Alakh Pandey Biography: The Inspiring Journey of Physics Wallah
Alakh Pandey, widely recognized as the founder of Physics Wallah, has transformed the landscape of education in India. From a small-town tutor to the CEO of a billion-dollar EdTech empire, Alakh’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Alakh Pandey Quick Facts
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Attribute |
Details |
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Full Name |
Alakh Pandey |
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Alakh Pandey Birthday |
October 2, 1991 |
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Alakh Pandey Age |
33 years (as of 2025) |
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Debut Project |
Physics Wallah YouTube Channel (2016) |
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Alakh Pandey Net Worth |
Rs. 4,500 crore ($550 million) |
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Alakh Pandey Wife |
Shivani Dubey (married February 22, 2023) |
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Alakh Pandey Sister |
Aditi Pandey |
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Alakh Pandey Height |
5’9” (175 cm) |
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Alakh Pandey Qualification |
B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering, dropped out in third year) |
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Social Media Handles |
YouTube: Physics Wallah (9.73M subscribers), Instagram: @alakhpandey (617K) |
Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Prayagraj
Born on October 2, 1991, in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, Alakh Pandey’s age in 2025 is 33 years. Growing up in a middle-class family, Alakh faced financial hardships from a young age. His father, Satish Pandey, worked as a private contractor, while his mother, Rajat Pandey, was a teacher at Vishnu Bhagwan Public School. Alakh’s sister, Aditi Pandey, who now works in the IT sector, was a pillar of support during challenging times.
Financial struggles shaped Alakh’s early years. By class 3, his family sold half their home to meet expenses, and by class 6, they moved to a rented apartment in a slum-like area. These hardships fueled Alakh’s determination. He began tutoring younger students at age 11, cycling 5 kilometers daily to earn Rs. 200 for his family. His love for science, particularly physics and mathematics, blossomed during his school days at Bishop Johnson School, where he scored 91% in class 10 and 93.5% in class 12.
Education: A Path to Passion
Alakh Pandey’s education journey reflects his academic brilliance and unconventional choices. After excelling in the Uttar Pradesh State Combined Entrance Examination (UPSCEE), he enrolled at Harcourt Butler Technical Institute (HBTI) in Kanpur to pursue a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. However, dissatisfied with the teaching methods, Alakh dropped out in his third year. His true calling was teaching, not engineering. Despite failing to clear the IIT JEE exam, Alakh’s passion for simplifying complex concepts drove him to pursue education as a career.
Career Journey: From Tuition to YouTube Stardom
Alakh Pandey’s career began humbly. At 15, he taught class 5 students, and by class 11, he joined Achievers Academy in Prayagraj, earning Rs. 5,000 monthly. His engaging teaching style, blending clarity with lighthearted banter, made him a favorite among students. In 2016, Alakh launched his YouTube channel, Physics Wallah – Alakh Pandey, to offer free physics lectures for JEE and NEET aspirants. Initially, the channel struggled, but by 2017, his improved content, sourced from study materials in Kota, Rajasthan, gained traction.
In 2020, Alakh, alongside co-founder Prateek Maheshwari, launched the Physics Wallah app, providing affordable courses for JEE, NEET, and other exams. The app’s launch saw 35,000 enrollments in just four days, despite a crash due to overwhelming demand. By 2022, Physics Wallah achieved unicorn status with a $1.1 billion valuation, reaching $2.8 billion by September 2024. Alakh’s refusal of a Rs. 75 crore job offer from Unacademy underscored his commitment to affordable education.
Breakthrough Role: Revolutionizing EdTech
Alakh Pandey’s breakthrough came with Physics Wallah’s unicorn status in 2022, making it India’s 101st unicorn. His vision of democratizing education through affordable, high-quality content resonated with millions. The Physics Wallah app expanded to offer courses in subjects like chemistry, mathematics, and even MBA and GATE preparation. Alakh’s unique teaching style—simplifying complex concepts with relatable analogies—earned him the moniker “Physics Wallah.” A 2022 Amazon Mini TV web series, Physics Wallah, portrayed by Shreedhar Dubey, chronicled his journey, cementing his cultural impact.
Social Media Influence: Connecting with Millions
Alakh Pandey’s social media influence is monumental. His Physics Wallah – Alakh Pandey YouTube channel boasts over 9.73 million subscribers as of 2025, with additional channels like JEE Wallah and NCERT Wallah expanding his reach. On Instagram, he has 617,000 followers, and on LinkedIn, 96,000 followers. His daily posts, motivational videos, and study materials keep students engaged. Alakh’s authentic, student-centric approach has made him a trusted figure in India’s EdTech space.
