a mission to make quality learning affordable and accessible, PW currently serves more than 20 million students across India. Its offerings include online classes, offline centers, digital content, and test preparation programs for engineering, medical, UPSC, and other competitive examinations.
