Alakh Pandey: The Common Man Who Became India’s EdTech Star

Early Life: From Allahabad to Aspirations

Alakh Pandey was born in 1991 in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. He came from a humble background—his father was a contractor and his mother a school teacher. Despite financial struggles, Alakh showed academic brilliance from an early age and a deep interest in physics and teaching.To support his family, he began tutoring students when he was just in class 8. This early exposure not only gave him financial support but also made him fall in love with explaining concepts in simple ways.

The Turning Point: Dropping Out and Taking Risks

Alakh got admission into Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur for engineering. However, he soon realized that classroom teaching in college didn’t align with his passion. He dropped out in the third year—not a popular or safe decision—but one that changed his life.He returned to his hometown and started teaching in coaching institutes. But the idea of reaching more students beyond four walls kept pushing him.

Birth of Physics Wallah: A YouTube Revolution

In 2016, Alakh created a YouTube channel named “Physics Wallah”. His goal was simple but powerful: provide free, high-quality education to students who couldn’t afford expensive coaching.His teaching style—full of energy, emotion, and real-life examples—stood out in the crowded world of online learning. He taught physics and chemistry for classes 10–12, NEET, and JEE aspirants. Within a short span, students across the country started following him.Unlike typical YouTubers, Alakh wasn’t chasing fame—he was on a mission to make education affordable and democratic.

Struggles and Breakthrough

In the early days, Alakh recorded videos using a basic smartphone and a whiteboard in a small room. He edited and uploaded everything himself. He had no team, no sponsors, and very little money.But his dedication paid off. His channel crossed millions of subscribers organically. In 2020, during the pandemic, demand for online education exploded, and Physics Wallah became a household name.In 2021, he officially launched the Physics Wallah app and started providing structured paid courses—all at very low prices (as low as ₹500), still maintaining his mission of accessibility.

From YouTube Teacher to EdTech Unicorn

By 2022, Physics Wallah raised $100 million in Series A funding, making it India’s first edtech unicorn to grow profitably and organically. At a time when other edtech giants were burning cash, Physics Wallah stood out for its student-first approach, strong teacher base, and low-cost model.Alakh Pandey went from being a small-town tutor to the CEO of a billion-dollar company, without losing his authenticity or simplicity.

Today and Beyond

Today, Physics Wallah has offline centers, hundreds of educators, and a growing team. It caters to students preparing for NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC, and more. The app has millions of downloads and maintains one of the highest student satisfaction rates.Alakh still appears in lectures, reminding students that he’s one of them. He is often emotional in videos, shares his failures openly, and motivates students with his life story.

Conclusion: India’s Teacher of the Masses

Alakh Pandey’s journey is not just a startup story—it’s a revolution. In a world where education often comes with a heavy price tag, he made learning free, relatable, and inspiring.His rise proves that passion + purpose can beat marketing and money. From a chalkboard in Allahabad to leading India’s most loved edtech brand, Alakh Pandey is truly India’s teacher for the masses—and his journey is far from over.