Alakh Pandey, founder of Physics Wallah, debuts on the Hurun India Rich List 2025 with a 223% wealth surge to ₹14,520 crore. Discover how his edtech platform revolutionized affordable education, achieving unicorn status and empowering millions of students.
New Delhi, October 1, 2025 — Alakh Pandey, the visionary co-founder of Physics Wallah, has made a remarkable debut on the Hurun India Rich List 2025, alongside his business partner Prateek Maheshwari. The duo’s combined wealth has skyrocketed by an astounding 223% over the past year, reaching ₹14,520 crore (approximately $1.73 billion), securing their place among India’s wealthiest individuals. This meteoric rise underscores the explosive growth of Physics Wallah, an edtech platform that has transformed the landscape of affordable education in India.
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From YouTube Tutorials to Edtech Unicorn
Alakh Pandey’s journey began humbly in 2016 when he started uploading free physics tutorials on YouTube under the moniker Physics Wallah.
A former teacher from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Pandey aimed to make quality education accessible to students preparing for highly competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
His engaging teaching style, clear explanations, and relatable approach quickly garnered a massive following, turning his YouTube channel into a go-to resource for millions of students across India.
In 2020, Pandey teamed up with Prateek Maheshwari to formalize their venture into Physics Wallah Private Limited, an edtech platform offering affordable online and offline coaching.
The company’s mission to democratize education resonated deeply in a country where access to quality coaching is often prohibitively expensive.
By 2022, Physics Wallah achieved unicorn status, becoming India’s first edtech unicorn with a valuation exceeding $1.1 billion after raising $100 million in its Series A funding round led by WestBridge Capital and GSV Ventures.
A 223% Wealth Surge
The Hurun India Rich List 2025, released on October 1, 2025, highlights the extraordinary financial success of Pandey and Maheshwari. Their combined wealth of ₹14,520 crore reflects Physics Wallah’s rapid expansion and market dominance in the edtech sector.
The 223% year-on-year wealth increase is one of the most significant among new entrants to the list, positioning them as standout performers in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This wealth surge is attributed to Physics Wallah’s robust growth metrics. The platform now boasts over 10 million downloads on its Android app, a network of 100+ offline centers across India, and a comprehensive suite of online courses, test series, and study materials tailored for JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams.
The company’s hybrid model, blending digital accessibility with physical classrooms, has allowed it to capture a broad audience, from tier-1 cities to smaller towns.
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Disrupting the Edtech Landscape
Physics Wallah’s success lies in its affordability and quality. Unlike many competitors that charge exorbitant fees, Physics Wallah offers courses at a fraction of the cost, making it a game-changer for middle-class and underprivileged students.
The platform’s subscription plans, interactive live classes, and extensive library of recorded lectures have made it a household name among aspirants.
The company’s focus on innovation has also played a key role. Physics Wallah has integrated advanced analytics to track student progress, launched mobile apps for seamless learning, and expanded its offerings to include school curriculum support and skill-based courses.
Its YouTube channel, with millions of subscribers, continues to serve as a free resource, reinforcing Pandey’s commitment to social impact.
A Milestone for India’s Edtech Sector
The inclusion of Pandey and Maheshwari in the Hurun India Rich List 2025 is a testament to the potential of India’s edtech industry, which has seen unprecedented growth in the post-pandemic era.
The sector has attracted significant investor interest, with edtech startups collectively raising billions in funding over the past few years. Physics Wallah’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining affordability has set a benchmark for others in the industry.
Industry experts attribute Physics Wallah’s success to its founder’s deep understanding of the education system and its challenges.
“Alakh Pandey’s story is inspiring because it shows how technology can bridge gaps in education,” said an industry analyst. “Physics Wallah has not only created wealth but also empowered millions of students to chase their dreams.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its success, Physics Wallah operates in a highly competitive market, with rivals like BYJU’S, Unacademy, and Vedantu vying for dominance.
The edtech sector has also faced scrutiny over sustainability, with some players struggling to maintain profitability amid rising operational costs. However, Physics Wallah’s lean business model and focus on affordability have positioned it favorably.
Looking ahead, Physics Wallah plans to expand its offline presence, enhance its technological infrastructure, and explore international markets where demand for affordable education is growing. The company is also investing in AI-driven personalized learning tools to further enhance its offerings.
A Role Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Alakh Pandey’s ascent to the Hurun India Rich List 2025 is more than a financial milestone; it’s a symbol of perseverance and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. From a small-town teacher to a billionaire co-founder, Pandey’s journey resonates with millions of young Indians aspiring to make a mark. His emphasis on giving back to society through education has earned him widespread admiration, with many calling him the “Physics Wallah” of social change.
As Physics Wallah continues to grow, Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari’s debut on the Hurun India Rich List marks a pivotal moment in India’s startup story.
Their success highlights the transformative power of education and technology, proving that with vision and dedication, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.