Alakh Pandey, the co-founder of Physics Wallah, has achieved a milestone that few could have imagined. Once a small-town teacher struggling to clear IIT JEE, he is now richer than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. According to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, Pandey’s net worth has soared to ₹14,510 crore, leaving Khan’s estimated ₹12,490 crore in the rearview. His journey from a modest classroom to a billion-dollar edtech empire is a story of resilience, vision, and the power of education.
From Failed IIT Aspirant to Teacher
Alakh Pandey’s journey began with challenges. He failed the IIT JEE multiple times, and despite having dreams of becoming an engineer, he left his BTech studies midway. But rather than giving up, he decided to focus on his passion: teaching. Starting in a single room, he began coaching students in physics. His simple and engaging teaching style quickly won attention. What started as a one-room setup eventually evolved into Physics Wallah, an online platform offering affordable courses to students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CBSE board exams.
Turning Passion into a Billion-Dollar Business
In 2016, Pandey began uploading free educational videos on YouTube. Students loved his easy-to-understand explanations and approachable manner. The channel’s success encouraged him to scale up. By 2020, he co-founded Physics Wallah with Prateek Maheshwari, transforming a small coaching initiative into a full-fledged edtech startup.
The company’s growth has been staggering. By FY25, Physics Wallah’s revenue reached approximately ₹2,886 crore, while losses narrowed to around ₹243 crore. Its affordable learning programs, strong digital presence, and trust among students have made it one of India’s most successful edtech ventures. The company is now preparing for an IPO expected to raise ₹3,820 crore, marking a significant step toward global recognition.
A BTech Without a Degree
Interestingly, Physics Wallah offers courses that simulate a full BTech experience. Students can enroll in programs worth up to ₹15 lakh, gaining knowledge and skills similar to formal engineering degrees — yet Alakh Pandey himself never completed BTech. This makes his story even more inspiring, showing that formal degrees are not the only path to success. His vision was always bigger than credentials; it was about creating opportunities for millions of students across India.
What This Means for EdTech and India
Alakh Pandey’s rise is a testament to the potential of education-driven startups. In a world dominated by entertainment and glamour, here is a story where knowledge, persistence, and technology created a billionaire. His journey also reflects the growing credibility and impact of edtech in India. As Physics Wallah expands its reach, the company plans to venture into skill-based learning, certifications, and global markets.
Alakh Pandey’s journey proves that failure is never final, and even a one-room coaching class can grow into a billion-dollar empire. From a young IIT aspirant to India’s richest education entrepreneur, he has rewritten the rules of success, proving that passion, grit, and innovation can outshine fame and stardom.