Alakh Pandey, born on October 2, 1991, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is the founder and CEO of Physics Wallah (PW), a leading Indian edtech platform. His journey from humble beginnings to leading a multi-billion-dollar enterprise is a testament to his dedication and innovative approach to education.
Early Life and Education
Facing financial hardships during his childhood, Alakh began tutoring students at a young age to support his family. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical Institute (HBTI), Kanpur, but left in his fourth year, realizing his true passion lay in teaching and making education accessible.
Founding Physics Wallah
In 2016, Alakh launched the Physics Wallah YouTube channel, offering free physics lectures for JEE and NEET aspirants. His engaging teaching style quickly garnered a massive following, leading to the development of the PW app in 2020, co-founded with Prateek Maheshwari. The platform expanded its offerings to include various competitive exams and subjects.
Growth and Achievements
- 2022: PW achieved unicorn status with a valuation of over $1 billion.
- 2024: Raised $210 million, doubling its valuation to $2.8 billion. [Source]
- 2025: Plans for a $530 million IPO are underway. [Source]
Accessible Education Initiatives
Alakh's mission is to provide affordable education to all. PW offers courses at significantly lower prices compared to competitors, ensuring quality education reaches every corner of India. The platform has also expanded offline, establishing over 120 centers nationwide.
Personal Life
In August 2023, Alakh married journalist Shivani Dubey. Despite his success, he remains grounded, often sharing motivational content and addressing students' concerns directly.
Image Gallery

Image Credit: The Biography Wala
Video Feature
Video Credit: YouTube - @PhysicsWallah
Conclusion
Alakh Pandey's journey from a small-town tutor to the helm of a leading edtech company exemplifies the impact of passion and perseverance. His commitment to democratizing education continues to inspire millions across the nation.
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