Personal Interests: Beyond the Classroom
Despite his busy schedule, Alakh maintains a balanced lifestyle. Alakh Pandey’s height is approximately 5’9”, and he weighs around 70 kg, reflecting his focus on fitness. His love for physics is evident in his tattoos—a pi symbol, Planck’s constant, and an equation on his wrist. Alakh also has a passion for acting, having participated in plays and nukkad nataks during school. He enjoys designing T-shirts, a hobby that sparked a connection with his wife, Shivani Dubey.
Achievements: Awards and Recognition
Alakh Pandey’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades:
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2021: Rising EdTech Startup of India by ZEE Rise Startup.
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2022: Award from Arvind Kejriwal for educational contributions.
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2022: Times 40 Under 40 North Leaders.
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2023: Teaching Excellence Award by Entrepreneur India.
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2024: Hurun List of Top Young Entrepreneurs Under 35.
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2024: Best Digital Person of the Year at IDA.
His company’s $2.8 billion valuation and a planned $530 million IPO in March 2025 highlight his financial success. Alakh Pandey’s net worth is estimated at Rs. 4,500 crore ($550 million), derived from YouTube revenue, app subscriptions, offline centers, and sponsorships.
Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles
Alakh’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Financial struggles in childhood, a crashed app in 2020, and rivalry from EdTech giants like Unacademy posed challenges. In 2022, a controversy with YouTuber Aman Dhattarwal sparked online debates, but Alakh’s resilience shone through. In 2024, he filed a Supreme Court petition against the National Testing Agency’s NEET-UG exam irregularities, advocating for students’ rights. His ability to navigate these challenges has only strengthened his reputation.
Alakh Pandey’s Wife: A Supportive Partner
Alakh Pandey’s wife, Shivani Dubey, is a freelance journalist with an MSc in Chemistry. Born in 1995, she is 30 years old in 2025 and hails from Prayagraj. The couple met through a mutual friend in 2022, bonded over designing T-shirts, and married on February 22, 2023. Shivani’s support has been instrumental in Alakh’s journey, and their love story, marked by two prior heartbreaks for Alakh, is a testament to their deep connection.
Future Prospects: Expanding the Educational Empire
Looking ahead, Alakh aims to globalize Physics Wallah, offering courses in multiple languages and targeting 2.5 billion students by 2025. With plans to expand offline centers and introduce scholarships, he continues to champion accessible education. His advocacy for educational reforms, including reduced GST on learning resources, signals a commitment to systemic change. As Physics Wallah prepares for its IPO, Alakh’s vision of a global EdTech leader is within reach.
Interesting Facts About Alakh Pandey
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Tattoo Enthusiast: Alakh has four tattoos, including a pi symbol and an Albert Einstein image, reflecting his love for physics.
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Acting Passion: He formed a drama club in school and performed in nukkad nataks.
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Humble Beginnings: Alakh earned Rs. 200 as a child tutor to support his family.
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Unacademy Offer: He turned down a Rs. 75 crore job to pursue his vision.
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Web Series Fame: A 2022 Amazon Mini TV series, Physics Wallah, showcased his life.
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Car Collection: Despite his wealth, Alakh owns modest cars—a Hyundai i20 and Ford EcoSport.
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NEET Advocate: He filed a Supreme Court petition in 2024 to address NEET-UG exam irregularities.
Inspiring Impact and Potential
Alakh Pandey’s journey from a small-town tutor to a billionaire educator is a beacon of hope. Through Physics Wallah, he has democratized education, making quality learning accessible to millions. His resilience, innovative teaching, and advocacy for students’ rights have reshaped India’s EdTech landscape. As he eyes global expansion and continues to inspire through his platform, Alakh’s legacy as the “Physics Wallah” will empower generations, proving that passion and purpose can change the world.
Read Also:
Shivani Dubey Biography 2025: Journey, Impact, and Life as Alakh Pandey’s Wife
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who is Alakh Pandey?
Alakh Pandey is the founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, an Indian EdTech platform offering affordable education for JEE, NEET, and other exams. -
What is Alakh Pandey’s age?
As of 2025, Alakh Pandey is 33 years old, born on October 2, 1991. -
Who is Alakh Pandey’s wife?
Alakh Pandey is married to Shivani Dubey, a freelance journalist, since February 22, 2023. -
What is Alakh Pandey’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is Rs. 4,500 crore ($550 million) as of 2025. -
What is Alakh Pandey’s qualification?
He pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at HBTI, Kanpur, but dropped out in his third year. -
What was Alakh Pandey’s debut project?
He launched the Physics Wallah YouTube channel in 2016 to provide free physics lectures. -
Who is Alakh Pandey’s sister?
His sister, Aditi Pandey, works in the IT sector.
