If there’s one story that truly proves how passion and purpose can change lives, it’s the story of Alakh Pandey, the man behind Physics Wallah. From teaching in a small classroom in Prayagraj to building one of India’s top EdTech unicorns, his journey is proof that dreams really can come true — no matter where you start.
Early Life: A Dream Born in a Small Town
Alakh Pandey was born on October 2, 1991, in Prayagraj (then Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. He grew up in a simple middle-class family. His father worked a small government job, while his mother was a homemaker who always believed in him.
Money was tight, but Alakh’s curiosity was endless. He studied at Bishop Johnson School, where he developed a deep love for science — especially physics.
Even as a student, Alakh enjoyed helping others understand tough topics. This natural ability to explain things clearly would later become his biggest strength.
Quick Facts About Alakh Pandey
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alakh Pandey |
| Born | October 2, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh |
| Education | Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur |
| Profession | Teacher, Entrepreneur |
| Company | Physics Wallah (PW) |
| Founded | 2014 (as a YouTube Channel) |
| Marital Status | Married to Shivani Dubey |
| Current Valuation (2025) | Over $1 Billion |
| Known For | Affordable Education and Simplified Teaching Style |
Following His Heart: From Engineer to Teacher
After school, Alakh joined HBTU, Kanpur, to study Mechanical Engineering. Like most students, he hoped to secure a good job after graduation.
But deep down, he wasn’t happy with the idea of working in a corporate setup. He enjoyed teaching more than anything else. During college, he gave tuition classes and discovered how much joy it brought him.
By his third year, Alakh made a life-changing decision — he dropped out of engineering to teach full-time. It was a huge risk. People doubted him, but he knew what he wanted: to share knowledge.
The Beginning of Physics Wallah
In 2014, Alakh Pandey launched his YouTube channel called “Physics Wallah – Alakh Pandey.” His setup was basic — a whiteboard, a small camera, and his unmatched energy.
His teaching style was different. He explained physics in a fun, real-life way — not just as dry theory. Students loved how he mixed humor and emotion with learning. He spoke to them like a friend, not like a strict teacher.
Slowly, word spread. Students began recommending his videos to others. What started as a small channel soon became a movement for affordable learning.
Education for All: The Real Mission
When online coaching became popular, many teachers turned their channels into expensive businesses. But Alakh chose a different path. He believed that education should never depend on money.
He kept most of his lessons free and priced his courses so low that every student could afford them. His honesty and humility made him one of the most trusted teachers in India.
He often says, “I didn’t start teaching to become rich. I started to make education reach every student.”
The Big Leap: Physics Wallah App and Expansion
In 2020, during the pandemic, Alakh launched the Physics Wallah app. Schools were closed, and students needed help more than ever. The app offered full courses for JEE and NEET exams — at prices most families could easily afford.
The result? A massive success. Students from all corners of India joined PW, and it quickly became one of the most loved learning platforms.
In 2022, Physics Wallah became India’s 101st Unicorn, valued at over $1 billion after raising $100 million from WestBridge Capital and GSV Ventures.
Unlike other EdTech companies that spent huge money on ads, Physics Wallah grew purely through trust and student love.
More Than Just an App: A Growing Ecosystem
Under Alakh’s leadership, Physics Wallah grew beyond online classes. It launched multiple verticals to support different kinds of learners:
- PW Pathshala: Offline and hybrid centers for students
- PW Skills: Job-oriented and professional learning programs
- PW Vidyapeeth: Specialized coaching for JEE and NEET
- PW Foundation: CSR arm offering free education for the underprivileged
- PW Prerna: A platform supporting student motivation and mental health
Each initiative carries the same goal — to make quality education affordable and accessible.
The Man Behind the Mission
Behind the success, Alakh remains deeply humble. He credits his parents for their support and values. His mother, in particular, played a key role in keeping him motivated during the hard years.
In 2022, Alakh married Shivani Dubey, a journalist and entrepreneur. Together, they’ve become one of India’s most admired young couples, known for their grounded lifestyle and focus on social causes.
Even with fame and fortune, Alakh has kept things simple. He still records videos, interacts with students, and keeps reminding them that learning is a lifelong journey.
Overcoming Challenges
Success didn’t come easily. Alakh faced several struggles on the way — technical problems, funding issues, and intense competition from big coaching giants.
Some big EdTech companies even tried to poach his top teachers by offering them huge salaries. Others wanted to buy his brand. But Alakh refused. He said,
“I didn’t build Physics Wallah to sell it. I built it to teach.”
His resilience paid off. He proved that honesty, hard work, and trust are stronger than marketing and money.
Why Students Love Alakh Pandey
For millions of Indian students, Alakh isn’t just a teacher — he’s a guide, a motivator, and sometimes even a big brother figure.
Here’s why students connect with him so deeply:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| He’s relatable. | He talks openly about his struggles and failures. |
| He’s funny. | His jokes and energy make tough topics easy to learn. |
| He’s genuine. | He doesn’t chase money or fame; he cares about students. |
| He’s consistent. | Even after success, he still teaches himself. |
This human connection is what makes Physics Wallah stand out in a crowded EdTech world.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alakh’s success has inspired thousands of young teachers and entrepreneurs across India. Many educators started their own YouTube channels after seeing his journey.
He showed that anyone with passion, honesty, and purpose can build something great — without fancy degrees or big investments.
With PW Skills, Alakh is now focusing on helping youth learn practical skills like coding, design, and communication — preparing them for real jobs, not just exams.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Alakh Pandey has received several prestigious awards and honors for his contribution to education:
- Featured in Forbes India 30 Under 30 (Education Category)
- Honored with Business Today Young Entrepreneur Award (2022)
- Recognized by India’s Ministry of Education for promoting affordable learning
- Physics Wallah listed among Top 10 EdTech Companies in India (2023)
But for Alakh, the biggest reward is still the same — a student’s “Thank you, Sir, I made it!” message.
What We Can Learn from Alakh’s Story
Alakh Pandey’s journey holds valuable lessons for everyone:
- Follow your passion: Don’t be afraid to take a different path.
- Stay grounded: Success should never change who you are.
- Give back: Share what you know with others.
- Keep learning: Knowledge grows only when you keep exploring.
His story reminds us that real success isn’t about money or fame — it’s about creating value and changing lives.
FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is Alakh Pandey?
Alakh Pandey is the founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, India’s leading affordable education platform.
2. What is the valuation of Physics Wallah?
As of 2025, it is valued at over $1 billion, making it one of India’s top EdTech unicorns.
3. Where is Alakh Pandey from?
He is from Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.
4. Is Alakh Pandey married?
Yes. He is married to Shivani Dubey, a journalist.
5. How did he start Physics Wallah?
He started by uploading free physics lessons on YouTube in 2014, which later evolved into a full-fledged EdTech company.
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Conclusion:
From a small classroom in Allahabad to leading a billion-dollar education company, Alakh Pandey’s story shows that great things come from pure intentions. He didn’t just build a business — he built a movement that changed how India learns.
He continues to inspire millions of students and educators with his simple message:
“If your heart is in the right place, success will follow.”
In a world where education is often treated like a business, Alakh Pandey reminds us that teaching is still one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.
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