Alakh Pandey, popularly known as PhysicsWallah, has transformed from a humble YouTube physics teacher into the CEO of one of India’s most valuable EdTech companies, valued at $3.7 billion in 2025. His mission to provide affordable, quality education has propelled PhysicsWallah into an education revolution, making learning accessible for millions across India and beyond.
Alakh Pandey began his journey in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where financial constraints did not deter his passion for teaching physics.
In 2016, he started free educational videos on YouTube to democratize access to quality coaching for JEE and NEET aspirants.
His simple, engaging style quickly garnered millions of followers, turning him into a household name among India’s students.
The turning point came when PhysicsWallah transitioned from free content to a comprehensive education platform in 2020, offering low-cost courses via app and offline centers.
The global pandemic in 2020 accelerated PW’s growth as it transitioned from free YouTube lessons to a full-fledged EdTech platform. Pandey, along with co-founder Prateek Maheshwari, launched a dedicated app and website offering affordable courses, live classes, and comprehensive study materials.
This hybrid model of online and offline education has since expanded drastically, including the establishment of over 67 offline centers across 34 Indian cities by late 2023.
PhysicsWallah’s success lies in its mission to democratize education. The platform offers courses at a fraction of the cost of traditional coaching centers, with fees starting as low as ₹3,500 (around $45), making quality education accessible to underprivileged and rural students.
This affordable pricing strategy, combined with high-quality content and a supportive community, fueled rapid customer growth to over 4.4 million paid users.
Financially, PW has seen exponential growth, from revenues of ₹9.4 crore in 2021 to ₹2,886 crore in FY2025, although the company still reports significant operational losses due to aggressive expansion. The company raised $210 million in a Series B funding round in 2024, pushing its valuation to $2.8 billion.
Following additional funding rounds, its valuation reportedly surpassed $3.7 billion in 2025, positioning PW to become India’s most valuable pure-play EdTech firm as it prepares for a $500 million IPO aiming for a $5 billion valuation.
Alakh Pandey’s work has been recognized with multiple awards, including being listed among Hurun’s Top Young Entrepreneurs Under 35 in 2024 and earning the Best Digital Person of the Year: Growth Catalyst award at the IDA in 2024. His story exemplifies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to transforming education accessibility in India.
