Alakh Pandey represents one of India’s most inspiring entrepreneurial stories, transforming from a struggling student into the founder of India’s leading EdTech unicorn Physics Wallah. His journey exemplifies how passion for teaching combined with technological innovation can democratize education.
Personal Information Tables
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alakh Pandey |
| Known As | Physics Wallah |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1991 |
| Age | 32 years (2024) |
| Birthplace | Prayagraj (Allahabad), India |
| Education | Dropped out of B.Tech (HBTI Kanpur) |
| Net Worth | $240 million (2024) |
| Occupation | Educator, Entrepreneur, YouTuber |
Family Information
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Satish Pandey |
| Mother | Rajat Pandey |
| Sister | Aditi Pandey |
| Spouse | Shivani Dubey (m. 2023) |
Early Life and Education
Born into a middle-class family in Prayagraj, Alakh faced financial challenges early in life. Despite being unable to crack the IIT entrance exam, he turned this setback into an opportunity. He started teaching while studying engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical Institute but dropped out in his second year to pursue his passion for teaching.
Career Evolution
Early Teaching Days
- Started tutoring class 8 students
- Earned first income of Rs. 5,000 from tuitions
- Launched YouTube channel in 2016
- Created Physics Wallah app in 2020
Business Success
- Founded Physics Wallah with Prateek Maheshwari
- Achieved unicorn status in 2022 ($1.1 billion valuation)
- Raised $100 million in Series A funding
- Company valued at Rs. 8,000 crores (2024)
Major Achievements
Awards and Recognition
- Rising EdTech Startup Award (2021)
- Times 40 Under 40 North (2022)
- Teaching Excellence Award (2024)
- Ed-Tech CEO of the Year (2024)
Impact
- 61 YouTube channels with 31 million users
- 19,000 employees
- 20 offline centers
- Reached over 40 million students
Recent Developments
- Waived fees worth Rs 17 crore for 51,000 underprivileged students
- Met with UP CM Yogi Adityanath to improve state education
- Expanded offline presence across India
- Continued focus on affordable education
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Alakh Pandey has revolutionized India’s education sector by:
- Making quality education accessible
- Creating employment opportunities
- Inspiring young entrepreneurs
- Demonstrating social responsibility