The Genesis of a Visionary: Alakh Pandey’s Early Days
Alakh Pandey’s journey began in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where he nurtured a passion for teaching physics. Starting as a YouTube educator in 2016, his engaging teaching style quickly garnered a massive following, laying the foundation for what would become Physics Wallah.
Building Physics Wallah: A Leap into Edtech
In 2020, alongside co-founder Prateek Maheshwari, Pandey launched the Physics Wallah app, aiming to provide affordable and quality education to students preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. This move marked a significant shift from traditional teaching methods to a scalable online platform.
Scaling New Heights: Funding and Expansion
Physics Wallah’s commitment to accessible education attracted significant investor interest. In September 2024, the company raised $210 million in a Series B funding round, boosting its valuation to $2.8 billion. By early 2025, a secondary funding round led by WestBridge Capital increased the valuation to $3.7 billion.
Preparing for the Public Eye: IPO and Corporate Structuring
In preparation for a 2025 IPO, Physics Wallah transitioned to a public entity, renaming itself PhysicsWallah Limited. The company also appointed three independent directors to strengthen its corporate governance.
Diversification and Strategic Acquisitions
Physics Wallah expanded its offerings through strategic acquisitions, including FreeCo, iNeuron, and Xylem Learning. These moves diversified the company’s educational services, encompassing K-12 education, government exam preparation, and skill development.
Financial Performance: Growth Amid Challenges
In FY24, Physics Wallah’s revenue surged to ₹1,940 crore, a 160% increase from the previous year. However, the company also reported a net loss of ₹1,131 crore, attributed to increased expenses and investments in expansion.
Alakh Pandey: The Educator and Motivator
Beyond business achievements, Alakh Pandey remains deeply connected to his students. In April 2025, he released a heartfelt video addressing JEE aspirants who didn’t clear the exam, encouraging them to view setbacks as learning opportunities.
Expert Commentary: The Impact of Physics Wallah
Educational experts acknowledge Physics Wallah’s role in democratizing education in India. By leveraging technology and focusing on affordability, the platform has made quality education accessible to students across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Alakh Pandey’s background?
Alakh Pandey hails from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and began his career as a physics teacher on YouTube before co-founding Physics Wallah.
Q2: What courses does Physics Wallah offer?
Physics Wallah provides courses for JEE, NEET, UPSC, and various state-level exams, along with K-12 education and skill development programs.
Q3: How has Physics Wallah expanded its reach?
Through strategic acquisitions and the establishment of over 180 offline centers across India, Physics Wallah has significantly broadened its educational services.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Educational Transformation
Alakh Pandey’s journey from a passionate educator to the founder of a multi-billion-dollar edtech company exemplifies the transformative power of vision and dedication. Physics Wallah stands as a testament to the impact of accessible education, inspiring countless students and educators alike.
